Atlas Copco batters its way back from recession

Article Abstract:

Atlas Copco AB, a Swedish industrial equipment manufacturer, suffered through the world economic recession of 1982 and 1983 and bounced back to record profits of $50 million, up 43 percent, in the first half of 1985 on sales of $590 million, up 18 percent, and bookings of $626 million, up 13 percent. Tomas Axel Vilhelm Wachtmeister, the company's president, was close to dismissal in the midst of the recession, with orders for the company's equipment from mining, construction and manufacturing industries down considerably. Critics lambasted Wachtmeister for not seeing the trends developing in the market and for responding too slowly when the downturn hit. Instead Wachtmeister was able to lead the firm's turnaround with a carefully crafted strategy and tough decisions that put the company back on its feet.

General Industrial Machinery, Industrial equipment, Sweden, Executives, Business planning, Industrial management, Wachtmeister, Tomas Axel Vilhelm

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Paper paradox: heavy investment in electronic information is burying the company in paper

Article Abstract:

The document storage problems of a company are examined in the context of its information technology strategy. The document storage problems are traced to the company's failure to examine the way in which its electronic information systems work to improve its information processing capabilities. It is noted that the company's uncoordinated inplementation of its information technology strategy has led to the establishment of an unwieldy and inefficient document management system. A suggested solution to the company's document control problems is the adoption of a system that allows the company to minimize the processing of unnecessary documentation while allowing for the efficient handling of vital information needed for corporate decision making.

Column, Information resources management, Data processing, Electronic data processing

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Jordan: 'poor cousin' of the Middle East struggling to prosper

Article Abstract:

Jordan has long trailed the economic health of its Middle East neighbors, with the only thing between it and bankruptcy being handouts from those Arab countries benefiting from oil resources. Recently, however, a well in the Azraq desert near the country's border with Saudi Arabia began to produce measurable amounts of revenue, and it is believed that it could be the big strike that will allow it to share its neighbors' oil wealth. The country's reaction to its good fortune has been unusual, with many in the country leery of so-called benefits of petrodollars after seeing how they have transformed other Arab nations. How the Hashemite kingdom of King Hussein is preparing for the expected (but by no means guaranteed) oil wealth is described.

Economic aspects, Middle East, Economic development, Industrial policy, Jordan

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