The other side of new technology
Article Abstract:
A guide and glossary to new technologies is being produced for the Economic Council by Keith Newton and consultants from Word Associates. Jacquie Mansell examines such 'soft' technology, or supplementary technology, including: creative management changes, positive communication modifications and decision-making techniques, and changes in job design and organization structure. Mansell's paper concludes that 'soft' technology changes have an impact equal to that of 'hard' technology changes. Also discussed in this examination of soft technology are some recommendations for successfully implementing change: management and unions must jointly support change, changes should be tailored to a particular work environment, an innovation should be applied business-wide, all applicable resources should be adequate, and change is an ongoing process.
Publication Name: Au Courant
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0226-224X
Year: 1986
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Mergers can boost competition
Article Abstract:
Economic Council research done by economists John R. Baldwin and Paul K. Gorecki indicates that corporate mergers can actually increase competition by being part of both the entry and expansion process of economic markets. This research is compiled in a new council paper studying 'horizontal' and 'diversified' mergers from 1970 to 1979 in Canadian manufacturing. The factors that encourage the decision to merge are studied, including foreign owned and domestic companies. In general, horizontal mergers have decreased in significance, and even diversified mergers have become less numerous. When mergers occur between companies of relatively equal size, competitiveness actually increases. This study should influence legislators to use caution when revising policies either for or against mergers.
Publication Name: Au Courant
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0226-224X
Year: 1986
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Cutting the cost of municipal services
Article Abstract:
In a research paper for the Economic Council, economist Harry M. Kitchen states that certain municipal services can be most cost-effectively delivered by private companies. For the study, costs of delivering services including urban transit, water, and electricity in Ontario are compared between public and private contractors. It appears cost savings may be improved through the use of the private sector, particularly in the areas of electricity and urban transit. Inadequate pricing for the cost of delivering specific services is discussed. The increase of competition realized through private contractors also increases cost efficiency and performance.
Publication Name: Au Courant
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0226-224X
Year: 1986
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