Auntie's bloomers
Article Abstract:
The future of the venerable British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) is uncertain as it faces serious political and technological challenges. On the political front, the broadcasting institution has been under attack for continuing to impose the license fee to raise funds. Critics contend that levying on radio and television sets was appropriate when the BBC had a monopoly on broadcasting, but this practice can no longer be justified by the large number of channels available in the present environment. BBC supporters defend the license fee by claiming that it allows the government to produce quality programs that would not appeal to commercial broadcasters. On the technological front, the BBC is faced with the challenge of embracing the digital technology. It is eager to become involved in this new technology, which promises to revolutionize television, but this will require huge investments that cannot be supported by the BBC's financial structuring.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1996
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Something owned, something new
Article Abstract:
The UK retail industry is giving the manufacturing sector a run for its money by introducing their own brand products. As a perfect example, Sainsbury's recently launched its Classic Cola beverage, effectively rivaling Coca-Cola's Coke drinks, which are now being stocked in Sainsbury's stores alongside the Classic Cola. The biggest reason for such an upsurge in own brand products among these retailers is the need to increase their income, which has been dwindling as a result of heated-up competition in the industry. Not that manufacturers are worried about this development. In fact, Coca-Cola claims to welcome this competition. For its part, Northern Foods manufactures its own brand products as well as brand products for retailers. Manufacturers are right not to worry because retailers cannot actually produce as diverse a range of products as they can. Besides, retail brand products cannot go global, unlike manufacturers.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1995
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Once upon a time there was the future
Article Abstract:
Shell Chemical's scenario planning program allows the company to review the feasibility of important projects through the identification of possible futures and the evaluation of their likely impact on these projects. The petrochemical giant's scenario-planning program was started shortly before the 1973 oil crisis. It proved its value when oil prices rose sharply, as had been predicted during the scenario planning process. Since then, it has become an integral part of Shell's strategic planning system, with the emphasis being placed on global strategic planning. Two general scenarios are the focus of Shell's strategic planners. One is the fairly optimistic 'new Frontiers' scenario that foresees growing international cooperation, altruism and trade; while the other is the 'barricades' scenario which envisions isolationism and self-interest in many countries.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1995
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