Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance (PdM) is an increasingly popular strategy for facility management leaders. Learn why and learn how to set up a successful PdM strategy.

Understanding WTO Rules on Subsidies: The Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures

 1. The World Trade Organization (WTO) plays a crucial role in regulating international trade, including the use of subsidies by governments. The Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement) sets the legal framework for how subsidies can be used and challenged to ensure fair competition in global markets.

2.  In this post, we will explore the key aspects of the SCM Agreement, including prohibited and actionable subsidies, countervailing measures, and special rules for agricultural subsidies.

Five Tips For Maximizing Productivity As A Small-Business Owner

1. Small-business ownership can be a challenging and rewarding journey. From keeping track of finances and operations to overseeing employees and making critical decisions, the demands on a small-business owner’s time and energy are never-ending, and it’s no wonder that many small-business owners struggle to stay productive and efficient. But in a fast-paced and competitive business world, maximizing productivity is essential to success.

2. Whether you are looking to grow your business, increase your bottom line or simply reduce stress and improve your work-life balance, productivity is key. In the 20-plus years that I’ve been helping small-business owners and mentoring individuals, I’ve discovered that having the ability to systematize and create processes around productivity is so important. Before I implemented these simple steps, my company ran in a constant state of chaos.

3. From tried-and-true time management methods to cutting-edge technology, there are many ways to improve your productivity and achieve your goals.

Why closing the small business productivity gap can create enormous value for economies

1. Micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) play an underappreciated and outsized role in the global economy. They account for 90% of all businesses, half the value added, and more than two-thirds of business employment. In Indonesia, for example, they account for almost 90% of employment and two-thirds of value added. Small businesses also inject dynamism into economies.

2. Many large companies of today were MSMEs not long ago. About one in five of today’s very large companies – defined as having a market capitalization of more than $10 billion in the United States and equivalent values in other economies – were MSMEs at some point after 2000 and have since powered their way to large company status.

3. Yet small businesses struggle with productivity in comparison with large companies. Raising MSME productivity has long been an aim of governments who recognize their central role in economic growth and employment.