“DST Asks: Do You Get Everything You Need from Your Current Computer System?
We’re going to go out on limb and make the assumption that the goal of your business is to make a profit by acquiring customers, selling and servicing them, and retaining them for generating future revenue. If this is not the goal of your business, there’s no need to read further in this week’s column – although if that’s the case, we would love to hear what actually is the goal of your business.
Lear Announces Organizational Changes
The board of directors of Lear Corp. have announced a number of organizational changes.
Making Better Business Decisions
Last time we talked about how a cross-functional management framework, driving business improvement at the process level, can dramatically accelerate the pace of performance-enhancing change. This week we’ll talk about how that same cross-functional management framework can improve the quality of business decisions on a day-to-day basis.
Beck/Arnley Updates its ElectriCat Database
Beck/Arnley has updated its ElectriCat database to include current Beck/Arnley catalog offerings. ElectriCat manages application details for import or domestic models, including: passenger car, agriculture, industrial, off-road, motorcycle, ATV, marine and light, medium and heavy truck. It currently houses coverage for the years 1912 to 2004, for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group’s complete underhood, undercar, electrical, filtration, cooling and driveline offerings.
Herman Trend Alert: Where the Jobs Are (Or Will Be)
One of the major problems faced by employers in the U.S. and in other countries is a shortage of skilled workers. Employers are struggling to find thousands of qualified Heating and Air Conditioning engineers, specialized computer programmers, imaging technicians, pharmacists, hotel clerks and even housekeepers. These jobs exist now, not just in some future scenario.
NARSA Joins AAPEX, New Heat and Transfer & Mobile A/C Section to Be Established
The National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) has forged an agreement with the sponsoring associations of Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) for the establishment of a new Heat Transfer & Mobile A/C Section at the 2004 AAPEX show. The announcement was made today at the 51st Annual NARSA Convention & Tradeshow in Nashville, Tenn.
Automotive Specialty Industry Enjoyed Growth in 2003, Reports SEMA
Despite a sluggish economy, the U.S. automotive specialty equipment industry grew 7.7 percent to $28.9 billion in 2003, according to new findings from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Despite a sluggish economy, the U.S. automotive specialty equipment industry grew 7.7 percent to $28.9 billion in 2003, according to new findings from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
Timken Raises Earnings Outlook
Canton, Ohio-based Timken has increased earnings expectations for the first quarter and full year based on an improvement in company operations. The company expects earnings per diluted share of 25 cents to 30 cents for the first quarter of 2004 and $1 to $1.10 for the year, excluding special items. The company’s previous estimates were 15 cents to 20 cents per diluted share for the first quarter and 85 cents to $1 for the year, excluding special items.
Auto Part Suppliers Study Jobs
Automotive jobs will continue to leave Michigan, but there are remedies, says a report on the future of manufacturing to be delivered today at the opening session of the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Cobo Center in Detroit. The U.S. is expected to see an 11 percent drop in its automotive production jobs by 2010, according to “The Odyssey of the Auto Industry” a study conducted by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants for the Original Equipment Suppliers Association.
Executive Interview with Jim Taylor, CEO of Thomas Group
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Jim Taylor, CEO of the Thomas Group. Taylor joined the Thomas Group in 2001 as vice president and CFO. From 1997 to 2001, Taylor served as president of the Chancellor Group, a Dallas, Texas, management consulting firm, where he assisted companies in restructuring, raising funds and completing initial public offerings. Join us as Taylor tells us more about the Thomas Group culture and how it works for its clients.