Globalization and deregulation, together with rapid changes in information technology and recent and sudden waves of investment capital, have led to a period of uncertainty and vulnerability in the business world. It is in this environment when nimble companies seize opportunities and get ahead, while the ones that remain static are eventually faced with too many challenges and collapse.

The internal work dynamics of today's leading companies is adapting to this new environment. Rigid organizational structures are being replaced by flat and flexible workgroups that enable companies to adapt to new markets and face sudden competition. State of the art information technologies and robust enterprise software applications are playing a major role in the transformation processes and allowing quantum leaps in corporate productivity. Furthermore, broadband communications, real time collaboration and video-conferencing, virtual private networks, and the evolving wireless infrastructure, still in their early stages of commercial deployment, will become essential working tools for a new generation of organizations.

In this dynamic business world, companies regardless of size and stage of development can rely on strategic alliances, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions as tools to gain local know-how and succeed in new markets. Companies that remain autonomous and regionally focused often face fierce competition from bigger rivals and must develop a strong competitive niche to survive in the marketplace.

Today's Headlines...