MAPI News http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/AllPosts.aspx RSS feed for the MAPI News. MAPI 2010 Jim Engelhardt Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:29:48 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 News: Posts /mediaCenter/news/_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/AllPosts.aspx MAPI Publishes Benchmark Survey of the Corporate Risk Management Function http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=178 Body:
A new benchmarking survey focuses on key aspects of the organization and operation of, and the challenges facing, the corporate risk management function today.  The 76-page Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Survey of the Corporate Risk Management Function (S-132) is a refinement and extension of a similar effort performed in 2006, and tracks the evolution of this increasingly important corporate responsibility.  Information is based on survey responses from 91 companies.

Information is presented on the function’s structure, staffing, and budget as well as on related topics such as the involvement of the board of directors in risk management matters, risk analysis and qualification techniques, and the use of technology in the risk management department.  In addition, the survey addresses the emerging topic of enterprise risk management program design and implementation.  Finally, the report details respondent views on outsourcing certain aspects of the risk management function, the development and use of risk management metrics to evaluate function performance, and the hurdles facing such performance at present.
 
The survey is available (hard copy only) to MAPI member company executives for $75 each and to other purchasers for $150.  To order, click on the link above or contact Jasmine Hopwood, Administrative Assistant, at 703.647.5132 (jhopwood@mapi.net).  
Category: New Survey
Published: 9/8/2010 10:57 AM
]]> 37584 New Survey Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:59:39 GMT http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=178 MAPI European Industrial Outlook: Growth in Production But Pace of Expansion to Slow in 2011 http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=187 Body:
The European  economy is recovering from the severe recession of 2009, albeit gradually and slower than anticipated, according to the semiannual Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI European Industrial Outlook: 2010-2011 (ER-705), a report that analyzes 14 major industries.

The report separately analyzes two distinct regions:  Western Europe and Central Europe.  The former generally comprises the 16 countries that form the currency union (Eurozone), while the latter includes the three largest economies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE3):  the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland.  All forecasts are based on a proprietary MAPI model.

Kris Bledowski, Ph.D., Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Economist and report author, notes that forecasts for gross domestic product (GDP) oscillate around 1 percent growth for the Eurozone for 2010, and for approximately 2 percent growth in 2011.  GDP growth in the non-euro economies should reach upward of 2.5 percent, led by Central Europe.

“Despite the headwinds of financial turmoil centered on refinancing sovereign bonds of southern European states, demand and production are on the mend,” he writes.  “Robust growth in Asia and North America has underpinned European exports while selected stimulus programs reinforced domestic demand.  Still, the financial sector is reluctant to lend and investors are weary of supplying fresh equity capital in the wake of the uncertain political economy of the European Union.  European industry generally relies more on bank financing than do firms in the United States.  Labor conditions continue to lag behind the recovery in production, spelling sagging productivity and a corresponding drag on competitiveness.”

In the Eurozone, the report predicts 10 of 14 industries will show growth in 2010, led by motor vehicles at 19.5 percent.  Six of 14 industries are anticipated to grow in 2011, with machinery and equipment leading the way at 5.9 percent.  Three industries—wood and products, nonmetallics and construction—are expected to decline in both years, although all will likely rebound from significant declines in 2009.

In Central Europe, 12 of 14 industries are expected to show growth in 2010, and 10 of 14 should expand in 2011.  Computers and electronics production will experience some volatility in the next two years, advancing by 31.8 percent in 2010 but followed by a 2.1 percent decline in 2011.  Electrical equipment is predicted to be the lead sector in 2011 with 11.2 percent growth.

Bledowski reports that six industries are in the accelerating decline (either early recession or mid-recession) phase of the business cycle in the Eurozone, while eight industries are in the decelerating decline phase (late recession or very mild recession).  None is in the accelerating growth (recovery) or in the decelerating growth (expansion) phase of the cycle. 

In Central Europe, eight industries are in accelerating growth; one industry, petroleum and coke, is in accelerating decline; five industries are in decelerating decline; and none is in the decelerating growth phase. 

 “While downside risks grew recently our forecasts are predicated on the absence of a double-dip recession in Europ,e so the resultant industrial recovery emerges as weak yet durable,” Bledowski said.
 
To purchase the report click on the link highlighted above.
Category: Economic Forecast & Analysis
Published: 9/2/2010 3:43 PM
]]> 37584 Economic Forecast & Analysis Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:47:43 GMT http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=187 MAPI Analysis on ISM Index: Manufacturing Continues to Outperform General Economy http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=186 Body:
The following is an analysis from Daniel J. Meckstroth, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, regarding the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Index for August 2010.  The ISM Index was 56.3 percent, an 0.8 percentage point improvement over July 2010:
 
“Manufacturing has consistently outperformed the pace of growth in the general economy during this recovery,” he said.  “For example, GDP increased only at a 1.6 percent annual rate in the second quarter of 2010 but manufacturing industrial production expanded at a 7.9 percent rate.  Amidst evidence that the general economy is slowing to a crawl, this report indicates that manufacturing activity continues to grow at a healthy pace.  Industrial firms are building inventories that were depleted during the recession and exports are surging in machinery and equipment and material industries. 
 
“The strong growth in manufacturing production is partly catch up for a substantially more severe recession in the industry than the overall economy,” he added.  “Also, the depth and length of the previous downturn built pent up demand for replacing big ticket consumer goods and repair and replacement in business.  We expect manufacturing production to decelerate in the near term but still grow faster than overall GDP.”
Category: Commentary
Published: 9/1/2010 1:56 PM
]]> 37584 Commentary Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:57:48 GMT http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=186 MAPI 2010 Fall Meeting Dates, Locations for Council Program http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=172 Body:
The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI is pleased to announce the fall 2010 schedule for its peer education Council program.  MAPI Councils provide a forum for the frank exchange of best practices across industry lines.  Nearly 2000 senior executives currently participate in this valuable peer interaction network, from a wide range of manufacturing and related service companies.
 
 This fall, our Councils will discuss a variety of topics, including:
• Best Practices for Grooming and Retaining High Potentials
• Making Sustainability Real to Your Employees at Ingersoll Rand
• M&A and the Empowered Business Unit Leader at Illinois Tool Works
• Coordinating a Global Supply Chain Strategy Across Multiple Business Units
• Latest ERM Initiatives and Developments at Air Products & Chemicals
• Data Privacy Controls at Harley-Davidson
 
 For more information on our fall 2010 meeting series please click here, or contact Dave Augliera, Director of Sales at 703.647.5131 or daugliera@mapi.net.
Category: Council News
Published: 8/30/2010 11:58 AM
]]> 37584 Council News Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:00:20 GMT http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=172 MAPI Analysis on Durable Goods: ‘Disappointing’ Report and Rough Month http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=185 Body:
The following is an analysis from Daniel J. Meckstroth, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, regarding the durable goods report for July 2010:
 
“The advance durable goods report for July is disappointing, like most other statistics reported for last month,” he said.  “Although total durable goods orders increased 0.3 percent, when transportation equipment orders are removed, orders fell 3.8 percent.  A very large gain in new orders for civilian aircraft in July accounted for more than all the gain.  Major declines in new orders for machinery, computer, and electrical equipment (including appliances) were disappointing.  A primary indicator of equipment expenditures is nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft.  New orders for this segment fell 8 percent in July, wiping out previous gains in May and June.  Nevertheless, thanks to a fast start to the year, the indicator’s cumulative orders are almost 16 percent above year ago levels in the first seven months of 2010.
 
“Statistical evidence for July clearly show that the U.S. economy is decelerating in its pace of growth,” he added.  “Business spending continues to grow at a faster rate than the overall economy due to strong profitability and excessive capital spending restraint during the recession.  With the initial return to growth, aided by an inventory swing, there was immediate need for repair and replacement equipment.  Now that it seems clear that the recovery is moving at a slow and uneven pace, the need for equipment is less pressing and the impetus for growth switches to one of enhancing productivity to cut costs.”
Category: Commentary
Published: 8/25/2010 11:37 AM
]]> 37584 Commentary Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:39:18 GMT http://www.mapi.net/MediaCenter/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=185