New Babcock hotshot fires up smokestack company

Article Abstract:

Babcock International PLC of Great Britain has benefited from the management style of Michael Hoffman, who was appointed managing director for the engineering firm in early 1984 and who has been able to inject new outward-looking ideas and innovative strategies for expansion after surviving the recession of the 1970s and early 1980s. The company has extensive international operations, which requires Hoffman spend much of his time traveling from place to place, and analysts have been surprised at how quickly he has been able to grasp the complex operations of the firm. The diversification of the company in the face of lower growth in its principal markets, and new markets Hoffman hopes to steer the firm toward in the near future are described.

United Kingdom, Case studies, Engineering services, Engineering firms, Industrial management, Industrial engineering, Great Britain, management, Hoffman, Michael

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Dilemma and decision: what a company can do when its defence division becomes a liability

Article Abstract:

Companies faced with defense divisions that may become economic liabilities due to defense spending cuts should commission an analysis to be completed within six months that will determine the possibility of converting the division to consumer-oriented production. The report should also consider whether strategic alliances with other defense contractors is feasible, or whether the division can be sold. If the report indicates that the possibilities of affecting one of the three options is negative, the firms should consider a management buyout in order to get out of the business. Defense industries require different management than do consumer-oriented industries, and affecting a change to civilian production could take years.

Defense industry

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The turnaround in Swiss industry: how the smokestack crowd discovered marketing

Article Abstract:

Swiss industry, which nearly collapsed in the late 1970s and early 1980s due to currency fluctuations and competition from Japan and other countries, is now making a comeback. This revitalization has been especially marked in the watch industry, and is followed by a revival of the metal firms and heavy engineering. This is mainly due to the efforts of the Swiss industry itself. Swiss managers are now willing to take risks, make structural changes, and adopt sophisticated marketing strategies, and Swiss companies are now looking for acquisitions. Examples of Swiss firms that have made a comeback are Nestle SA, SMH, Oerlikon, and Charmilles Technologies SA.

Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Marketing, Switzerland

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