ICIS Blogs : south korea

Micro-management gone too far?

Asian Chemical Connections — Fri, 08 May 2009 06:26:49 GMT

"Nobody can see until the end of the month - never mind into the third quarter," commented an olefins trader recently. "The reason is that very senior managers are too busy micro-managing everything, from getting involved in trying to track...(read more)

If manufacturers started buying up their suppliers....

Asian Chemical Connections — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:44:06 GMT

This excellent article from The Economist about vertical integration got me thinking that if, say, auto makers start buying up parts suppliers in developed markets (in developing markets the plastics processing industry is too fragmented) we could end...(read more)

How to make money in a downturn Part 1

Asian Chemical Connections — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:16:42 GMT

Herein begins an occasional series where I offer advice on how to make a little cash. By the way, is it me or do I get the sense that a lot companies haven't woken up to the severity of the crisis we are in? A recovery this, and I think quite probably...(read more)

Lobbying for protection

India Chemicals Blog — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:34:10 GMT

Protecting local companies during these difficult times is back on the Indian government's agenda. Antidumping investigations are on the rise with companies working hard to prove that low priced imports are hurting their businesses. The government...(read more)

Work can be the death of you

Asian Chemical Connections — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:15:37 GMT

My dear old mother used to often say "what's the world coming to?" as if life was constantly getting worse. But for South Korean workers - and for workers everywhere in Asia - expectations of employers have long been unreasonable. Tied into...(read more)