... costs and which are further away from their markets. But what looks like a saving can end up being a huge cost.” Over-eager to ... need to be factored in. For example, they could consider what economists call ‘the opportunity cost’. What is the buyer not ...

... assets. Take the practice of offshoring a call centre: what process should a team follow? The norm is to make existing staff redundant ... considerations are, although this is not an exhaustive list: what are our core competencies; how does our long-term strategy fit with the ...

... order between 200-2,000 cards. "We look at trends and see what people are choosing this year and try to anticipate what will be in fashion next year," she says. "A few years ago, cards in ...

... under suspicion, leading the CBI to declare – although on what precise basis is unclear – that 15% of all sickness is bogus and costs ... us would work through a cold. Great for the statistics, but what about the drop in performance, mistakes to rectify and infections passed ...

... are still “around or in excess of 90 per cent”. What causes this unethical behaviour, by western standards at least, on the part of Chinese suppliers? And what, if anything, can overseas companies do about it? Back-door politics ...

... long-term relationship?”. “Then surely you accept that what you are suggesting is inappropriate?” Don’t be negative and don’t interrupt the other party. Listen closely to what they say and question them carefully. Be persistent: a good question ...

... says: “The guarantee does not go any further than what is already a requirement in the contracts.” Mimnagh also criticises ... the agency and its supply chain at risk.” What is your opinion on this? Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is ...

... 1 April. Was he, perhaps, a fan of April Fool jokes? And what was this obsession with receipts? I had no idea it was possible to get ... that first meeting I was drained, but just about understood what he’d telling me. Keep your receipts, keep copies of your invoices, write ...

... how to sell. I don’t think recruitment agencies realise what a feat that is. Taking on grads with no sales experience is an ... how to sell. I don’t think recruitment agencies realise what a feat that is Focus on a candidate’s performance track record, ...

... to see the effects of the credit crunch Recruiter asks; 'What is in store for recruiters over the coming 12 months?'  Industry leaders ... predictions for who will cash in and the hazards to avoid in what is likely to be a fascinating 2008     ...