The Knowledge to Decide

The highly anticipated re-entry of one of the biggest names in retail, Wal-Mart, into India was a huge disappointment. It has recently dissolved a six-year joint venture with Bharti Enterprises, and eagerly awaits the upcoming general elections; which could mean easing up of restriction on foreign retailers. At present, the laws required foreign retailers to source 30 per cent of their goods from small and medium-sized suppliers; making it harder for them to compete against domestic supermarkets which are not saddled with such restrictions. Besides, foreign investors are obligated to partner a domestic player so as to enter the India market, with up to 51 percent ownership in local operations. This has resulted in rising investors’ concerns with regards to having no control over the domestic business. Besides, the brand’s reputation could be tarnished if the local player engages in unethical acts, such as corruption and tax battles. Other global retailers are keeping a cl

Despite the uncertain global economic climate, the growth momentum for generic drug spending will continue says Catherine Tang, Biomedical industry practice leader for the Spire Research and Consulting. Its share of total drug spending is set to increase. Demand growth, primarily from emerging markets, is being accelerated by healthcare reforms in the major developed markets of USA and Europe; as well as impending patent cliffs, where some USD 75 billion worth of drugs go off patent between 2012 and 2015. This presents new potential for manufacturers of API and drug intermediates (active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipient components used in generic formulations) in India.  India is well-poised in the global API industry, but headwinds from higher export barriers and increased pharma co-vigilance are major threats that will inevitably raise production costs and erode margins. To retain its pole position in the competitive generic market and claim blue sky space, API manufa

- Saurabh Sharma, Country Manager, Spire Research and Consulting   "Customer Experience Management (CEM) is seen as a priority in most service-based businesses, such as companies in telecommunications, financial services and retail industries".  According to a research, the global CEM market is expected to grow from USD2.68 billion in 2012 to USD6.61 billion by 2017. Stemming from this prediction, it is vital for companies to recognize the importance of retaining customers through repeat purchases, as this customer segment is too important to be left unattended or left to chance. Nowadays, not only do customers want to enjoy good products and services; they also wish to experience good customer service. Should all these attributes be in place, customers would be more likely to recommend their friends and family the products and services they are satisfied with; leading to increased product and service sale for the companies.  As such, companies must pla

-  Mr. Japnit Singh, Senior Director, Singapore and India, Spire Research and Consulting India, as the world’s seventh largest country by area and second biggest by population, is one of the most dynamically growing, but largely untapped construction equipment markets. From 2013 to 2020, it is estimated to grow six times to a size of USD20 billion to USD25 billion. The Planning Commission, Government of India, jointly with the Indian construction industry has set up Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) to take up activities for the development of the Indian construction industry. The Council, for the first time in the country, provides the impetus and organizational infrastructure to raise quality levels across the industry. This helps to secure wider appreciation of the interests of construction business by the government, industry and peer groups in society. CIDC is a change agent to accelerate a process of self-reform that should enable the industry to