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Navigating a Downturn: Strategies for Business Resilience

Tom Spencer

For example, during the 2008 financial crisis Microsoft used its large cash reserves to continue investing in software development and R&D, which has paid off in the long run. Embrace Innovation Innovation can be a game-changer for businesses by simultaneously enabling them to operate more efficiently and open up new revenue streams.

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Japan Tells Firms "Stop Sitting on Cash", Ignore the Lack of Customers

MishTalk

Instead, it is sitting on a pile of cash worth about $280 million—50% higher than its pile a decade ago, equivalent to one-fifth its annual sales, and more than twice the level required for the firm to be deemed loan-worthy by a bank. December 2008 (85). November 2008 (78). October 2008 (108). September 2008 (140).

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If You Think Downsizing Might Save Your Company, Think Again

Harvard Business

During the Great Recession of 2008, companies around the world downsized their workforces. American firms alone laid off more than 8 million workers from the end of 2008 to the middle of 2010. Proponents of downsizing argue that it is an effective strategy, with benefits such as increased performance and sales.

Company 28
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Transforming Today’s Bad Jobs into Tomorrow’s Good Jobs

Harvard Business

Customers will need to be educated and supported along the way to greater efficiencies. Mercadona, on the other hand, spent €600 million between 2005 and 2008 to install the most up-to-date logistics and in-store retail technologies, and the rollout went smoothly because their workers were engaged in the process.

Retail 28
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The Comprehensive Business Case for Sustainability

Harvard Business

In addition to the financial benefits that accrue from increased competitive advantage and innovation as discussed earlier, companies are realizing significant cost savings through environmental sustainability-related operational efficiencies. Since 1994, Dow has invested nearly $2 billion in improving resource efficiency and has saved $9.8

Study 28
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How Companies Are Already Using AI

Harvard Business

For example, our survey, which asked managers of 13 functions, from sales and marketing to procurement and finance, to indicate whether their departments were using AI in 63 core areas, found AI was used most frequently in detecting and fending off computer security intrusions in the IT department. AI wasn’t new at Microsoft.

Company 36
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The 3 Essential Jobs That Most Retention Programs Ignore

Harvard Business

In sales-driven companies (think pharmaceuticals and industrial equipment), they are often field sales managers who direct dozens of salespeople in the highest-volume regions. These are jobs in R&D, technology, and other areas vital to a firm’s strategic direction, product development, and process efficiency.

Talent 28