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May 28, 2009

Light Friday: Celebrations of the MINI and Towels...

...Leave Work Early Day, Positive Post-it Notes and the U.S. Girlfriends' Proposed Economic Plan.

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OSHA Cracks Down on Fraudulent Trainers

OSHA has implemented more stringent guidelines and increased spontaneous monitoring visits to eliminate fraudulent trainers.

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May 27, 2009

Outlook: China and Japan

Although the latest global downturn was somewhat delayed in reaching Asia, spillover from the global crisis has had a considerable effect on China and Japan's export-dependent economies.

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Outlook: India, South Korea and Southeast Asia

The drop in export demand has hit countries other than China and Japan. Many analysts, however, predict much of Asia's growing consumer base will play a major role in a global recovery.

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Tips for Biz Success in China

Companies looking to expand their business in China would do well to pay attention to several key factors that could help grow their China-based operations.

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How is Detroit Faring against Asian Automakers?

American automakers have been ceding market share to Asian competitors for years, but will the current crisis in the U.S. enable overseas rivals to overtake The Detroit 3 at home?

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China Accused of Steel Dumping

At a time when the worldwide steel market is falling, many steel producers worry China is poised to dump more cheap steel into the U.S. market.

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The Escalating Piracy Problem

Recent high-profile attacks have brought renewed attention to the problem of maritime piracy. Here's how the international community is responding.

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What India's Elections Mean for U.S. Business

India, the world's largest democracy, recently completed the largest democratic election in history. How will this new government affect companies in the U.S.?

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Business Etiquette Basics in China and Japan

Manners and attitude speak volumes in Asian countries. When making a new business contact, ensure your intentions aren't lost in translation.

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Recommended Reading

While most recent writings about China presume an unstoppable rise of a global titan, China: Fragile Superpower questions whether this emerging superpower is going to run the world.

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May 26, 2009

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Potential Effects of a GM Bankruptcy Filing

Plus: Leading Economic Indicators Point to Possible Growth, Consumer Confidence Rises and Troubled Banks Raised $56 Billion of Required $75 Billion.

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May 22, 2009

Light Friday: Killer Robots and Beanie Babies...

Plus: Scary-Awful Car Commercials and Redeeming the Bad Name of Executives and Bankers.

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May 21, 2009

Elevate Your Brand In a Down Economy

Consumers are paying closer attention to companies' actions. From social networking to social responsibility, businesses have many opportunities to strengthen their brand.

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May 20, 2009

Tips for Stressed Small-Biz Owners

The dismal state of the nation's economy has many employees so stressed that they are losing sleep over it. For people who are their own bosses, anxieties driven by the recession are keeping them up at night as well.

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May 19, 2009

Strategies for Cost Reduction and Risk Management

Even as the downturn continues, purchasing professionals who successfully devise and execute strategies that minimize risk and reduce costs today will continue to thrive.

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May 18, 2009

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: 'Two Pillars of a New Foundation'

Plus: Trade and Production in the U.S., Positive Signs in the UK and MORE.

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May 15, 2009

Light Friday: Management Lessons from Captain Kirk

Plus: Autonomous Robot Athletes, Long-flying Paper Planes, a Veggie Race Car and the Best NASA Photos from the Last 50 Years.

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May 14, 2009

Has International Air Freight Decline Hit its Floor?

Despite continued pressures from weakened global trade and increased competition with other transportation modes, the latest data for international air freight offers hope that demand may have stabilized.

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May 13, 2009

Why Having Engaged Employees Matters

Recent studies show that dedicated employees give their companies a boost in profitability and productivity, which is all the more reason to keep employees engaged and connected with the business as a whole.

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May 12, 2009

The State of the U.S. Entrepreneur

Despite the extraordinary challenges small-business owners face in this downturn, the entrepreneurial spirit remains strong in America.

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Key Targets for Small-Biz Success

There is no doubt the mettle of entrepreneurs has been tested lately. While many remain resilient, others could stabilize their business by considering these strategies.

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Surviving the Credit Crunch

With a narrow trickle of credit and a steep decline in venture funding, small businesses are having a tougher time obtaining capital. But there may be some light at the end of the tunnel.

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Health Care Bleeds Small-Biz Finances

Health-care costs have prevented many small firms from providing coverage for their employees. The new COBRA provision could bring even more problems.

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5 Tips for Discounting Prices

Businesses must take care when deciding to lower prices or offer discounts. Here are some strategies for lowering prices without hurting profits or the brand.

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Will "Buy Local" Help Your Business?

A growing body of evidence indicates that "buy local" campaigns are helping small businesses compete in an extremely challenging economic climate.

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Real-Life Star Trek Devices

With a new Star Trek film exciting longtime fans and attracting a new generation of "trekkies," IMT looks at real-world counterparts of the iconic franchise's high-tech devices.

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Career Advice for the Class of 2009

With the right strategy, new college graduates can still launch their careers with great success - even in today's competitive job market.

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Recommended Reading

Escape from Cubicle Nation provides not only the nuts and bolts of starting a business, but a full discussion of the emotional issues involved.

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May 11, 2009

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: Bank Stress Test Results

Plus: Obama on Tax Havens, Chrysler Assets Approved for Auction, Britain Bouncing Back and MORE.

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May 8, 2009

Facts and Figures: Celebrating the Hardest Job in the World

Mothering is often called the hardest job in the world, which is why, in 1914, the United States Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

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May 7, 2009

How to Cope with Stress

How people deal with stress greatly affects their well-being. Here are some strategies to help you deal with stress in a healthy manner, whether at home or on the job.

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May 6, 2009

NAOSH Week 2009: 'Make It Home Safe Every Day'

This week marks the 13th North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, held each year to help raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety, health and the environment. This year's theme is "Make It Home Safe Every Day."

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May 5, 2009

Is the Downturn Nearing Its End?

Recent reports of improvements in the manufacturing sector and increases in consumer spending have economists believing that "the worst is over."

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May 4, 2009

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: On President Obama's 101st Day, a Major American Bankruptcy

Plus: Chinese Manufacturing Expands, Initial U.S. Jobless Claims Drop, Steel Consumption Forecast to Decline 15 Percent and MORE.

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May 1, 2009

Light Friday: Self-Healing Concrete and a 5-Minute Book Printer...

...Multi-Purpose Pizza Box, World's Fastest Camera, Solar Power Map and MORE.

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