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article | McKinsey Quarterly

Next frontiers for leanFebruary 2014—Lean-production techniques have been revolutionizing operations for 50 years. Advances in technology, psychology, and analytics may make the next 50 even more exciting.more

The strength of ‘weak signals’

How technology can drive the next wave of mass customization

The benefits—and limits—of decision models

2

In the news

article

A multifaceted future: The jewelry industry in 2020February 2014–While Valentine’s Day always provides a sales boost, the jewelry industry hardly needs help: it’s growing strongly, with global sales of more than $340 billion expected annually by 2020. We explain this surge–and why jewelry companies should learn from the apparel sector.more

Editor’s choice

book excerpt | McKinsey Quarterly

Bad to great: The path to scaling up excellenceFebruary 2014—Before senior executives try to spread best practices, they should use seven techniques to clear out the negative behavior that stands in the way.more

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interview

Robots mean business: A conversation with Rodney BrooksFebruary 2014—Industrial robots revolutionized manufacturing. The chairman and CTO of Rethink Robotics explains why advances in technology mean much more is still to come.more

includes:o  

article | McKinsey Quarterly

Remaking the industrial economyFebruary 2014—A regenerative economic model—the circular economy—is starting to help companies create more value while reducing their dependence on scarce resources.more

Article | McKinsey Quarterly

3-D printing takes shape

3

January 2014—Additive manufacturing is evolving quickly. Senior executives should begin preparing for five disruptions that will accompany it.more

article | McKinsey Quarterly

Why the COO should lead social-media customer serviceJanuary 2014—Although social channels have become powerful and cost-effective tools for customer service, management may be in the wrong hands.more

Article

Sub-Saharan Africa: A major potential revenue opportunity for digital paymentsFebruary 2014—Sub-Saharan Africa offers tantalizing potential for mobile financial services, but as yet there have been few success stories. One hurdle has been the lack of clear numbers on the size of the opportunity.more

article | McKinsey Quarterly

Next-shoring: A CEO’s guideJanuary 2014—Proximity to demand and innovative supply ecosystems will trump labor costs as technology transforms operations in the years ahead.more

article

The enterprise IT infrastructure agenda for 2014January 2014—IT infrastructure managers must simultaneously capture the next rounds of efficiencies, accelerate the transition to next-generation infrastructure, reduce risks, and improve organizational execution.more

article | McKinsey Quarterly

Why leadership-development programs failJanuary 2014—Sidestepping four common mistakes can help companies develop stronger and more capable leaders, save time and money, and boost morale.more

report

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Risk and responsibility in a hyperconnected world: Implications for enterprisesJanuary 2014—For the world’s economy to get full value from technological innovation, it must have a robust, coordinated approach to cybersecurity. A new report from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company looks at how that could happen.more

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