Deloitte Debates

Understanding the economics of a business: Top down or bottom up?

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:24:04 +0530

The world's largest, savviest investment firms value a company by looking at the returns it generates above and beyond the cost of capital. Yet many companies still run their businesses based on traditional accounting and operational metrics that don't explicitly consider the cost of capital and assets. Should you follow the lead of sophisticated investors and apply a value-based approach to managing your business? And if so, what's an effective way to do it?

When it comes to enterprise mobility, can ‘slow and steady’ win the race?

Sat, 7 Apr 2012 21:09:02 +0530

In many organizations, mobile initiatives are popping up in almost every business unit, department and region. Some are pushing existing solutions and processes from the Web and desktop to mobile devices. Others are reimagining their business without location constraints. Both have the potential to improve efficiencies and effectiveness, but which is likely to have the more significant payback? Read the debate and cast your vote.

Leadership development: For the talented few, or for the masses?

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:11:55 +0530

Today, many talent professionals are facing a tough decision: Should we invest in programs and tools targeting a small pool of high-potential talent, or is it smarter to focus on developing leadership at every level?

The CIO’s role in business innovation: Sustain or disrupt?

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 15:00:04 +0530

We’re at an unusual time in industry: five major forces affecting businesses are all technology-based. These forces - mobility, analytics, social, cloud computing and cyber intelligence - are being combined in new ways, opening the door for sustaining innovations that can improve productivity and drive down costs. These forces can also be used to disrupt "business as usual" to create totally new ways of generating value. So where should CIOs focus their energy and resources? Should CIOs focus on sustaining innovation, using emerging technologies to improve business efficiency and effectiveness? Or should they lead the charge to apply technology in ways that disrupt business as usual? Read the debate and cast your vote.

Is leadership’s primary role to mitigate risks or capitalize on opportunities?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:53:23 +0530

You’ve probably heard that many, if not most, M&A deals sap shareholder value. It’s no wonder leaders approach a transaction with a wary eye - even when it holds the potential to open the door to new markets, fill gaps and improve operational capability. Would leaders shift the odds in their favor by focusing on mitigating the risks? Or by rallying others around new opportunities?

When crafting corporate strategy, should social business be bolted on or baked in?

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:13:13 +0530

Many companies recognize that social business offers new tools and rules for competing in the marketplace. But should social strategy be integrated into the overall corporate strategy? Or should it stand alone?

Do you need a cost czar?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:12:22 +0530

Many leading companies are assigning an executive to oversee cost improvement activities across the entire enterprise. Should you?

The Postdigital Age: Is your enterprise ready?

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:21:05 +0530

Few companies can ignore that approximately two billion people around the world are using the Internet for communications, information and commerce. We’re clearly in the Digital Age. But what’s next? Do emerging technology forces mobility, analytics, social business, cloud computing and cyber intelligence have the power to transform business beyond digital? Some say we’re entering the Postdigital Age when these new technologies will be implemented and integrated into each facet of the enterprise. Are we? Or is this just a futurist’s wishful thinking? Read the debate.

Isn’t more analytics the answer to solve your pricing challenges?

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:06:24 +0530

Pricing has always been perceived to be a numbers game. So it’s not surprising that, encouraged by new technologies, a lot of companies are pushing for advanced analytical tools to help take their pricing strategies to the next level. But at the same time, some are wondering whether more analytics is really the answer to their problems. After all, they’re already swimming in numbers. In fact, they could probably rely on intuition alone to identify the obstacles in their way today, right? Explore the debate.

Marketing ROI on steroids

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 21:22:45 +0530

Is your Marketing ROI sufficient enough in today’s complex business environment? Or should you pump things up by using advanced analytics? Weigh in on the Debate.

Energy and business

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:16:28 +0530

Energy is a critical input that no business can survive without. It is also an input for which the price is poised to be increasingly volatile due to a wide range of factors such as increased regulatory pressures, closure of aging power plants, commodity price volatility, high fixed costs, major capital investments and shifting supply and demand patterns. Yet, aside from trying to conserve, there isn’t much a business can do to control its energy costs and risks. Or is there?

Is it time to abandon budgeting?

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 18:43:32 +0530

Budgeting can be a frustrating process at many companies. Is it time to follow some pundits’ advice and throw it out? Or is budgeting still a useful management tool?

Are you using allocations as a management crutch?

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:48:01 +0530

For many finance teams, allocations are an article of faith. But today, some companies are questioning their real value as a management tool. Who’s right? Explore the debate.

The business value of water: Precious resource or cheap commodity?

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 18:26:44 +0530

From a global business perspective, is water really something we can afford to take for granted? Explore the debate.

The business of innovation: Art or science?

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 15:50:02 +0530

Just about everyone would agree that creating and successfully commercializing innovations is tough. But does success lie in following a systematic process or does it spring from experience-based intuition?

Value-based pricing: Still worth the trouble?

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 15:47:39 +0530

In the face of rising commodity prices, it’s tempting to make the break from value-based pricing in favor of a simpler approach. But is that really the most effective response?

When developing mobile enterprise apps, should you go native?

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:22:33 +0530

Businesses are finding that mobile apps are valuable tools for people on the go. But are device-specific mobile applications – native apps - worth the development cost and effort? Or will one-size-fits-all, web-based applications do the job just as well? With the shipment volume of smartphones poised to overtake PCs by 2012, it’s clear that mobile computing is here to stay. Led by overwhelming consumer acceptance, an increasing number of enterprises are using mobile solutions to develop practical tools for people on the go, creating a quandary for technology executives. Should they “do mobility right” by deploying native apps that are customized for each type of smart phone and tablet used by their workforce, business partners and customers? Or can the organization get by with mobile web-based apps that can be used by everyone?

Brand risk higher than ever: Where to focus to protect your brand

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:05:14 +0530

Brand reputation is more precarious than ever. Online news and social media can immediately turn a small blunder into a public relations catastrophe, making even the most venerable brands vulnerable to attack. As enterprises become more global and virtual, many leaders recognize that they must vigorously defend their brand against the threat of saboteurs. But are disgruntled customers and aggressive competitors the biggest threats to brands? Or are intentional or accidental disruptions from within even more dangerous? Should your brand defense strategies first target potential saboteurs on the outside? Or those within?

Has training left the building?

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:28:40 +0530

In-person training is no longer the only way to go, but it hasn’t died out. Why do people who use email, text and the Web for daily business still gather in one room when it’s time to learn? Should clicks replace bricks?

Should you trust your gut or follow the numbers?

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:09:06 +0530

"Many leadership teams rely mainly on their collective wisdom to drive smart business decisions. Others claim they can achieve more reliable outcomes by primarily using data-driven, science-based predictive analytics.
Who’s on the right path? There’s a lot of talk about the potential, and already documented, value of predictive business analytics to improve operations and inform business decisions. But many executives remain understandably skeptical about how statistical analysis can help them make the tough calls that have been the building blocks of their careers. Can crunching numbers more efficiently really take the place of gut instinct and hard-earned experience? "

Who do you want driving your finance transformation?

Thu, 19 May 2011 16:07:52 +0530

Already have a finance team veteran with a gift for project management? Lucky you. Everyone else has to choose. Here's one way to work through this important decision.

M&A strategy in a rebound economy

Fri, 6 May 2011 19:24:00 +0530

Many companies with stockpiles of cash are eyeing potential acquisition targets. Should they look for stand-alone companies that may improve top-line revenue growth and market share? Or should they continue to grow their bottom line by focusing on targets that can be integrated into the business?

Can mobile technologies transform the in-store checkout process?

Fri, 6 May 2011 19:22:21 +0530

Smartphones and other mobile technologies are already transforming many aspects of the in-store shopping experience. Is mobile-enabled checkout an idea whose time has come?

"Almost-enterprise" applications: CIO threat or opportunity?

Thu, 5 May 2011 22:05:36 +0530

Almost-enterprise applications are tempting, especially to business managers who can leapfrog IT roadblocks with the swipe of a credit card. Should CIOs stop them now? Or should they lead the way?

Shared Services: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:22:16 +0530

The factors that helped you locate your current shared services centers may not matter as much anymore. And opportunities for savings, consolidation or process improvement may tempt you to relocate them even farther from home.

Should Health Care Revolve Around Hospitals or Accountable Care?

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 17:34:45 +0530

New options for physician alignment and care delivery – such as Accountable Care Organizations – offer the prospect of more efficiency, better outcomes and higher revenues. But they carry new costs as well – and could upset traditional roles.

Where Should Banks Consider Making their Analytics Investments?

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 16:19:21 +0530

Both risk analytics and customer analytics will require significant investments, forcing a tough choice for many banks. So which is it – risk or customer analytics?

Do you need a Chief Operating Officer for HR?

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 16:07:19 +0530

As organizations look to deliver more value through the HR function, some are establishing a HR Chief Operating Officer role. Good idea? Bad idea? The next new thing?

Okay, Telework is Good. Good for Whom?

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:42:48 +0530

Telework may be here to stay, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to categorize. Everyone knows employees like the flexibility - but is it a boon for the organization, or just a giveaway?

Operating Model Restructuring: Does Speed Kill?

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:17:26 +0530

When events force your hand, should the process of restructuring your operating model be any less deliberate than when you make changes on your own initiative? Explore the debate.

The Mobile Banking Bandwagon

Wed, 2 Mar 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Mobile banking is moving from technology elites to a mass-market service for customer segments. When it comes to investing, should you put the pedal to the metal?

Ladder or Lattice: Does “One Size Fits All” Fit Anyone?

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Can you edge into the changing world of work by bolting flexible practices onto traditional corporate ladder workplace norms, or does the shift require a new corporate latticeTM paradigm?

Who’s Marrying Your Ex? Choosing a Carve-out Buyer

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:03:45 +0000

When you detach a new entity from an existing business, who’s the better buyer – a corporation or a private equity firm?

Social Computing for the Enterprise: Tool or Toy?

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 21:03:45 +0000

When it comes to improving enterprise productivity, is social computing emerging as a business fundamental or a big waste of time? Read the Debate.

Post-merger IT Integration: Custom or Off-the-Rack?

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 21:03:45 +0000

When it comes to post-merger IT integration, which is better – a customized or standardized process? Explore the debate.

Which M & A Strategy is Best – One Big Deal or Several Smaller Ones?

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Today’s economic environment creates temptations that even risk-averse companies can find hard to resist. CFOs with access to cash reserves and low financing rates are eyeing large, possibly undervalued, companies as potential acquisition targets.

CIO: Revolutionary or Steward?

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Is this the time for CIOs to make a move and lead the charge for innovation? Or should they stick to the considerable challenges they’re already wrestling with?

Headquarters or Regions: Who Leads Growth in Emerging Markets?

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Emerging markets present major growth opportunities – but only with the right strategic model. To succeed, corporate and regional leaders must work together. But who should lead?

What’s the Best Way to Approach Dodd-Frank’s Data Requirements?

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Should we do just enough to satisfy Dodd-Frank’s data requirements and avoid future meltdowns, or should we use the new data requirements as a catalyst to improve our systems and get more business value from data?

Claims Processing – Opportunity or Commodity?

Thu, 4 Nov 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Health care reform and the business of processing claims are under more pressure than ever before. Should health insurers continue to put money into core claims platform improvements – or shift their technology investments elsewhere?

Does Sustainability Add Value to M & A Deals?

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Increased regulation, stakeholder activism and changing consumer behaviors have made companies realize that sustainability is more than just a public relations issue. But when it comes to M & A transactions, is sustainability a critical deal issue?

People or Strategy? Where to Start When Creating a New Organization

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:03:45 +0000

You can focus on the people you already have, and then figure out how to organize them. Or you can design the organization around your business strategy.

Good Riddance or Good Business - How Should Companies Manage Alumni?

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Some organizations are investing in structured alumni programs designed to keep former employees engaged and loyal after they leave. Are they worth the trouble?

Is Front-Line Diversity in Retail Enough?

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Retailers understand that the demographics of customers are changing and in many cases, front line store personnel reflect the changing face of the consumer. Should companies also strive for diversity in the C-Suite?

Does Cloud Computing Make Enterprise Architecture Irrelevant?

Thu, 9 Sep 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Business technology is shifting to a network of smaller, more agile applications that are often hosted remotely, as in cloud computing. Will companies who make the move leave behind the headaches associated with enterprise architecture?

Health Plans and Hospitals: Irreconcilable Differences?

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Is it best for hospitals to continue to own health plans? In the past, there were clear business benefits for such an arrangement. But in a reformed environment, the potential problems and conflicts might outweigh the benefits.

Asset Intelligence: A Tactical Tool or a Strategic Opportunity?

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:03:45 +0000

More companies are using signals and sensors to drive operational performance and shorten the cycle between information and day-to-day business decisions. Is asset intelligence just another technology fad?

Business Analytics: Just Another Passing Fad?

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Business analytics has made a quick ascent to the top of many executives’ must-have lists. Is this just another passing fad – or a new capability that’s going to become essential for any company interested in making smarter decisions?

Express Lane for Follow-on Biologics — Big Deal or Big Yawn?

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Will the new law do the same thing for biologics? Or will it amount to little more than an administrative detail? And even more important: What should companies do about it?

Pattern-Driven Performance: Start With Tools – or With Talent?

Thu, 27 May 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Companies are discovering hidden patterns that can guide their choices across the board. There are two paths forward if you want to drive performance this way: invest in tools or invest in talent.

Short-Term Trends Rule the Day in an Unpredictable Recovery

Thu, 27 May 2010 21:03:45 +0000

With a recovery tentatively under way, many executives are trying to ride the wave of short-term economic trends, making minor strategic adjustments to go farther, faster.

A Life Sciences Industry Stance on Health Care Reform

Thu, 20 May 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Explore key opportunities and challenges life sciences executives will wrestle with in the areas of biopharma, devices and diagnostics as they plan for the future based on PPACA law changes.

Chickens, Eggs and Health Care Reform

Wed, 12 May 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Health care reform is here, with implications for organizations of all shapes and sizes. Understanding the impacts of this significant law will require smart first steps and deliberate processes.

Is User Engagement With Enterprise Software all That Important?

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Everybody knows that for customer-facing websites, user engagement is a big deal. But how important is it for internal users of enterprise software?

The Future of Retail: Cross-Channel Retail

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Should you develop a new multi-channel operating model, or simply refresh your e-commerce platform?

Developing Good Leaders: Nature or Nurture?

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Many organizations devote considerable time and resources to developing their leaders. But does it really make a difference? Can good leaders be developed, or are they born that way? "

How to Select a New Leadership Team After a Merger or Acquisition

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Selecting good leaders is a key decision for the CEO of a newly combined company. Should CEOs use a fact-based, objective approach, or should they rely on subjective gut instinct?

Faster Revenue Recognition? Not So Fast.

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Should companies invest the time and effort to move now on the new accounting rules about revenue recognition? Or should they wait until it is required?

Does HR Outsourcing Really Work?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:03:45 +0000

When it comes to human resources outsourcing (HRO), a lot of organizations have cold feet. Is there a real business case to be made for HRO in light of its uneven track record?

Should You Step Up to Value-Level Management in Applications Management Services?

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 21:03:45 +0000

AMS has traditionally been all about cost – driving down the expense base. But some companies are shifting their focus from service levels to value levels. Is that a wise course of action?

Social Media for Life Sciences: Trick or Tweet?

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Should life sciences companies be using social media channels as a marketing tool to promote and/or protect their businesses? Or is social media just an insignificant distraction unsuited to the business world?

Alternatives to Paying Big Bonuses?

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Talent strategies are designed to attract, motivate and retain employees. In the current economy, what compensation and talent strategies are the most effective for financial services companies?

M & A Integration: Fast or Slow?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Since an integration plan usually identifies the desired end state early on, why delay the process of getting there? When is faster better? When does patience pay off?

PMO vs. RMO: Getting More Business Value From Your IT Investments

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Program Management Offices (PMOs) are traditionally responsible for improvements in management of IT programs. However, as more value is needed from IT, is the PMO able to shoulder the burden of complex projects, or is something more needed?

Moving the Mountain: Address R & D Efficiencies

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Many R & D organizations focus on administrative efficiencies rather than solving the bigger issue of engineering churn. Should manufacturers reduce the churn and seek to add value earlier in the design process or simply accept it as a necessity?

Ready or Not: Transform HR Now, or Wait for Business Conditions to Improve?

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Many human resources (HR) organizations remain focused on transactions and administration, rather than strategic capabilities. Is now the time to take HR to the next level, or attend to more pressing issues?

Information Management: Shift to an Enterprise Model or Stay Focused on Business Units?

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:03:45 +0000

Some analysts are reporting huge growth in expenditures for information management and analytics. Is an enterprise approach really the smart way to go, or should individual business units drive their own information management agendas?

Should Life Sciences Companies Invest in Electronic Health Records (EHR)?

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:03:45 +0000

Lead or follow? For life sciences companies, is it better to start investing now to help develop EHR standards and capitalize on the potential benefits? Or wait and then follow the crowd?

Fractal Future: What A Difference A Year Makes

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 21:03:45 +0000

Business battles unfold in unique and complex layers, shaped by market opportunities, innovations, technology, talent challenges, regulatory shifts and financial acumen. Today, the “new normal” is anything but.

Changing Channels: Insurance Company Sales Models

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:03:45 +0000

Should insurance companies embrace new, direct-to-consumer sales channels, or stick with the traditional producer-focused model?

Sales Quotas in Uncertain Times

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:03:45 +0000

The economic crisis is making it hard for sales teams and companies to meet their sales goals. Should companies take a hard line or a kinder and gentler approach to incentive plans?

The Workplace of Tomorrow: Productivity Engine or Safe Haven for Slackers?

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:03:45 +0000

Some organizations aren't convinced that a flexible and mobile workforce is a good idea. Should your company enable the workplace of tomorrow – or is business as usual the right choice for now?

Bring Manufacturing Jobs Home?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:29:11 +0000

The gap in structural costs between U.S. and offshore manufacturing has shrunk by almost half in the past three years. Some companies are already bringing jobs back home. Is that trend likely to continue?

Which is Better: Outsourcing and Shared Services?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:29:11 +0000

Given current and future trends in shared services and outsourcing, is it better to outsource to a vendor? Consolidate to an in-house shared services center? Or a combination of both?

IT Optimization: Catalyst for Cost Reduction or Business Value?

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 19:29:11 +0000

It's hard to agree on what IT optimization should accomplish, but everyone thinks it's a good idea. Is it minimizing costs? Or is it about improving capabilities and generating more value?

The Growth–Profitability Trade Off: Method or Myth?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:29:11 +0000

Whether or not you're a believer in " green shoots, " it's likely you're watching closely for signs of an upswing. But can you pursue meaningful growth without sacrificing the next quarter's numbers?

Cloud Services: Technology Evolution or Business Revolution?

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:29:11 +0000

Some business leaders think cloud computing is the next big disruptive technology. Others argue it's simply the natural evolution of distributed computing. So which is it - technology evolution or business revolution?

Has the Window Already Closed on Offshoring Shared Services?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:29:11 +0000

Many companies have already offshored their shared services operations – and many others are giving it a close look. Has the window closed? Or can companies still reap the benefits?

Renegotiating Outsourcing Contracts – Play Hard Ball or Win-Win?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:29:11 +0000

Renegotiating contracts can save companies up to 25 percent on larger outsourcing agreements. Should you start with benchmarking and play hardball – or team with suppliers to overhaul the service delivery model?

Innovation Can Wait – or Can't It?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:29:11 +0000

Should you stay focused on cost reduction – or is now the time to push even harder for innovation?