Why the World Needs New Thinking
America needs to get its groove back. In this era of change--in government, the markets, corporate behavior, and the management of information--here are 25 ideas to help set us on the right path
CORPORATION
1: After Enron: The Ideal Corporation
Following the abuses of the '90s, executives are learning that trust, integrity, and fairness do matter --and are crucial to the bottom line
2: The Mea Culpa Defense
The instinctive reaction of executives in times of scandal is to deny, deny, deny--then clam up. In many cases, the smarter response is a heartfelt apology
ECONOMY
3: Crimes Against the Information Age
In this era, the price of bad data can be disaster. When a company lies or inflates its numbers, everyone suffers: Investors, the financial markets, and even competitors
4: After Greenspan
Some thoughts on who could succeed the Fed Chairman
5: When Business Is Scared Stagnant
Fear is on the march. And this could make Americans retreat so much from taking chances that economic growth stalls
6: The Rich Get Richer, and That's O.K.
In the 1990s, the gap between rich and poor widened. But poverty rates fell to record lows
7: The Copycat Economy
Once, a hot new idea spelled years of fat profits. But these days, rivals are moving into markets before you can say "clone"
FINANCE
8: Firepower for Financial Cops
Nothing less than an overhaul of the SEC is due. Its job would be the same--protecting investors--but its cops would be out to bust criminals, not just sue them
9: The Downside of Disclosure
Too much data can be a bad thing. It's quality of information that counts, not quantity
10: Abolish Paper Money
O.K., O.K.--not all paper money, but certainly bills over $50. They'll be mourned only by tax cheats, drug dealers, and other criminals
11: A Yardstick for Corporate Risk
Current measures of a company's health--and its ability to handle adversity--are inadequate. Here's what we need to know
12: Brainpower on the Balance Sheet
Intangibles such as brands and intellectual property comprise well over half the market value of public companies. They should get toted up like other assets. The question is, where and how?
GLOBAL
13: Small Is Profitable
What will work in the developing world is a focus on inexpensive, downsized, simple-to-use products
14: Lessons from the Fastest-Growing Nation: Botswana?
GDP in the diamond-rich economy has skyrocketed thanks to free-market principles and prudent management. And its AIDS offensive is showing Africa the way
15: Who's Hu?
Don't know much about China's Vice-President? You might want to take a peek at the guy who's next in line for the top spot
TECHNOLOGY
16: High Tech's Future Is in the Toy Chest
Toymakers are pushing the boundaries in artificial intelligence, wireless communications, and virtual reality. And the benefits are flowing to other industries as well
17: Vaunted Technologies That Don't Measure Up
WORKPLACE
18: The Coming Battle for Immigrants
The ability to absorb foreigners could determine whether nations in the industrialized world will grow or stagnate
19: Rethinking the Rat Race
Technology is making "all work and no play" a real possibility. How will we strike the proper balance of work and life?
HEALTH
20: Welcome to the Health-Care Economy
As time catches up with baby boomers, spending on medical care will skyrocket and set off a vast shift in the nation's resources. New investments in health could be a major engine of future growth
21: Minimal Medicine
New treatments aim to be less traumatic, shorter, cheaper, and more effective
22: The Take-Charge Patient
Now, you and your physician can be partners. That's healthier for everyone
SOCIETY
23: Don't Kill All the Trial Lawyers
When regulators fall short, it's up to plaintiffs' attorneys to put the hurt on corporate miscreants
24: Didja C That Kewl Ad?
What bewildered advertising executives need to know to pitch a wary generation
25: The Importance of Teaching Tots
Given the strong evidence of its benefits to society, preschool education for the poor--and perhaps all children--is a must
CODA
The Art of Brainstorming
Hiring diverse, even eccentric people, mixing them up in unexpected ways, and asking them to do something unusual can prompt surprising ideas
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SPECIAL REPORTS
JULY 29, 2002
The Angry Market
The blunt message: Investors are repricing stocks to reflect a more honest picture of earnings, options, and the future. Ultimately, that's good
JULY 29, 2002
Can You Afford to Retire
The market has wrought particular disaster on retirement plans. But there are ways to keep nest eggs from cracking
JULY 30, 2002
Gurus of Medical Tech
Meet five medical pioneers whose work reveals a sweeping range of innovations that promise to improve the lives of millions
• MORE SPECIAL REPORTS
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Copyright 2002, by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
