The energy industry consists of activities associated with the extraction, processing, and distribution of natural resources to create energy. While predominantly represented by petroleum and natural gas, their anticipated depletion has ensured a steady emergence of various sectors of alternative energy. These include wind and solar power, as well as hybrid and hydrogen technology for commercial transportation. Some are even suggesting the use of compressed air to run motor vehicle engines. Our eventual energy options aside, this technological race, coupled with the volatility of crude oil prices, seems to point towards an interesting future for the energy industry.
Learn more about Energy on globalEDGE Industry Profiles.
This month's poll question is:
"Will the rise in crude oil prices lead to higher fuel economy standards worldwide?"
Please visit our homepage to vote on this month's poll question.
China Raises Fuel Prices by 10%
BBC News (November 1, 2007)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7072528.stm
Amid supply shortages and production cost increases, the Chinese government boosted fuel prices by 10 percent. The increase is likely to cut losses endured by Chinese energy companies as well as decrease demand, but analysts warn that the move could spur inflation.
The Global Business Qualification
BBC News (November 1, 2007)
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/11/06/execed.emba/
It is now more important than ever for MBA and Executive MBA students to globalize their education in addition to their businesses. Many top-rated MBA programs are now being taught jointly by schools in different countries.
View more News on globalEDGE.
Little Green Lies
BusinessWeek, by Ben Elgin (October 29, 2007)
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_44/b4056001.htm
Businesses often tout their efforts at environmental protection. Lately there has been a win-win mentality that saving the environment can actually increase profits. However, reality is showing that even when this has been true, profits are likely to be higher through alternative investments. This has led to companies forgoing investments in environmental protection. BusinessWeek shows how many companies have taken small steps to help the environment but pretend they are doing much more than they are. Examples include renewable energy credits that have been used to hide increases in carbon emissions. These are some of the many little green lies that companies have been telling.
The Business of Green
International Herald Tribune (October 30, 2007)
http://www.iht.com/indexes/special/green/index.php
An ongoing series of articles from the International Herald Tribune takes a close look at the multifaceted world of green business. From the engineering challenges of hybrid cars to the distribution of carbon credits, green business has far-reaching implications on the environment as well as corporate profits. The feasibility of ethanol and country-specific policies and pollution problems and are just a few of the topics addressed in this extensive report.
View more In Depth Look articles on globalEDGE.
Focus on All Stakeholders Globally
By Tomas Hult (Volume 1, Number 3, pp. 1-2, 2007)
http://globaledge.msu.edu/newsandviews/businessReviews/gBR1-3.pdf
Executive Briefing: Market orientation has been in vogue since the late 1980s but is it really the preferred way of operating internationally? Not really! Outside the U.S., firms need to focus on a number of stakeholders beyond customers and shareholders?
This month's Featured Sites:
OilOnline
http://www.oilonline.com/
OilOnline provides updated technology and marketing information for oil and gas professionals from all over the world. The homepage features news from the field, offshore data, an upcoming event and tech briefs. At the top of the page, tabs bring the user to other areas of the site with information on the Oil and Gas industry. While Directories are available to order for a fee, information is readily accessible on the pages of Offshore Engineer, Asian Oil and Gas, Drilling Contractor, and Events.
Industry: Energy
World Wind Energy Association (WWEA)
http://www.world-wind-energy.info/
World Wind Energy Association is a non-profit association working towards the promotion and development of wind energy technology with members in 80 countries. Perhaps most helpful on the site are the news headlines and stories, publications on wind energy, and events listings for those interested in becoming involved with wind energy. WWEA has also published an educational website and CD-ROM "Wind Energy: Technology and Planning."
Industry: Energy
Transparency International - Corruption Perceptions Index
http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi
The annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks 180 countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. Information is available in multiple languages and indices dating back to 1995 are on the site.
Category: Research: Rankings
View recently added sites on globalEDGE.
Globalization101.org: For Teachers
http://www.globalization101.org/teachers/
Globalization101.org provides a wealth of course guides for teachers who wish to incorporate globalization into their classrooms. Its lesson plans cover topics that include cultures, environmental issues, and even international law. The Syllabi section is also divided into sections for high schools, community colleges, and college courses. Each features material that is tailored towards specific student groups.
Category: Course Content: Course Syllabi
View more Academy Resources on globalEDGE.
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