MPDV certified in accordance with the new ISO 9001:2015 standard
MPDV, which specialises in systems for shop floor data collection and personnel time recording, has been awarded the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2015 certificate. The auditors from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance particularly praised the detailed process documentation and the graphic modelling.
Editorial office - 26 July 2018
In this way, the MES experts meet the current standards in terms of quality management. (Image: zVg)
MPDV has received the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2015 certificate. It is the most widespread and most important national and international standard when it comes to quality management in companies: ISO 9001:2015. The quality management system at MPDV has been established for decades and has been continuously developed over time - naturally aligned with the conformity of the standard. Following inspection by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, MPDV has now received the prestigious certificate for the current revision ISO 9001:2015. This is proof of the outstanding quality management of the MES experts, which meets the latest standards.
Complex processes presented simply
The auditors particularly praised MPDV's detailed process documentation and its graphical modeling. According to the auditors, the visual presentation of the various processes makes a decisive contribution to making complex work processes even more transparent.
The advantages became apparent during the auditing of the various locations. Thus, the processes were easily comprehensible and transparent for the auditor, regardless of location and employee. One example of this was the rapid commissioning of HYDRA.
"ISO 9001:2015 has evolved and suits us very well with its process-oriented approach. This allows us to use the standard itself sensibly and profitably for us. We will continue to do everything in our power to further optimize our quality management and align it with ISO 9001. After all, this is how we keep our throughput times at an optimal level, which leads to even higher customer satisfaction," says Wolfhard Kletti, Managing Director at MPDV.
Equipping independent restaurateurs for the digital age
The METRO Chair of Innovation, a METRO AG-sponsored chair at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) aims to motivate and promote independent restaurateurs. It recently published its latest study results on building an innovative digital learning community.
Editorial office - 26 July 2018
Restaurateurs also need to educate themselves on managing food, beverage and other procurement costs. (Image: depositphotos)
Independent restaurateurs are facing increasing pressure from large restaurant chains, many of which are increasingly using technology solutions as part of their global growth strategies. The independent entrepreneurs are sometimes unaware of the competition they face for their own survival.
This latest study by the METRO Chair of Innovation focuses on the challenges facing restaurateurs and their attitudes toward training, as well as educational innovations from other business sectors that enable the creation of learning communities. The concept of the study represents an innovative approach to training self-employed restaurant operators. It takes into account the challenges that exist in this industry, such as lack of time and money as well as economic challenges, areas of interest, existing level of digitalization, and preferred training formats.
The biggest challenges
The survey results showed that the biggest challenges for independent restaurant operators are delivery services, administrative activities and staff administration. In contrast, their main training interests focus on managing food, beverage and other procurement costs, as well as mastering cooking techniques and forecasting demand. The insights gained on the mismatch between identified challenges and areas of interest have informed the design of the Learning Community concept. The concept offers solutions that train restaurateurs in the topics that interest them, while gradually introducing them to more critical topics. At the same time, it triggers an increased exchange among restaurateurs.
"The Learning Community not only offers a targeted and innovative training concept on relevant technologies, but also addresses the key challenges that self-employed restaurateurs face in their day-to-day business," says Dr. Christine Demen Meier, head of the METRO Chair of Innovation. The innovative educational solution developed by the research team consisting of Dr. Christine Demen Meier, Caroline Guigou and Isabelle Vetterli also uses gaming elements to enhance the learning experience, motivate participants to continue and help them develop an understanding of digital content.
This latest study concludes the study activity at the Metro Chair of Innovation. However, the partnership between METRO and EHL will grow and develop. Further information on this will be announced shortly. Detailed information on the METRO Chair of Innovation is available at www.innovationchair.com is available. The research results can also be obtained here via download.
Ricoh study on medicines from the printer
A Ricoh study shows the profound impact of new printing technologies on healthcare systems in Europe. According to the research, 68 percent of healthcare professionals believe that new printing technologies have the potential to fundamentally change the healthcare sector.
Editorial office - 17 July 2018
Printing technology could help personalize patient care and ease the burden on households. (Image: depositphotos)
Drugs from the printer have long since become commonplace, reads the new Ricoh study. It says there have been significant advances in customized prosthetics and on-demand drug manufacturing. Meanwhile, 74 percent of healthcare professionals would support new printing technologies to assess the value of accurate diagnoses and ultimately reduce mortality rates.
David Mills, CEO of Ricoh Europe, explains: "As healthcare systems in Europe are asked to do more with less, the use of innovative printing technologies will prove essential to continue to deliver high quality care. New techniques such as aquagel organ printing mean that surgeons can now practice placing sutures and removing tumours on real patients before operations. Printing drugs layer by layer to target specific diseases could soon become commonplace."
Time factor
In addition, the new Ricoh study highlights that 51 percent show that patients need to spend less time in the hospital by using new printing technologies to rapidly produce custom implants such as bone and dental grafts, and that these technologies are critical to improving recovery times.
Due to increasing life expectancy and the rising incidence of chronic diseases across Europe[1], therapies are becoming more complex as patients are affected by conditions later in life. Due to this, 65 percent of healthcare providers are using new printing technologies to adapt printed materials to different needs, including those of elderly and remote patients.
46 percent of medical professionals go so far as to say that without investing in 3D printing, they will struggle to meet patient needs over the next five years.
Mills adds: "Healthcare facilities are not only benefiting from advances in printing technology through breakthrough developments. Healthcare is a sector with an extremely high administrative burden. By digitising systems, providers can reduce the administrative burden to save time, cut costs and improve safety."
1Note: Ricoh commissioned quantitative research into the opinions of 787 healthcare decision makers across Europe
Fraunhofer LBF celebrates 80 years of "Research with a system!
The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF welcomed over 100 guests from politics, business and science to Darmstadt on June 21. A future workshop on the topic of predictive maintenance with intelligent components and systems and the opportunity to gain insight into the otherwise closed laboratories attracted project partners and companions from all over Germany.
Editorial office - 17 July 2018
Students from the TU Darmstadt present their racing car as part of the anniversary celebration "80 years of Fraunhofer LBF". (Photo: Claus Borgenheimer)
Fraunhofer LBF has been doing pioneering work for 80 years. Digitization as one of the key technologies of the future has long permeated research and development processes. Simulation, digital images of mechanical systems, hardware-in-the-loop, the boundaries between physical and virtual reality are becoming increasingly blurred. New products, for example in mechanical engineering and mobility, are being developed in ever shorter cycles, but at the same time have to meet increasing demands for product individualization with ever higher reliability requirements. Participants of the LBF Future Workshop discussed the generation, opportunities and limitations of so-called "digital twins" in the product development process.
With digitalization, traditional mechanical engineering is experiencing exciting, completely new perspectives and product solutions at a rapid pace. As a result, products are becoming increasingly complex in terms of their functions and design. "With all this complexity, it remains a matter of course for the user that the new products function reliably and safely. This is what the Fraunhofer LBF stands for with its reliability research," said Professor Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, in his welcoming address.
In addition, future product requirements in terms of economic efficiency and sustainability demand modern lightweight solutions, where developers are increasingly pushing the limits of what is feasible today. Here, too, it goes without saying that the products must be lightweight and safe.
"Intelligent components" - The future of maintenance
Digitalization and Industry 4.0 are also leading to a paradigm shift in the area of reliable operation of equipment and systems: Whereas yesterday maintenance and servicing intervals were still carried out according to the best of our experience and at defined intervals, or we reacted to the failure or malfunction of a machine, predictive maintenance approaches are increasingly making it possible to forecast possible defects before they actually occur by means of continuous, operation-accompanying status recording and algorithmic data interpretation.
This requires comprehensive knowledge of damage causes and damage progression - knowledge that the LBF has been updating for 80 years of lightweight construction research. Applications can be found in traffic engineering, production machinery and energy supply.
Against this background, individual components are increasingly being equipped with sensors, information technology and, in some cases, actuators, which in their entirety provide status data about themselves and also the surrounding system and can favourably influence the current status by means of actuators. Despite the great opportunities of predictive maintenance, technical issues are still unresolved and different applications have individual requirements.
Which usable data is available, which is still needed? How can individual sensor data be combined to form a meaningful overall picture? What are the implications of "warning messages"? Corresponding discussions between guests and LBF scientists were underpinned by presentations of exhibits from reliability research.
Behind the scenes in the "OpenLab
In the "OpenLab", guests were able to gain insights into "Digitization in Reliability and Lightweight Construction Research" and take a close look at R&D work at the LBF that contributes to future-relevant topics such as "experimental-virtual reliability simulation", "smart, adaptive systems", "sustainable lightweight construction" or "plastics recycling". Highlights were live demonstrations that vividly showed how recycling and upcycling of plastics can be worthwhile, for example, or how differently innovative façade materials, some of them made of biomaterials, react to heat development.
A multi-physical test facility based on a multi-axial vibration table (MAST) for structural components and battery systems, the only one of its kind in Germany, offered the opportunity to experience tests on electric vehicles in real life. Other exhibits showed, among other things, implemented hybrid lightweight components, the driving simulation of an electric vehicle networked with external partners, and large and small test benches for reliability research.
More about the Fraunhofer LBS anniversary day can be found at here
New international accounting standards: Certified default risk valuations
On 1 January 2018, the new international accounting standards on IFRS 9-Financial Instruments will come into force. According to these standards, listed companies must recognize allowances for trade receivables on a forward-looking basis instead of on the basis of past experience, as was previously the case.
Editorial office - 16 July 2018
The calculation methodology in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 9-Financial Instruments complies with internationally valid certification standards and links to the internal control systems of accounting. (Image: depositphotos)
The new international accounting standards on IFRS 9 Financial Instruments will come into force in 2018. With "EH SmartReserve", Euler Hermes offers a service that reliably calculates the expected credit loss of a company and its subsidiaries in Germany and abroad. The results are based on a calculation methodology that is certified in accordance with international standards1.
"The analysis of default probabilities for corporate loans is our core competence," says Stefan Ruf, CEO of Euler Hermes Switzerland. "For companies with other business focuses, the implementation of the IFRS 9 rules is associated with high costs if the necessary research for a robust forecast has to be built up first. With EH SmartReserve, we can provide such companies with a certified calculation based on our data without them having to spend their own resources."
Realistic risk calculation in the balance sheet
The framework conditions for companies change when companies back their open receivables with forward-looking default probabilities under the new regulations. "Business activities in countries or in industries with above-average volatility in particular can quickly drive up the hedging requirement on balance sheets and then impact equity, company earnings or dividend payments," explains Ruf. "That's why a systematic, consistent and continuous calculation model is critical to accounting for realistic impairments and meeting accounting standards. And to do so without any nasty surprises at the end."
The EH SmartReserve calculation models are based on the extensive information provided by Euler Hermes. They comply with IFRS accounting standards and connect to the respective internal control systems of group accounting. The cost of the service varies according to the respective company set-up and needs.
1 International Standard for Assurance Engagements, IFRS Valuation of Receivables - Smart Reserve "IFRS Receivables Valuation".
The Dangerous Goods Day Switzerland - for the annual overview
The 20th Dangerous Goods Day Switzerland took place in mid-June at EuroAirport Basel. Enclosed is the follow-up report on the anniversary event, a practice-oriented training and further education module in the field of complex dangerous goods regulations.
Martin Grether and Ralf Mengwasser - 06 July 2018
Dangerous goods experts from the Swiss Safety Center led an informative anniversary event in Basel. The scene here is about the consequences of failing to secure gas cylinders. (Image: Swiss Safety Center)
After last year's ADR regulations celebrated an anniversary, this year's Dangerous Goods Day Switzerland was to celebrate a round birthday: The event took place for the 20th time this year, proving not least its unbroken appeal for those responsible in the dangerous goods sector. This year, participants once again received the already familiar, comprehensive overview of the current and upcoming status of regulations, as well as insight into special areas of dangerous goods transport.
Innovations, amendments and repealed transitional arrangements
Every two years, innovations and amendments to the SDR/ADR come into force, and this will be the case again at the beginning of 2019. Beat forge from the Federal Roads Office presented the most important of these in a lecture clearly structured according to topic. The fact that lithium batteries are also affected by changes comes as no surprise to anyone, as their development is still so rapid that the regulations inevitably have to react to them at very short intervals. In addition to the further innovations, however, transitional regulations must also be taken into account, which will be repealed as of 1 January 2019.
Despite their large number, the most important changes and innovations were conveyed to the participants in a short time, in an understandable manner and in a lively presentation. The second speaker captivated the audience right from the start with a short film showing the dramatic consequences that can occur if a delivery van loses poorly secured gas cylinders en route. However, gas cylinders can not only be dangerous during transport, their storage can also be hazardous after initial use. Jack Winteler from the Swiss Safety Center explained the testing methods and intervals for refillable gas cylinders and used exhibits showing different types of damage to illustrate the importance of such tests.
Air and sea freight with dangerous goods
Fabrizio Simona (Swiss Post) and Rosanna Cataldo (Federal Office for Civil Aviation) provided information on the restrictions and security measures for dangerous goods consignments by air. As Swiss Post only operates within national borders, it cannot guarantee the entire transport chain for cross-border deliveries. For this reason, Swiss Post only transports certain dangerous goods that are clearly defined in the Dangerous Goods Regulation. This repeatedly leads to a lack of understanding on the part of customers and an intensive training effort on the part of Swiss Post. The effort involved is very high, but justified in view of the risk potential.
The situation is quite different for Hapag-Lloyd, which ships hazardous goods worldwide and in large quantities by sea. Ken Rohlmann (Senior Director Dangerous Goods at Hapag-Lloyd) repeatedly stressed that the biggest challenge is that dangerous goods are often not declared as such. Correctly declared dangerous goods, on the other hand, can be shipped without any problems if they comply with national guidelines and the company's internal rules. In view of the 7,000 or so ports with their own rules and countless national regulations, however, the freight documents quickly become complicated if a freighter calls at several ports in succession. In addition, there is the very complex stowage planning, which ensures that the containers are placed optimally and in accordance with the IMDG regulations, the loading and unloading sequence and the heeling movements of the ship. For example, Hapag-Lloyd only transports dangerous goods containers at selected positions that are safely protected. After all, captains shy away from nothing more than fire on board. Every effort is made - as explained below - to detect undeclared dangerous goods before they come on board undetected.
Proven and new specialist modules
In the afternoon, participants again had a choice of various specialist modules in which specific knowledge was imparted in smaller groups. As in previous years, the participants had to complete a dangerous goods course, where technical and practical knowledge was required at the various posts. The interactive dangerous goods quiz, in which simple and more complex questions had to be answered within a time limit, took a playful approach. Participants immediately received an anonymous evaluation of their answers. Another module provided information on the software developed by Hapag-Lloyd together with IBM, which detects undeclared dangerous goods. For this purpose, the freight documents are scanned and searched for an extensive list of terms as well as for strange combinations.
The system currently reports around 1200 suspicious freight bookings with manipulated documents or photos every day, almost all of which originate from the same three regions of the world. The transport of dangerous goods is more complex and therefore more expensive than that of other goods, so that the temptation to save money at the expense of safety is unfortunately great. The exemptions in dangerous goods law always meet with great interest. Thus, many participants attended this specialist module to find out about the exemptions for dangerous goods in machinery that are no longer applicable and the correct application of the many different exemptions.
Around 129,000 tonnes of e-waste collected in 2017
E-waste sends its regards: The Swiss population disposed of just over 129,000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment in 2017. Although consumers are returning more devices overall, the total weight fell slightly compared to the previous year. The reason for this is the continuing trend away from CRTs towards flat screens.
mm - 05 July 2018
In the meantime, there are also flatter reflex cameras. The trend towards more powerful yet lighter electric products continued in 2017. (Image: depositphotos)
Not all electrical and electronic equipment returned to Switzerland is e-waste. On the one hand, there is still an advance recycling fee (ARF) in the old equipment, which is incurred when a new product is purchased. On the other hand, valuable components can be found in the many recyclable electronic devices.
Electronics recycling is organised and managed by the two take-back systems Swico Recycling and SENS eRecycling. In 2017, a total of 129,218 tonnes of electronic waste was generated (previous year 137,808). This corresponds to 15 kg per inhabitant. In terms of total weight, 62 percent is accounted for by household appliances and light bulbs (SENS eRecycling), while 38 percent is old IT, telecommunications and consumer electronics equipment (Swico Recycling).
TV dip still noticeable The trend towards more powerful and at the same time lighter ICT products continued in 2017. A total of 48,525 tonnes of IT, consumer electronics and telecommunications equipment were returned (previous year 52,362 tonnes). The number of items thus continued to rise, but the total weight of the quantities taken back by Swico Recycling fell by around 7.3 percent. The main driver remains the change in technology for TV sets, which account for a large proportion of Swico's tonnages: Whereas picture tube sets used to be returned, today it is increasingly lighter flat screens. The number of CRT PC monitors returned has fallen by 26 per cent, while the figure for CRT televisions is down 24 per cent.
More and more join in
The voluntary take-back system Swico Recycling is also very popular with manufacturers and importers of ICT, consumer electronics and office technology. The number of convention signatories, i.e. companies that participate in the system and add the early recycling fee to their equipment, grew last year by 42 new partners to 568 companies (+8 percent). It is pleasing to see that there are no free riders in the ICT and consumer electronics sector in Switzerland who could jeopardise solidarity. Further figures and information can be found in the Swico Annual Report 2017.
Fund account at SENS eRecycling balanced SENS eRecycling revised the voluntary re-naming system last year and made it even leaner and more efficient. Thanks to this proactive system update and the good raw material prices, SENS can look back on a pleasing result in the 2017 financial year and can thus compensate for the revenue shortfalls in the fund resulting from foreign purchasing and foreign online trading. With 722 affiliated manufacturers and importers, the take-back system is very well positioned and broadly supported throughout Switzerland. More information on the figures and highlights in 2017 can be found in the Annual Report 2017.
Take-back volumes for household appliances similar to previous year In the SENS system, 80,000 tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment were taken back and processed. The quantity taken back remained the same or even fell slightly compared to the previous year in almost all categories. The development in photovoltaics is exciting - since the beginning of 2015, modules have been taken back at all SENS collection points. The first-generation photovoltaic systems are now being continuously dismantled and replaced by modern, efficient systems. This trend is very clearly reflected in the take-back rates: Whereas in 2015, around 70 tonnes of PV modules were recycled with SENS each, in 2017 this figure was already around 337 tonnes. However, these are still very small quantities.
Detailed information on the individual device categories can be found in the technical report on our respective websites: swico.ch and eRecycling.ch
Klubschule Migros Zurich writes ISO top marks
Klubschule Migros Zürich is aware of its responsibility as the largest institution for adult education. With its certification according to the international standard ISO 29990, it has provided proof that the quality and services of all its schools meet the highest requirements.
Editorial office - 05 July 2018
The Migros Club School in Zurich scores points with ISO 29990 certification (Image: zVg)
Klubschule Migros Zürich is convinced that anyone who invests time and money in training or further education wants to be certain about the quality of the courses on offer. International certification in accordance with ISO 29990:2010 provides assurance that an educational institute meets the high requirements of the standard in all areas. It gives clients the greatest possible assurance that their high expectations will be met. For this reason, Klubschule Migros Zürich has opted for certification in accordance with ISO 29990:2010.
In May, the quality of the Klubschule Migros Zurich and the associated dance school Tanzwerk101 was examined in detail by the external certification company Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems (SQS) by means of interviews and insights into day-to-day business. The analysis showed that Klubschule Migros Zürich implements its tasks in a customer-oriented and practical manner, that the learning content and results are of a high quality and that operations are very well organised.
SQS ranked the training centre among the best when it was first certified and did not impose any conditions for improvement. The award is valid for three years and is reviewed regularly.
Certification according to ISO 29990:2010
The internationally recognised SQS certificate ISO 29990:2010 distinguishes education-specific management systems and the continuous improvement of the management system, processes and services. It is compatible with ISO 9001 (quality management), all other management system standards and eduQua, the Swiss quality label for providers of continuing education.
A recent S-GE study by Switzerland Global Enterprise looks at the threats and opportunities for internationally active Swiss companies. Business professors Simon J. Evenett (University of St. Gallen) and Patrick Ziltener (University of Zurich) answer burning questions that concern risk managers.
Editorial office - 04 July 2018
Will Switzerland remain a safe haven even under high protective tariffs? A recent S-GE study highlights potential opportunities and risks for companies exporting globally. (Image: depositphotos)
Daniel Küng, CEO of Switzerland Global Enterprise, is quoted at the beginning of the new S-GE study: "In view of the discussions about a possible trade war and the rising protectionism in the world, our internationally active companies are confronted with a great deal of uncertainty," says the CEO. "With the new study, we want to provide SMEs in particular with guidance for their export strategy." To illustrate the situation for Swiss companies, the study describes global trends in trade policy, highlights the circumstances in seven important countries and regions and shows the consequences for Swiss companies.
Development despite US trade barriers
Accordingly, the US has already introduced more than 100 new trade-restrictive measures per year since 2009, i.e. long before Donald Trump took office. Despite this, Swiss exports to the US grew to CHF 34 billion today from CHF 22 billion in 2012, so it remains to be seen to what extent tariff increases - if they were to actually take effect for Switzerland - would have a negative impact.
Possible disadvantages of new EU agreements
The EU recently concluded a free trade agreement with Japan. According to media reports, negotiations with the South American association of states Mercosur are about to be concluded. In Japan, disadvantages may arise above all for food producers. In South America, the effects are still unclear, but high import duties often apply there, especially in the most important market Brazil.
If these were reduced for EU competitors of Swiss companies, they would have a weighty competitive advantage. Switzerland is also negotiating an agreement with the Mercosur states.
Globalisation projects and agreements in Asia-Pacific
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have the potential to have a lasting impact on global trade flows. Exporters will have to follow their development closely, as their market access conditions will change and they will have to suffer competitive disadvantages in some areas at best. The two so-called "mega-regionals" show that the signs in the region continue to point towards trade integration.
Reinforcing this is "China's Belt and Road Initiative". This huge globalisation project is intended to link 65 countries more closely, which account for two-thirds of the world's population and more than one-third of global gross domestic product. In China, Swiss companies are very well positioned thanks to a bilateral free trade agreement. In 2018, they will benefit from many new tariff reductions under this agreement.
SMEs: analysing individual cases and exploiting opportunities
Daniel Küng, CEO of Switzerland Global Enterprise, comments: "The study by the two experts shows: exporters should take the big headlines with a grain of salt. In individual cases, new agreements in the Asia-Pacific region or in Latin America could perhaps have more influence than the customs policies of the USA or China. At the same time, globalization is constantly creating new opportunities. Negotiations are underway on free trade agreements or trade facilitation measures are coming into force that could benefit Swiss companies. We advise exporters to analyse what is changing in detail for them locally - and to continue to boldly drive their international business forward!"
For an in-depth report on the USA-EU trade controversy and Epxerten comments, see also the Summer edition by Management Quality (2018/07-08)
The study "Swiss Exports between Globalization and Protectionism" is available free of charge on the site of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE):
Apparently, nothing works in management without English. With the increasing internationalization of companies, the discussion about English as a working language is a recurring topic. Managers who proceed carelessly here can fail miserably, as WU researcher Miya Komori-Glatz from the Institute for English Business Communication knows.
mm - 03 July 2018
In her research, Komori-Glatz devoted herself to a synthesis of economic and linguistic publications. (Image: zVg)
In her research on management English, Miya Komori-Glatz focuses on the general language of work. It primarily revolves around a language that circulates in teams and develops in specific work settings. Often it is a language that is not used as a mother tongue. Establishing such a "universal language," however, Komori-Glatz said, results in "lots of mistakes." There are, however, positive signs in terms of teamwork, he said.
Actually, it's everyday life: international teams work and travel in different language circles. But not everyone finds it easy to deal with a foreign language such as English as a working language. "The changeover within a company from German as the language used to work in to English represents a major transition and is difficult for many employees," says the researcher from the WU Institute for English Business Communication. - Many even lack a language concept!
Opportunity and challenge for teams
"The central question is always how all employees can be reached linguistically and how information barriers can be avoided," says the researcher. It became clear that linguistic and communicative competence in English can be a decisive power factor in the company, which can result in advantages or disadvantages for the employees, depending on the situation.
"But at the same time, in another study of our own, we see that linguistic competencies can also develop collaboratively in teams." For this finding, Komori-Glatz observed and interviewed English-speaking working groups of students. It turns out that the groups developed their own conceptualizations, vocabulary, and communicative practices as they worked together. "The students developed together socially as well as professionally. The process of understanding was also accompanied by a shared vocabulary. They adapted not only the content, but also the way of saying something to each other," says Komori-Glatz, "This indicates that - provided that the staff are consciously committed to it - a joint, inclusive development and learning process can emerge. This is how you successfully get where you want to go."
From the kitchenette to the meeting room
However, in order to actually keep all communication channels open between employees, both among themselves and to managers and the company headquarters, the requirements are high. Particularly crucial here is the flexibility to react when information does not reach everyone or barriers arise. "It does not always make sense to offer all information in English only - especially when there is not yet a uniform language level in the company. If managers want to facilitate communication among multicultural employees from the tea kitchen to the meeting room, it requires the flexibility to also offer information in addition still in the predominant native language to avoid knowledge gaps and fluctuating power relations to the information advantage and disadvantage," says Komori-Glatz. "At the same time, it is important that new employees also feel comfortable in the company and are not excluded by the national language."
Five points to consider
Establishing a working language brings with it many pitfalls, but also many opportunities, she says. "In order to optimise information flows in the company, it is above all important to recognise potential barriers and opportunities. Where are the linguistic competences of the employees? Where can so-called "language clusters", i.e. groups of employees with a common language, form and how can this lead to advantages or disadvantages?", Komori-Glatz explains. And there are also many other things to consider:
It needs a concept. If, for example, English is to be established as a working language, fundamental issues must be clarified in advance, such as when it makes sense to use English and how the stakeholders of a company can be reached.
The conversion of a company language is extremely resource-intensive. Documents have to be translated, everything has to be confirmed or rechecked, languages cannot be acquired quickly. Unfortunately, a general language training is often not enough: the training must be tailored specifically to the industry, the company and even the own activity.
Beware of shadow hierarchies! So-called "language nodes", multilingual employees, are a valuable resource for communicating information directly and comprehensibly. However, it becomes difficult when shadow hierarchies develop and the company becomes too dependent on "language nodes" because they have more power than their own function entails.
Information flows must be monitored and, if necessary, innovatively promoted. Regularly seeking feedback is important to ensure that the (right) information gets through. Written preparation for meetings or time for brainstorming in smaller groups helps colleagues with less developed language skills who need more time or language tools to express their ideas and contribute.
Knowledge of foreign languages beyond English is always an advantage. Even if English is the working language, multilingualism promotes informal information flows and the relationship level. Several studies have shown that even very little knowledge of the business partners' language contributes to trust.
Ruag, the armaments group with close ties to the Swiss Confederation, is to be split up. The business units working for the Swiss Armed Forces are to be separated from the international divisions. A partial privatisation of the international division will also be examined by the end of the year.
Editorial office - 29 June 2018
From the beginning of 2020, areas of Ruag will be "unbundled", according to a press release from the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). (Image: depositphotos)
The Swiss armaments group Ruag is being reorganised. From the beginning of 2020, a new company, MRO Holding, or its subsidiary MRO Switzerland, will ensure that the Swiss Armed Forces are equipped as required by law. This was announced by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS).
New umbrella company planned
In March of this year, the Federal Council decided that the company should be split up. It approved the concept presented. The cost of the demerger is estimated at between CHF 60 and 70 million. They are to be borne by Ruag.
This includes the maintenance and repair of army equipment and the upkeep of "mission-relevant systems", such as the F/A-18 fleet. These tasks were previously performed by Ruag Defence and Ruag Aviation.
A second company, Ruag International, is to offer services on the market. This will also include non-safety-related areas such as Ruag Space, Ruag Aerostructures, Ruag Ammotec and Cyber. Both companies will be brought together under the umbrella of a new holding company.
Increase safety
Following a cyber attack on Ruag between 2014 and 2016, the Federal Council decided this March that the company should be split up. At its meeting, it now approved the concept for this.
The Federal Council writes that the unbundling would separate the financial flows and IT systems of the two companies and thus increase security. This is because the IT systems of MRO Switzerland must meet the security standards of the Armed Forces because their services are necessary for Armed Forces operations in all threat situations. (Source: sda/mm)
Money laundering: challenges facing the Swiss financial centre
In the fight against organised crime and money laundering, the Swiss financial centre is particularly in the spotlight due to its global importance. Accordingly, banks and authorities are confronted with various challenges. A new study by KPMG identifies six areas where action is needed.
kpmg/mm - 26 June 2018
Some banks would not only show risk approaches in their IT infrastructures - says the new study by kpmg. (Image: depositphotos)
In the fight against organised crime, money laundering and terrorist financing, the Swiss financial centre is a particular focus of attention due to its global importance. In response to the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) fourth country report on Switzerland in December 2016, the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) conducted an analysis of the published recommendations and weaknesses.
The Federal Council stated that in order to remedy identified weaknesses, the Money Laundering Ordinance of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (MLO-FINMA), the Agreement on the Code of Conduct for the Due Diligence of Banks (CDB) and the regulations of the self-regulatory organisations must be amended. The consultation on the partial revision of the AMLO-FINMA has been completed since 16 October 2017. The revision is expected to enter into force in 2019.
The Swiss Bankers Association is planning to amend the current CDB 16 at the same time as the AMLO-FINMA.
Need for action given
The state wants to make financial intermediaries more accountable through regulation: They are to take on a preventive role by checking parties involved and the origin of new funds more comprehensively. This is no easy task, especially as new technologies and digital currencies are playing into the hands of criminals, and cross-border money flows are becoming increasingly difficult to trace.
On the other hand, regulation has a reactive effect on the one hand, as it lags behind technological development.
On the other hand, some banks have deficits with regard to their risk approaches and IT infrastructures. This is shown by the new study "Clarity on Financial Crime in Banking" by KPMG, in which 50 Swiss banks were surveyed on the challenges in the fight against organized crime and money laundering, but also on the regulatory framework.
The study identifies a need for action by Swiss financial intermediaries in six areas:
Swiss banks have the opportunity to set a clear example in the consistent prevention and detection of financial crime;
They can significantly increase the effectiveness of their risk management by taking institution-specific approaches into account;
They can achieve their compliance goals and reduce related costs by taking a dynamic approach and raising employee awareness;
They can strengthen their own staff by bringing in external expertise;
They can better protect themselves through robust compliance based on a solid corporate culture, appropriate tone at the top, and an effective sanctions system;
They can further improve the quality of reports to the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) in order to make the fight against organised crime and money laundering even more effective.
More targeted engagement in prevention and identification
A more targeted engagement of Swiss banks in the prevention and identification of criminal financial activities ultimately serves the banks themselves. This includes more accurate risk assessments that take into account a bank's own specific business model and serve to identify and prevent criminal financial activities more effectively.
For more on KPMG's "Clarity on Financial Crime in Banking" study, on the impact of financial crime on Swiss banks, see here
