Article Abstract:
Some asset consultants have effectively taken on the role of investment advisers for Australia's $375 billion superannuation industry, and they have been treading on territory previously handled only by fund managers, which have been voicing criticism about conflict of interest. The consultants use implementation services, sector-specialist management, and implementation services. Implementation services are the day-today handling of portfolios and strategy and are not readily distinguishable from services of fund managers. Sector-specialist management has the best managers in each class do the investing. Index managers use computer models to set up portfolios.
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Article Abstract:
Industrial gas supplier BOC Australia is using AgentNET, an electronic commerce system that cuts sales and materials costs and improves distribution of gas cylinders and other industrial supplies. AgentNET allows BOC's agents to manage accounts through an Internet link to the company's central system. AgentNET will also cut the cost of manually handling the 780,000 dockets received from agents each year. BOC has 129 of its 800 agents online and expects to save about $600,000 a year.
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Article Abstract:
Although the steel business is successful, it is difficult to remain competitive in a changing market. Australia's two largest steel producers, BHP Steel and Smorgon Steel, each retain their competitive edge by utilizing new technologies and new market segments. Details of the ways in which each of these companies are doing this are included.
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