Using Analytics To Address Inflation Risks And Strengthen Competitive Positioning

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During 2021 and 2022, consumer inflation accelerated in most developed and emerging economies. In the United States, the consumer price index (CPI) rose from 2.6 percent in March 2021 to 8.5 percent in March of this year.

In June, the pace reached 9.1 percent, the fastest in 40 years, while producer prices have increased faster still. In the eurozone, consumer inflation reached 8.6 percent in June 2022, its highest-ever level

Investors, economists, and forecasting institutions expect inflation to ease, but only gradually. (July measurements were somewhat lower in the United States but higher still in the eurozone.) The return of inflation is linked to the pandemic—the public-health measures taken to contain the spread of the virus and the economic and fiscal measures taken to mitigate the disruption this caused. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is exacerbating the inflationary dynamics.

Inflation accelerated in an environment of strong consumer demand, supply shortages, production shortfalls, and rising energy prices. The main inflation driver, energy prices, increased in Europe by 38 percent in April and by 45 percent in March. In June, the core inflation rate in the eurozone (inflation excluding energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco) was 4.2 percent, a record level but one that underscores the lopsided composition of the overall rate.

For many companies, a high-inflation environment is an unstable and insecure one to operate in. Responding to inflation is of paramount importance now, but responses must carefully account for future inflation, impact on the company business model, and the time lag for any response to manifest.

Analytics can be used to improve decision making in a high-inflation environment, with the level of analytics sophistication determined by the business requirements. In sectors where businesses are highly specialized and margins are thin—such as consumer packaged goods—analytics will need to be more precise to aid in developing a nuanced understanding of exposures. On the other hand, high-margin enterprises (software development or luxury goods, for example) can benefit from a more conceptual approach, without building deep analytics.

Inflation forecasting is a separate and complex topic of its own, and in developing inflation responses, most organizations use forecasts and scenarios developed externally. Analytics for decision making, on the other hand, cannot be outsourced. Without resorting to direct inflation forecasting, companies can use a flexible, analytically sophisticated method to help determine how and when to react. The approach includes assessing the extent of exposure and breaking down the types of exposures.

Konga Mega Computing Sales Goes Live Monday

The much-anticipated Konga Mega Computing Sales powered with huge discounts and incentives and same day delivery goes live from Monday, August 29, 2022 for two weeks.

According to the Management of Konga, additional discounts are on offer for customers via its CSR arm, Konga Kares, thereby making it the most discounted computing sales of all seasons this year. Feelers indicate that Konga guarantees to refund customers the difference in price if they find cheaper prices for same genuine products in any channel in Africa.

The promotion is geared at encouraging digital emancipation of citizens and it is being supported by HP, Samsung, Lenovo, ASUS, Zinox etc for Corporates, Educational Institutions, student who are first-time buyers or planning to upgrade their existing Pcs, Laptops, Tablets, Printers and Consumables. Guaranteed same day delivery in Lagos and Abuja has also been projected for within 15 minutes – 6 hours.

Sharing some insights into the promotion, Okezie Akaniro, Executive Director, Online & Corporate Sales, disclosed that the Konga Mega Computing Sales would deliver huge value for price-sensitive shoppers.

Konga Mega Computing Sales Goes Live Monday

‘‘At Konga, we are not unmindful of the current global economic challenges, of which Nigeria is not left out. This is one of the reasons we are, once again, extending a helping hand to fresh or returning students and their parents, to schools, corporate organisations and other consumers through the Konga Mega Computing Sales. All purchases are going at unmatched discounted rates, with best prices in the market guaranteed for genuine products.

‘‘Part of our campaign goals are to assist parents in ensuring that their children or wards start or return to school in fine form for the start of the upcoming academic year, aiding schools equip or upgrade their range of computing devices, while also complementing the efforts of corporate organizations in improving employee and business performance through the acquisition of cutting-edge devices and tools,’’ he disclosed.

Continuing, Akaniro stated that: ‘‘A recent study revealed that learning in a variety of subjects — including the STEM disciplines (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) receives an impressionable boost when students or educational institutions incorporate the use of computing devices in the classroom and at home. Therefore, it goes without saying that a price-friendly promotion such as this can go a long way in helping us get a laptop in the hands of every student without breaking the bank.

‘‘Schools can also take advantage of special deals to buy in bulk for more personalized learning opportunities to help prepare students better or to equip their staff while corporate bodies too can equally benefit in upgrading their profiles as contemporary workspaces, all at prices that make sense in line with current realities,’’ he submitted.

The Konga Mega Computing Sales is powered by Intel. Also, several top brands including HP, Samsung, Dell, Zinox, Lenovo and Asus, among others, have partnered with Konga to offer shoppers the best deals throughout the campaign period.

The promo runs from Monday, August 29 – Sunday, September 11, 2022.

LG Signature Inspirations: A Journey To The Tireless Pursuit Of Perfection

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Perfection’, it takes a lot of effort, passion and dedication to be achieved. This is something that LG SIGNATURE and its brand ambassadors, world class golfers Jin Young Ko and Sung Hyun Park, know from first-hand experience.

Whether it’s the creation of gorgeous, technologically advanced appliances that elevate daily life, or memorable, winning performances at the highest level of professional sport, the road to perfection requires total commitment from start to finish.

In July, LG SIGNATURE released the short film ‘The Perfect Road,’ which follows the renowned female golfer, Jin Young Ko, LG’s premium brand, and The Amundi Evian Championship, as each continues a journey to be the very best. The film illustrates the passion and dedication shared by those at the top of their respective games, and has just been followed up with an equally compelling short exploring what it takes to excel, entitled ‘Road to Perfection.

Read on to discover how two of the top-ranked players in women’s golf continue to achieve greater success, and how LG SIGNATURE, as part of its sponsorship of The Amundi Evian Championship, offered global golf fans a special opportunity to meet their sports heroines in-person at an autograph signing event.

What have you been up to since the Evian Championship?

Ko: Once The Amundi Evian Championship finished, I flew straight to Scotland where I played in the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, and then the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield. After that, I came home to Korea and spent a week working out and practicing.

Park: After The Amundi Evian Championship, I took a week off to practice and work on a few areas of my game before playing in the AIG Women’s Open. Right now, I’m taking a little break to relax, reset and get ready for my next tournament.

How was the special signing event at the Evian Championship? Did you enjoy being able to meet with your fans again?

Park: It was really nice to meet with the fans again after such a long time and having the opportunity to do so at the beautiful Evian Resort Golf Club just made the event all the more special.

Ko: It was always a source of sadness that we couldn’t meet with fans in person during the pandemic, and I really think this event was such a great way to welcome them back and say “thank you” for all their support. And I also want to acknowledge those fans who travelled long distances to see us, despite the weather being so hot that day.

The recently released ‘Road to Perfection’ video has made quite an impact. What does the quest for perfection mean to you?

Ko: There are people everywhere who strive for perfection, and for golfers, perfection means performing to the best of your abilities out on the course. Although it’s an individual sport, it’s really a team effort at the end of the day. We rely on our caddies, our specialist trainers and coaches, our friends and families, not to mention everyone involved in keeping the courses themselves in top condition.

You need all those ingredients for a great performance and that’s why I love representing LG SIGNATURE, because they really understand what it means to strive for perfection. From their premium appliances to their sponsorship of The Amundi Evian Championship and the events and promotions they put on; it’s all about delivering memorable moments and unique experiences that reflect an ongoing commitment to being the best.

From your point of view, what do LG SIGNATURE and professional golfers have in common?

Park: Golf requires concentration, skill and an unfailing determination to perform as well as you possibly can – every shot, round and tournament. It’s about never letting up and always trying to reach the next level. And that’s exactly what I see in LG SIGNATURE, a brand that has already achieved mastery, but never compromised in any aspect. We had one of their refrigerators near the first hole at The Amundi Evian Championship, filled with perfectly-chilled drinks to quench our thirst during the heat of the day. And what you immediately noticed about the fridge was just how perfectly it performed, and how perfect it looked. From its precise temperature control to its timeless design and premium materials; everything was so seamless, as though it was completed by a master craftsman.

You can see all the hard work, attention to detail and skill LG SIGNATURE puts into every appliance, and those are precisely the same ingredients you need to succeed as a professional golfer.

What are your top tips for reaching ‘perfection’?

Ko: For me, I would say the biggest thing is to practice every single day, without exception. There’s a specific feeling I need to be at my best, and I’m able to maintain that feeling through continuous practice.

Park: To keep thinking and contemplating. You must always consider what areas you have to improve on, and what steps you need to take to perform better and achieve the consistency and results you’re looking for.

As your golfing careers progress, what do you want the future to look like? What are your goals?

Park: Regardless of how many tournament victories the future holds, I just want to keep playing a brand of golf that is satisfying and enjoyable to me.

Ko: In golf, I want to achieve my goals and share my successes with the people I truly care about. I’ve always found that I’m happiest and thriving the most when I feel a real sense of togetherness and belonging.

UCLdraw: Barca, Bayern Clash Highlights UEFA Champions League

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The 2022-2023 season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) draw was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday.

The biggest clubs across the top European leagues are set to compete for the top continental prize and they’ll start their journey with the group stage which is set to kick off on September 6, 2022.

Defending champions Real Madrid and other European heavyweights like Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Manchester City, and Liverpool are still the favorites for the coveted title.

Brand Spur Nigeria has the full list of the UCL group stage draw for the 2022-23 season below:

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Nigeria: Buhari Seeks More FIFA Support For Nigerian Football

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked for more support from the World Soccer Governing Body, FIFA in the bid to reposition Nigerian football for greater impact and its all round growth and development.

This digital news platform reports that President Buhari made this call on Tuesday at the State House, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja while receiving the report of the 10 Year Football Development Masterplan Committee.

Buhari said his administration has demonstrated the political will to create and develop a conducive environment for football, which he describes as a national asset that should be safeguarded.

His words: “This government has demonstrated the political will. It will match it up with making the right laws and investment, and also work with critical stakeholders.

“We are interested in developing a football culture that will accommodate global best practices that will also help the nation to lay a solid foundation for her domestic football, put in place professionally and efficiently run leagues, entrench a consistent and stable football calendar and create a value chain which will boost the sports ecosystem.

“I thank FIFA for its support and commitment to the development of Nigerian football which has been longstanding. I trust it will partner with Nigeria in its efforts to improve the fundamentals of its football development,” President Buhari said.

How Public Private Technology Partnerships Can Boost Trade And Help Realise Africa’s Economic Potential By Ali Karim Alio

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As the digital transformation continues to stride across Africa, it is clearing the way and opening vast swathes of potential for its nations, businesses, and citizens.

The continent stands on the cusp of a tech explosion with several nations having achieved sustained growth in internet-driven GDP (iGDP)2 – in many cases doubling from 1.5% to more than 3% since 2012 (https://accntu.re/3Cz3zY4). Some experts put the economic growth in Africa at US$180 billion, and if trends continue it could rise to US$712 billion by 2025.

The flow of trade into and out of the continent is integral to this growth, and as the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) effects begin to be increasingly felt, the amount of trade among African nations is set to double (https://bit.ly/3Ctg8UE).

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (https://bit.ly/3ciY8l8), Africa currently accounts for 2.9% of the world production, and 2.6% of world trade. Intra-Africa trade stands at 15.4%. If the ease of regional and international trade improves, this figure could be significantly higher. For this potential to be realised, however, it is critical for governments to work together with businesses, in private-public partnerships (PPPs).

The Niger Example

The work the Nigerien government has conducted in conjunction with the country’s private sector stands as a testament to this. As a landlocked country, it depends on its neighbour’s infrastructure to import and export goods, which can lead to prohibitive costs.

It is for these reasons the Niger government has planned to build the Dosso dry port (https://bit.ly/3R548fW) in conjunction with Bolloré Africa Logistics (BAL) as a way of reducing costs, minimising risks for the country’s operators (https://bit.ly/3PQ5U3B), improving and speeding up procedures, tightening security and increasing customs and tax receipts. This helped overcome a significant obstacle for the country’s economic development, and eased congestion at the seaports of Cotonou (Benin), Lome (Togo), Tema (Ghana), and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

The ease and efficiency of goods movement have been bolstered further by a PPP contract between the Nigerien government and Webb Fontaine (https://bit.ly/3PRe0cr), which saw the implementation and long-term management of the new government-owned Niger National Single Window project (NNSW). Deployed over four years, Single Window included the roll-out of a state-of-the-art Port Community System, created specifically for Niger as a landlocked nation.

With one single platform through which all stakeholders – international and domestic traders, banks, and various administrative government departments – have access, Niger’s import/export processes have been streamlined and sped up. The platform digitises the approval of licenses and permits for imported/exported regulated products and provides payment platform for trade documents. Previously, the application for the flow of goods was a complicated process taking several days – or even weeks. Today, it can be accomplished in a matter of hours. This, in turn, has a knock-on positive effect on other areas of the import/export process – transportation of goods, for example, can also proceed more quickly.

This ten-year initiative is still paying dividends as it is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its stakeholders; the developers are cognisant that not every user of the platform is the same, and as new requirements or challenges in the supply chains are encountered, stakeholder feedback is listened to, considered, and applied where possible. Furthermore, the platform acts as a bridging entity between organisations that may not wish to share their inner processes, such as competing banks, for example. Single Window’s developers have integrated payment gateways into the platform that enable the banks individual customers to transact securely, without having to reveal proprietary information to their competitors.

The success of public private partnerships such as these will help to ease the flow of goods across borders is not limited to Niger. It has already proven a success in other countries, such as Nigeria (https://bit.ly/3pKEGkk), Congo (https://bit.ly/3RcNUkW), Cote d’Ivoire, Benin and Guinea. As more governments collaborate with the private sector to make import/export easier, they will help to unleash the vast potential for economic growth that exists in Africa.

Extrusion Workshops of LESSO Indonesia Have Been Officially Put into Operation, Accelerating the Expansion of Global Markets

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 26 August 2022 – On August 25, the extrusion workshops of the first-stage production base of PT. Lesso Technology Indonesia officially went into operation, marking Lesso Indonesia the cornerstone for China Lesso ( https://en.lesso.com/ ) to accelerate its expansion in the Southeast Asian market, further improve the overseas market layout, and expedite the pace of localization development.

The complete trial and official launch of the first stage of the production base in Indonesia will enrich the overseas portfolio of China Lesso Group, deepen the service foundation and sales pattern covering the whole country and the world, and promote the localized development of the brand overseas gradually.

China Lesso has more than 30 years of experience in this field and is dedicated to creating a relaxing life for thousands of families worldwide. By bringing top-notch goods and services to people all around the world, China Lesso will strive to fulfil its brand slogan, “Envisioning the Better, Building the Future.”

Hashtag: #LESSO

WingsOverAsia Singapore FBO Announces Rebranding of Membership Club & Enhancement of Private Aviation Services

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 26 August 2022 – WingsOverAsia, an integrated private aviation service provider based in Singapore, is announcing the rebranding of its membership services ‘ClubWOA’ into two distinct memberships: WOA Flying Club and ClubWOA Social. In addition to the rebranding, it is also introducing enhancements to its private jet handling services.

WingsOverAsia first launched ClubWOA as an exclusive flying network offering members a platform to connect, network, and exchange ideas. The membership network has since grown into a robust social network with members across Asia, with a focus on aviation, travel, and lifestyle. Due to its commercial success, the membership network is separating into two discrete entities to distinguish its services more effectively.

WOA Flying Club is described as an aviator’s club that focuses on flight training and aircraft owner/pilot support services. The club connects aviation enthusiasts, aspiring pilots, corporate flight departments and aircraft owners into a social network.

Latest introductions exclusive to the club include the launch of WingsOverAsia’s Singapore Private Pilot License (PPL) program with a refreshed syllabus, the addition of Diamond DA40 single-engine and DA42/DA62 twin-engine aircraft to the WOA training fleet, and the incorporation of flight instructors with overseas flight training experience into WOA pilot programs. Members will also be able to enjoy private jet charter services at preferential rates. The introductions will allow for a more curated aviation experience for WOA Flying Club members, who can now benefit from a customised journey based on their preferences.

ClubWOA is an aviation-themed social lifestyle club focusing on hospitality and event services. Members enjoy access to all-inclusive perks, leisure experiences, and exclusive content and opportunities ranging from yachting trips to private networking events.

New additions to the club facilities include enhancements to the food and beverage menu and related services, as well as improvements to the environment and amenities of the club lounge. Members may anticipate an elevated enjoyable experience when visiting ClubWOA and greater value from their membership attributable to these upgrades. With the enhancements, ClubWOA will further its role as a premier destination for business and leisure aviation enthusiasts, hosting leading entertainment and networking events in the region.

A twofold increase in demand for its ground handling services has also prompted equipment and hospitality services enhancements. Recent expansions include additional tow tractors for mid-size business jets, additional ground support equipment for more efficient jet handling turnaround time, a new towbar-less tow truck for safely handling large business jets such as Boeing Business Jets and Airbus Corporate Jets, as well as a doubled experienced manpower headcount and VIP passenger and luggage handling vehicles for faster passenger departure and arrival clearance.

With these enhancements to its prestige aviation membership clubs and jet handling operations, WingsOverAsia aims to provide both private aviation members and business jet operators with a richer experience, add value across its service delivery platform, and transform the aviation experience with enhancements at every customer touchpoints. The business has already experienced some early success with its offerings and intends to keep extending its reach throughout Asia.

Established in 2009, WingsOverAsia (WOA) is the first integrated private aviation service provider and developer in Asia, located at Seletar Airport in Singapore. It shares years of history prior to its inception, dating back to 2003. After returning from the USA with a Private Pilot License, the founder Yeow Meng began using his social networking technology skills to launch Asia’s first online private aviation blog to share his leisure flying adventures all over Asia. The blog further morphed into an interactive social networking portal, and offline membership services such as flying tours, aviation lifestyle events, and aircraft sales cum delivery support began to emerge. Decades later, it expanded into what is now known as WingsOverAsia.

From its fixed base operator (FBO) headquarters in Singapore, WOA offers a fully integrated suite of private aviation services in-house, including aircraft sales, flight training, ground handling, membership services, private jet charter and management, and worldwide trip support services for jets. The rebranding of its regional membership network and enhancements to its private jet handling services are part of WOA’s culture of relentless pursuit of innovation and continuous improvements in serving the general aviation community. Having pioneered the aviation lifestyle concept and business model, WingsOverAsia has established itself as a leading partner in the aviation sector.

For more information, please visit https://www.wingsoverasia.com/, and for more details on WOA Flying Club and ClubWOA Social, please visit https://www.wingsoverasia.com/woa-flying-club and https://www.wingsoverasia.com/clubwoa-social

Hashtag: #WingsOverAsia

Bybit Launchpad 2.0 to Host Token of Okse IEO

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach – 26 August 2022 – Bybit, the third most visited cryptocurrency exchange in the world, will list OKSE, the utility token of Okse Card and Okse Wallet, on Bybit Launchpad 2.0.

Okse is a DeFi system designed to revolutionize the financial market, powered by BNB Smart Chain, Avalanche, and Fantom. The Okse Wallet allows users to do away with third parties between them and their funds. They can also use the Okse Card to make payments to a variety of merchants worldwide, with complete decentralization until funds reach the payment provider. The card can only be accessed through the Okse Wallet, which requires Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification.

The Wallet is available for Android and iOS, and the Okse virtual debit card allows users to spend their crypto assets at over 60 million merchants worldwide, with the card being accepted in over 170 countries.

Bybit will host the initial exchange offering for OKSE, which will be available on the Bybit Launchpad 2.0, a revamped platform for groundbreaking blockchain projects, with the full spot listing scheduled for Sept. 05. Bybit users can access the token on Launchpad 2.0, a freshly revamped platform for groundbreaking blockchain projects. Bybit users can commit BIT to subscribe to token allocations, or participate in Launchpad 2.0’s new lottery model where users stake a nominal amount of Tether (USDT) for the chance to win allocations of new tokens. Users can also buy the best performing tokens from previous listings via the Launchpad.

The OKSE token is a crypto asset that is essential in allowing users to upgrade their daily debit card and payment limits, and reap spend to earn rewards. Additionally, staking OKSE tokens gives users governance power in the Okse Wallet.

Okse’s primary investors include Cypher Capital and private investors.

Hashtag: #Bybit

About Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in March 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One racing team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, esports teams NAVI, Astralis, Alliance, Virtus.pro, Made in Brazil (MIBR) and Oracle Red Bull Racing Esports, and association football (soccer) teams Borussia Dortmund and Avispa Fukuoka.

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