For decades, Latin America has been at the center of the global drug trade. It has also been its chief victim, as the black market narcotics industry has generated high rates of crime in most every country in the region. For example, kidnapping occurs more often in Latin America than in any other area of the world by far. Furthermore, 16 of the 20 countries in the world with the highest rate of homicide are in Latin America and the Caribbean. Fortunately, Argentina has been able to buck this trend to some extent. Although it should not be considered a low crime country, Argentina does experience significantly less criminal activity than other nations in Latin America. That is why it is regrettable that there have been reports of increasing numbers of kidnappings on Argentinian highways. Continue reading
Although Copenhagen was founded in medieval times, it stands out as a modern city in an international age. The Danish capital is one of Europe’s cleanest cities and has one of the most advanced metro systems in the world. The consultancy Mercer ranks Copenhagen 11th in the world on ‘quality of life’ and 9th in the world on ‘safety.’ The city has also become a hub for international businesses and organizations. For example, Carlsberg Brewery Group and Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, are both headquartered there. International organizations also have a large presence in the city. The headquarters for the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS) is located in Copenhagen. Additionally, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Program, the World Food Program, and the World Health Organization all have offices in Denmark’s historic capital. Continue reading
In July 2012, the Ebola virus broke out in a remote village in western Uganda, reawakening the public’s fear and fascination with this deadly disease. As of this writing, there have been 20 infections and 15 fatalities in total. According to the World Health Organization, the situation is now under control, and the outbreak is contained. Despite the low death toll, there are worries that future outbreaks could be deadlier. Continue reading
The protection of intellectual property has become an increasing concern among businesses throughout the world. After all, gaining a technological edge is often the key to gaining the competitive edge in the market place. That is why national governments, the World Trade Organization, and the United Nations have all put effort in to creating laws, regulations, and guidelines to protect intellectual property.
When people think about intellectual property, they tend to think of things such as television shows, music, films, and video games. They are also inclined to believe that Continue reading
When people think of corporate espionage, they tend to imagine scenarios ripped out of a 1990s spy thriller. In the real world, however, intellectual property theft is much more mundane and, unfortunately, much more common. In some instances, the illegal disclosure of intellectual property may be done unintentionally or out of ignorance of the legal consequences. In other cases, it is the end result of a sophisticated and years-long operation to uncover a company’s trade secrets. The methods by which corporate espionage is conducted are myriad, and security managers would be well advised to keep all of them in mind when formulating their security plans. Continue reading
Pickpocketing goes back hundreds of years and is still practiced in much of the world today. Although few people endorse the crime, society tends to view pickpockets more kindly than thugs, gangsters, and other common criminals. After all, it is a craft requiring both skill and training. Pickpocketing has also been the subject of many well known plot lines in literature, such as in Charles Dickens’ famous novel Oliver Twist, making it somehow less threatening in the eyes of many.
For some firms, trade secrets and proprietary technology are their single largest competitive advantage. Unfortunately, these advantages are becoming ever more vulnerable to exploitation by corporate spies. Even though it is illegal, industrial espionage continues to be a threat for global firms, and it is critical that businesses take steps to protect their most vital information. Unfortunately, many perpetrators of corporate espionage are affiliated with foreign governments or remain anonymous, making prosecution difficult if not impossible. That is why it is crucial for firms to adopt a defensive posture against this ever-persistent threat. The following are 10 simple strategies businesses can follow in order to reduce their risk of corporate espionage and maintain their competitive edge. Continue reading
Workplace violence is a concern for almost every business, manager, and human resources department. Although it is a phenomenon that affects men more than women, organizations should pay special attention to workplace violence’s unique impact on female employees. After all, according to the Department of Justice over 250,000 women are victims of workplace violence each year. Moreover, the threats facing women are often different from those facing men, and policies implemented to protect males will not necessarily be as effective in protecting females. Continue reading
Unlike many cities in Europe, Tokyo is almost entirely modern. With little left of its historical past, the bustling metropolis is typified by skyscrapers, concrete, and electric lights. This is largely because the city was devastated by bombing during World War II and had to be rebuilt during the post-war years.
Most visitors to Tokyo are struck by its sheer size. Indeed, with a population over 30 million, Japan’s capital is the world’s largest metropolitan area. During the Cold War, Tokyo was the heart of East Asian industrialization and modernization. For this reason, it has become a center for business across the region. Perhaps that is why a staggering 47 companies on the Forbes 500 are headquartered in the city.
In our last article, we discussed the potential for war in the Persian Gulf and the impact this could have on firms with employees assigned there. In today’s post, we will be discussing the potential threats and contingencies firms should prepare for if a conflict in the Gulf does break out.
Obviously, the best course of action for any business would be to evacuate its employees and their dependents prior to the commencement of hostilities. However, there is no guarantee of advance warning, and there may not be adequate time for an orderly withdrawal of personnel before the fighting begins. Furthermore, standard crisis and evacuation plans may prove inadequate given the potential for a high-intensity conflict lasting for several months. That is why it is crucially important that firms prepare themselves for the special challenges that could materialize if a war in the Persian Gulf ensues. Continue reading