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The article examines economic conditions in Japan. A forecast that the country had its first balance of trade deficit since 1980 in 2011 is discussed as an indication of fundamental changes in the country's economy including the offshore outsourcing of manufacturing by Japanese corporations, an increase in retired persons and the continued high value of its national currency, the yen.

The article discusses circumstances surrounding the Japanese government's decision to order the evacuation of the village of Iitate following a March 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. A shift in weather patterns caused radioactive snow to fall on Iitate shortly after the accident. Owing in part to uncertainty about the science involved, over a month passed before the government ordered an evacuation.

The article reports that the telecommunication company Sprint Nextel Corp. has abandoned its plan to sell the Blackberry Playbook tablet computer produced by the firm Research in Motion Ltd. to customers of Sprint Nextel's wireless communication systems network. Sprint Nextel cited a lack of demand among business customers for the device. Research in Motion's inability to persuade a large U.S. telecommunication firm to market its tablet computer is considered.

The article discusses the unsafe work conditions of laborers and subcontractors charged with nuclear cleanup at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan following a March 2011 accident there. Plant owner Tokyo Electric Power Co. has relied heavily on relatively uneducated workers to assist at the plant, and in many instances they have had little training for or understanding of the hazards encountered.

The article presents the publication's recreation of events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan following a March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The account is based on documents released by the plant's owner, Tokyo Electric Power Co., as well as on interviews with government, industry, and legislative personnel.

The article reports that regulators in Japan believe an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant caused by a March 2011 earthquake and tsunami rivals in severity the 1986 mishap at a nuclear plant in Chernobyl, Ukraine. Both the Fukushima and Chernobyl incidents have been assigned the highest level of gravity in a ratings system set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The article discusses initial efforts to address damage at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power facility in Japan following an earthquake and tsunami in March, 2011. Officials of Tokyo Electric Power Co. were reportedly reluctant to use seawater to cool an overheating reactor due to concerns over causing damage to equipment. They finally acted after being ordered to do so by the nation's prime minister.

The article discusses a disagreement between smartphone maker Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM) and wireless service providers such as AT&T Inc. over how data related to mobile-payments technology will be stored in smartphones. The providers want the data to be stored on portable memory cards that can be swapped among phones, while RIM wants to embed the data in the phone itself.

The article examines the number of victims of the Sendai earthquake and ensuing tsunami which struck Japan on March 11, 2011. Reasons why the official government estimate of 12,920 dead or missing following the disaster is considered to be a fraction of the number of actual victims are discussed, particularly the fact that Japan's government does not declare persons missing unless they are reported as missing by a citizen, while in many places residents have either been evacuated or are victims

The article reports that mining company BHP Billiton has abandoned its $38.6 billion offer to buy potash producer Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan. BHP indicated it was not prepared to meet conditions for the takeover specified by the Canadian government. BHP chief executive Marius Kloppers said his firm would nonetheless develop an industry presence in Canada.

The article discusses developments at smartphone maker Research in Motion Ltd. The company unveiled its "Torch 9800" smartphone that will become available for sale in August, 2010. Saudi Arabia joined the United Arab Emirates in banning service for the firm's BlackBerry smartphones. At issue is advanced encryption technology used by BlackBerry devices.

The article discusses efforts by Research in Motion Ltd. to encourage developers to create more apps for its BlackBerry smartphones. Factors that discourage developers include lack of standardization across Blackberry models, and a development toolkit that some software producers find unwieldy. Blackberry plans to introduce easier-to-use development tools, and will also debut an updated version of its online apps store.

The article reports that smartphone manufacturer Research in Motion Inc. (RIM) is testing internally several new smartphones aimed at competing with devices such as the iPhone smartphone and iPad tablet computer from Apple Inc. At least one RIM product will come equipped with a touch screen. In March, 2010, RIM's market share for smartphone shipments in North America fell to 38% from 54% for the year-ago month.

The article discusses the inukshuk-like figure chosen by the Vancouver Organizing Committee as the official mascot for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. Imitations have abounded, from inukshuk-styled bottle openers to an inukshuk at the Vancouver Aquarium made of over 4,300 cans of tuna and salmon.

The article discusses the thriving residential real-estate market in Canada. An index that tracks house prices in the nation's six largest cities has recorded gains for seven consecutive months. By one estimate the average price of a home in Canada reached a record high in 2009. Although Canada's central bank said it is not yet alarmed by the price increases, former government official Garth Turner predicts prices will at some point reverse sharply.

The article discusses challenges presented to Iqaluit in the Canadian territory of Nunavut by the Group of 7 meeting it will host in February, 2010. Iqaluit is 200 miles below the Arctic circle, has temperatures that can reach 40 degrees below zero fahrenheit, and is equipped with relatively few amenities. Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty believes the meeting will be memorable.

The article discusses accusations lodged against TD Bank in connection with a business started by Florida attorney Scott Rothstein. Rothstein accepted cash from investors in exchange for future settlements from lawsuits. Investors say TD Bank allowed Rothstein to deplete bank accounts related to that venture. Rothstein is being investigated for possible fraud.

The article discusses varying effects of weakness in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar. In Nova Scotia, Canada, Christmas-tree farmer Matthew Wright sees his income from exports to the U.S. fall when the American dollar declines. Conversely and under the same circumstances, David Campbell in Salem, New York enjoys increased profitability on exports of maple syrup to Canada.

The article discusses how a severe economic recession in the U.S. has affected the pay and benefits of employees. Many firms have imposed cuts in compensation and contributions to retirement plans, and increased employees' share of health-insurance costs. Autodesk Inc. executive Jan Becker notes the difficulty firms have in reducing benefits without alienating workers.

The article reports that a significant number of major corporations issued earnings statements for the second quarter of 2009 that were markedly better than those of the previous two quarters, leading some economists to forecast that the worst of the recession caused by the global financial crisis will end in 2009. Companies which surpassed analyst expectations include Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Sony Corp.

The article reports that surprisingly strong profit reports for the second quarter of 2009 from major companies including Ford Motor resulted in a sharp increase in U.S. stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average index rose 2.12 percent to close at its highest level since November 5, 2008. The index has increased by 38.5 percent since its low for 2009 on March 9.

The article discusses efforts by Indian firm Mahindra Satyam to distance itself from an accounting fraud perpetrated by former chief executive B. Ramalinga Raju. Mahindra executives have looked at other companies that suffered scandals such as Tyco International Inc. and Xerox Corp. for ideas on how to move forward.

The article discusses the ability of homeless people in the U.S. to retain access to the Internet. By the end of 2009 New York City hopes to have Internet access available at all of its 9 homeless shelters. "SF Homeless" is an Internet forum devoted to issues affecting the homeless. The Internet habits of several homeless persons are discussed.

The article discusses the impact of an economic recession on supply chain management. When recession strikes, firms that practice "just in time" supply chain management reduce their orders sharply. Consequently, their suppliers have scant ability to predict future orders. Circumstances in the consumer electronics industry illustrate the problem.

The article reports that several top corporate executives continue to enjoy expensive perquisites despite growing public opposition. Dana Holding Corp., which came out of bankruptcy in January, 2008, spent over $2 million that year on chartered planes for company officials. James M. Bernhard Jr. of Shaw Group Inc. generated travel expenses of over $600,000.

The article discusses results of a survey conducted by the publication on compensation for chief executives at 200 large U.S. companies during 2008. Although the median bonus award was down almost 11%, the median salary increased 4.5%. The top pay package went to co-chief executive Sanjay K. Jha of Motorola Inc., whose compensation including stock grants totaled $104 million.

The article discusses chief executive officers who received bonuses for 2008 despite poor results from their companies. Although shares of Hovnanian Enterprises fell 62% during 2008, Ara Hovnanian received a $1.5 million bonus. Duncan Niederauer of NYSE Euronext was paid $4 million, despite his firm's net income having fallen by $738 million compared to 2007.

The article reports that Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, told a committee of the U.S. Congress that recovery from the 2008-2009 recession could begin as early as 2010. Economic indicators, however, suggest that the financial crisis and recession are continuing to feed on each other to weaken economic conditions. Consumer confidence and home price indexes showed large declines in January, 2009.

The article discusses renewed interest on the part of companies in reconfiguring their stock-based compensation policies. Amid a declining stock market the total compensation for those receiving stock grants and options could actually decline, perhaps encouraging them to seek work elsewhere. A survey conducted by consultant Mercer found about half of firms surveyed are contemplating changes in stock-based compensation.

The article discusses circumstances surrounding Kalamazoo County State Bank in Michigan to illustrate difficulties faced by small community banks in navigating a recession in the U.S. Chief executive James McPhee observes that personal feelings can enter into many banking decisions, owning to long familiarity with some customers.

The article reports that increasing numbers of firms in the U.S. are acting to compensate employees for unprofitable stock options they hold. Approaches include exchanging the options for cash, and issuing new options with a better potential to become profitable. Firms say their actions boost employee morale, although some shareholders object that nobody makes good their losses when stocks decline.

The article discusses gay couples in the U.S. who participate in multiple marriage and civil-union ceremonies. Owing to great variation among the 50 states concerning such matters as the legality of gay marriage and recognition of marriages performed out-of-state, some couples including Daniel McNeil and Patrick Canavan have exchanged vows in several different locales.

The article discusses a rise in the U.S. of complaints about religious discrimination filed with local, state, and federal authorities. Muslim employees of Tyson Foods Inc. and Gold'n Plump Poultry Inc. have registered complaints concerning religious observances. The Las Vegas, Nevada police department was ordered by a court to permit a Jewish officer to wear a beard.

The article discusses various proposals for reform that have emerged as the U.S. Congress considers a proposed $700 billion bailout of the financial industry. Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Christopher Cox has called for regulatory oversight of exotic financial instruments. Senate Democrats want to cap the pay of executives whose firms benefit from the bailout.

The article discusses how Best Buy Co. harnesses its employees' knowledge to predict how well a product or service might sell. Employees participate in an imaginary market where transactions reflect their opinions about the company's offerings. Best Buy vice president Tim Sheehan also monitors a Web site on which employees post opinions.

The article discusses anti-bicycling activist Rob Anderson of San Francisco, California. Anderson has fought measures to promote cycling as a means of transportation, arguing that new and expanded bike paths reduce the space available for automobiles, thus increasing idling, traffic congestion, and pollution.

The article focuses on Frank Dangeard, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the electronics company Thomson SA. Since becoming CEO in 1996, Dangeard engineered a major restructuring of the firm, selling its television receiver production division and purchasing companies which made television broadcasting system equipment and DVDs. The strategy did not produce the desired financial results; Thomson's stock price has fallen 50 percent in 2008, and Dangeard resigned on April 10, 2008.

The article examines how U.S. corporations are coping with 2006 regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requiring that more information on how companies calculate executives' compensation be presented on their proxy statements. Companies such as Applied Materials Inc. and John Deere have presented statements of staggering mathematical complexity. Critics state this proves the imprecise standards for executive pay.

The article discusses Bijan Khosrowshahi, chief executive of Fuji Fire & Marine Insurance of Japan. Khosrowshahi does not speak Japanese and is one of a small number of foreigners to head a Japanese company. He has reduced the firm's executive ranks while encouraging employees to assume greater initiative.

The article focuses on an increase in the numbers of corporations worldwide, including Lenovo Group Ltd. and Thomson SA, that have multiple headquarters located across the globe. The increase has been linked to interglobal mergers and global expansion and in some cases, a desire to reduce the companies' tax bills.

The article focuses on the impact a lack of proper understanding of the English language and its subtleties is having on corporations across the globe that maintain business relationships with U.S. companies. A discussion of problem areas the companies have noted they have difficulties in when speaking English, including telephone calls and e mails, is presented. The impact the difficulties are having on the teaching methods of English language schools, including York Associates, is presented.

The article reports on an increase in the number of researchers that are looking inside the brain for business insights. The increase has been attributed to more powerful diagnostic tools and an improved understanding of how the brain influences character, personality and behavior. The case of Arizona State University management professor Pierre Balthazard, who is conducting brain research in the hopes of finding what parts of the brain are responsible for great business leaders, is discussed as an example.

The article reports on an increase in the number of U.S. business executives, including Alan Huttman and Jim Balsillie, that are developing and participating in peer groups, including the Center for Corporate Innovation, to discuss business related issues including corporate strategy and personnel problems that can't be solved with friends, consultants or lower level executives.

The article examines the difficulties encountered by the German software company SAP during its attempt to internationalize its operations that began in 2002. The corporation's hiring of programmers in the U.S. and India and its decision to hold all meetings in the English language are described. Dissatisfaction among both German and U.S. employees is presented. The resignation of SAP's leading U.S. executive, Shai Agassi, is cited. The lack of appreciable gains to SAP is noted.

The article reports on the difficulties associated with corporations attempting to place limits on executive pay in an effort to prevent unreasonable compensation . The cases of several U.S. companies including that of Whole Foods Market Inc. whose executives earned eight times that of non executive employees in the 1990s and earned 19 times that of non executive employees in 2006 is presented as an example.

The article reports on Patrick Lencioni, a business guru who has become a best-selling author and sought-after consultant through fictionalized accounts of good management practices. Lencioni's books include "Death by Meeting" and "Silos, Politics and Turf Wars." His popularity is a sign of a shift in management skills training, from quantitative methods to a more behaviorally-oriented approach.

This article reports on the increasing trend of companies in monitoring employees to prevent leaks of company information. Many security managers have installed software to track employee Internet use, file transfers, and telephone use. A survey of executives found that leaks of confidential information is their No. 1 concern, ahead of viruses and hackers. The Hewlett-Packard case involving a search of the personal telephone records of members of the board of directors shows how serious corporate efforts to prevent leaks can get.

The article reports that Japan Airlines Co. announced it had found a malfunction in one of the batteries of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet transport, one year after that airplane had been grounded for battery fires.

The article discusses the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show that is being held in Tokyo, Japan as of November 22, 2013, focusing on the comments of executives from the automotive company Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. such as Carlos Ghosn concerning a management reorganization initiative that aims to reduce costs to meet profit targets.

The article looks at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan as of August 2013, discussing the policy of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with respect to the cleanup of ongoing leaks of radioactivity-contaminated water from the plant, site of a 2011 meltdown.