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Perspectives on simplifying complexity
Perspectives
Companies are looking to improve efficiency and effectiveness in more challenging markets and in difficult economic conditions. As a result, reducing organisational complexity and in particular simplifying financial and operational complexity has moved to the top of every senior manager’s agenda. Consistency and standardisation are key factors in achieving this.
RBS commissioned independent research to explore the issues. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) interviewed 300 executives around the world to investigate the rise of complexity in business, the challenges that it creates and how companies are dealing with it.
Here you can read their findings, along with additional perspectives from our team of experts.
EIU research findings
The Complexity Challenge: How businesses are bearing up
As with much else in the world today, business is becoming increasingly complex. According to Jonathan Trevor of Cambridge Judge Business School, the rise in complexity is the result of an epochal shift from the industrial to the information age.
Dr Jonathan Trevor of Cambridge Judge Business School and EIU Managing Editor discuss the main findings of the EIU research.
Expert comment
Simplifying complexity is all about consistency and standardisation
New EIU research shows that only one in five employees can describe their firm’s strategy and products. Read more about complexity and how it affects businesses.
Keeping complexity at bay while growing your business
Economic growth in emerging markets outpaces the developed world. Find out how to grow your business overseas and manage financial complexity.
SWIFT - a powerful proposition to simplify complexity
Streamlining processes and simplifying complexity is top on every management agenda. This could be the time to consider SWIFT connectivity.
A streamlined approach to working capital management processes
The advantages of integrating cash and trade processes under a single umbrella to become more efficient.
Simplifying complexity - meeting the need for risk management advice at board level
Board-level enquiries to treasury are increasing. Read how treasurers are managing this change.
SWIFT trade initiative cuts through complexity and increases security
SWIFT’s Trade Services Utility can provide what treasurers are looking for: one standard format which helps to simplify complexity.
Gaining a clearer perspective on business challenges
Download a PDF booklet of all the articles listed above and the EIU's research findings.
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