In response to a question on what one can do when co-workers underestimate their effort at work, SMU Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Jared Nai said people often overestimate their own effort and ability.
In an interview, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan explained that cracked windshields on flights are not a rare occurrence, estimating about half a dozen cases annually in the U.S. alone and with more worldwide.
In an interview, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan discussed how Sengkang West bus depot is set to be the first multi-storey depot in Singapore to support the large-scale deployment of electric public buses. He noted the environmental advantages of switching to electric buses, emphasising that their electronic components are easier to integrate than those in diesel buses, enhancing safety as well.
Amid persistent inflation, big bargain chains have seen sales rise by up to 15%, while smaller mom-and-pop shops continue to struggle. SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) and Director of SMU’s Financial Literacy, Inclusion and Technology Programme Aurobindo Ghosh discussed the impact of September's core inflation on cost-of-living concerns, particularly for different income groups.
SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan explained why Singapore's use of elevated tracks for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) presents a challenge as they are generally costlier. He also noted that when the LRT system was later implemented in Sengkang and Punggol, the development of the towns progressed much more quickly, resulting in a shorter duration for construction.
Commenting on the stiff competition that exercise studios are facing, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami said, “The exercise, gym and physical fitness business is a highly competitive one as various kinds of studios, trainers and gyms all offer the same basic benefits: A combination of cardio workouts, strength or resistance training.” Competition is becoming stiffer as Singapore opens more park connectors, bicycle lanes and fitness equipment, he added.
Commenting on Dyson's surprise layoffs in Singapore, SMU Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Jared Nai said that Dyson probably chose not to give a longer notice period or more information to the union “for business reasons that only the company can answer”. “These actions harm the morale of its current employees and the reputation of the company with future potential employees, but presumably, it determines the tradeoff to be beneficial for its purposes,” he added, noting that the compensation is similar to the recommended norm.
In an interview, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan discussed the ongoing constraints in the aviation industry despite the sector’s rapid recovery and rising demand.
In an interview, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan shared insights on Grab’s decision to boost welfare spending for its top-tiered drivers to $4 million, and how this might impact the ride-hailing market through increased welfare spending by competitors like Gojek and Tada in order to try and poach more drivers. He also noted that Grab’s plan comes amid a growing number of drivers joining the platform, alongside an increase in CPF contributions for platform workers.
In a commentary, SMU Professor of Marketing Nirmalya Kumar discussed the persistent profitability challenges faced by gig economy firms, particularly ride-sharing and food delivery apps. While companies like Grab have projected positive free cash flow for 2024, the business model remains problematic due to high competition, limited pricing power, and consumer expectations of low-cost delivery. Prof Kumar highlighted issues such as environmental impact, labour exploitation, and the difficulty of monetising customer data through advertising.
