Bain Briefs

Bain Brazil periodically sends to its clients Bain Briefs on several business themes, written by our local experts and focusing on the Brazilian and Latin-American business environment. Below you will find our latest Bain Briefs, available for download.

Bain briefs

Agronegocio_99x93Agribusiness in Mercosul: transformations of the past and promises for the future
Over the past 30 years the Mercosul region has transformed from a mere agricultural consumer to the world’s third largest producer of wheat, corn, soybeans, sugar and rice—now accounting for about 11% of agricultural production worldwide.

Brazil has stood out in its increased production of soy due to the expansion of agricultural areas, research, technology and professionalization. At the same time, projections by our expert agribusiness team reveal that the global demand for these five crops is expected to continue increasing through 2050, bringing with it great opportunities. Many factors, however, need to be analyzed: land appreciation, utilization of owned vs. leased land, infrastructure logistics to ensure the flow of grains, in addition to others. These are some of the examples of our contribution to ensure the success of business endeavors in this sector.

28261-results-delivery-99x93Results Delivery℠
The best of intentions are never enough. Your goal is to lose 10 pounds and get fit. You invest in the latest home gym device and install it in your basement. And there it sits—while you lounge on the couch, wondering why you’re not getting into better shape. Executives in every industry will recognize this home fitness analogy. It’s the same situation that occurs when a company sets a goal like fostering closer collaboration between engineers and salespeople.

28222-mgmt-tools-99x93Management Tools & Trends 2011
When we asked executives to state their top priority, one theme dominated: growth. Executives are shifting away from downsizing and outsourcing toward innovation, scenario planning and pricing optimization. But nearly 60 percent of them remain concerned that the effect of the recession on consumer behavior will linger for at least three more years. The question is: What will it take for companies to accelerate faster than the competition?

28027-flexible-work-models-how-to-bring-99x93Flexible work models: How to bring sustainability to a 24/7 world
Moments like the one Brazil currently faces, of high demand for products and services coupled with a lack of qualified professionals, increase the difficulty of most jobs. Employees are forced to take on more responsibilities, work longer hours and travel more frequently. In this scenario, it is normal that frustrations appear and employees look for opportunities at other companies. In the constant war for talent, flexible work models can be an excellent tool to attract and retain the best professionals.

hr-readiness-a-growing-pain-99x93HR readiness: A growing pain for consumer products multinationals in emerging markets
Consumer products makers know all too well the critical role that a strong talent pool and well-defined organization play in executing their business strategies. But companies often don’t have a clear view of their talent and organization, or human resources readiness. They can pinpoint specific areas where they lack management bench depth, areas with dangerously low employee retention and where incomplete succession plans threaten smooth operations. But they often fail to know what to do to remedy the gaps they identify. The problem is companies can’t get their arms around the root causes, which is the first step to fixing it.

ETANOL_99x93.jpgBrazilian ethanol: a complementary strategy for oil and gas
(available only in Portuguese)
Oil companies, because of their status as major generators of carbon emissions, when considering the use of their final products, are a direct target of the society deeply interested in sustainability and have been increasingly pressured to seek alternative renewable energy. Despite the IOCs have initially focused on more traditional renewables such as solar and wind (including Shell and BP), recent efforts are well targeted to the strengthening of biofuels, what might be highly beneficial to the ethanol industry in Brazil.

Paridade_de_generos_reduzida_99x93.jpgThe phenomenon of disappearance: gender parity in corporate climbing
(available only in Portuguese)
The world economy today prefers the intellectual power to the physical power and, as a consequence, women are joining the workforce in increasing numbers. However, something disturbing happens to women when they climb the corporate hierarchy - they disappear. Women still do not rise to leadership ranks in the same percentage and at the same rate as their peers of the opposite sex. This article examines numbers and possible causes of this phenomenon.

Como_melhorar_rapidamente_seu banco_de_talentos_99x93.jpgHow to quickly improve your talent base
(available only in Portuguese)
Build an organization rich in talent is a challenge and, consequently, a permanent item on most CEOs agenda's. Three specific actions can generate immediate impact on the "talent bank" of a company and also create the basis for the development of a long-term strategy: i) quantify the "talent bank; ii) deeply understand the talents that already exist; iii) reduce the demand for talent. This article brings numbers, examples, and a methodology to address this issue.

Management_tools_2009_99x93.jpgManagement Tools 2009
Over the past three decades, management tools have become a common part of executives' lives. The secret is not in discovering one magic device, but in learning which mechanism to use, and how and when to use it. To help inform managers about the tools available, Bain & Company provides a multiyear research project to gather facts about the use and performance of management tools.

Winning_in_turbulence_POR_99x93.jpgWinning in Turbulence
In times of downturns defining a clear strategy and maintaining operational excellence are critical factors for the survival and strengthening of a company. For these reasons, assertive diagnostics of your company's positioning and the choice of the most adequate improvement initiatives are the best ways to cross over and outshine your competitors during turbulent periods.

Industry_in_downturn_cost_mgmt__99x93.jpgIndustry in the downturn: cost managing as a competitive strength
(available only in Portuguese)
Whatever is the economic scenario, an adequate cost position is at least important, if not fundamental, to achieve success in a business.However, in a downturn scenario just like the one we are experiencing, cost position can determinate the survival of a company, besides creating opportunities to improve your position ahead the competitors.

Sustainable_growth_99x93.jpgSustainable Growth
(available only in Portuguese)
Corporate sustainability is becoming a very common subject. On account of marketing or for company values reasons, adopting sustainable measures is presently valued by clients, investors, and shareholders. Here we describe some experiences of global and Brazilian companies that have taken the lead of sustainable initiatives. We also propose a business approach for this subject.

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