Publications / Reports

Realigning UK Energy Policy

From a High Cost, Low Quality System to a Robust, Cost-Efficient Infrastructure

For more than a decade, the Government has pursued a series of inconsistent policies in the electricity sector, flip-flopping between conflicting policy objectives that if implemented would likely lead to a high cost, but low quality, electricity system that will not deliver the desired climate change objectives. We question whether the current policies offer good value for money for consumers. Lower cost solutions are possible, which would be easier to implement and produce a better quality outcome for consumers while still achieving realistic and worthwhile reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The question is whether or not the coalition Government has the political will to change direction: if it can, there is a sizeable prize at stake for UK plc -- a lower cost way to achieve the energy policy objectives will free up resources for use in other areas. The first Annual Energy Statement published on 27 July 2010 shows that the Government is willing to grapple with the challenge.

Released: August 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_Realigning_UK_Energy_Policy.pdf (.PDF, 464 kB)

M-Payments in M-BRIC

How to best leverage the upcoming opportunity

Mobile financial services are experiencing a global surge, especially in emerging markets. Global total transaction volume is expected to reach approximately USD 280 billion by 2015. Clearly, there is an enormous potential for M-payments in M-BRIC countries, but how to best capture it? This article provides an overview of the best entry strategies and indicates how players in each country must consider specific local requirements in order to succeed in the m-payment market.

Released: July 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_2010_M_Payments_in_M_BRIC.pdf (.PDF, 720 kB)

IT Governance Wins You the Battle

Arthur D. Little study shows 40% of CEOs and CIOs want to overhaul IT governance

39% of CEOs and 44% of CIOs are not satisfied with their IT governance. This is one of the key findings of the Arthur D. Little IT Governance Study 2009, which shows that many large corporations want to make fundamental changes to the way they organize their business IT. With many having adapted their IT to the economic crisis and with many IT organizations now in hibernation or survival mode, this is the right time for corporations to bring business and IT into alignment and prepare for economic recovery and growth. The Arthur D. Little IT Governance Approach provides a solid basis for optimizing IT governance and, in particular, for improving IT demand management.

Released: July 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_2010_IT_Governance.pdf (.PDF, 713 kB)

Nuclear New Build Unveiled

Is Nuclear New Build more a Management than a Technology Challenge?

The new build of nuclear power plants is one of the present day’s most complex technical undertakings and frequently puts owners in the position of facing tremendous financial risks. Inaccurate understanding of projects risks and inaccurate prioritization of critical activities often lead to significant delays and budget overruns. The study "Nuclear New Build Unveiled" analyzes the current status, trends and challenges within the nuclear industry, particularly in the context of many projects being run on very tight time schedules by teams with little or no experience of nuclear new build. The study concludes that, besides its technical complexity, the management issues of a nuclear new build are often underestimated and call for professional management of the venture.

Released: June 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_Nuclear_New_Build_Unveiled.pdf (.PDF, 2 MB)

Putting the Focus Back Where it Belongs – on Business

Results of Arthur D. Little’s 2010 global survey on the economic crisis

It is close to two years since the financial and economic crisis erupted with the dramatic collapse of Lehman Brothers, the impact of which has been felt across nearly all sectors and economies worldwide. As our 2009 global survey revealed, companies have made unavoidable short-term cost reductions to cope with the collapse in demand, but they have also taken actions to prepare for business beyond the downturn. It is now time to focus on the effectiveness of these measures. What actions taken during the crisis have resulted in enduring benefits? What factors are still holding back growth? And most importantly, what are businesses doing to outpace competitors in the post-crisis world?

Released: June 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_CXO_Survey2010.pdf (.PDF, 798 kB)

Improving Management of Potentially Catastrophic Risks

In the Oil & Gas Industry

Recent catastrophic events show that, despite carefully planned and implemented risk management, the impact of residual risks can present significant damage to an Oil & Gas company’s balance sheet. Amongst other initiatives, this has turned industry attention to the assessment of Exposure to Risk (EtR) – the concept of the maximum potential economic loss associated with catastrophic risk. Such focus provides a basis for strengthening of arrangements – from Strategy through Process and Organization to Methodologies and Tools, providing benefit to long-term stability of the balance sheet.

Released: June 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_Energy_Utilities_Catastrophic_Risks.pdf (.PDF, 3.42 MB)

Smart Grid opportunities for telcos

New business models in the electricity market of the future for telcos

Existing electricity grids are not capable of satisfying the increasing demand for a reliable electricity supply in the long run. The growing proportion of decentralized electricity generation based on renewables is making electricity transport and distribution significantly more complex, yet the existing electricity network, which in many cases originates from the middle of the last century, is reaching its capacity and capability limits. A “Smart Grid” – one that links innovative information and communication technologies with traditional electricity components – will deliver intelligent and highly automated grid maintenance and management. New business models and emerging players will change the rules of the game!

Released: June 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_Smart_Grid_01.pdf (.PDF, 693 kB)

Untying the Gordian Knot

Digital Rights Management

The media debate regarding DRM the past few years has pitted two groups against each other: End users accused of wanting a free lunch (e.g., through file sharing) and content owners who sometimes have been overambitious in building fences around their rights.

This paper firstly provides an introduction to the concept of DRM. It then identifies needs of end users and other stakeholder groups and analyzes how well today’s DRM systems fulfill these needs. The paper then analyzes legal and regulatory perspectives around DRM before drawing conclusions on which end game for DRM would be most beneficial for end users as well as other key stakeholder groups along the value chain.

Released: May 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_Untying_the_Gordian_Knot.pdf (.PDF, 1.27 MB)

Winning on the E-mobility Playing Field

How to avoid a "red" business case for "green" vehicles

In the middle of the current automotive crisis, everyone seems to be electrified. Most OEMs are investing significantly in developing e-technology and governments across the globe are rolling out plans to subsidize e-mobility. At the same time, the development of adequate business models is receiving little attention. As OEMs, utilities, infrastructure, leasing companies and service providers compete for the mobility budgets of the consumers, they all face a key question – which business models are viable on this new e-mobility playing field?

Released: May 2010

To download please login or register as a new user ADL_E-Mobility_02.pdf (.PDF, 469 kB)

Space for Creativity

Innovative Solutions in Central and Eastern European Telecommunications

The Central and Eastern European region (CEE) is a mosaic of 21 countries at various stages of development. While looking for solutions that best fit the local conditions, operators have often chosen previously untested, innovative solutions, and deployed new technologies earlier and faster than their Western counterparts. This bold approach has driven the growth in the broadband market, contributed to the hegemony of mobile telecommunications, and has effaced the line between telecom companies and TV operators. This white paper provides insights into the primary telecommunications trends in the region, specific examples of solutions in individual countries and take-away lessons that current or new operators can employ in the CEE region or elsewhere.

If you are interested in the full report, please contact Dr. Karim Taga or Jürgen Morath.

Released: March 2010