Rapid development of new technologies is leading to ever more versatile, multipurpose mobile devices, including 3G and 4G Internet-enabled cell phones. Wireless networking and wireless Internet access are developing and expanding on a global basis at a rapid rate. Meanwhile, RFID (radio frequency identification) will revolutionize wireless tracking, inventory and logistics, from manufacturing to shipping to retailing. We analyze mobile advertising, mobile banking, WiMax, LTE and other wireless standards. Mobile entertainment is covered, including TV and other programming adapted for the cell...

The chemicals manufacturing industry is a vibrant, global business that encompasses many important sectors: from commodity chemicals, to specialty chemicals, to custom manufacturing. Key topics include global trade, finance and acquisitions, biochemicals, nanochemicals, polymers, petrochemicals, fertilizers, plastics, coatings, ceramics, solvents, additives, dyes and many other products basic to home and business needs. In addition, the pharmaceuticals industry is included when discussing chemicals. Plunkett's Chemicals, Plastics & Coatings Industry Almanac provides a market research tool for...

Plunkett's Almanac of Middle Market Companies is designed to be a time-saving business development tool for professionals, marketers, sales directors, consultants and strategists seeking to understand and reach middle market American companies. It will also be of great use to placement, recruiting and human resources professionals, as well as professionals working in economic development, lending and media. It covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis-everything you need to identify and develop strategies for middle market corporations. Coverage includes all major...

The automobile industry is evolving rapidly on a worldwide basis. All of the biggest, most successful firms have become totally global in nature. Plunkett's Automobile Industry Almanac will be your complete guide to this immense, fascinating industry. This exciting new book is a complete reference tool for everything you need to know about the car, truck and specialty vehicles business, including: Automotive industry trends and market research, mergers and acquisitions, globalization, automobile manufacturers, truck makers, specialty vehicles such as RVs, automobile finance and other...

Insurance and risk management make up an immense, complex global industry, one which is constantly changing. Competition continues to heat up as mergers and acquisitions create international mega-firms. As the insurance industry grows more global, underwriters see huge potential in China, the world's fastest-growing business market, as well as India, Indonesia, Africa and other emerging markets. Specialty insurance is creating high profits. Meanwhile, technology is making back-office tasks easier and more efficient, while direct selling and e-commerce are changing the shape of the insurance...

The lending industry is comprised of a wide variety of sectors, such as banking, credit cards, mortgages, leasing and consumer finance. Many of these sectors have interconnections and synergies. In addition, a large number of related services and technologies have a major influence on the lending and credit business. Meanwhile, international acquisitions are shaping up the globalized banking industry of the future. This carefully-researched book is a banking, credit and mortgages market research and business intelligence tool-everything you need to know about the business of banking, credit...

No other guide covers the complete retail picture like this exciting new volume. The global retail industry is in the midst of vast changes. Malls are being redesigned in the U.S., while new mall construction is booming in Asia. Savvy firms are combining bricks, clicks and catalogs into multi-channel retail powerhouses. Which are the hottest retailers? What lies ahead? Our market research shows you trends and a thorough analysis of technologies, chain stores, shopping centers, mergers, finances and future growth within the industry. Included are major statistical tables showing everything...

There are few industry sectors in the world today with more potential than renewable and hydrogen energy. Clean, green and renewable energy technologies are receiving immense emphasis from investors, environmentalists, governments and major corporations. A wide variety of technologies are being researched, developed and implemented on a global basis, from Stirling engines to wind power, from advanced nuclear plants to geothermal and fuel cells. Our analysis also includes tar sands (oil sands), oil shale, fuel cells, clean coal, distributed power, energy storage, biofuels and much more. We...

The investment industry is increasingly a global business. This is partly due to the needs of multinational corporations to obtain financing in more than one nation. Cross-border investments and acquisitions continue at a rapid pace. The asset management business is becoming larger, more complex and more competitive, while hedge funds and private equity dominate large portions of the industry. This carefully-researched book is a complete investments, securities and asset management market research and business intelligence tool-everything you need to know about the business of investments,...

The electronic age is bringing sweeping changes to the world of entertainment, media and publishing. This book covers these exciting developments and provides profiles of 400 leading global firms in film, radio, television, cable, digital content, new media and publishing. It contains thousands of contacts for business and industry leaders, industry associations, Internet sites and other resources. You'll get in-depth profiles of the world's top Entertainment & Media firms: our own unique list of companies that are the leaders in this field, from broadcasters to film production companies,...