African Insurance Industry Positive Prospects Draw Foreign Investments in 2016

Africa is a huge continent comprising of 54 financially active zones, and given its growing economic dynamics, the scope of insurance industry is leaping ahead ten-folds. As per the UN, the GDP of this region jump across at 4.6% in 2015, from 3.5% of 2014 to 4.9% in 2016. The possibility of success is because of private consumptions and investments with key drivers as expanding disposable income by middle class, consumer confidence on financial environment of the region etc.

Dynamic Demographics

Lower costs of performing business activities are also pursing economic brilliance. The World Bank had projected the GDP advancement at 5.2% annually for 2015-2016. Some of the challenges are lessening commodity prices. But it is overcome by significant public expenditure on agricultural production, telecoms, infrastructure, finance, transportation and a lot more. As per insurance market research reports, Africa is supposedly the second fastest leading economic regions worldwide after Asia. 

As insurance companies had a low rate of penetration in this continent, now it is a feasible industry altogether, comparable to mature markets of Europe and the U.S. Against Eurozone’s 7.6% hold in finance sector, Ghana and Morocco rank at 3%, Angola has 0.65 to 0.9% in Nigeria. Though there is low level of awareness among Africans about insurance facilities, the knowledge of it is slowly disseminating further. The penetration ratio in finance industry for Namibia is 7.7%, 15.4% for South Africa, and 5.8% for Mauritius.

International Investments in Africa

Two global insurers have plans to startup their economies in South Africa. As if the positives were not enough, in April, Euler Hermes (credit insurance company) is launching services in regional market to strengthen its existence in the continent.

Such propositions are attracting greater investors’ interest in developing markets of Africa. The foreign escapade in the region saw a high when Swiss Re Corporate Solutions made a similar move in February. Operations are gung ho about engineering, mining, real-estate, commercial insurance industry, and others.

Market Segregation

The African insurance sector has discrepancies in collaboration with its operators for finance. For e.g. as stated by insurance market research reports, Kenya and Nigeria each has 50 insurance organizations, but Liberia with 3.5 million populations has only 20 insurance companies. If these companies coordinate well, then growth would be expected faster.

The swings in prices at regular intervals and impeding competition may again pose few risks, but can be handled if smart tactics are involved in winning people’s trust with improved services. The African continent is rich in culture, politics, and social structure, and not becoming stronger in economic base as well. With a region boasting of large population more diverse markets can be seen eventually, which is good for global and regional finance scenario.

Though the challenges are tough, Africa seems to be in breakneck competition already, transferring credible resources to keep the GDP accelerating. The conception about the region being ridden by wars, drought, and poverty, all such beliefs may change soon with expectations of a starlit future. Positive forecasts are on the way for insurance industry, and it has no reason to look back, but only move ahead.

Innovative 2016 Trends for Construction and Manufacturing Industry

People’s choice for a lifestyle is every evolving. Especially, where they wish to stay at and what do they wish to purchase are two common behaviors that is linked to changing economic and social conditions. Both manufacturing and construction industry saw highs and lows in 2015, with landmark opportunities to scale new heights in 2016. There are several trends in these particular sectors, which could impact consumer behavior and the industry in itself this coming year.

These factors are based on changing customer preference, robotics & technology, security concerns, e-commerce & internet marketing, rise in commercial buildings, manufacturing plant construction, green initiatives, single-family apartments etc.  Here are some key trends in real-estate building and manufacturing industries.

Greater Employment Facilities

Expenditure on non-residential buildings in 2015 was about $360 million, which may increase in 2016 to $390 billion. This trend has decreased unemployment in housing industry. As per construction reports, more employees are required to fight labor shortages in new building projects. Be it on the site, headquarters, or warehousing of raw materials, manual force is needed as much as robotics.

Advanced Robotics

Technology has implanted its seeds in every market segment, including manufacturing and housing. Especially in construction, where labor force is needed at a great strength, the growing need of robotics is manifold here. And successfully, software and mechanics are developed to replace human force in several small and big activities. This trend is also true in manufacturing and production sectors.

Better Security Online

E-commerce has caught up with housing and manufacturing sector. While it were just the developed nations which utilized internet marketing, now developing nations, especially from Asia and Africa are also using this technique. In such a measure, security online has become important to protect against cyber crimes. According to Indian construction industry spectrum, manufacturing and real-estate companies are deploying modern cyber security methods to safeguard from online theft and hacking.

Go Green Efforts

The green building materials in U.S. market was worth &43.8 billion in 2014, and $40.0 billion in 2013. The recent construction reports state annual growth for U.S in 2014-2019 is 9.5 percent, and shall top $69 billion in forecast period. Consumers prefer green materials as these consume low energy, are eco-friendly, and sustainable items for a healthier home or office environment. These items perhaps a way bit expensive, are useful for a better lifestyle in many ways.

Strengths and Threats

As we have discussed about the major trends in housing and manufacturing industry for 2015-2016, it is important to note the strengths and threats to both these sectors. A challenge to real-estate is roping in young customers, especially from developing nations. In the Indian construction industry and that of the world, the purchase of houses is done by people over 60 or after 30. Trend for home upgrades and renovations are also leading the housing market.

·         With quality and facilities come greater spending. Thus, investment and money availability are both challenge and strength for real-estate and manufacturing segments.  People are now ready to pay for class services, yet many find it difficult to pay for the same.

·         Strengths in manufacturing and housing industry is greater outlets on the internet, making it easier to reach desired customers, more knowledgeable and skilled industrialists, use of technology in securing consumer needs, assisting the supply cycle.

How can India Efficiently Restructure the Defense Procurement Procedure?

The Prime Minister Modi led government is revolutionizing India since its inception. A lot many reforms are being planned for the defense industry. As per a report, in the next 5-7 years, the India Navy, Air Force, and Army is expected to replace or buy military equipment worth $200 billion or more. A greater than 150 million youngsters will be of working age in these many years.

More of Domestic Investment than Foreign Aids

It is a good time now to create job opportunities in ammunition and security devices related manufacturing sector. This shall assist making the ‘Make in India’ program a success. Though foreign investors could help accelerate the economy in terms of FDI, the needs of the soldiers and the end users must be kept in consideration before initiating any concrete reforms.

·        Be it the design or investment, Indian businessmen and people should be invited than foreign investors. This will help national capital and employment possibilities to increase till next decade, according to defense market research. Focus must be on developing ammunition and armaments from the country land itself than depending on imports.

·         Loopholes in laws should be eliminated to form strong policy measures in domestic manufacturing. Efforts must be directed to prevent scams. As depicted in defense industry reports, the lowest bidder who meets all the requirements will be given military equipment contract. But, other bidders could be considered under special conditions.

Need of Quality Equipments and Strategic Planning

All the products must meet the conditions set by Services Qualitative Requirement, and bidding is to be accepted under guidelines of Request for Proposal. The Cabinet Committee of Security must overlook all the manufacturing bidding for the defense industry equipments. The Quality Based Selection body has to ensure that only highly efficient weapons are accepted.

·         Another alternative could be involvement of members from parliamentary standing committee belonging to major political parties, Indian Space Research Organization, and India’s Special Forces. They will aid in checking and remodeling the ammunitions or products on timely basis.

·        The field employees like retired or existing military, navy, air force technical staff could be assigned a major role in assuring efficacy of defense procurement laws.  The defense market research experts think the laws must beat around weightages of each sector of the industry for organized planning.

·         Though India has strategic partnerships with 20 or more countries regarding the defense sector, it needs to also have a backup plan in case of emergencies. The terrorist attacks in South Asia have increased past many years, as found in many defense industry reports. A growing need of security must be kept in mind before taking steps in reworking on existing strategies.

7 Astounding Ways Technology has Revolutionized Market Research

Collecting information from sources and people has become the easiest task. The same was a time-taking process in traditional era, when to communicate; we had to wait for days and hours together. But, with technology, contacting others is a piece of cake. With boom of internet, electronic devices, and advanced analytics software, improvements are seen not only among common mass day-to-day life, but also the way companies function, especially market research firms.

Today, revolutionized techniques are used to obtain data for quantitative and quality research. These help in forming best strategies to optimize businesses. Be it a simple email, a telephonic call, text message, dropping customer feedback to speaking with industry experts, technology has changed the face of communication and research methods utilized for commerce. Here are 4 major ways how marketresearch technology is shaping businesses.

Accountable Data Collection and Analysis

New software prepared to collect and analyze data is flooding market. Now, organizations can look beyond traditional techniques such as interviews, focus groups, and paper surveys etc. With internet and other technologies (mobile communication), the researches can be surer about type of industry analysis tools, targeted audience in receiving quality feedback. Powerful data calculation and collection methods are helping to save on time, investments, increase market share, and understand consumers much better.

Social Media Taps Unfiltered Feedback

People of every age and business are present on one or the other social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Goggle+, LinkedIn etc. A large amount of market research data can be procured from these sources regarding customer responses, noting their experiencing and views about a company product or services. These platforms are excellent for creating campaigns, brand awareness, and reputation management. A complete monitoring of social media channels for a company can grant it enhanced ideas for SWOT, and future strategies.

Real Time Results in Seconds

We can know about consumers view in a matter of few seconds. Tools like Google analytics and others assist in observing demographical and segment wise customer behavior, happening in real time. With such market research technology, it has become effortless for companies to keep a track of what customers want, need, and improve upon factors, which the organization lacks. Also, this has bettered possibilities to speed the supply, and fulfill required demands of the audience.

Enhanced Customer Relations and Management

Earlier with traditional means scrutinizing consumers’ needs was a tidbit a difficult job, which required huge investment in manual labor for industry analysis. With advent of technology, companies can reach customers faster, and provide them class facilities/offers etc. This has eased management of researches, market flow etc. inputting greatly in business profits, and its life cycle.

Cross-platform for Launching Campaigns

The agencies will deploy resources on the internet and new software that will help introduce new campaigns and strategies to a larger audience. There would be tools designed to analyze what people think of their products and services, without having to physically visit each and know about their responses. Moreover, the companies will tap more such platforms and partner with other competitors to enhance their technological skill by providing some value benefit to each other.

Getting People to Engage Promptly

Brands will progress hugely with popularity gained by customers engaging in the offerings. This will be achieved by novel technologies prompting consumers to perform a certain action, be it related to sales, purchases, information etc. This will aid researchers in garnering more feedback, while increasing the amount of hot leads, which can be pursued to close the deal.

Sensory Inputs to Track Behaviors

As discussed, devices and technology to crack what people feel would be of greater stress in the future and even present. Sensory inputs of the customers will allow researchers to know what the audience perceives about particular competition, product, or services. This can have a great impact on a business. The company will be able to understand how to shape their strategies aligned to the responses.

India Nutrition Bars Market Baking a Hot Future, Growing at 29% CAGR to 2020

With Indians becoming more conscious about their health and inclined toward s fortified food, the possibility of nutrition bar market is set for a boom. The predicted CAGR growth is 29% between 2015 and 2020. The rise in demand is because of rising per-capita expenditure, increasing working population, youth population, more of lifestyle disease and more. There is a large base of consumers in their youth. People in youth are mostly employed, and given their busy life schedule, they do not find time for traditional cooking.

Will India Like a Bite of Nutrition Bar?

Nutrition bar simply proves to be beneficial as it can be carried anywhere, even during office hours and travel. Moreover, these are healthy, and contain necessary nutrients that are present in balanced meal. According to the consumer goods market research, the high price of such dietary products is the reason for the slow growth in relevant market. But, in past few years, the pace has increased because of more consumers becoming aware of healthy diet practices.

The key to growth in nutrition bar market is rising disposable income, changing lifestyle, greater middle class household consumers etc. The manufacturers of such food products are also organizing health camps to reach wider consumers. An online market research has found that dietitians and nutrition experts also recommend such snacks. Cereal bars are most popular.

Who are the Market Leaders?

Protein and multi cereal bars are not only delicious but helpful for weight conscious folks. South India was dominant region wise for nutrition bars production in 2014. Some of the leading players are General Mills, Naturell, Xterra Nutrition, Nouveau Medicament (P) Ltd. among others, as per the consumer goods market research. With such a hype and accelerating demand for nutrition bars, the market is going to certainly shoot ahead.

The report trails on market size, trends, consumer behavior, investment decisions, market intelligence, clients, industry segments, key challenges, opportunities, forecast and a lot more. Intensive online market research has predicted a bright future for the healthy dietary snacks in India to 2020.

Travel Agencies in China and Tourists- What is the Reason Behind their Growth?

The China’s economy is progressing, which has brought a boost in its travel services and industry. A lot many tourists are flocking in the country, increasing the tourism revenue through 2014 at 14.0% rate to $62.5 billion. The annual growth in the next five years is expected to run at 9.2% with Government emphasizing on importance of tourists influx. Chinese travel agencies are opening their services online and finding it a lucrative platform in bringing happy travellers to their motherland.

By 2019, the revenue of travel industry can touch $97.4 billion mark. China has vouched the position of the 4^th most renowned destination for foreign tourists, ranking as most popular in the Asian continent. As per the leisure market research reports, the technologically driven information system for reservation/booking of tickets has eased up tourism a lot.

How Has Travel System in China Improved?

There have been improvements in itinerary preparation, ticket writing, and calculations of commission income, cash settlements monthly etc. However, the tourism bench is still labour intensive. 17.1 cents of every dollar from wages industry are invested for capital. There has been a growing demand for labour strategy in customer needs, and travel agencies are trying to meet these demands.

In 2014, the travellers to China were a surprise to many, as the influx increased while those traveling out of China decreased, with better figures promised in 2015. The travel andtourism market is service based and includes personal service for consumers at a higher degree. Most of the travellers are interested for wellness and health, eco-tourism and lifestyle indulgences.

What Do Chinese Travellers Look Forward To?

People do like to collect souvenirs and recount their memorable experiences of exotic Chinese locales. The food and glamour of the region also creates a lot of excitement in tourists, as found in the recent leisure market research reports. Those who are travelling from the country to other lands want to relax in a pollution free environment, as China does face issues of air pollution due to a vast population.

The Chinese folks love to visit Hong Kong, Dubai, Sydney, Bali, Seoul and Melbourne. As stated in statistics of travel and tourism market, most people undertook road trips, beach combing, island exploration, luxury destination, and shopping. Other desired places are Mauritius and Phuket. Other countries are inviting Chinese travellers by easing Visa process and offering them with vacation benefits.

Handbag Market in USA

With the changing time, handbags have become a basic need among girls and women from several reasons.  Handbags ease them to carry the essentials in a very well to do manner. Today, you can find out a wide-ranging handbag market online offering extensive collection of handbags at affordable rates. You can buy any of your liked hand bags easily from the online portals suiting your needs and desires.  

Especially in USA, ladies used to carry different kinds of handbags for different occasions. High-quality and latest handbags are like a fashion trend for them. It gives them a spark, confidence and perks up their overall persona. In research it is found that, women in USA are very fond of buying classy handbags to dazzle themselves.

Over web we can get millions of contemporary, stylish and eye-catching handbags in distinct, patterns, colors, sizes to meet specification of every woman and girl. Whether you are looking for a designer one for a party or a casual for regular use, everything is easily available on the online portals in just few clicks of your mouse.

The increasing competition in the field, many handbag businesses are facing many problems. Though they are offering high quality products, but due to lack of knowledge and understanding of the market, they are not able to boost up their sales. In such situations, the retail market research of handbags can help. This is an innovative and result-oriented way to perk up your business in a short span of time.

One can take help of professionals offering the updated and genuine market research reports and services. These reports encompass the interest of buyers, current trends and market values, etc. that helps an entrepreneur to understand the market in a better way. With this, you can reach to your targeted audience easily and enhance your potential growth plus increase your sales for sure.

Global Diagnostic X-ray Imaging Market is Ongoing at 4.7% CAGR for 2013-2018

The scope of diagnostic system is spread over computed tomography, X-ray imaging, nuclear imaging, ultrasound imaging, and the magnetic resonance imaging. These segments have further categories based on portability, technology, slice, field strength and architecture. The GlobalDiagnostic X-ray Imaging market for 2013-2018 is supposedly arched at 4.7% CAGR, which will recall the progress made in all the relevant sectors.

The influencing criteria are expansion through several regions, increased use of diagnostic imaging in various medical requirements around the world. The Medical Device Market Research reported that in 2013, it was North America that had the largest share in this market of about 34%, while Europe did follow the tracks. The pace of development for the Global DiagnosticX-ray Imaging for Asia-Pacific regions will be at 5.9% CAGR in 2013-2018.

Diagnostic X-ray Imaging Across the Globe

Enhanced healthcare, infrastructure, investments etc. are driving the market towards a steady growth, according to the Market Research Reports. The Asian countries are going to utilize the diagnostic imaging system greater than other nations because of research activities, increase in diseases like CVD, cancer, healthcare modernization, better Government initiatives and positive alterations in insurance coverage, as derived from the Medical Device Market Research.

The opposing challenges are high competition saturating market, cuts in reimbursements, reduction of hospital budget in the U.S., adoption of reworked devices, vague compensation processes in countries and lack of professional workforce to handle the technology, as per the market research reports. The major players are Siemens Healthcare (Germany), Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), GE Healthcare (U.K.), Hologic, Inc. (U.S.), Hitachi Medical Corporation (Japan), Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation (Japan) amidst others.

Global Clothing and Footwear Retail Market is Measuring at CAGR 5.9% for 2014-2019

By 2019, at CAGR 5.9% the Global Clothing and Footwear Retail will exceed US$2.2 trillion, led by the major developing countries and economies. With Indonesia and China increasing its clothes production and availing it online or department stores, these regions can overtake U.S in this industry and emerge in Top 10 markets in the next five years as per a recent market survey.

The largest suppliers are going to be the specialist stores along with internet store giving discounts and seasonal offers. What has fast paced the forecast is the high growth maintaining consistency and quicker communications with advanced technology between retailers and the consumers, according to the Retail Market Research.

Forces Speeding the Retail Market for Clothes and Footwear

Fashion trends are ever changing, and everyone wishes to be on par with the same. Thus, demand from people has risen ten-fold for fashionable attires and accessories, which is another reason to the expanding sales horizons of apparels and shoes, as revealed in market survey. The channeling force is essentiality of luxury goods in this domain and non-conventional attires.

The trend has helped many brands, serve the consumers with disposable incomes. Increase in urbanized lifestyle, clothing outlets, proximity of such stores, variety of choices, growth of middle classed population, and shopping malls are showing up a great future for the industry, as concluded by the Retail Market Research.

The Growth Projection across Major Continents

However, as per the Retail Market Research the sales of these items in Japan and the U.S may decline as consumers are preferring brands of low cost. With entry of small-scaled industries providing quality clothes and footwear, the competition has heightened. But, the major suppliers are still retailers like UNIQLO, Zara, Forever 21, JC penny, KOHL’s, Macy’s, The Gap, Benetton Group S.p.A, C&A, and H&M etc. The range of such products is also expanding with prices getting lower.

The market survey populated facts on expensive brands generating huge revenue as customers are ready to splurge for better lifestyle. In Europe, Germany is leading the Clothing and Footwear Retail followed by the U.K and Russia. Middle East and Africa will also have a significant share in the industry. The Asia-Pacific regions will also fuel the industry, growing at 10.4% CAGR.

Global Smart Water Management Market Sprinting at CAGR 20.1% By 2020

The water crisis in not only seen in developing countries, but also in the first world due to wastage of resources through leaks and thefts. Unavailability of apt storage, machinery, adaptation of technology to check leaks, and equal distribution of water are the major worries. However, the Smart Water Management Market is now aiming to organize asset management in aligning operations for water utility and saving cost on energy consumed in pumping water. Bringing advanced pressure management, network monitoring, data acquisition and supervisory control, the system is moving towards a better future.

Global Efforts for Setting Standard Services

Well drafted intentions are into assessment of pipeline and valve condition, and region wise steady classification of assets in Europe, Middle East, North America, Latin America and Africa. The Information Technology Market lists the fact that the government bodies, financers, sponsors are trying in lessening losses from Non-Revenue Water by integrating sensors that display information in real time about negligence in machinery requiring repairs. The authorities are also holding events for education people on water conservation, which will also help in unnecessary loss of water in households.

Market Survey Furnishes Information on Technology Advancement

A greater number of houses now have AMI and AMR meters, providing real-time data in prevent non revenue water wastage. Thus, the system is becoming better in accountability and infrastructure. The Market Survey in Europe and North America drew conclusions that there were barriers in investments given technologically backward equipment. Efficient raw materials are applied in building pipelines and the InformationTechnology Market supplied data on fall in figures of complaints due to pipeline bursts and inadequate water supply.

The Key Vendors and Expected Growth By 2020

The Information Technology Market has also confirmed the major vendors viz. Schneider Electric, Itron, ABB Ltd., IBM, Elste and General Electric besides the prominent others. As per a very recent marketsurvey, the expenditure on stabilizing Smart Water Management Market has opened gates for growth of $18,310 million by the year 2020. The regulatory bodies have promised to engage quality products, increasing consumer satisfaction. Thus, a shift towards combining intelligent, low-energy costing, and enhanced assets that are technologically sound are being used to invite business opportunities.