Saudi Arabia Boosts Operational Excellence Across Sectors

The second edition of the Operational Excellence Conference (OPEXKSA) kicked off in Riyadh on Dec. 12.
The second edition of the Operational Excellence Conference (OPEXKSA) kicked off in Riyadh on Dec. 12.
TT

Saudi Arabia Boosts Operational Excellence Across Sectors

The second edition of the Operational Excellence Conference (OPEXKSA) kicked off in Riyadh on Dec. 12.
The second edition of the Operational Excellence Conference (OPEXKSA) kicked off in Riyadh on Dec. 12.

Experts, both local and international, are emphasizing the significance of implementing operational excellence due to its pivotal role in enhancing the business sector.
This approach is deemed essential not only in various governmental and private entities but also in non-profit organizations.
Operational excellence is particularly crucial given the central role that digital transformation, along with the utilization of tools and artificial intelligence, plays in this realm.
The second edition of the Operational Excellence Conference (OPEXKSA) kicked off in Riyadh on Dec. 12.
The two-day conference was inaugurated by Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
The event witnessed the participation of more than 40 governmental bodies and local and international companies.
With over 120 local and international speakers, the conference delves into key topics related to the future of operations through 20 discussion sessions, complemented by 20 workshops aiming to elevate operational methodologies across various sectors.
Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) Governor Eng. Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Abdul-Karim, in his opening address at OPEXKSA, clarified that the rapid and evolving growth of the business sector in Saudi Arabia and globally necessitates discussions on operational methodologies aligned with the global transformation journey.
He highlighted that the application of operational excellence plays a fundamental role in enhancing businesses and elevating them to advanced competitive levels.
Moreover, Al-Abdul-Karim emphasized the urgent need for more creativity, innovation, and investment in operational aspects to enhance businesses across all sectors globally.
The governor noted that bringing together a select group of local and international experts in one place provides the opportunity for exchanging information, knowledge, and experiences.
This exchange enables the exploration of promising horizons and meets the goals and aspirations of service and industrial sectors, fostering resource and capability development.
Manal Almadi, SWCC Deputy Governor of Strategic Partnerships and Communication, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the operational excellence approach is one of the diverse working methodologies in the national transformation journey to achieve Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, “Vision 2030.”
In turn, Sultan Al-Rajhi, the official SWCC spokesperson, informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference will witness the signing of more than 15 agreements.
“These agreements will focus on training and experience exchange among governmental, private, and academic sectors globally,” affirmed Al-Rajhi.
He explained that the majority of these agreements fall within the framework of operational excellence, aiming to reinforce and solidify this concept.
The agreements also cover training programs and other sectors.



Euro Zone Business Growth Slowed Sharply in June

A worker at German manufacturer of silos and liquid tankers, Feldbinder Special Vehicles, welds aluminium at the company's plant in Winsen, Germany, July 10, 2018. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/ File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A worker at German manufacturer of silos and liquid tankers, Feldbinder Special Vehicles, welds aluminium at the company's plant in Winsen, Germany, July 10, 2018. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/ File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
TT

Euro Zone Business Growth Slowed Sharply in June

A worker at German manufacturer of silos and liquid tankers, Feldbinder Special Vehicles, welds aluminium at the company's plant in Winsen, Germany, July 10, 2018. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/ File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A worker at German manufacturer of silos and liquid tankers, Feldbinder Special Vehicles, welds aluminium at the company's plant in Winsen, Germany, July 10, 2018. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/ File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

 

Overall business growth across the euro zone slowed sharply last month as a solid expansion in the bloc's dominant services industry failed to offset a further deterioration in manufacturing, a survey showed on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

HCOB's composite Purchasing Managers' Index for the currency union, compiled by S&P Global and seen as a good gauge of overall economic health, dropped to 50.9 in June from May's 12-month high of 52.2.

It was just above a preliminary 50.8 estimate and the fourth consecutive month above the 50 mark separating growth from contraction.

"Growth in the euro zone can be attributed fully to the service sector. While the manufacturing sector weakened considerably in June, activity growth in the services sector continued to be nearly as robust as the month before," said Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank.

The services PMI dipped to 52.8 last month from 53.2 but was ahead of the 52.6 flash estimate.

Manufacturing activity across the bloc took a turn for the worse last month as demand fell at a much faster pace despite factories cutting their prices, a sister survey showed on Monday.

Falling demand for manufactured goods, alongside slower growth for services, meant the composite new business index slumped below breakeven for the first time since February, registering 49.4 compared to May's 51.6. The flash reading was 49.2.

That was despite the European Central Bank delivering a widely predicted cut to interest rates last month. It is expected to cut again in September and December, according to a Reuters poll.

Strong wage data and still sticky price pressures have increased uncertainties around the rationale for more cuts but both input and output cost pressures eased, according to the PMI.

Charges levied by services firms rose at the slowest pace in over three years. The output prices index fell to 53.5 from 54.2.

"The ECB ... is getting some support for this decision from the HCOB Services PMI price indices," de la Rubia added.

"Looking forward, the ECB will remain cautious, as the price increases are still way above pre-pandemic averages and still unusually high given the fragile state of the economy."