This Week's Herman Trend Alert Navigating the Next Year

The Herman Trend Alert October 22, 2008 Opportunities in Oceans Special thanks to Dr. John Palmisano, a marine biologist and frequent lecturer on the cruise ships of Holland America for the material in this Herman Trend Alert. This alert reflects Palmisano's beliefs and opinions. (The forecasts are ours.) For more information, contact him at johnjpbc@aol.com. Oceans cover over 70 percent of the surface of planet earth. Minerals and other natural resources abound there. Every element is water soluble, so the oceans have literally tons of minerals. However, so far, it's dangerous and economically not feasible to mine the oceans. One exception is krill and the product Neptune Krill Oil, proven to reduce cholesterol: www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_2-28-2007.html. Moreover, there are remarkable opportunities for energy generation. We have just begun to harness the power of the ocean winds with giant off-shore turbines; we have yet to begin capturing the tremendous energy of the tides. One of the problems is that most of the major countries of the world can not afford to mine the oceans. "Oceans are almost as bad as space, when it come to the expense of working there", said Palmisano. In fact, the Russians have converted Antarctic research vessels into cruise ships, because there is much more money in tourism than research. Oceanographic research is expensive; governments would rather spend the money on other things. There are substantial career opportunities in the field of Ocean Engineering. Not only do we need people who can help us mine ocean minerals, but we also need extra help to build in oceans, because salt water is so corrosive. Part of the challenge is that many students are not choosing the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. Thus, not only do they not have the background to study engineering, but they do not even understand the value of making these investments. Another related field that will grow in importance is desalination, extracting drinkable water from salt water. This process is very expensive. Generally, water is more reasonable to buy than to separate, but in some places in the world, like Israel, there is no choice. Our forecast is that with droughts due to dry weather and water tables dropping due to population shifts, desalination will become increasingly cost effective. This shift will create a variety of jobs. We also believe that advances in technology, coupled with the need for alternative energy will soon make mining oceans for minerals and energy more feasible. © Copyright 1998-2008 by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." RESOLVE TO ADDRESS EMPLOYEE TURNOVER IN 2009 If you knew just how much money turnover is costing your company, you would have handled it ages ago! Turnover costs A LOT and it comes right off the bottom line. Let The Herman Group and its team of very experienced consultants help you address your turnover issues right away. We have an impressive track record and stand ready to help you. Call Carol at 800-227-3566; international, call 336-210-3547 for a no-obligation conference call. EMPLOYEE RETENTION BEGINS WITH GOOD SELECTION If you are not using pre-employment assessments, you are flying without radar---not very smart in today's highly competitive environment. Let us help you better understand your candidates and your employees. In less than 30 minutes, you will know if they can do the job (abilities); their work behaviors, even their personality and attitudes (like integrity & ethics), and those can't be trained. It's very cost effective, too! For more information, contact Joyce at 336-210-3548 or e-mail assessments@hermangroup.com. Validated for many countries and cultures. We offer in-depth help with job descriptions, too! GET INSIDE THE MINDS OF YOUR EMPLOYEES Find out what's really going on inside the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-648-1918 or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. To read this Herman Trend Alert on the web: http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_9-24-2008.html. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

[ Home · About · Products · Telebridge · Resources · Media ]

Web site design by WebEditor Design Services, Inc.