With the not unlikely scenario that the CD will be replaced by instant downloads, Katie Pattullo hears from John Dingwall, music editor at The Daily Record and former A&R representative with Chrysalis Records, about the role of A&R as the music industry changes its tune — and how the artists, themselves, can benefit

Although many organisations today understand the need to be global, many focus solely on building the infrastructure for expansion and do not invest time and effort into identifying, selecting and developing the talent necessary to succeed. By Simon Mitchell, director at business leadership consultants, DDI

In the first of a two-part series of articles Marcus Powell of Ashridge Consulting discusses the dimensions of identifying and defining talent, as a first step towards an operational talent management strategy

EDF Energy had a problem. The organisation lacked a supply of identified talent sitting in line to take over from the current generation of leaders. Sue Chew, director of organisational development at EDF Energy, describes how the organisation has created a well-defined plan for establishing a healthy talent pool allowing them to both compete globally and to meet the Group’s vision, mission and ambitions

Amey is an organisation typified by a highly transient employee population. Scott Hobbs, head of talent and graduate development with Amey, describes how their trajectory for success was severely limited by not having the right people in the right places. The development of the Talent Tracker programme was vital for the business to gauge the capability of its people

A best-selling book on relationships asserts women can’t read maps because of a difference from men in evolutionary process. Widget Finn discusses whether it is a lack of corporate understanding or some failing in female characteristics that accounts for the fact there are still only one in nine boardroom positions held by women in Britain’s biggest businesses

Having started his career based in the Middle East where he was a lecturer and adviser to the Bahrain Ministry of Finance, Stephen Sidebottom, now head of HR with investment bank Nomura International, explains how important it is for Nomura to build up its talent pool in Asia, and why he thinks there is great competitive gain to be had by creating more opportunities for women

Knowing whether talented employees feel that they are valued and supported by their organisation is an important piece of information, yet few organisations have access to this kind of data.

The mid-tier is losing out in the global competition for talent according to a recent report from the accounting and consulting network RSM International.