Executive review

Dr. Jens Biermann, Ralph Büchele, Tys van Elk, Dr. David Gabrysch, Peter Greppmair, Kai Howaldt, Thomas Kunze, Yvonne Martini, Stephan März, Th. Müsch

2003

Our cover story in this issue, "Growing out of stagnation", looks at strategies focused on the entire life cycle of production machinery. "Basel II and the real estate market" discusses the link between real estate assets, ratings and credit investigations.

In an interview on the same subject, Manfred Salber, Director Credit Management at Frankfurt-based DZ-Bank, airs his views on how Basel II will affect the banking sector.

How sales activities can be leveraged to quickly add value is the subject of the article entitled "Made to fit rather than one size fits al".

A recent large-scale study by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants examined current trends in the construction and construction supply industries in Europe. The findings of this study are outlined in "A peek over the fence shows where work still needs to be done".

"Constantly improving the wheel" brings a timely reminder of the importance of forward-looking innovation models for companies keen to set themselves apart from their rivals.

Finally, "The weak dollar" explores current exchange rates a topic that will continue to concern us all for some time to come and their impact on export companies.