Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 31

Friday, September 27, 2019

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 31

1              Oil Set for Weekly Loss as Saudis Restore Output
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/oil_set_for_weekly_loss_as_saudis_restore_output-27-sep-2019-159913-article/

il is heading for the biggest weekly loss since July on indications Saudi Arabia is restoring lost crude production quicker-than-expected after attacks on its key energy infrastructure.

2              Oil Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/oil-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-more-supply-worries-as-iran-claims-us-offered-to-remove-sanctions-602789

On the supply side, easing tensions between Saudi and Yemen could lead to increased supply since it lowers the chances of an escalation of further attacks on Saudi oil fields. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources that Saudi Arabia had agreed to a partial ceasefire in Yemen.

3              Natural Gas Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/natural-gas-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-battle-of-the-seasons-begins-weakens-under-2-368-strengthens-over-2-440-602776

Natural gas futures are trading lower on Friday after a bearish government storage report drove prices sharply lower the previous session. The market is now testing a major 50% to 61.8% retracement zone, which should determine its next short-term move.

4              Weekly resin report: Prices remain stable, despite jarring events
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-prices-remain-stable-despite-jarring-events/16473206161579

A series of events jarred the resin trading markets last week, including the attack on Saudi oil infrastructure and a flash flood near the heart of Houston-area petrochemical facilities. Many offers were pulled off the board in the wake of the Saudi event, but still others came to fill buyers’ resin needs, reports the PlasticsExchange (Chicago) in its weekly Market Update.

5              Oil Under Fire At UN Summit
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Oil-Under-Fire-At-UN-Summit.html

The oil industry came under fire from climate activists, investors and global leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York in recent days. Oil executives went to lengths to describe what they are doing on climate change, which is arguably an indication that they are beginning to feel the heat as the world calls for an energy transition.

6              Oil and Gas is Here to Stay
https://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_and_gas_is_here_to_stay-27-sep-2019-159915-article/

OPEC’s research shows that oil and gas, and this industry as a whole, is here to stay. That’s what OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo revealed in a speech at the 12th Kazenergy Eurasian Forum on September 26.

7              EIA projects nearly 50% increase in world energy usage by 2050, led by growth in Asia
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=41433
In the International Energy Outlook 2019 (IEO2019) Reference case, released at 9:00 a.m. today, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that world energy consumption will grow by nearly 50% between 2018 and 2050. Most of this growth comes from countries that are not in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and this growth is focused in regions where strong economic growth is driving demand, particularly in Asia.

8              Japan to invest US$10 billion in LNG
https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/26092019/japan-to-invest-10-billion-dollars-in-lng/
Reuters is reporting that Japan’s industry minister has announced that Japan, along with its private sector firms, will invest US$10 billion in global LNG projects.

9              Aramco IPO Schedule Leaves Analysts Scrambling
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/aramco_ipo_schedule_leaves_analysts_scrambling-26-sep-2019-159904-article/

Aramco is wasting no time pushing ahead with its IPO, leaving analysts scrambling to prepare research that will help investors decide whether to buy into one of the world’s biggest share sales.

10           Traders Rattled by US Sanctions on China Tanker Cos
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/traders_rattled_by_us_sanctions_on_china_tanker_cos-26-sep-2019-159903-article/
Global oil shipping was thrown into disarray after the U.S. imposed penalties on a handful of Chinese tanker firms for continuing to carry Iranian crude after sanctions waivers lapsed in May.

11           Consultancy finds boom in BOPET film
https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/consultancy-finds-boom-bopet-film-27-09-2019
Capacity is forecast to increase by over 50% by 2023; in 2018, global BOPET capacity is estimated at 6.7 bn tonnes, with the biggest volume located in China.

12           Commodity Tracker: 6 charts to watch this week
https://blogs.platts.com/2019/09/23/commodity-6-charts-oil-market-saudi-230919/
Oil markets are scrutinizing the export and stock balance of OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia this week, following attacks on critical oil infrastructure. Brazil’s corn exports and the success of Gazprom’s European auction platform are also among our latest pick of energy and commodity market trends.

13           Pemex Head of Crude Oil Trading Leaves Company
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/pemex_head_of_crude_oil_trading_leaves_company-27-sep-2019-159914-article/

Petroleos Mexicanos’s head of crude oil trading Victor Briones has left the company, according to people familiar with the matter.

14           Texas-Tuxpan offshore natural gas pipeline.
https://www.argusmedia.com/pages/NewsBody.aspx?id=1985398&menu=yes
Full ramp-up of the 2.6 Bcf/d Sur de Texas-Tuxpan offshore natural gas pipeline rests on state-owned CFE renegotiating interconnecting pipeline contracts with TC Energy, after talks to rework the main deal added to delays in starting the line.

15           ExxonMobil sells non-operated Norwegian North Sea assets for $4.5 billion
https://www.lngworldnews.com/exxonmobil-sells-non-operated-norwegian-north-sea-assets-for-4-5-billion/

U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil has signed an agreement with Vår Energi for the sale of its non-operated upstream assets in Norway for $4.5 billion. ExxonMobil said that the sale to Vår Energi was part of its previously announced plans to divest approximately $15 billion in non-strategic assets by 2021.

16           Mexico’s Pemex prepays $5.17 billion in bond tender
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-pemex-idUSKBN1W9060

Mexico’s Pemex said on Monday it had paid $5.17 billion in a tender offer to prepay about a third of its bonds maturing between 2020-23, part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s latest effort to shore up the state oil firm. The company announced the bond tender earlier this month, using a $5 billion capital injection from the Mexican government.

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 2

Friday, September 27, 2019

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 2

1              Making plastics recycling pledges is easy, following through can be hard
https://www.plasticsnews.com/blog/making-plastics-recycling-pledges-easy-following-through-can-be-hard

Brand owners and plastics companies have been making a lot of voluntary pledges related to plastics packaging in the past year. Some of those goals may be difficult or expensive to achieve.

2              Recyclable packaging is top concern for shoppers: report
https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/top-story/recyclable-packaging-top-concern-shoppers-report-24-09-2019
A new report found that 69% of shoppers believe buying packaging that is recyclable is the foremost sustainable spending behaviour, and two thirds of shoppers want non-recyclable packaging to be banned altogether.

3              Solar PV growth slows as sector transitions to new phase
https://blogs.platts.com/2019/09/26/solar-pv-capacity-growth-slows/

Dramatic cost reductions are now seeing solar PV becoming increasingly competitive, but capacity additions remain subdued so far this year across major markets, following a prior year of stalled growth, according to S&P Global Platts Analytics’ latest Global Solar PV Outlook.

4              Environmental groups secure air protections at proposed Ohio cracker plant
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2019/09/26/environmental-groups-secure-air-protections-at-proposed-ohio-cracker-plant/

A petrochemical company and three environmental groups have reached an agreement to increase air quality protections at a proposed ethane cracker plant in Belmont County, along the Ohio River. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency approved an air permit, called a “permit to install” for PTTGCA, based in Thailand, in December of last year.

5              Renewables ‘faster and cheaper’ than nuclear in saving the climate
https://www.rechargenews.com/transition/1854840/renewables-faster-and-cheaper-than-nuclear-in-saving-the-climate

Renewable energy is cheaper and reduces emissions faster than nuclear power, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report from French industry consultant Mycle Schneider.

New renewable plants in many countries with nuclear fleets now can not only compete economically with new nuclear, but also with existing nuclear power plants, the report finds.

6              Solar sector sees tax credit extension adding $87 billion to U.S. economy
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-solar-taxcredit-idUSKBN1W92FO

The U.S. solar energy industry will add an additional 113,000 jobs and generate $87 billion in investment over the next decade if U.S. lawmakers extend the sector’s key tax credit, a report published on Tuesday said.

7              Rystad: Equinor’s mega offshore wind project gives hope to deflated service industry
https://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/rystad-equinors-mega-offshore-wind-project-gives-hope-to-deflated-service-industry/

The offshore wind project Dogger Bank in the UK North Sea will not only be Equinor’s largest project through 2026, it will also rank as the sixth largest offshore development project in the world during this period, according to Rystad Energy.

8              Oil and Gas Investor EnCap Muscles Into Energy Storage Business
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/with-broad-reach-investment-encap-shifts-from-fossil-fuels-to-energy-storag

EnCap Investments has directed about $37 billion in venture investment into oil and gas companies over its 30 years in business. Now, it’s making its first investments into clean energy, with a goal of developing up to 2 gigawatts of utility-scale energy storage, either on its own or linked to solar, wind and peaker plants.

9              Is Building Energy Efficiency Overrated?
https://cleantechnica.com/2019/09/26/ec2019-part-3-is-building-energy-efficiency-overrated/

The day of the Global Climate Strike, September 20th, I participated in a fascinating all day conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s the fourth annual conference put on by the BC Sustainable Energy Association. There are three or four threads I want to pull at, but this one is focused on the segment on building energy efficiency.

10           Buying corporate renewable energy – a quick guide
https://www.rechargenews.com/transition/1854433/buying-corporate-renewable-energy-a-quick-guide
With the objectives of reducing carbon footprints and driving down energy costs, more and more corporations are beginning their renewable journey.

But how do you know which path to take and which options are right for you?

11           Trans Mountain oil tankers aren’t the only thing endangering whales on the West Coast
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tmx-killer-whale-marine-traffic-1.5294445
As Captain Aaron Nagler sets out onto the water, his boat navigates through a harbour full of vessels, from kayaks and sea ferries to sailing yachts.

Past the waters around Granville Island, in the heart of Vancouver, Nagler cruises by much larger ships hauling grain and coal, and another vessel filled with shipping containers. Beyond all the traffic, the horizon opens up as the engine pushes the boat further away from the coast.

12           SEIA: Steps For Reaching 20% Solar By 2030
https://solarindustrymag.com/seia-steps-for-reaching-20-solar-by-2030

As part of the first steps into the “Solar+ Decade,” the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a roadmap that puts solar energy on a path to reaching 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030.

13           Microsoft signs US wind and solar power deal with Engie
https://www.rechargenews.com/transition/1854529/microsoft-signs-us-wind-and-solar-power-deal-with-engie

Microsoft has signed power deals for 230MW of wind and solar with Engie in the US. The software giant agreed long-term PPAs for the majority of the output from Engie’s 200MW Las Lomas wind farm and 85MW from its 200MW Anson Solar center, both in Texas and due online in January 2021.

14           Honda Announces U.S. Solar And Wind Agreements
https://solarindustrymag.com/honda-announces-u-s-solar-and-wind-agreements

Seeking to slash emissions from its manufacturing operations, Honda has entered into long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for wind and solar power that will cover more than 60% of the electricity the company uses in North America.

15           Solar To Headline Double-Digit Renewable Power Capacity Growth In 2019
https://cleantechnica.com/2019/09/24/solar-to-headline-double-digit-renewable-power-capacity-growth-in-2019/

Global capacity additions of renewable power are expected to bounce back with double-digit growth in 2019, according to the International Energy Agency, led by a resurgent performance from the solar PV industry which is expected to see growth of over 17% and capacity of 115 gigawatts (GW) by year’s end.

16           Alliance to End Plastic Waste joins project STOP
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/alliance-end-plastic-waste-joins-project-stop
The recently established Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) has joined Borealis initiative Project STOP to help further scale up the development of more sustainable and circular waste management systems in Indonesia.

Business Intelligence and Analytics 31

Friday, September 27, 2019

Business Intelligence and Analytics 31

1              Bringing agile to customer support
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/bringing-agile-to-customer-care

Agile is one of the hottest management trends for companies across industries, and with good reason. This approach, which encourages collaboration, responsiveness, and ownership, has helped to transform different parts of an organization and generated significant performance improvements.

2              Why are your customers calling you again?
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/why-are-your-customers-calling-you-again

It’s long been a fact of life that call centers often receive multiple calls from the same customers. Yet despite the availability of call data, few organizations fully understand the reasons behind repeat calls, making them hard to reduce or eliminate.

3              Tutorial on Outlier Detection in Python using the PyOD Library
https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2019/02/outlier-detection-python-pyod/
My latest data science project involved predicting the sales of each product in a particular store. There were several ways I could approach the problem. But no matter which model I used, my accuracy score would not improve. I figured out the problem after spending some time inspecting the data – outliers!

4              Introduction to anomaly detection in python
https://blog.floydhub.com/introduction-to-anomaly-detection-in-python/

There are always some students in a classroom who either outperform the other students or failed to even pass with a bare minimum when it comes to securing marks in subjects. Most of the times, the marks of the students are generally normally distributed apart from the ones just mentioned. These marks can be termed as extreme highs and extreme lows respectively. In Statistics and other related areas like Machine Learning, these values are referred to as Anomalies or Outliers.

5              Data Mapping Using Machine Learning
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2019/09/data-mapping-using-machine-learning.html

From small to large businesses, just about every company is fighting for a chance to get their audience’s attention. Regular marketing campaigns performed 20 years ago just don’t cut it anymore. To get ahead of the curve and beat out your competitors, you often have to market directly to the source, especially if you cater to the millennial generation.

6              Here’s How Data Science Is Empowering The Field Of Marketing
https://medium.com/@anebellyliza45/heres-how-data-science-is-empowering-the-field-of-marketing-76cff8386b68

Data Science is evolving at a rate faster than what it was expected few years back. The applications of Data Science are not just limited to one particular field. Slowly Data Science has spread to several other sectors of healthcare, education, automobile, defence & many more. Data Science also promises a lot for marketers to significantly reach their desired business goals & objectives.

7              Talent Alert: Data Science Help is Coming
https://www.informationweek.com/big-data/talent-alert-data-science-help-is-coming/a/d-id/1335756
But will the flood of candidates solve your data problems? Here are a few issues to mull and tips on how to attract/retain data scientists in this hot market.

8              6 Data Extraction Tools to Speed Up Your Work
https://www.business2community.com/tech-gadgets/6-data-extraction-tools-to-speed-up-your-work-02241578
The day to day tasks of running a business can be hard, not to mention time-consuming. Especially when it comes to dealing with lots of data. Just to get your hands on useful data you need to extract it from PDFs or spreadsheets, clean it, organise it, store it and analyze it. With lots of data, this can quickly become a full-time job. Thankfully, data extraction tools are here to help.

9              Open Source Gains Ground in the Enterprise
https://www.informationweek.com/big-data/software-platforms/open-source-gains-ground-in-the-enterprise/d/d-id/1335906

You may not hear a lot of enterprise executives talking about it, but open source software is becoming a mainstay in big organizations.

The enterprise has gone through a lot of changes in recent years between the rise of public cloud, Agile development, and a greater focus on data management and analytics. Another big change? It used to be that open source technology might not have been considered as an appropriate fit in the enterprise. Plus, tech executives may have been giving open source an air kiss, but they weren’t ready to commit. That’s totally turned around.

10           3 Reasons Why You Need to Be Computer Savvy in Business
https://bigdataanalyticsnews.com/reasons-need-to-be-computer-savvy-business/
Different business models require a variety of skills: from hands-on services which are built around craftsmanship and creativity to sales and marketing which put stock in people skills, salesmanship, and data analysis. However, there is one thing that all job roles have in common no matter the industry you work in, and that is the need for basic technological knowledge.

11           5 great Data Strategy Resources
https://101.datascience.community/2019/09/26/5-great-data-strategy-resources/

I am putting together some of my own resources on Data Strategy. Here are a few of the top resources I found helpful so far.

12           The Problem With Email Marketing Automation Flowcharts
https://www.targetmarketingmag.com/article/the-problem-with-email-marketing-automation-flowcharts/

The Marketing Automation Flow Is the Highway, the Marketing Message Is the Tesla

Marketing automation, and even the most complex and well-thought-out automation and email drip campaign flows, are just an infrastructure. But like a highway, the customer experience can be very different, based on what’s driving down the road.

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 30

Friday, September 20, 2019

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 30

1              Real crunch from Saudi Arabia’s oil outage has yet to be felt
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-aramco-attacks-supply-idUSKBN1W41GL
Saudi Arabia’s ability to avert a global oil supply crunch will only become clear in a few weeks, because for now its crude held in storage can fill the gap and mask the scale of damage to its facilities, traders and analysts say.

2              A Crazy Day for Oil Leaves Traders Dazed
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/a_crazy_day_for_oil_leaves_traders_dazed-18-sep-2019-159835-article/

The Sunday opening of the oil market is traditionally a sedate affair: volumes are minimal and only a few traders in Asia, where it’s already early Monday, are in front of their screens.

3              Energy transition dampens appetite for Asian mega-refinery projects
https://blogs.platts.com/2019/09/19/energy-transition-asia-mega-refinery/
Asia has been the last bastion of large oil refinery projects for years, but overcapacity in the near term and the de-carbonization of transport fuels further out have raised questions over the need for more large-scale refining projects.

4              Oil Price Fundamental Daily Forecast – Markets Likely to Remain Bid Due to Middle East Tensions
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/oil-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-markets-likely-to-remain-bid-due-to-middle-east-tensions-601362

Before the market can really become stable, Saudi inventories are going to have to return to pre-attack levels, the damaged facilities are going to have to be repaired and working at full capacity and further threats will have to be prevented. Since the risk is to the downside, the markets are likely to be bid for several days.

5              Natural Gas Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/natural-gas-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-will-break-under-2-551-finally-spark-long-liquidation-601374

Continuing to trade inside the $2.585 to $2.691 retracement zone will indicate the bulls and the bears are somewhat balanced. Natural gas futures are edging higher on Friday shortly after the regular session opening. Even after three lower closes, the market is having a hard time breaking through the pair of technical support levels that have been propping up prices for nearly two weeks.

6              Weekly resin report: PE prices hit decade-long lows, but don’t get too comfortable
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-pe-prices-hit-decade-long-lows-don-t-get-too-comfortable/116669370361535

Spot resin trading slowed last week and resin prices were mixed, reports the PlasticsExchange (Chicago) in its Market Update.

7              Three prices down, two flat for commodity resins in August
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/three-prices-down-two-flat-commodity-resins-august

Three North American commodity resins ended summer with price drops, while two others remained flat. The price declines were seen by polyethylene, PVC and PET bottle resin. And although regional prices for polypropylene and polystyrene were flat, the days of early-year price runups, flat summer pricing and late-year price drops appear to be over.

8              Europe petchems brace for higher logistics costs as Rhine’s water levels fall
https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2019/09/19/10419897/europe-petchems-brace-for-higher-logistics-costs-as-rhine-s-water-levels-fall

Worries about the River Rhine’s low water levels are back in the minds of Europe’s petrochemicals players as barges cannot fully load, according to the Rhine Shipping Authority (WSA

9              China petrochemical trades to thin out ahead of October holiday
https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2019/09/20/10420103/china-petrochemical-trades-to-thin-out-ahead-of-october-holiday

Petrochemical trades in China are expected to thin out amid mandated production curbs and logistics restrictions put in place as the nation marks its 70th founding anniversary in October.

10           Petrochemical feedstock supply under attack
https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/19092019/petrochemical-feedstock-supply-under-attack/

The drone attacks on Saudi Aramco’s oil and gas facilities and key infrastructure will have significant ripple effects in the global energy and petrochemical markets, as well as the global economy, as oil prices rise and natural gas production is disrupted.

11           Asian petchem buyers query Saudi recovery timelines
https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/1980425-asian-petchem-buyers-query-saudi-recovery-timelines

The extent of the disruption from last weekend’s attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure suggests the government’s end-September timeline to restore production could be optimistic, petrochemical distributors and consumers in Asia said.

12           Challenges In A Growing LNG Market
https://www.woodmac.com/news/the-edge/challenges-in-a-growing-lng-market/
Investors are scrambling to grab a piece of the action. We are witnessing a supply boom the scale of which the industry has never experienced before. Around US$240 billion will be spent between 2019 and 2025 on greenfield and brownfield LNG supply projects, backfill and finishing construction for those already underway.

13           Next wave of U.S. LNG export projects to be ‘tougher’: Blackstone Energy CEO
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-energy-gastech-idUSKBN1W32AT
The next wave of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects will be “tougher” to bring online, as companies with existing facilities take advantage of lower costs to expand capacity in coming years, the chief executive of Blackstone Energy Partners said on Wednesday.

14           US To Supply More Than Half Of Global Gas By 2035
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/US-To-Supply-More-Than-Half-Of-Global-Gas-By-2035.html
The United States is expected to account for more than half of the global natural gas supply growth through 2035, McKinsey & Company said in a new report.

15           Oilfield Services More Bullish Following Oil Price Jump
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Oilfield-Services-More-Bullish-Following-Oil-Price-Jump.html

The recent oil price jump could create further momentum for service sector margins, according to Rystad Energy. Sixty percent of the top 50 oilfield service (OFS) contractors already improved margins and increased operational efficiency in the first half of 2019. On average, the peer group recorded an EBITDA margin of 15.2% in the first six months of the year, compared to 14.6% in the same period last year.

16           Major Mexico gas pipeline at center of dispute begins operations
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-pipelines-idUSKBN1W21QL
A major natural gas pipeline between Texas and the Mexican Gulf Coast port of Tuxpan that was at the heart of a dispute between Mexico’s government and infrastructure firms begins operations on Tuesday, the companies behind it said.

17           Commodity Tracker: 6 charts to watch this week
https://blogs.platts.com/2019/09/16/commodity-tracker-6-charts-to-watch-160919/

Geopolitical risk and oil markets top this week’s pick of energy and commodities themes from S&P Global Platts editors. Plus, Ukraine’s role in European gas supply, steel scrap prices as a bellwether for economies, and a milestone approaches for US LNG exports.

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 1

Friday, September 20, 2019

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 1

1              After stalling last year, renewable power capacity additions to hit double-digit
https://www.iea.org/newsroom/news/2019/september/after-stalling-last-year-renewable-power-capacity-additions-to-hit-double-digit-.html
After stalling last year, global capacity additions of renewable power are set to bounce back with double-digit growth in 2019, driven by solar PV’s strong performance, according to the International Energy Agency.

The IEA expects renewable capacity additions to grow by almost 12% this year, the fastest pace since 2015, to reach almost 200 GW, mostly thanks to solar PV and wind. Global solar PV additions are expected to increase by over 17%.

2              The climate crisis explained in 10 charts
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/sep/20/the-climate-crisis-explained-in-10-charts

The level of CO2 has been rising since the industrial revolution and is now at its highest for about 4 million years. The rate of the rise is even more striking – the fastest for 66m years – with scientists saying we are in “uncharted territory”.

3              More than 100 sign EU recycling pledge
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/more-100-sign-eu-recycling-pledge

More than 100 public and private partners covering the entire plastics value chain signed the declaration of the Circular Plastics Alliance in Brussels to promote voluntary actions to develop a “well-functioning [European Union] market in recycled plastics.”

4              If the world ran on sun, it wouldn’t fight over oil
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/18/climate-crisis-oil-war-iraq-saudi-attack-green-energy
We are sadly accustomed by now to the idea that our reliance on oil and gas causes random but predictable outbreaks of flood, firestorm and drought. The weekend’s news from the Gulf is a grim reminder that depending on oil leads inevitably to war too.

5              Natural gas and wind forecast to be fastest growing sources of U.S. electricity generation – Today in Energy
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=41333
In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that natural gas-fired electricity generation in the United States will increase by 6% in 2019 and by 2% in 2020. EIA also forecasts that generation from wind power will increase by 6% in 2019 and by 14% in 2020.

6              The oil industry vs. the electric car
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/09/16/oil-industry-electric-car-1729429
Groups backed by industry giants like Exxon Mobil and the Koch empire are waging a state-by-state, multimillion-dollar battle to squelch utilities’ plans to build charging stations across the country. Environmentalists call the fight a reprise of the “Who Killed the Electric Car?” battles that doomed an earlier generation of battery-driven vehicles in the 1990s.

7              Oil Majors Face Further Pain As Plastics Fall Out Of Fashion
https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikescott/2019/09/16/oil-majors-face-further-pain-as-plastics-fall-out-of-fashion/
Oil and gas producers are preparing for a decline in demand for gasoline and diesel as electric cars replace fossil fuelled vehicles, but they have been taking solace in the thought that the petrochemicals market would still need a lot of oil as a feedstock.

But now that source of demand may be under threat as well, thanks to the global backlash against plastics from both consumers and regulators.

8              Siemens Gamesa in talks to buy parts of troubled turbine firm Senvion
https://www.energyvoice.com/otherenergy/207771/siemens-gamesa-in-talks-to-buy-parts-of-troubled-turbine-firm-senvion/

Turbine giant Siemens Gamesa is understood to be considering the purchase of parts of troubled firm Senvion. It is thought that Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) will buy Senvion’s European portfolio through and exclusivity agreement.

Business Intelligence and Analytics 30

Friday, September 20, 2019

Business Intelligence and Analytics 30

1              Research: Changing Your Mind Makes You Seem Intelligent
https://hbr.org/2019/09/research-changing-your-mind-makes-you-seem-intelligent
Hard-headedness seems to be rampant. From the boardroom to politics to everyday interactions, we often encounter people (and may also find ourselves) upholding a stance despite evidence of its inaccuracy. Take the many well-educated and well-intended individuals who, despite overwhelming factual evidence to the contrary, continue to deny climate change or believe that vaccines cause autism.

2              The Top 5 Most Important Metrics to Customer Success Teams
https://www.business2community.com/brandviews/teamsupport/the-top-5-most-important-metrics-to-customer-success-teams-02242751

With more companies creating and expanding their customer success teams than ever before, it’s critical that leadership focuses on the right metrics to accurately gauge their work. Remember, this team isn’t just an extension of customer support, so common metrics like average ticket close time will fail at accurately representing their contribution to your company.

3              See The 6 Data Scientist Archetypes You Will Find In Every Organisation
https://www.analyticsindiamag.com/see-the-6-data-scientist-archetypes-you-will-find-in-every-organisation/

It is the sexiest job of the 21st century and the job profile has gained significant popularity over the last few years. Although a lot has been covered on how to make a career as a data scientist, we still haven’t explored the types of data scientists which we find in the industry. What we see is in most organisations, data scientists specialise in one type or another.

4              AI for Retail and CPG in a Consumer-Driven Era
https://blog.dataiku.com/ai-for-retail-and-cpg-in-a-consumer-driven-era
With AI and new technologies radically transforming the way consumers engage with brands, products, and services in our everyday lives, there’s hardly been a more exciting time to be in the retail industry.

5              How 5G will transform our ability to work from home — Quartz at Work
https://qz.com/work/1707685/how-5g-will-transform-our-ability-to-work-from-home/
Thanks to greatly improved internet connectivity and workforce applications, employees in an increasing number of professions can work just about anywhere they want—in their home, at a coffee shop, on a plane. And chances are they’re more  productive and more engaged than they would be if they were in the office. They may even be planning to stay in their job longer because of their flexible work location. In 2017, Stanford economics professor Nicholas Bloom, in a TED Talk, went so far as to call work-from-home potentially as innovative as the driverless car.

6              8 Must-Have Elements for an Impressive Startup Landing Page
https://www.business2community.com/marketing/8-must-have-elements-for-an-impressive-startup-landing-page-02240484

Making a compelling and high-converting landing page might sound simple, but every marketer knows far too well how challenging this can be. WordStream found that 80% of traffic goes to just the top 10% of landing pages.

7              5 Beginner Friendly Steps to Learn Machine Learning and Data Science with Python
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2019/09/5-beginner-friendly-steps-learn-machine-learning-data-science-python.html

Two years ago, I started learning machine learning online on my own. I shared my journey through YouTube and my blog. I had no idea what I was doing. I’d never coded before but decided I wanted to learn machine learning.

When people find my work, they sometimes reach out and ask questions. I don’t have all the answers but I reply to as many as I can. The most common question I get is “where do I start?” The next most common question is “how much math do I need to know?”

8              The Basics of Business Intelligence Dashboards
https://www.unleashedsoftware.com/blog/basics-business-intelligence-dashboards

If you’re an inventory manager or a business owner, having data about the way your business runs can be a game-changer. However, gathering data is only part of the equation. Collating and analysing a wealth of information can be a tedious challenge, especially in the face of insurmountable piles of data.

9              How Data Analytics Can Drive Innovation
https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/data-analytics-innovation/
Data presents an invaluable opportunity for firms to innovate, but only if they know what to do with it. In her latest research, Wharton professor of operations, information and decisions Lynn Wu looks at how different organizational structures influence the use of data analytics to spur innovation. Her paper, “Data Analytics Supports Decentralized Innovation,” is forthcoming in the journal Management Science and was co-authored by Wharton operations, information and decisions professor Lorin Hitt and Wharton doctoral candidate Bowen Lou.

10           Data and AI: Joining hands for the future of marketing
https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/09/18/data-and-ai-joining-hands-the-future-marketing

What do your customers want from you? The age old question which marketers have been chasing since the dawn of commerce will take center stage as The Drum teams up with Microsoft Advertising to bring you The Future of Marketing is Customer Experience, a panel with industry experts from leading brands and agencies, during Advertising Week New York.

11           Which Data Science Skills are core and which are hot/emerging ones?
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2019/09/core-hot-data-science-skills.html

1. Which skills / knowledge areas do you currently have (at the level you can use in work or research)? and
   2. Which skills do you want to add or improve?

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 29

Friday, September 13, 2019

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 29

1              Growth in service industry set to take a hit
https://www.rystadenergy.com/newsevents/news/press-releases/growth-in-service-industry-set-to-take-a-hit/

Lower oil prices will push the global service market into a recession in 2020 after three successive years of growth, according to Rystad Energy. In a new sector outlook update, Audun Martinsen, head of oilfield services research at Rystad Energy, forecasts a 4% decline in global oilfield service revenue if oil prices stay flat next year.

2              Oil Demand Growth Weakest In Nearly A Decade
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Oil-Demand-Growth-Weakest-In-Nearly-A-Decade.html

The U.S. EIA said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook that it expects oil demand to grow by only 0.9 million barrels per day (mb/d) this year, the latest in a series of downgrades from the agency. In July, it said 2019 demand would grow by 1.1 mb/d and in June it said 1.2 mb/d. The EIA started off the year expecting demand to grow by 1.5 mb/d this year.

3              Can The Energy Industry Rise To The Challenge Of Climate Change?
https://www.woodmac.com/news/feature/can-the-energy-industry-rise-to-the-challenge-of-climate-change/

The statement above from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the central aim of The Paris Agreement, ratified at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP21).

4              Mexico’s Growing Reliance on US Oil Will Continue
https://www.rigzone.com/news/mexicos_growing_reliance_on_us_oil_will_continue-13-sep-2019-159793-article/

Proven oil reserves in Mexico have collapsed from 50 billion barrels 20 years ago to just 8 billion barrels today.

5              Oman: Forget $80 Oil, Producers Should Get Used To $60 Oil
https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Oman-Forget-80-Oil-Producers-Should-Get-Used-To-60-Oil.html

Oil producing nations should get used to living in a world of US$60 a barrel oil, because US$80 oil is unlikely in the current market environment, Oman’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, told Russian news agency TASS in a recent interview.

6              Oil Price Fundamental Daily Forecast – Concerns Over Lower Demand, Higher Supply Capping Prices
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/oil-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-concerns-over-lower-demand-higher-supply-capping-prices-600043

As far as the news is concerned, a further easing of tensions between the United States and China could underpin prices, but the announcement of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani could trigger a steep break.

7              Natural Gas Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/natural-gas-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-reaction-to-2-619-to-2-635-determines-todays-direction-600018

If the tropical storm hits Florida then we could see a drop in demand, which could help accelerate the selling pressure. If the storm move into the Gulf of Mexico and strengthens then this could be a bullish development next week since it could pose a threat to natural gas infrastructure near Louisiana and Texas.

8              Weekly resin report: In a murky contract environment, spot market discounts attract buyers
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-murky-contract-environment-spot-market-discounts-attract-buyers/141938474461488

Rousing itself from a post-Labor-Day slumber, the resin market awoke midweek with solid demand and heavy turnover, reported the PlasticsExchange (Chicago) in its Market Update. The typical order size was larger than usual last week, as some buyers, apparently pleased with the current price level, secured material not only for immediate needs, but also for delivery throughout the next month and sometimes two.

9              IHS Markit: US Natural Gas Prices To Fall To 50-Year Low
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Gas-Prices/IHS-Markit-US-Natural-Gas-Prices-To-Fall-To-50-Year-Low.html

Huge natural gas stockpiles in the United States are set to push prices for the fuel to a near 50-year low, IHS Markit said on Thursday in a new report, with Henry Hub nat gas prices averaging $1.92 per million British thermal units in 2020.

10           Gas to Become Primary Energy Source in 2026
https://www.rigzone.com/news/gas_to_become_primary_energy_source_in_2026-11-sep-2019-159770-article/

DNV GL sees global gas demand overtaking demand for oil in 2026 to become the world’s primary energy source.

11           Exclusive: Repsol in advanced talks to buy Exxon assets in Gulf of Mexico
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-exxon-mobil-gulfmexico-repsol-exclusi-idUSKCN1VU2JF
Spanish oil giant Repsol SA is in advanced talks to acquire some deepwater assets in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico from Exxon Mobil Corp for about $1 billion, three people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

12           BP unveils measures to battle methane leaks
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bp-methane-idUSKCN1VV1BD
BP is introducing continuous monitoring of methane leaks at new oil and gas projects using drones and surveillance cameras, in a bid to cut emissions of the potent greenhouse gas to near zero.

13           European recycled plastics market set for 5% growth
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/european-recycled-plastics-market-set-5-growth
Concerns over the environmental impact of virgin plastics as well as cost and energy savings are driving demand for recycled plastics in Europe, according to a recently published report by the Dublin-based market research platform, Research and Markets.

14           LyondellBasell forms JV for PE, PP, feedstocks in China
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/lyondellbasell-forms-jv-pe-pp-feedstocks-china

Global petrochemicals leader LyondellBasell Industries will operate a major production unit in China through a partnership with a local firm. LBI — based in Rotterdam and Houston — will form the JV with Liaoning Bora Enterprise Group (Bora). Together, LBI and Bora will operate an ethylene cracker and downstream polyethylene and polypropylene resin units in Panjin, China. Hong Kong-based Bora began building the plant earlier this year.

15           Dow, SCG to make recycled, sustainable products
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/dow-scg-make-recycled-sustainable-products
In a far-reaching program, plastics and chemicals giant Dow Inc. will work with industrial firm SCG of Thailand on a range of sustainable products.

Products made by the partnership will include recycled resin, recycled products made from plastic waste, petrochemical feedstocks from plastic waste and renewable plastic resins. The agreement was signed Sept. 6 in Bangkok.

Business Intelligence and Analytics 29

Friday, September 13, 2019

Business Intelligence and Analytics 29

1              The 4 Big Data Positions to Fill to Create a Successful Analytics Team
https://datafloq.com/read/4-big-data-positions-successful-analytics-team/6866

For a few years now, big data has been one of the hottest types of business technology around. The high-visibility big data successes like Amazon, Facebook, and Netflix have sent everyone from Fortune 1000 businesses to SMEs of every kind scrambling to climb aboard the big data train. In the process, they’ve created a labor market that’s short on experts, and that has seen some of the strongest wage growth of any sector.

2              Automated Machine Learning for Professionals – Updated
https://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/automated-machine-learning-for-professionals-updated

Summary: As the Automated Machine Learning (AML) movement got underway a few years back there was an early branch between proprietary platforms and open source platforms.  In this article we’ll update you on leading open source AML tools.  Since they continue to require fluency in Python or R we label them “professional”.

3              5 Innovative Ways Procurement Can Use Data Analytics
https://www.sourcetoday.com/supply-chain/5-innovative-ways-procurement-can-use-data-analytics

Big data. Key performance metrics. Predictive data analytics. Structured and unstructured data. The list of terms used to describe the vast quantities of information being generated by organizations—and the methods for using that data—seems to be proliferating as quickly as the data itself. Figuring out what to do with all of this information can be downright daunting, but the good news is that procurement is in a prime position to use data to develop reports, perform spend analysis, assess suppliers, and do compliance checks.

4              How Technology is Revolutionizing Sales Engagement Platforms
https://www.business2community.com/brandviews/dealhub/how-technology-is-revolutionizing-sales-engagement-platforms-02239180

Did you know that 75% of businesses say that closing more sales deals is their number one priority? However, in a survey by HubSpot 40% of sales representatives said it is becoming more difficult to get replies from their prospective customers.

5              The 5 Graph Algorithms That Data Scientists Should Know
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2019/09/5-graph-algorithms-data-scientists-know.html

In a connected world, users cannot be considered as independent entities. They have got certain relationships between each other and we would sometimes like to include such relationships while building our machine learning models.

6              Top 4 Ways Big Data and Predictive Analytics Can Benefit More Stakeholders
https://www.analyticsinsight.net/top-4-ways-big-data-and-predictive-analytics-can-benefit-more-stakeholders/

Big data and predictive analytics have undoubtedly changed business as we know it. Large enterprises that have effectively leveraged predictive analytics like Amazon, Netflix, and Walmart are all enjoying massive success in their respective industries. Their data efforts have allowed them to engage customers effectively through targeted marketing and be more efficient by streamlining their supply chains.

7              How customer shopping data is used to promote groceries
https://medium.com/@So1_ai/how-customer-shopping-data-is-used-to-promote-groceries-54e3a39d5b75

One of the best ways to inspire customers is a well-designed thematic promotion. That’s why retailers’ circulars are full of recipes from famous chefs and stores are changing into showrooms of world cuisines. But with so many products and brands available, it’s never easy to design weekly promotions that will engage with shoppers, attract them to the stores and increase their spend.

8              How to Choose the Right Analytics Skills
https://www.informationweek.com/big-data/big-data-analytics/how-to-choose-the-right-analytics-skills/a/d-id/1335713

Just because an analyst hits the ground running does not mean that analyst has the ongoing breadth needed to solve every day analytics problems.

9              8 AI Trends in Today’s Big Enterprise
https://www.informationweek.com/big-data/big-data-analytics/8-ai-trends-in-todays-big-enterprise/d/d-id/1335771
A new KPMG report provides an inside view into how big companies are investing in and deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning technology.

10           How Companies Can Reduce the Risk of Disasters
https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/companies-reduce-the-risk-of-disasters/
As Hurricane Dorian demonstrated last week in the Bahamas and elsewhere, catastrophe can strike without warning with devastating force. How can companies prepare to respond when that happens?

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 28

Friday, September 6, 2019

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 28

1              Three Essential Factors For Oil Prices In 2020

https://oilprice.com/Energy/Oil-Prices/Three-Essential-Factors-For-Oil-Prices-In-2020.html

In a market update, Bjørnar Tonhaugen, head of oil market research at Rystad Energy, argues that a balanced oil market in 2020 is contingent on these pillars:

1. No global recession
2. Continued OPEC production cuts
3. The effect of new IMO 2020 regulations

2              Crude Oil Price Update – Strengthens Over $55.72, Weakens Under $55.30
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/crude-oil-price-update-strengthens-over-55-72-weakens-under-55-30-598606

Based on the earlier price action, the direction of the October WTI crude oil futures contract the rest of the session on Friday is likely to be determined by trader reaction to the short-term 50% level at $55.30.

3              Natural Gas Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/natural-gas-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-trade-through-2-388-could-signal-end-of-short-squeeze-598630

Given Thursday’s technical higher-high, lower-close, or closing price reversal top, we may have seen the top, but we can’t be sure until the chart pattern is confirmed. Natural gas futures are trading slightly lower on Friday shortly after the regular session opening. The market is trading inside yesterday’s wide range, which suggests investor indecision and impending volatility.

4              European Gas Prices Plunge To 10-Year Low
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/European-Gas-Prices-Plunge-To-10-Year-Low.html

Natural gas prices in Europe are set to drop even lower than the current ten-year lows this fall. Storage facilities across the continent are fuller than usual for this time of the year. Natural gas suppliers are not expected to curb deliveries despite the low prices, abundant supply, and tepid demand. The winter heating season in October is set to begin with temperatures around or above seasonal norms, early forecasts suggest.

5              Generally Flat Pricing Projected for Volume Resins Heading into 4th Quarter
https://www.ptonline.com/blog/post/generally-flat-pricing-projected-for-volume-resins-heading-into-4th-quarter
As we approach the start of fourth quarter, it appears that prices of nearly all volume resins eroded in various degrees through most of the third quarter. Major drivers include supply outstripping demand, a slowdown in some key markets such as automotive and construction, lower GDP, slowed global demand, and tariff-related issues.

6              Weekly resin report: Processors tap into spot polyethylene market for substantial savings
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-processors-tap-spot-polyethylene-market-substantial-savings/162994076161463

Spot resin trading slowed just a touch but remained lively heading into the long Labor Day weekend, reports the PlasticsExchange (Chicago) in its Market Update. Commodity resin prices were mixed, as August, the best month of the year so far for the resin clearinghouse, came to a close

7              Six EU Petrochemical Companies Form Consortium To Investigate Operating Naphtha/Steam Crackers Using Renewable Electricity
http://www.plastemart.com/news-plastics-information/Six-EU-petrochemical-companies-form-consortium-to-investigate-operating-naphthasteam-crackers-using-renewable-electricity/52770

Six petrochemical companies in Flanders, Belgium, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and the Netherlands (Trilateral Region) have announced the creation of a consortium to jointly investigate how naphtha or gas steam crackers could be operated using renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels.

8              U.S. shale firms cut budgets, staff as oil-price outlook dims
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-oil-slump-idUSKCN1VR15P

Oil producers and their suppliers are cutting budgets, staffs and production goals amid a growing consensus of forecasts that oil and gas prices will stay low for several years.

9              ‘Most renewable energy companies’ linked with claims of abuses in mines
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/sep/05/most-renewable-energy-companies-claims-mines

Most of the world’s top companies extracting key minerals for electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines have been linked with human rights abuses in their mines, research has found.

10           BP aims to sell more U.S. crude to Asia, boost LNG supplies in early 2020s
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-oil-gas-bp-idUSKCN1VR0W0

Oil major BP (BP.L) plans to sell more U.S. crude to Asia as its shale oil production grows, seeking to capitalize on growth in the world’s key demand region.

11           Exclusive: Exxon agrees $4 billion sale of Norway oil and gas assets
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-exxon-mobil-m-a-norway-exclusive-idUSKCN1VQ23W

Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) has agreed to sell its Norwegian oil and gas assets for up to $4 billion, marking the U.S. firm’s exit from production in the country after more than a century, three sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

12           European recycled plastics market set for 5% growth
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/european-recycled-plastics-market-set-5-growth

Concerns over the environmental impact of virgin plastics as well as cost and energy savings are driving demand for recycled plastics in Europe, according to a recently published report by the Dublin-based market research platform, Research and Markets.

Business Intelligence and Analytics 28

Friday, September 6, 2019

Business Intelligence and Analytics 28

1              10 Machine Learning Methods that Every Data Scientist Should Know

https://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/10-machine-learning-methods-that-every-data-scientist-should-know

Machine learning is a hot topic in research and industry, with new methodologies developed all the time. The speed and complexity of the field makes keeping up with new techniques difficult even for experts — and potentially overwhelming for beginners. To demystify machine learning and to offer a learning path for those who are new to the core concepts, let’s look at ten different methods, including simple descriptions, visualizations, and examples for each one.

2              Why is DATA important for your business?
https://towardsdatascience.com/how-important-is-data-for-your-business-c15a35c6935e

A human body has five sensory organs, each one transmits and receives information from every interaction every second. Today, scientists can determine how much information does a human brain receive and guess what! Humans receive 10 million bitsof information in one second. Similar for a computer when it downloads a document from the web over a fast internet.

3              Manage Your Leads With Tags: 8 Benefits Worth Checking
https://www.business2community.com/marketing-automation/manage-your-leads-with-tags-8-benefits-worth-checking-02237178

Lead generation processes are evolving. Whether you are using manual forms, API integrations or retargeting, the one thing that makes a lead’s quality better than another, is the amount of progressive data you have gathered around that lead.

4              How to Use Customer Service to Drive a Better Customer Experience
https://www.business2community.com/customer-experience/how-to-use-customer-service-to-drive-a-better-customer-experience-02237045

It’s not very common for customers to contact customer service when everything is going fine. No, it’s at times when something unexpected happens, situations like their order didn’t arrive when anticipated, the product is broken, or instructions aren’t clear.

5              Advice on building a machine learning career and reading research papers by Prof. Andrew Ng
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2019/09/advice-building-machine-learning-career-research-papers-andrew-ng.html

Andrew shared two major recommendations, specifically:

1. Reading research papers: efficient techniques ,that he uses, to read research papers when trying to master a new topic in deep learning.
2. Advice for navigating a career in machine learning.

6              Why U.S.-China Supply Chains Are Stronger Than the Trade War

https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/trade-war-supply-chain-impact/?utm_source=kw_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019-09-05

While the trade war between the U.S. and China continues to take its toll, global supply chains provide a “force for reason” in ending the standoff because they bind the two countries in prosperity, writes Wharton dean Geoffrey Garrett in this opinion piece.

7              4 aspects to consider for Achieving Artificial intelligence Progress
https://medium.com/@manager_77257/4-aspects-to-consider-for-achieving-artificial-intelligence-progress-3e64fd9a20d6

Artificial Intelligence conquers more and more different areas in business and to present its new solutions to old problems. An attempt to introduce artificial intelligence was driven by business, and not everyone said it was successful enough. And now the logistics industry is also making attempts to implement AI.

8              Data without Borders: How Synthesis Enables Ethical Sharing
https://insidebigdata.com/2019/09/04/data-without-borders-how-synthesis-enables-ethical-sharing/

In this special guest feature, Mike Capps, CEO of Diveplane, discusses why organizations should consider synthesizing their data, what that process entails, what the benefits and use cases of synthesized data are and why he believes synthesized data is the key to not only a successful data/AI project, but also to a successful data-driven future.

9              MIT report examines how to make technology work for society
http://news.mit.edu/2019/work-future-report-technology-jobs-society-0904

Automation is not likely to eliminate millions of jobs any time soon — but the U.S. still needs vastly improved policies if Americans are to build better careers and share prosperity as technological changes occur, according to a new MIT report about the workplace.

10           What’s the difference between analytics and statistics?
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2019/09/difference-analytics-statistics.html

Statistics and analytics are two branches of data science that share many of their early heroes, so the occasional beer is still dedicated to a lively debate about where to draw the boundary between them. Practically, however, modern training programs bearing those names emphasize completely different pursuits. While analysts specialize in exploring what’s in your data, statisticians focus more on inferring what’s beyond it.