January 21st - 23rd, 2015 | The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL

The Internet of Things (IoT) may be more significant in reshaping the competitive landscape than the arrival of the Internet. Its productivity potential is so powerful it will deliver a new era of prosperity.

China Inc. might appear to be an improbable source of fresh management thinking. Its state-owned enterprises are, for the most part, regulated giants that are experimenting with Western management practices. China has yet to produce a world-class company like GE or Samsung, and outside the country most of its businesspeople are better known for amassing wealth than for innovative management ideas. Yet China offers more management lessons today than do most other countries.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service - widely known as the PX or the Exchange - is designed to provide everything a soldier might need or want, tax-free and often at a deep discount: uniforms, tactical gear, recreational sports equipment, vitamin supplements, electronics, furniture, booze, lawn ornaments. It serves 12.8 million customers in 50 states and more than 30 countries. In fiscal 2013 the PX had revenue of $8.3bn and a profit of $332m. About a third of that was reinvested in operations, and the rest - $208m - was plowed into the Pentagon's morale, welfare and recreation programs to provide services like playing fields and on-base Boy Scout troops.

The International Maritime Organization has decided to make it mandatory to weigh loaded containers before they are transported by sea. The initiative is designed to enhance safety and prevent pollution of the marine environment.