Krzysztof Bledowski, Ph.D., director of economic studies
Kris evaluates four types of proposals aimed at solving the EMU's various crises and argues that only one stands a realistic chance of implementation in the next decade. He also delves into individual policy planks and assesses their chances of adoption, concluding that the common currency faces long odds of survival beyond the next few years. Policy Analysis

Boards should focus their conversations with IT executives around five questions that aim to shed light on important IT projects and core business activities, write Aditya Pande and Christoph Schrey of McKinsey. These questions include "What value is the business getting from its most important IT projects?" and "What skills and talent does IT need to achieve desired outcomes?"

The summer months can bring a drop in productivity and a rise in the absentee rate, but there are ways to combat this, as several companies illustrate. Power Home Remodeling hosts themed outdoor events each month, while Timberland offers an on-site organic garden that employees can tend.

The adoption of new technologies and more efficient production models means US manufacturers are "leaner and greener than ever," but external factors are limiting the sector's growth, according to a survey by Assembly Magazine. "Manufacturing is facing a number of challenges, including high inventories, collapsing oil prices, an unwillingness to invest and an appreciating dollar that makes exports more expensive to foreign buyers," said Daniel Meckstroth, chief economist at the MAPI Foundation.