A new study from business services firm PwC finds that private companies in the United States are making talent management a top priority after identifying a shortage of skills in their workforce.

The largest skill gaps identified were in middle management (53 percent) and skilled labor (48 percent).

"Over the past two years, CEOs were focused on cost containment, making deep workforce cuts in anticipation of a protracted recession," says Ken Esch, a partner in PwC's Private Company Services practice.

Det norske has entered into an agreement with Talisman Energy to acquire 10 per cent of the PL438 in the Barents Sea.

The licence contains the Skalle prospect, operated by Lundin Petroleum. Lundin will drill Skalle in June this year, using the Transocean Leader drilling rig.

The deal is set to strengthen Det norske's existing position in the Barents Sea.

Boeing has announced sale agreements with two Asian airlines for a combined total of 43 new aircraft, highlighting the significance of the region for aircraft manufacturers.

Hong Kong Airlines is to buy 38 Boeing aircraft, six 777 Freighters, 30 787-9s and two 787-8 VIP airplanes.

At the same time Air China signed an agreement for the purchase of five 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners. Air China is the first Chinese carrier to contract the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8.

Product testing and safety specialist Intertek has announced the acquisition of technical services provider Moody International for £450 million.

Moody provides technical inspection and staffing services, consulting and training, and global management system certification to engineering, procurement & construction companies, energy companies and component manufacturers in the energy sector. The company has 2,500 employees in 60 countries.

Taking on aid projects in third world countries can often mean biting off more than you can chew; but as Alan Swaby learns, enlisting the help of local engineers can help avoid the pitfalls.

In today’s tough employment market, your social media presence can make you (as you tweet your way to a new job) or break you (as that regrettable Facebook photo sends your crumpled résumé sailing into the trash).

Like it or not, the “social” in social media is misleading—and the phenomenon has now fully permeated our professional lives. According to Maribeth Kuzmeski, that means if you’re unemployed or if you’re just looking to make your next career move, it’s time to consider how to use social media to your advantage.

Jeff Daniels looks at one of the most important energy suppliers in the Indian sub-continent playing a role in India’s drive towards modernisation.

India’s insatiable appetite for energy is no secret. More industrial activity and greater affluence have increased demand for just about every single resource imaginable. And although India does have oil and gas deposits, the demand is increasing at a rate which cannot be fulfilled by domestic production.

State utility Mhlathuze Water is not only a full spectrum water company but also a provider of inspiration and support for the people of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, as Jane Bordenave finds out.

Formed just eight months ago, Imperial Logistics Refrigerated Services is preparing a paradigm shift in refrigerated logistics services in South Africa. Managing director Gavin Wilson explains to Gay Sutton his vision for the future.

EnviroGold has blended a unique technical process, Australian business and mining expertise and an effective resource development strategy to create the promise of profit, as John O’Hanlon discovers.