The 2017 Caribbean Innovation Competition (CIC) is currently underway with the official launch slated for September 1^st in Bridgetown, Barbados. The competition, a brainchild of Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), in collaboration with REACH and other regional partners, is an international support programme and business start-up accelerator for entrepreneurs in the Caribbean.
Through this programme, the organizers aim to help transform intellectual ideas and intelligent solutions into profitable business models through the commercialization of Intellectual Entrepreneurial Assets (IEAs).
Following the launch on September 1^st, there will be a Mini Business Lab (M-Lab), an intensive hands-on session, targeting potential entrepreneurs, to generate innovative ideas that can later be transformed into profitable businesses. This training methodology has been adapted to a condensed but effective one-day session where practical tools in the process in business creation willbe provided.
This year’s CIC is focused on “Digital Enterprises.” Consequently the competition will award projects in the following categories:

• Creative Industries – generating, disseminating and commercialization of creative content in sectors such as: film, radio and TV production, advertising, music, design, videogames, fashion, performing arts, among others.
• Technology Commercialization – effective transfer of university, engineering and research products, IP and other discoveries to the marketplace for the benefit of society. This includes sectors such as Education, Health, Engineering, and Agriculture.

The CIC which is currently in its third year will connect entrepreneurs with mentors whilst providing online training and additional resources throughout the process.
For more information on the Caribbean Innovation Competition (CIC) please visit http://www.reachcompetition.net/

Information Sharing: The Key to Greater Productivity!

I’m confident that you’ve been there at one point or another; new job, new working environment, new employees and the new and varied personalities which ensue. Starting a new job can be an exciting, but at the same time quite daunting experience. The fear of not knowing what to expect from your new colleagues can leave you feeling like a fish out of water.
In the first thirty (30) days after you commence employment you will generally feel that you have something to prove. After all, you were chosen from several highly qualified candidates to do a job and therefore you want to ensure that the employer does not regret their decision. You want to demonstrate how much of an expert you are on all topics in and out of your scope of work and you want to master organizational processes which may have very well taken other employees years to grasp.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get an official induction/orientation on the job or possibly find that one employee who is willing to take you under his or her wing and ensure that you grasp all the necessary information to carry out your job in an efficient manner. Sadly, the reality is that most times new recruits are left to “figure it out” all on their own. While being able to work independently and take initiative are very highly sought after job skills, providing little to no support to a new recruit may severely impact organizational productivity.
In her article entitled, The Effect of Communication on Productivity, entrepreneur and award-winning journalist Linda Ray states, “Productivity increases when your employees are satisfied with their jobs and with the level of communication they receive from management. […] When employees receive regular feedback on their performance, and are told what’s going on in the company and what role they play in the overall success of the business, they will reward you by working harder and more efficiently.”
As elementary as it may seem, information sharing and communication are pivotal factors in increasing job efficiency and productivity. Consequently, one of the major shortcomings of modern-day organizations is that the leaders tend to assume and often expect employees to have information that they have not formally disseminated. Employee ignorance (lack of knowledge), particularly as it pertains to what exactly required of them in their specific job function and how it fits into the overall organization strategic objectives, generally results in misunderstanding. An employee may therefore spend much time engaging in time- wasting activities which add little value to achieving the company’s vision and mission which may hinder personal and organizational productivity in the process.
Every organization wants to improve productivity and efficiency. Thankfully, communications and information sharing has become increasingly easier since the advent of the Internet/technological age. Leaders now have a multitude tools at their fingertips to ensure that their subordinates are kept up to date, almost instantaneously.
When leaders take the time to ensure that employees are informed the positive outcome is immediately visible. Firstly, there is less misunderstanding as employees have a clear idea and direction of what is required of them and the overall reason for what they are doing. Employees also feel that they are empowered to do their work as management has made their inclusion in the “big picture” a priority. Additionally, there is increased accountability as employees know exactly what they are working towards and want to ensure that they deliver on what is expected of them.
By properly managing their information sharing and overall communications processes organizations will undoubtedly achieve the productivity gains they are searching for. Not only will this boost employee morale and increase productivity, it will also result in an overall more pleasant working environment.
About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island. For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com

The word productivity evokes a plethora of sentiments. For the modern organization, productivity is heavily sought after and often synonymous with efficiency and reliability.  However, the way in which productivity is packaged or presented generally determines an employee’s attitude and receptivity towards this ideal. While at the surface productivity may seem like a very simple concept; i.e. “the ratio of output per unit of input”, for employees, it might be misconstrued as “just another thing” to add to an already long to-do-list.
In examining productivity levels and finding solutions to productive inefficiencies at an organizational level, business leaders tend to direct most of their efforts towards process improvement strategies. While processes have a major part to play in making or breaking businesses, there is another very important factor which is far too often neglected; PEOPLE!
People are at the core of productivity. An organization may have all the right processes in place, offer the best training and equipment but if the employees (people) do not have the right attitude or personality, productivity will take a significant dive. Understanding employee personalities is therefore an integral part of mastering the productivity equation.
What is personality?
American psychologist Gordon Willard Allport describes personality as “the dynamic organization within the individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his characteristics behavior and thought” (Allport, 1961, p. 28). Weinberg and Gould offer an even simpler definition; “The characteristics or blend of characteristics that make a person unique” (Weinberg & Gould, 1999).
How we think and feel is therefore no coincidence. In fact, our thoughts and feelings are determined by a number of characteristics which make each of us unique. Psychologists have identified five broad categories of underlying personality traits which affect how we act and react. These traits; extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness and neuroticism/emotional stability are more commonly known as “The Big 5.”
How does personality affect productivity?
Laboratory research carried out by Maria Cubel et al, which appeared in the May 2016 issue of The Economic Journal explored the relationship between labour market performance and productivity. In particular, this research sought to analyse the impact of “The Big 5” personality traits on performance. The research revealed, that “neurotic/emotionally unstable” employees perform badly in the workplace while individuals with conscientious personality traits performed better. Additionally, personality traits like extraversion and openness had a major impact on employee productivity.  
Now that we know this, what can we do with it?
 The truth of the matter is that while genetic pre-dispositions may cause a person to favour or portray one personality trait over another, personality traits are not fixed. In fact, regardless of underlying personality traits, an individual’s reaction to a given situation would be conditioned by the situation in question and a number of other variables. Personality is far too complexed to simply conclude that all emotionally stable and conscientious people will be highly productive.  Each situation and individual would need to be examined on a case by case basis.
Notwithstanding, the results of this research will not only greatly help employees with self-assessment and subsequent self-improvement but similarly it will be a very useful tool for leaders seeking to build high performing teams. Understanding the connection between personality and productivity will help employers/prospective employers understand their employees even better and will prove very useful in working with employees to achieve greater productivity and organizational success.
About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island. For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com
 

Have you ever asked yourself ‘what makes a good summer vacation?’ Some feel that a favourable vacation consists of simply laying back and doing as little as possible.  They see a vacation as a period of time when schedules are banished and deadlines are ignored. There are others however who live life under the premise that every second of every day must be spent in a structured and orderly way. They believe that no period of time should be unregulated and thus wasted. How an individual spends their time off is a personal decision, and no one way should ever be viewed as wrong but for those who would prefer to follow a productively active plan, there are some actions that can be taken to help you do so.
 Wake Up Early
Nothing eats away at your summer break like staying beneath the covers for most of the morning.  Decide the previous day when you will get out of bed, then make sure to follow through. During the first few weeks of your vacation, chances are that you will relish the opportunity to sleep in. It’s okay to do this and to give yourself a break but try not to make it a practice throughout the duration of your holiday as you may well end up spending the entire time in bed.
Maintain Good Health and Hygiene
Just because you are not obligated to leave your home every day during your vacation, it does not mean that you have to let yourself go. Take care of your health and hygiene.  You may also consider taking some summer fitness classes to get into shape or to help improve on the great shape that you already have.  If you are not too interested in joining a formal fitness club or group you should still try to get outside and have fun every day.
Study
Research a topic of interest, make some time to find out about something new. Your studying does not have to be limited to a book or the internet however. Go out to a museum, a gallery or a library to find out more about the chosen subject.  If you are a student, remember that studying remains essential throughout the school year. Look over last year’s notes or do some research into what next year’s courses have in store. When school resumes, you`ll be grateful that your academic knowledge and skills have not deteriorated.
Join a Volunteer Group
There are always groups around the community in need of some help. Give up some of your time to help out. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Go To Camp
Camps do not only pertain to children. Adult camps may be in operation under a different name or format.  Ask around, you may be surprised at how many adult community activities are in operation that offer the chance of learning something new.  You could learn to write, draw, bind books, and make photo albums, knit and so much more. Try something new and different, something that you know nothing whatsoever about and you will gain a new skill and possibly find a lifelong hobby to love.
As stated, everyone has their own idea of what makes a good summer vacation and no one way is better than another but if you are not travelling abroad or planning anything elaborate for your summer break you can still make it memorable by making it productively active.
 
About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island. 
 
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For more information about ‪#‎productivity and ‪#‎competitiveness related‪ #‎matters or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org;  call 468-5571/5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com. 
 

There’s a popular saying that goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”  When a cup is empty, no amount of work or wishing could produce a drop out of it. In the very same way, as individuals, when we push ourselves beyond our limits (emptying our physical and mental reserves) and more is required of us, we are then unable to produce in a manner that is efficient.
The notion of productivity is steeped in the ideals of efficiency, continuous improvement and excellence.   In fact, the Business Dictionary defines productivity as the “measure of the efficiency of a person, machine, factory, system, etc., in converting inputs into useful outputs.”
In a field like nursing, where the work never ends, achieving maximum productivity is a difficult feat. A normal/typical day does not exist in the life of a nurse. As primary caregivers, nurses are often found balancing diverse tasks to ensure that their patients are well cared for, all while putting their own needs aside. Regrettably, the effects of caregiving on their health/well-being and output are often considerable.

Saint Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre Staff Retreat

A country’s stagnant education system can contribute to the decline in a country’s competitiveness. As such, there lies an opportunity for our local business leaders to form partnerships with our educators to affect a workforce that is ready to revolutionize the private sector to spur economic growth and country competitiveness. Global business leaders have long recognized the connection between an effective education system and a qualified workforce.
Additionally, advanced economies have shown that an economy’s long term prosperity depends on the quality of its human resources. Failing to invest adequately in human resources can develop into an economic problem for countries. This is critical since at the core of country competitiveness is the quality of the human resources of a nation. This is greatly influenced by the quality and standard of skills training and the education system.
It is therefore important that Saint Lucia invests in proper education and training of the workforce to prepare students for the relevant jobs in industries where the country has a competitive advantage. Training should also prepare the workforce for jobs in the global market. This means that skilled persons can export their services overseas or investors can outsource services to the country because of the availability of specialized skills. This is particularly important in alleviating Saint Lucia’s high rate of unemployment.
“Business leaders today are engaged in education in ways that are generous, well-intended, effective at alleviating the symptoms of a weak education system, and thoroughly inadequate to help strengthen the system,” says Harvard Business School Professor Jan W. Rivkin.
The current generation of private sector innovators is now inclined to challenge traditional ways of doing things in schools. They see the traditional school system as failing to equip the future labor force with the skills to compete in a global age. They believe passionately that innovative products and approaches could help students perform better. This determination to shake things up within schools has motivated business leaders to invest in schools.
Rivkin pointed out the new developments in education that has been implemented as a result of the private sector getting involved in the education system. He noted developments such as improved teaching and leadership talent, the use of technology in personalized learning and a dramatic upgrade in the quality and use of data analytics to determine what is working in education and which measures are not effective.
So what can business leaders do, to make sure the workforce of the future is getting what they need? It is a matter of acknowledging the problem, realizing what this means for businesses and actually doing something about it. The following are three areas that capitalize on business’s strengths which can result in the greatest returns within the education sector:

• Influencing policy-In order to promote innovation in education, this process has to start with policy formulation.  Business leaders can exercise a great deal of influence in policy within our local schools. In the US, in Denver, Colorado, businessmen partnered with educators to lobby for an increase in taxes to support education.
• Building on proven innovation- Business leaders are usually skillful at using innovations that work within their respective businesses. Therefore the educators need to leverage this expertise to help build better schools. ExxonMobil, a founding sponsor of the National Math and Science Initiative, helped to scale two projects: one focusing on improved training for science, technology, and math teachers, the other on improving advanced placement test results in the same areas.
• Reinventing the local education system. Employers need to get involved and help teachers build curriculums that encourage creative thinking.  Business leaders are now participating in standards validation committees to ensure that learning requirements are up to date. By doing this, they actually create material that actually teaches what their best employee needs to know. They are now investing their time to make sure that experience and innovation become instilled in graduates. This ensures that school leavers get hired!

It is therefore important that private sector leaders not simply wait for the education system to change on its own.  Local businesses have the expertise, experiences and resources to make a shift. As such, something has to be done than to sit and just complain about employees having no skills.
This shift can start before students graduate. In light of this small acts go a long way, whether it is hiring apprentices for projects in the office. Allow them to use real tools instead of having them run errands. Nowadays, nearly every office has some database that needs to be reviewed. Therefore the intern can start there. It may be considered as boring work, but is essential in gaining familiarity with technology and working with data. Alternatively, students can be giving the space to exercise their creativity in coming up with solutions to a work problem.
Successful local leaders need to become part of the solution. They are the teachers that our students truly need. Whether you are a company leader, hiring manager, expert or a job candidate, you have a stake in addressing this issue. The education revolution is upon us and business leaders have the power to effect a positive change which can lead to a more effective and competitive workforce.
 About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island. For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com
 
 

Queen’s Young Leader and Productivity Ambassador Tevin Shepherd Addresses Students of Corinth Secondary School

Queen’s Young Leader and Productivity Ambassador Tevin Shepherd poses with        CSS students

The evening came to an end on a very high note with a charismatic speech by Productivity Ambassador, 23 year old Tevin Shepherd, recent recipient of the Queen’s Young Leader Award and 2nd Vice President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council. Mr. Shepherd captivated the students and other guests with the story of his very humble beginnings, growing up in Canaries and attending the Soufriere Comprehensive School.  He spoke of the adversities he faced along the way and how although he could have called it quits at any point, but by making a firm decision to change his story, he went on to have so many opportunities and experiences that many his age have only dreamed of.

Further to the 5^th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) held in Arizona and California in April, business leaders and policy-shapers worldwide are preparing for the 6th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) which is scheduled to take place from September 25^th to October 1^st, 2016 in Canada.
The week-long tour will include visits to Toronto-Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and the Niagara Region. ACE participants will gain insight into the best-practices in key Canadian economic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, clean tech, life sciences, agri-food, and fintech.
For more information on the 6^th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship visit http://www.riacevents.org/ace/canada2016/, watch the video http://www.riacevents.org/ace/canada2016/video.html or click here to download the Overview of 6th ACE.
There will be an interactive webinar on June 28^th, 2016 at 2:46pm where interested participants can gain more information on the program, application process, logistics, etc. Click here to join this webinar https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/633067957
RECAP OF 6th AMERICAS COMPETITIVENESS EXCHANGE on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
WHAT: The 6th ACE is a week-long tour for key business leaders and policy shapers from the Americas and beyond
WHEN: September 25 – October 1, 2016
WHERE: Province of Ontario, Canada (Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, and the Niagara Region)
APPLY NOW! http://www.riacevents.org/ace/canada2016/
DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 7, 2016

Following the launch of the PROCOM Challenge in mid-April, there has been a significant interest from a number of private sector organizations across commercial sectors. Businesses are jumping at this opportunity to improve on their productivity and competitiveness and by extension maximize on their operational efficiency.
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Saint Lucia are set to receive co-financing of up to XCD$100,000 for the implementation of projects which seek to enhance productivity and competitiveness through the PROCOM Challenge. In addition to the financial investment, winning businesses will receive the technical assistance to ensure that their ideas/solutions thrive and are impactful. The purpose of the Challenge is to encourage businesses in finding innovative solutions which will help improve the overall climate as it relates to productivity and competitiveness.
Executive Director of the NCPC, Mrs. Fiona Hinkson is very positive about the level of interest generated in the PROCOM Challenge and is looking forward to seeing the types of projects which will emerge. Speaking on the Challenge she said, “When the PROCOM Challenge was initially conceptualized, we had identified micro, small and medium enterprises as the sole recipients. We have received significant feedback post-launch and after internal discussion, we went back to the drawing board and further improved on the Challenge. We recognize that great ideas can come from anywhere and we want to ensure that we give equal opportunities to organizations that may have winning ideas but encounter greater challenges in accessing funding. We have therefore included a small-window for start-ups (i.e. businesses that are registered but have only been in existence for 1 to 3 years). We are hoping that the diversified solution stemming from the PROCOM Challenge will transform the business environment.”
The application process for the challenge is very simple. Businesses applying to the PROCOM Challenge are asked to follow these steps:
STEP 1: Before you start a PROCOM Challenge Application Form, carefully review the eligibility criteria and selection guidelines to ensure that you are the right fit for the Challenge. This information can be found in the PROCOM Challenge Brochure and PROCOM Challenge Manual which may be downloaded from the NCPC Website; www.stluciancpc.org or blog; www.ncpcstlucia.wordpress.com. You may also call 468-5576/468-5571 with any questions/queries on the Challenge.
STEP 2: If you think your idea/solution meets the necessary requirements, submit your application using the prescribed forms and supporting documents to the NCPC; stluciancpc@gmail.com no later than 11:59pm on Thursday, June 30^th, 2016.
 STEP 3: Wait for confirmation from the NCPC. If your initial application has been shortlisted, you will be invited to a Business Plan Training Session where you will receive guidance on the preparation of your business plan for submission to the investment panel. (N.B Only successfully shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the NCPC)
STEP 4: Completed Business Plans must be submitted to the NCPC no later than four (4) weeks after the Business Plan Training Session.
STEP 5: The Business Plans will be reviewed by the Investment Panel and short-listed applicants will be required to pitch their idea to the panel for final judging. Once approval has been given, the funds will be disbursed after signing of the grant agreement and project work will commence.
The PROCOM Challenge comes to an end this week. Interested businesses are asked to apply by sending their application forms to the NCPC no later than June 30^th, 2016.
About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)
Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.
The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island. For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com