MSB's 'Business Review' puts energy in the spotlight

The third issue of Mona School of Business' (MSB) Business Review is out, and it is sure to instigate thought and discussion.

The primary focus of this issue is energy cost in Jamaica and there are comprehensive articles that provide in-depth analysis on Jamaica's energy issues.

In his message to readers, publisher Evan Duggan, executive director of MSB, explains the reasoning behind the focus on energy.

"In Jamaica, there are no greater displays of both energy and polarization than those induced by politics and electioneering. Consensus doesn't generally emerge easily, yet we recently witnessed a tremendous demonstration of national accord that produced strong and widespread reactions to the escalating cost of electricity.

" In the wake of this activism and in light of several international studies that have confirmed the deleterious effects of steep energy costs, including its inverse relationship with GDP, we have selected energy cost and our economic future as the featured story of this issue."

Duggan goes on to say: "The high cost of energy, in general, and electricity in particular, impose involuntary managerial restrictions on business enterprises. They increase the cost of operations, leading to higher prices for goods and services, which in turn suppresses demand, reduces profitability, restrains growth, and negatively impacts the country's overall productivity and global competitiveness."

The entire issue is a must-read.