Technology and the Internet Enable Virtual Schools, Ranging from Virtual Public Charter Schools to Online Universities

The use of online classes has accelerated dramatically during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Schools and institutions that had online programs already up and running were far ahead of the game, managing to continue classes on a remote basis. Here is a look at some of the programs that were ahead of the game.

Virtual Charter and K-12 Schools: Distance learning was not limited to college-level classes before the pandemic. A small number of charters schools were entirely virtual, with students learning online, typically from home. One of the most significant aspects of such schools is that students typically learned in a self-paced manner. Unfortunately, an intense 2015 study of 166 virtual, online-only charters published by CREDO, the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University, found that students attending these schools had, on average, slightly lower academic growth in reading and in math than traditional school students.

Alternative Universities: The Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute is part of an attempt to build a non-traditional university with Ivy League standards. Minerva’s hope is to build valuable relationships and a true community among students by eventually building dorms in major cities around the world. Elsewhere, The University of the People is a tuition-free, four-year university that operates as a nonprofit. By early 2019, the program had achieved accreditation by the Distance Education and Training Council. Students pay a small application fee, but the fee may be waived for students with low incomes.

For everything you need to know about the global Education, EdTech & MOOCs Industry sector, see:
Plunkett’s Education, EdTech & MOOCs Industry Almanac 2020

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: June 2020 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-533-2
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-878-4
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

Remodeling Market Is Strong

Many homeowners are remodeling in order to increase energy efficiency, while others capitalized on tax credits for new appliances and other energy saving improvements. Yet another reason Americans are remodeling is to add space for live-in relatives such as grown children or aging parents. The strong market for both new construction and remodeling of existing homes can be clearly seen in the financial results of home improvement chains Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Remodeling skyrocketed during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020, as some people following stay-at-home orders caught up on long-desired projects and others added dedicated work-at-home space. Many cost-conscious consumers are in do-it-yourself (DIY) mode. In particular, younger homeowners are keen on DIY. One interesting result is that the short-term rental of construction tools and equipment has grown. As America’s Baby Boomers age, investments in remodeling for easier access for seniors will boom. Features such as wider doors for wheelchair access, firm handholds in bathrooms and better kitchen accessibility will be a focus. “Universal Design,” a concept that focuses on ease of use by residents of limited physical ability, will grow.

For everything you need to know about the global Real Estate & Construction Industry sector, see:
Plunkett’s Real Estate & Construction Industry Almanac 2020

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers

See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.

Publication Date: June 2020 | Price: $379.99

Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-532-5
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-877-7
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

September 14, 2020

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. announces an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Automobile Industry Almanac, 2021 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

Prior to the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, the automobile industry surged ahead worldwide in recent years, with particularly sharp growth in the U.S. and China.  Analysts at JD Power forecast the global market at 73 million units for 2020.  This would represent more than a 20% decrease from the previous year, due to the Coronavirus. The Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 had a profound effect on the global automobile industry.  Vast shifts in where and how people work, as well as travel habits, are impacting automotive usage, sales, maintenance, production and development.

Key Findings:

• Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics.  In addition, this publication profiles the top 400 companies in the automobile industry.

Available Formats:

• Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-583-7 (Available Now)
• E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-890-6 (Available Now)
• Plunkett Research Online (Subscribers)

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and Industry Statistics
• Industry Associations and Professional Societies List
• In-Depth Profiles of hundreds of leading companies
• Industry Glossary
• Link to our 5-minutes video overview of this industry

Pages: 560            

Statistical Tables Provided: 21

Companies Profiled: 412

Geographic Focus: Global

Price: $379.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the automobile business including:

1. Automobile Industry Introduction                                                                    
2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on the Automobile Industry                                       
3. U.S. Auto Manufacturers Ford, Chrysler and GM Compete Head-On with Volkswagen,
   Toyota and Honda                                                                                             
4. U.S. Automobile Sales Show That Consumers Want Pickup Trucks and Crossovers                                                                                                         
5. Fuel Efficiency Continues to Improve/Trump Administration Delays Increases in MPG Standards                                                                             
6. Electric Cars and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) to See Massive New Investments by Auto Makers                                                                                                 
7. Major Research and Advancements in Lithium Batteries/Tesla and Panasonic Operate the Gigafactory                                                                  
8. Natural Gas-Powered Vehicles Gain in Popularity/Long Term Potential Is Bright Thanks to Low Shale Gas Prices                                                             
9. Ethanol Production Soared, But U.S. Federal Subsidy Expires                         
10. Cellulosic Ethanol Makes Slow Commercial Progress                                      
11. Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Power Research Continues/Fuel Cell Cars Enter Market                                                                                                               
12. China Becomes the World’s Largest Auto Market                                            
13. India Has a Significant Automobile Market, with Great Long-Term Potential 
14. Mexico Is a Leading Automotive Maker and Exporter                                     
15. Focus on Safety Improvements by Automakers                                               
16. Car Sharing Programs Include Zipcar and Autolib, AKA Mobility Services       
17. Wireless Information Systems Surge Ahead in Vehicles: Telematics, Intelligent
    Transportation (ITS) and Real-Time Traffic Information                                  
18. Embedded LTE Wi-Fi and Onboard Apps Incorporated by Auto Makers in New Car Infotainment Systems                                                                        
19. Technology Drives Insurance Efficiencies/Policy Holders Allow Their Habits to be Tracked for Lower Insurance Rates                                                         
20. Uber and Didi Dominate the Car on Demand (Raid Hailing) Industry              
21. Self-Driving, Autonomous Cars Receive Massive Investments in Research and Development Worldwide                                                                           
22. Gig Economy and Self-Driving Cars Pose Insurance Challenges and Underwriting
    Opportunities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Automobile Industry Statistics

1. Automobile Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview                                  
2. General Motors Corporation Overview                                                               
3. Ford Motor Company Overview                                                                          
4. Volkswagen Group Overview                                                                               
5. Toyota Motor Corporation Overview                                                                  
6. Daimler AG Overview                                                                                           
7. Hyundai Motor Group Overview                                                                         
8. Honda Motor Co. Overview                                                                                 
9. U.S. New Car & Truck Market Shares by Company: 2015-2019                          
10. Licensed Drivers, Vehicle Registrations & Resident Population, U.S.: 1960-2018                                                                                                                     
11. Highest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class: 2020 Model Year                                 
12. Lowest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class: 2020 Model Year                                  
13. Gross Output in the Motor Vehicles & Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Industries: Selected Years, 2012-2018                                        
14. Personal Transportation Expenditures, U.S.: 2012-2019                                    
15. Average Miles Per Gallon vs. Horsepower, U.S.: 1975-2019                               
16. Automobile Driving Costs, U.S.: 2019                                                                  
17. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents in the U.S. by Type of Vehicle & Person: 2009-2018                                                                                                                     
18. Value of Imports of Vehicles to the U.S.: 2014-2nd Quarter 2020                      
19. Value of Exports of U.S. Vehicles: 2014-2nd Quarter 2020                                 
20. Occupational Employment and Wages for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: May 2019                                                                                   
21. Employment in the Automobile Industry, U.S.: 2014-May 2020                        

Companies Mentioned Include:

• AMERCO (U-Haul)
• Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA
• Valeo SA
• AAMCO Transmissions Inc
• Kelley Automotive Group LLC
• AB Volvo
• Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
• ADA Sa
• Opel (Adam Opel AG)
• Advance Auto Parts Inc

Just out: The new 2021 Plunkett Research catalog, listing our terrific, completely updated industry almanacs. Each Plunkett Almanac covers a specific industry, from Artificial Intelligence to E-commerce to Health Care and Automobiles. You’ll find the ready-reference coverage you need for the industries of most interest to you. Click to download the 2021 Plunkett Catalog in PDF format!

Great news!

For 2021, each Industry Almanac includes in-depth coverage of How The Industry is Effected by the Coronavirus Pandemic.

One of the biggest trends about any industry is how it’s being forced to evolve and adapt due to COVID—our Almanacs have the answers!

Each almanac gives you up-to-date market research, trends analysis and new technologies for each industry sector, PLUS industry statistics, profiles of hundreds of leading companies, executive contacts and much more!

In the latest catalog, you’ll find descriptions of:

• Plunkett Research Online subscriptions
• Plunkett’s Industry Almanacs
• Custom Market Research services
• And much more!

Best Regards,
The Plunkett Research Team

All You Need to Know About Covid’s Impact on the Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry

Plunkett Research now provides complete coverage of the Coronavirus’s effects on specific industries, via both our industry almanacs and our Plunkett Research Online system.

Due to the Coronavirus, disruption occurred in many of the world’s major supply chains, from automotive components to building supplies to medical supplies. Additionally, the apparel industry has been one of the hardest hit of all industries, and apparel firms ranging from apparel manufacturing through distribution and retailing were deeply effected. Overall, Coronavirus has resulted in a reduction in international trade and exports, with a related reduction in outsourced and offshored manufacturing.

One way companies have tried to mitigate this problem is through reshoring. Many firms developed an increased interest in manufacturing domestically, or at least closer to home. For example, some American firms developed a new interest in moving at least some manufacturing back to the U.S. or to nearby Mexico. This reshoring effect will be particularly strong in goods and technologies that are considered to be critical in nature, ranging from items that are vital to providing health care during future pandemics (such as masks and other protective gear), to chemicals vital to the pharmaceuticals industry, to highly specialized electronics and components, to goods that are critical to national defense.

Plunkett Research, Ltd. is the leading provider of industry sector analysis and research, industry trends and industry statistics. Both our Plunkett Research Online and our 2021 Industry Almanacs feature coverage of the Coronavirus’s effects on specific industries. Our research reports and online subscription service are used by the world’s top corporations, consultants, universities, libraries and government agencies.
Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research, vertical industry marketing data, or industry trends analysis. We cover such vital industry sectors as health care, financial services, retailing, entertainment, energy and information technology.

For everything you need to know about the global Outsourcing & Offshoring sector, see:
Plunkett’s Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry Almanac 2021

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: July 2020 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-575-2
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-881-4
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

September 9, 2019

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. announces an important market research and competitive analysis report, Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry Almanac, 2021 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

The manufacturing and robotics sectors have become tightly intertwined in recent years, thanks to the rapidly growing importance of factory automation. On factory floors ranging from relatively small machine shops to giant automobile plants and electronics factories, computer-driven equipment plays a vital role in manufacturing worldwide. The sophistication of the equipment ranges from simple computer-aided machinery that cuts fabric prior to it being sewn into final garments, to robots that make highly accurate and sophisticated welds in car factories, to robots that can rapidly assemble tiny electronics components and solder them in place with blazing speed and great accuracy.

Key Findings:

• Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 500 companies in the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry.

Available Formats:

• Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-582-0 (Available Now)
• E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-889-0 (Available Now)
• Plunkett Research Online (Subscribers)

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and Industry Statistics
• Industry Associations and Professional Societies List
• In-Depth Profiles of hundreds of leading companies
• Industry Glossary
• Link to our 5-minute video overview of this industry

Pages: 684

Statistical Tables Provided: 29

Companies Profiled: 499

Geographic Focus: Global

Price: $379.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the manufacturing, automation & robotics business including:

1. Introduction to the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry
2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry
3. Industrial Robots and Factory Automation Advance Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
4. Service Robots Are Applied in a Variety of Industries
5. U.S. Automobile Sales Show That Consumers Want Pickup Trucks and Crossovers
6. Global Markets in Manufacturing and Trade Require Investment by Emerging Nations
7. Introduction to the Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry
8. Pros and Cons of Outsourcing & Offshoring
9. Nearshoring and Reshoring Keep Operations Closer to Home
10. Upswing in U.S. Apparel and Textile Jobs as Firms Reshore
11. Wage Rise Slows in China/Vietnam and Other Countries Gain Manufacturing Market Share
12. The Vast Majority of Shoes Sold in the U.S. Are Made Elsewhere
13. 3-D Printing and Robotics Revolutionize Manufacture of Shoes and Fabrics
14. Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) Adds Value to Contract Electronics Manufacturing
15. Trends in Manufacturing, such as Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), Lead to Collaboration and Consulting-Like Services
16. 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing), Rapid Prototyping and Computer Aided Design
17. 3PL Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management Services
18. Manufacturers Focus on High Performance Plastics and Specialty Chemicals
19. Refineries Along with Chemicals and Plastics Plants Delay Expansion Projects in U.S.
20. Telecom Equipment Makers Face Intense Competition from Manufacturers in China/Huawei Faces Controversy
21. Boeing and Airbus Lose Orders
22. U.S. Auto Manufacturers Ford, Chrysler and GM Compete Head-On with Volkswagen, Toyota and Honda
23. India Sees Automobile Export Growth
24. Mexico Is a Leading Automotive Maker and Exporter
25. Designers and Manufacturers Bypass the Middleman with Direct-to-Consumer Online Business Models
26. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning and Machine Learning Advance into Commercial Applications, Including Health Care and Robotics
27. The Internet of Things (IoT) in Factories, Robotics and Equipment
28. Health Care Robotics
29. Robotics in Retai

Manufacturing & Robotics Industry Statistics

1. Overview of the Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry

Manufacturing, Automation & Robotics Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

Quarterly After-Tax Profits, U.S. Manufacturing Corporations: 2013-1st Quarter 2020

Selected Financial Data, U.S. Manufacturing Corporations: 1st Quarter 2019-1st Quarter 2020

Net Sales & Net Income After-Tax, U.S. Manufacturing Corporations: 2009-1st Quarter 2020

Sales & Operating Profits, U.S. Manufacturing Corporations, by Industry:
1st Quarter 2019-1st Quarter 2020

2. Output & Employment

Value Added to U.S. Economy by Manufacturing Sector, as a Percentage of GDP: 1950-2019

All Manufacturing Employees, U.S.: Monthly, January 1940-July 2020

Employment in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector, as a Percentage of all Private Industry
Employment: 1950-2020

Employment in the U.S. Manufacturing Sector, by Industry: 2014-June 2020

Manufacturing Output vs. Employment, U.S.: 1985-2020

Gross Output in the Wood & Nonmetallic Mineral Products Manufacturing Industries:
Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Primary Metals & Fabricated Metal Products Manufacturing Industries:
Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Machinery Manufacturing Industry, U.S.: Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Computer & Electronic Product Manufacturing Industries:
Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components Manufacturing Industries: Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Motor Vehicles & Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Industries:
Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Food, Beverage & Tobacco Product Manufacturing Industries, U.S.:
Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Textile & Apparel Manufacturing Industries, U.S.:
Selected Years, 2013-2018

Gross Output in the Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber Products Manufacturing Industries, U.S.:
Selected Years, 2013-2018

3. Shipments

Value of Manufacturers’ Shipments for All Manufacturing Industries, U.S.: Monthly,
January 1995-June 202

Annual Value of Manufacturers’ Shipments for Industry Groups, U.S.: 2013-2019

Monthly Value of Manufacturers’ Shipments for Industry Groups, U.S.: 2019-2020

4. Exports

Value of Exports of All Manufactured Goods, U.S.: 2014-2nd Quarter 2020

Exports of Durable & Nondurable Manufactured Goods, U.S.: 2014-2nd Quarter 2020

Value of Exports of U.S. Vehicles: 2014-2nd Quarter 2020

Exports, Imports & Trade Balance of Computers & Electronic Products, U.S.:
2014-2nd Quarter 2020

Exports, Imports & Trade Balance of Chemicals, U.S.: 2014-2nd Quarter 2020

Top 50 Destinations of U.S. Textiles & Apparel Exports: 2018-2019

Top Ten Suppliers & Destinations of U.S. Computers & Electronic Products:
2014-2nd Quarter 2020

Companies Mentioned Include:

• 3M Company
• AutoAlliance International Inc
• Molson Coors Brewing Company
• ArthroCare Corporation
• Agfa-Gevaert NV
• Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA
• Clayton Homes Inc
• Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc
• Benchmark Electronics Inc
• Vericel Corporation

September 2, 2020

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. announces an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Airlines, Hotels & Travel Industry Almanac, 2021 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

The global travel industry is comprised of a wide variety of businesses, from hotels and inns to casino resorts, trains, buses, airplanes, cruise ships, tour operators and travel bookers, both online and physical. Up until the outbreak of the Coronavirus, hotels and resorts had been enjoying good to excellent occupancy rates. The global pandemic has completely changed all facets of the travel industry.

Key Findings:

• Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 300 companies in the Airlines, Hotels & Travel industry.

Available Formats:

• Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-581-3 (Available Now)
• E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-888-3 (Available Now)
• Plunkett Research Online (Subscribers)

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and Industry Statistics
• Industry Associations and Professional Societies List
• In-Depth Profiles of hundreds of leading companies
• Industry Glossary
• Link to our 5-minute video overview of this industry

Pages: 460

Statistical Tables Provided: 15

Companies Profiled: 314

Geographic Focus: Global

Price: $379.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Airlines, Hotels & Travel business including:

1. Introduction to the Travel Industry
2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry
3. Discount Airlines Compete with Legacy Airlines, but the Differences Are Beginning to Blur
4. Major Airlines Change Strategy, Charge Fees
5. Some International Airlines Cut First Class Seats and Add to Business Class/Premium
   Economy Now Widely Available
6. Private Jet Sharing and Rentals Soar
7. Boeing and Airbus Lose Orders
8. New Aircraft Designs Offer Greater Passenger Comfort/More Efficient Engines
9. In Flight Wireless Takes Off
10. Airports Expand
11. Growth in China’s and India’s Travel Markets Curtailed by the Coronavirus
12. China Makes Immense Investments in Railroads, Highways, Airports & Silk Road
13. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) Continue Strong Growth in Bookings/Hotels Fight to Keep Control of the Customer
14. Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Volunteerism Gained Popularity as Certification Standards Emerged
15. Luxury Hotel Chains Expanded Globally
16. What Millennials and Mobile-Savvy Consumers Want as Tourists and Travelers
17. Hotels Target Young Customers with Strategies Ranging from Micro Rooms and Hostels,
    to Hip Hotels that Encourage Mingling to Fitness Options
18. Hotels Adopt Smartphones and In-Room Tablets to Deliver Services, Speed Check-In and Replace Room Keys
19. Hotel Mergers Enable Chains to Claim Market Share, Add Unique Properties
20. Localization Will Drive Hotel Features, Marketing
21. Dog-Friendly Hotels Will Gain Market Share
22. Sharing Economy Gains Market Share in Travel with Online Sites Like Airbnb, HomeAway
    and Many Global Competitors
23. Cruise Industry Market Was Strong But Faces Tremendous New Challenges
24. Small Cruise Ships Feature Adventure, Luxury, Intimacy or Access to More Places
25. River Cruise Lines Launched with Low Capital Investment and High Fares
26. Chinese Tourism Will Create Growth Opportunities for the Cruise and Hotel Industries
27. New Technologies Show Promise for Port and Airport Security
28. High Speed Passenger Trains, Including Maglev, Advance in China and Europe
29. U.S. Passenger Train Projects Receive Funding, Including Light Rail and All Aboard Florida
30. Self-Check-In Kiosks, RFID, Facial Recognition and Wireless Technologies Save Costs and Enhance Travelers’ Experiences at Airlines and Hotels
31. Aging Baby Boomers Will Cause Significant Changes in the Leisure Sector, Including Sports and Activity-Based Travel
32. Space Travel Firms Seek Tourists/New Vehicles for U.S. Astronauts
33. The Future of Travel

Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Statistics

1. Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Air Carrier Traffic Statistics, U.S.: 1996-2019
3. Air Carrier Traffic Statistics, U.S.: 12 Months Ended April 2020 and April 2019
4. Consolidation in U.S. Airlines
5. Annual U.S. Domestic Average Itinerary Air Fare: 1996-2019
6. U.S. Airline Passenger Activity: 2010-2019
7. Total Scheduled U.S. International Passenger Traffic, U.S. Commercial Air Carriers: 2010-2019
8. Top Destinations of U.S. Residents Traveling Abroad (Outbound): 2017-2018
9. Top 20 Countries Ranked by International Tourism, Number of Arrivals: 2011-2018
10. Quarterly U.S. Scheduled Service Passenger Airlines Financial Reports:
    1st Quarter 2019-1st Quarter 2020
11. Top 10 U.S. Airlines & Airports Ranked by 2019 System Scheduled Enplanements
12. Cruise Line Industry Overview, U.S.: 2013-2019
13. Monthly U.S. Transportation Services Index (TSI): November 2019-March 2020
14. Estimated U.S. Accommodation Sector Quarterly Revenues: 2017-1st Quarter 2019
15. Employment in the Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry, U.S.: 2014-June 2020

Companies Mentioned Include:

• Balboa Travel Inc
• Go-Ahead Group plc (The)
• Accor North America
• Extended Stay America Inc
• Japan Airlines Co Ltd
• Kerzner International Limited
• ADA Sa
• Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc
• Aer Lingus Group
• Aeroflot Russian Airlines JSC

As the Coronavirus impacts markets across the globe, reliable information is making all the difference in understanding and preparing for the economic realities of 2020. Lucky for you Plunkett Research is in your corner.

With Plunkett Research Online, you have access to industry analysis and market research for all vital industry sectors, ranging from biotech to sports and retail. For each sector, the database provides market research and trend analysis, statistics, profiles of leading companies, association and organizations lists, and a glossary of industry-specific terms.

Our Plunkett Analytics Reports represent a significant breakthrough for clients needing to analyze, benchmark and forecast industry-specific, deep financial metrics, operating ratios and line-by-line financial results for sectors and companies. These reports are available for 500 NAIC industry codes and are regularly updated. Our Plunkett’s Industry Almanacs provide outstanding overviews, statistics and analysis of 40 broad industry sectors, updated yearly.

No matter what tomorrow brings, Plunkett Research Online will help you see it through, at home and on your phone. We cover thousands of U.S. and international firms from the well-known to the up and coming. With Plunkett Research Online, get the deep industry data, market size and forecasts that you need.

Plunkett Research, Ltd. is the leading provider of industry sector analysis and research, industry trends and industry statistics.

Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research, vertical industry marketing data or industry trends analysis. We cover such vital industry sectors as health care, financial services, artificial intelligence, retailing, entertainment, energy, sharing economy and information technology.

Only Plunkett Research Online takes you directly to industry-specific research portals for the most important business sectors, from aerospace to e-commerce to biotech to sports. Plunkett Research Online is your source for market research, industry analysis and company profiles 24/7 via the internet.

Now, more than ever before, our user tools and innovative data make Plunkett Research your go-to place for industry analysis, business trends and statistics.

Librarians, if you need a Plunkett Research Online free trial, please email: customersupport@plunkettresearch.com.

Supercomputing Hits 148.6 Petaflops/IBM’s Watson Expands Commercial Applications for Big Data

The quest for the world’s fastest, most powerful supercomputer has become a new frontier for computer engineering, computer science and national rivalry. By late 2019, China was estimated to have 227 such machines, compared to just 118 in the United States. What the US lacks in numbers, it makes up for in speed with three of the five fastest supercomputers on Earth. Sitting at the top is the Summit at the DOE/SC/Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S. reaching 148.6 petaflops.

While it is easy to dismiss such computing quests as vanity projects, hi-level IT teams understand the need to work on new, advanced systems in order to avoid falling behind in areas where strong computing matters most, such as simulating complex systems like weather, and biotechnology projects like protein folding. Simulation capability is vital for national security (for example, where simulations take the place of underground testing for weapons of mass destruction) and the advancement of basic science.

IBM, which developed a computer called “Watson” that achieved fame when it beat all human contestants on the Jeopardy! television game show, is also working to make complex computing services easily available. Watson quickly evolved to the point that it offers cloud-based computational services, such as image recognition, and text-to-speech generation, delivered over the internet. IBM is supporting several advanced, Watson-based services available via its Watson business unit. These are essentially artificial intelligence (AI) software services that can be of vital assistance in projects involving big data/data mining, speech recognition, pattern recognition and “reasoning” in a vaguely human-like manner. The firm states that thousands of software developers worldwide are taking advantage of Watson’s capabilities. Some efforts are as simple as e-commerce firms attempting to boost their sales. More advanced applications include medical research at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic, as well as investment and banking tools.

Government and corporate customers alike will benefit from this race. While aerospace and biotech firms want supercomputing power for breakthrough research, government agencies benefit from supercomputers for a wide variety of needs. Additionally, major manufacturers in such areas as automobiles and health imaging equipment see supercomputers as a tool for improved product engineering and faster time-to-market.

For everything you need to know about the global Engineering & Research Industry sector, see:
Plunkett’s Engineering & Research Industry Almanac 2020

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: May 2020 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-531-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-876-0
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

Everyone in business has heard the old adage, better, faster, cheaper. But how are you actually going to get that idea from words to actions? With Plunkett Research, you have access to the best industry reference data and analytics at the best subscription prices available anywhere! The bottom line: you’ll get the data you need and save a considerable amount on your yearly budget.

A 1-year subscription to Plunkett Research gives you access to over 100,000 industry statistics, 500 industries analyzed for market size, profits and forecasts, 25,000 companies profiled, ranked and analyzed and 1,000 vital trends analyzed.

But wait, there’s more! Depending on your subscription level, you’ll also have access to our incredible Build-a-Report tool and exclusive downloadable content. In addition to our online subscriptions to Plunkett’s industry data, we offer printed and ebook editions of industry-specific almanacs, updated each year. The almanacs typically run 400 to 700 pages each, depending on the industry. These are excellent industry reference tools that summarize the vast amount of industry-specific data that is found in our online service.

Online or in your hands, Plunkett Research is the tool you need! Our analysis can lead you to discover ways to differentiate from your competition. You already knew you need it better, faster, cheaper, now you know you need Plunkett Research to make it happen.

Plunkett Research, Ltd. is the leading provider of industry sector analysis and research, industry trends and industry statistics.

Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research, vertical industry marketing data or industry trends analysis. We cover such vital industry sectors as health care, financial services, artificial intelligence, retailing, entertainment, energy, sharing economy and information technology.

Only Plunkett Research Online takes you directly to industry-specific research portals for the most important business sectors, from aerospace to e-commerce to biotech to sports. Plunkett Research Online is your source for market research, industry analysis and company profiles 24/7 via the internet.

Now, more than ever before, our user tools and innovative data make Plunkett Research your go-to place for industry analysis, business trends and statistics.

Librarians, if you need a Plunkett Research Online free trial, please email: customersupport@plunkettresearch.com.