News

Artificial intelligence (AI) spending worldwide was estimated at $37.4 billion for 2019 by analysts at IDC and is expected to grow to $100.1 billion by 2023.  This is an estimate on a broad basis that includes spending on software and services.  Stanford University estimates the U.S. market for AI on this basis at more than $17.6 billion for 2019.  Researchers at Gartner estimated that the global business value derived yearly from AI had already reached $2.6 trillion by 2020, while analysts at PwC estimated that AI’s contribution to the global economy could soar to $13.0 trillion by 2030.
In many ways, artificial intelligence (AI) is a logical extension of recent technology trends.  A combination of ever-more-powerful computer chips, cloud computing, continued miniaturization of devices such as sensors, and the growth of the big data/data analytics sector are major enablers of AI on what is now a cost-effective basis.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will create vast changes in nearly all segments of business and industry over the mid-term.  The effect of AI on consumers and households is already in broad evidence, although the people benefitting from such technologies may not be aware of the process or the significance of what’s going on around them.  For example, utilizing machine learning, Amazon.com pioneered the development of advanced software that learns from a shopper’s actions online and then makes product recommendations tailored to the individual.  In its early years, Netflix famously offered a $1 million prize to anyone who could engineer an algorithm that would learn from a subscriber’s movie rental habits in a manner that would increase the accuracy and usefulness of its online recommendation engine by 10%.  The more that Amazon or Netflix can display perfectly curated products for individual shoppers, the happier the consumer and the greater the amount of sales completed.  (Yes, Netflix paid off on this Progress Prize offer, selecting the work of a team of engineers that called themselves “BellKor’s Programmatic Chaos.”)
Search engines like Google and Bing utilize similar technology to serve up billions of dollars’ worth of online ads weekly to carefully-targeted readers of news, entertainment and data online.   These recommendation engines run in the background 24/7; they learn more and more as time goes by and interactions with consumers increase; they benefit from frequent, incremental improvements made by software engineers; and they make the owners of these technologies highly efficient, effective and profitable in their business operations.  
Today, Amazon’s incredibly popular cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services (AWS), offers the “SageMaker” tool to enable companies of all sizes to quickly build machine learning tools.  AWS also offers easy-to-deploy AI-based tools for speech recognition, image recognition personalization engines, face recognition, forecasting and much more.  Many other firms also offer rapid-deployment AI platforms so that institutions and corporations of all types to easily put AI to work.
Consider the implications of machine learning for critical industrial processes.  For example, airlines around the world spend hundreds of millions of dollars monthly on fuel.  Imagine the benefit, both financially and in terms of reduced carbon emissions, if the air transport sector can reduce fuel usage a mere five percent through the utilization of machine learning—determinizing the most efficient air routes in light of current weather, setting the optimum engine speeds for fuel efficiency and assigning the most efficient flight paths in and out of airports by computer-aided air traffic controllers.  Airlines will thereby reduce both total time in the air and total fuel burnt.  This is but one possibility from tens of thousands of potential applications—virtually all factory, supply chain, and transportation sectors can benefit through such uses of AI. 

Technologies that Have Deep Synergies with Artificial Intelligence
Big Data and Data Mining
Cloud Computing
Digital Assistants (Siri, Alexa, etc.)
Imaging and Facial Recognition
Predictive Analytics
Robotics and Automation
Semiconductors
Sensors and Wireless Networks
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Voice Recognition
Source: Plunkett Research, Ltd.

     How AI works:  Simply put, AI and machine learning work by finding patterns in data.  The larger the pool of data, the more observable the patterns and the better the accuracy and outcomes of the machine learning process.  Amazon, for example, not only uses AI broadly in its online services, it is successfully applying it in physical retail stores.  Amazon operates several AI-assisted, brick and mortar convenience store called Amazon Go in major U.S. cities.  Customers may pick up drinks, snacks and prepared meals.  Shoppers scan an app on their smartphones when they enter the store, so that they can be properly identified as individual shoppers.  Cameras throughout the store track shoppers and note which products they have selected while totaling the cost.  The store runs without cashiers, utilizing electronic checkout and payment, while sensors based on AI determine which products were removed from the shelves by which customer, facilitating both checkout and restocking.  There is the potential for a very large rollout of these Amazon Go stores worldwide, with a UK launch possible in the near future.  Technologies refined in the Amazon Go stores may show up in stores at Amazon’s Whole Foods subsidiary, and in its specialty stores that sell books and electronics.  Based on the experience of Amazon and a few other pioneers, AI will have a very significant effect on the way we shop in stores.
One of the more promising advancements is called “deep learning.”  In 2014, Google spent nearly $600 million to acquire UK-based DeepMind, an intensive learning research group.  Deep learning is sometimes referred to in conjunction with phrases such as “machine learning” and “neural networking.”  The main point is that software can be trained by being constantly fed data, queried as to its meaning, and receiving feedback to its responses.  It is essentially training a machine to respond correctly to data of a given nature or to data within a given set of circumstances.

Industry Sectors with Significant Near-Term Benefits from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
(The higher the amount, recency and frequency of data available, the more useful the outcomes from applying AI to such data. Health care is a perfect example, with vast amounts of patient and outcome data captured daily on a global basis.)
Health Care
=         Disease diagnosis and analysis of scans, samples, symptoms and imaging
=         Recommendations for optimum treatment
=         Drug development
Agriculture
=         Enhancement of the “Precision Agriculture” trend, for more effective irrigation, planting and harvesting
=         Prediction of weather and rain
Transportation
=         Providing traffic flow management
=         Enabling self-driving cars and trucks
=         Optimizing operations for aircraft, truck fleets, railroads and ships
Energy Efficiency and Production/Environmental Controls
=         Developing technologically-advanced “smart cities” and green buildings
=         Improving energy efficiency in air conditioning, lighting and other systems
=         Improving operations and outcomes at all types of energy production operations, from selecting better sites for drilling oil wells to gaining optimum output from windmills
=         Enhancing air and water quality monitoring and control
Manufacturing
=         Reducing plant downtime
=         Increasing efficient use of materials and personnel
=         Optimizing actions of robotic equipment
Financial Services
=         Better analyzing risk for insurance underwriting
=         Analyzing optimum investments for specific goals
=         Approving loans and controlling credit risk
Supply Chain
=         Optimizing timing of orders and shipping
=         Reducing inventory wastage and delays
Source: Plunkett Research Ltd.

Homeowner’s insurance underwriters in the U.S. have significantly restricted the extent to which they provide coverage. This trend began as a result of huge losses suffered due to disasters such as hurricanes. It is also a result of vast homeowner policy claims for mold damage, particularly in southern states. As a results, state governments are forced to move in to make up the difference.

After hurricane Andrew, Florida legislators attempted to utilize innovative ways to maintain the availability of homeowner’s insurance policies. They set up two state-sponsored insurers of last resort that provided windstorm coverage to homeowners who otherwise could not obtain wind coverage in the private market. Later, the state set a limit on the rates that could be charged for homeowner’s windstorm insurance, and established the Citizens Property Insurance Corp (CPIC) to cover homes for wind, hurricane and hail damage that insurance firms wouldn’t cover at the capped rates.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government runs the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). NFIP provides flood insurance to millions of homes, many located in Texas and Florida.

In many cases, today’s homeowner policies have reduced the underwriters’ exposure for claims due to windstorm, mold, swimming pool liability, dog owner liability and losses due to fires in fire-prone areas. In addition, policies typically no longer provide guaranteed replacement of the home regardless of cost to the underwriter. This puts the burden on the homeowner to be aware of the costs of replacing the home and then making certain that the policy amount is adequate for replacement. It also increases premium costs for homeowners seeking to maintain full coverage.

July 25, 2021

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. announces an important market research and competitive analysis report, Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry Almanac, 2022 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

Outsourcing was an approximately $575 billion global industry in 2020 (according to Plunkett Research estimates), with significant emphasis on three broad areas: 1) logistics, sourcing and distribution services; 2) information technology services; and 3) business process outsourcing (BPO) areas.

Offshoring, as opposed to outsourcing, covers such a wide variety of nations, products and practices that it is difficult to put a number on the size of the market. A significant share of offshoring revenue is created by contract manufacturing of electronics. Another major sector in offshoring is contract manufacturing of shoes, apparel and accessories.

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 Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry.

Available Formats:

  • Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-610-0 (Available Now)
  • E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-945-3 (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: 514

Statistical Tables Provided: 9

Companies Profiled: 389

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 outsourcing & offshoring business including:

  1. Introduction to the Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry
  2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on the Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry
  3. Pros and Cons of Outsourcing & Offshoring
  4. BPO and KPO: White-Collar and Professional Tasks Such as Law and Accounting Are Outsourced/Call Centers Become More Sophisticated
  5. Nearshoring and Reshoring Keep Operations Closer to Home
  6. Health Care Goes Offshore, Medical Tourism, Clinical Trials Continue in China, India and Elsewhere
  7. From Korea to India to Singapore to China, Nations Compete Fiercely in Biotech

Development

  1. Offshoring to India Drives Changes in the Global Consulting Industry
  2. R&D Expands in Chinese Research Parks/Patent Filings Soar
  3. Outsourcing and Offshoring of Research, Development and Engineering Grow Along with Globalization
  4. Wage Rise Slows in China/Vietnam and Other Countries Gain Manufacturing Market Share
  5. The Vast Majority of Shoes Sold in the U.S. Are Made Elsewhere
  6. Many Industry Sectors Seek Consulting and Outsourcing Income, Competing with Pure Consultancies
  7. Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) Adds Value to Contract Electronics Manufacturing
  8. Globalization and Worldwide Collaboration Fuel the Research Efforts of Major Corporations
  9. 3PL Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management Services
  10. Industrial Robots and Factory Automation Advance Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  11. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Is Replacing Human Workers
  12. The Future of Outsourcing & Offshoring

Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry Statistics

  1. Outsourcing & Offshoring Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
  2. Services Supplied to Foreign & U.S. Markets Through Trade & Through Affiliates: 1999-2019
  3. U.S. Trade in Services by Major Category: 2014-March 2021
  4. U.S. Trade in Services by Affiliation & by Type: 2017-2019
  5. U.S. Trade in Services by Affiliation & by Type: 2015-2018
  6. U.S. Trade in Services by Affiliation & by Type: 2013-2016
  7. Estimated Revenue for Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Firms, U.S.: 2015-2019
  8. Top 50 Countries Exporting Textiles & Apparel to the U.S., All MFA Fibers: 2019-2020
  9. Top Ten Suppliers & Destinations of U.S. Computers & Electronic Products: 2013-2020

Companies Mentioned Include:

  • Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP)
  • Benchmark Electronics Inc
  • Acxiom Corp
  • Affiliated Computer Services Inc
  • Randstad Holding NV
  • Alliance Data Systems Corporation
  • Amdocs Limited
  • Aon Hewitt
  • Aramark
  • Ariba Inc

July 16, 2021

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. announces an important market research and competitive analysis report, Sports & Recreation Industry Almanac, 2022 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

Sports are big business. Combined, the “Big 4” leagues in America, the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB, bring in about $39 billion in revenue during a typical year. On a very broad basis, including related services, a reasonable estimate of the total U.S. sports and recreation market would be $552.8 billion yearly (and $1.5 trillion for the entire world).

When the astonishing variety of sports-related sectors is considered, a significant portion of the workforce in developed nations such as the U.S., UK, Australia and Japan rely on the sports industry for their livelihoods. Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures as of 2021 found that 479,900 Americans work in fitness centers, 28,700 in snow skiing facilities, 52,300 in bowling centers and 329,900 at country clubs or golf courses. In total, approximately 1.2 million Americans work directly in amusement, sports and recreation sectors. Another 61,300 work in the wholesale trade of sporting goods, and 271,900 in retail sporting goods stores. Sports, recreation and related supplies and services have been among the greatest new job engines over the past several years.

Key Findings:

  • Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 350 companies in the Sports & Recreation Industry.

Available Formats:

  • Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-609-4 (Available Now)
  • E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-951-4 (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: 530

Statistical Tables Provided: 12

Companies Profiled: 401

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 sports & recreation business including:

  1. Introduction to the Sports & Recreation Industry
  2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on the Sports & Recreation Industry
  3. NFL (National Football League): The Biggest Money in U.S. Sports
  4. Broadcasting Fees, Digital Access and Investment Savvy Boost MLB (Major League
Baseball)
  1. NBA (National Basketball Association) Goes Global
  2. NHL (National Hockey League) Realigns
  3. Television Rights Contracts Bring in Lucrative Revenues for Major Sports Leagues
  4. Soccer (Football) Leagues in the U.S. and Europe Reap Significant Revenues and Sponsorships
  5. New Sports Stadiums Launched in the U.S./Stadium Sponsorships Offset Costs
  6. NCAA College Sports Are Big Revenue Earners/Student Athletes Eligible for Some Compensation
  7. PGA (Professional Golf Association) Tournaments Grow in International Markets/Golf Play Increases
  8. Fantasy Sports Post Growth, with 60 Million Players
  9. eSports: Electronic Games Become Spectator Sports
  10. Sports Betting Gains Traction with Online Betting
  11. Sports Equipment Manufacturers Offer the Latest High-Tech Advantages
  12. Wearable Sensors Track Exercise Data/Apparel and Shoe Manufacturers Adopt Technologies
  13. Sports Agents Are Indispensable/Sports Marketing Booms in China
  14. Sports Licensing Heats Up
  15. New Video Game Console Technologies and Features Boost Sales
  16. Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality and 3-D Games Create Opportunities in the Tech
Industry/Immersion Games to Grow
  1. Aging Baby Boomers Will Cause Significant Changes in the Leisure Sector, Including Sports and Activity-Based Travel
  2. Athletic Footwear Sales Boom, Drawing Big Names from Athletes to Designers
  3. The Vast Majority of Shoes Sold in the U.S. Are Made Elsewhere
  4. 3-D Printing and Robotics Revolutionize Manufacture of Shoes and Fabrics
  5. Exercise Apparel Sales Rise/Athleisure Clothing Sales Soar
  6. Sports Equipment and Social Media Converge
  7. The Future of the Sports Industry Will Be Shaped by Technologies and Demographics

Sports Industry Statistics

  1. Sports & Recreation Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
  2. Estimated Size of the Entire Sports Industry, U.S. 2010-2020
  3. Global Sports Industry Revenues, 2019-2020
  4. Selected U.S. Sports Industry Revenues: 2014-2020
  5. Sports Industry, Estimated Sources of Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2015-2019
  6. U.S. Spectator Sports, Performing Arts & Related Industries, Breakdown of Expenses: 2016-2019
  7. Estimated Annual Sporting Goods Stores Retail Sales, Inventories & Purchases, U.S.: 2011-2019
  8. Estimated Monthly Sporting Goods Stores Retail Sales, U.S.: 1992- March 2021
  9. Exports of Sporting & Athletic Equipment, U.S.: 2014-2020
  10. Imports of Sporting & Athletic Equipment, U.S.: 2014-2020
  11. Overview of the Media Contracts of the Four Big Sports Leagues
  12. Sports Industry Employment by Business Type, U.S.: 2017-2021

Companies Mentioned Include:

  • 24 Hour Fitness
  • Cabela’s Inc
  • Disney Media Networks
  • Motorsports Authentics LLC
  • American Golf Corp
  • Bowlmor AMF Corp
  • Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc
  • Time Warner Inc
  • Aramark
  • Warnaco Swimwear Inc

June 30, 2021

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

Global consulting industry revenues (including HR, IT, strategy, technical, operations, management and business advisory services) will be an estimated $502 billion in 2021, according to Plunkett Research estimates. In the U.S., consulting of all types, including management, scientific and technical, generated $295.9 billion during 2020, up from $284.5 billion the previous year.

The Coronavirus pandemic dampened budgets and spending at many types of corporations, government agencies and other enterprises. Some consulting projects were postponed or reduced. At the same time, however, consultants who work in the areas of ecommerce, online systems, employee systems, HR, cybersecurity, strategy, supply chain and other areas may have seen booming business. Going forward, structural changes in business, industry, education and government will certain opportunities for many types consultancies that can deliver a true return on investment along with innovative ways to cope with rapid change.

Key Findings:

  • Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 250 companies in Consulting.

Available Formats:

  • Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-573-8 (Available Now)
  • E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-917-0 (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: 358

Statistical Tables Provided: 4

Companies Profiled: 238

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 world’s 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 consulting business including:

  1. Introduction to the Consulting Industry
  2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on the Consulting Industry
  3. Consulting in Emerging Nations/The Offshoring of Consulting Projects
  4. Management Consulting and Consulting to Major Corporations
  5. Consulting to Governments/U.S. Federal and State Consulting Contracts
  6. Federal Government Consulting Contracts Are Massive in IT, Defense & Facilities
  7. IT Consulting/Software Consulting/Computer Operations Consulting
  8. Trends in Manufacturing, such as Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), Lead to Collaboration and Consulting-Like Services
  9. Consulting Firms Accept Assignments with Contingency Fees
  10. Consulting Firms Acquire Digital Advertising Agencies, Extending Their Marketing Services
  11. Accounting Firms Taking Large Market Share of Consulting Contracts
  12. Many Industry Sectors Seek Consulting and Outsourcing Income, Competing with Pure Consultancies
  13. Major Corporations and Organizations Develop Internal Consultants and Seek Outside Clients
  14. Corporate Clients Want Solid Returns on IT Investments
  15. Consultancies Position Themselves to Serve Global Markets and Multinational Corporations
  16. Offshoring to India Drives Changes in Global Consulting
  17. BPO and KPO: White-Collar and Professional Tasks Are such as Law and Accounting Are Outsourced/Call Centers Become More Sophisticated
  18. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Is Replacing Human Workers
  19. New MBAs Desire Consulting and Accounting Jobs

Consulting Industry Statistics

  1. Consulting Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
  2. Consulting Industry Revenue & Expenses, U.S.: 2015-2020
  3. Management Consulting Companies: Estimated Sources of Revenue, U.S.: 2015-2019
  4. Consulting Industry Employment, U.S.: 2015-March 2021

Companies Mentioned Include:

  • Abt Associates Inc
  • Arthur D Little
  • Helios & Matheson Analytics Inc
  • ABB LTD
  • Abelica Global
  • Affiliated Computer Services Inc
  • PA Consulting Group
  • Randstad Holding NV
  • Amey plc
  • Analysts International Corporation

Food Trucks Enjoy Boom but Are Challenged by the Coronavirus Pandemic

Just published—our 2021 edition. Order now!

The recent boom in food trucks is largely attributed to a shift in urban consumer taste and a rise of food industry entrepreneurs around the time of the Great Recession (late 2007 to mid-2009).  With the help of social media, food trucks went from constructions site fixtures to staples of urban dining. 

As a food industry business, food trucks also offer a low-investment alternative to store fronts with easier, walk-up access and a lot of operational flexibility.  As a result, food trucks are often owned by groups typically less represented in restaurant ownership, such as minorities, women, immigrants, and LGBTQ entrepreneurs. 

In 2020, food trucks were estimated to have brought in $1.24 billion in revenue (down due to the Coronavirus pandemic).  As established components of the urban food landscape, food trucks are expected to see continued growth over the long term. Food trucks have also taken on extremely unique aspects that sometimes escape brick-and-mortar restaurants, especially large national chains.  Many see food trucks as integral components of a community and are even cited by cities as part of tourism campaigns.

The Coronavirus pandemic has been exceptionally hard on food trucks.  Some food truck operators have adapted by setting up outside hospitals and other essential businesses or going into neighborhoods for quick pick-up or delivery.  An app set up by the National Food Truck Association has also been a great benefit to food truck operators by making it easier for them to connect with customers.  Even with the advantages however, food trucks are still suffering as a result of Coronavirus-related public health restrictions and are likely to be hit as hard as many other small businesses.
 
For everything you need to know about the Food Industry companies, see: Plunkett’s Food Industry Almanac 2021

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Order Plunkett’s Food Industry Almanac 2021 Here 

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.
 
Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: April 2021Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-563-9
eBook ISBN:  978-1-62831-907-1
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.
 

The Long-Term Effects of the Coronavirus Will be Challenging to Job Seekers

Just published—our 2021 edition. Order now!

As of January 2020, the unemployment rate in America was 3.6%.  However, by March 2020, the Coronavirus changed everything with amazing speed, causing the unemployment rate to soar to about 15%.  Many formerly excellent jobs were permanently lost.  By February 2021, the unemployment rate had dropped to 6.2%.  This was partly the result of people being re-hired or finding new jobs.  Unfortunately, however, it was also the result of millions of people giving up and leaving the workforce, and therefore no longer being counted among those looking for jobs.

It is vital for a job seeker to understand which industries offer the best opportunities, as well as how to best apply for a job online, how to conduct research that will help him or her to shine during an interview and how to create an effective list of prospective employers.

It is also important for job seekers to face the fact that locale has a lot to do with the unemployment rate.  There is wide variance in the unemployment rate from state to state and city to city. 

For everything you need to know about major trends affecting job seekers with Plunkett’s Companion to The Almanac of American Employers 2021

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Order Plunkett’s Companion to The Almanac of American Employers 2021 Here 

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.
 
Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: March 2021Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-564-6
eBook ISBN:  978-1-62831-908-8
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

June 16, 2021

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. announces an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Education, EdTech (Education Technology) & MOOCs Almanac, 2021 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

Education, both at higher and lower levels, is one of the largest activities in the world (in terms of employees, expenditures and consumers—that is, students). However, somewhat similar to the health care sector, education’s expenditures, quality of output and ultimate results vary widely from nation to nation, and from place to place within nations.

In total, global public and private spending on education (K-12 through higher education) is expected to be equal to about 5.8% of GDP, or $4.9 trillion for 2020. These numbers are Plunkett Research estimates. (On a worldwide basis, this makes the education sector somewhat smaller than the health care sector.)

Key Findings:

  • Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 150 companies in Education, EdTech & MOOCs industry.

Available Formats:

  • Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-571-4 (Available Now)
  • E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-916-3 (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: 248

Statistical Tables Provided: 11

Companies Profiled: 158

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 Education, EdTech (Education Technology) & MOOCs business including:

  1. Introduction to the Education, EdTech (Education Technology) & MOOCs Industry
  2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on Education
  3. Corporate Training and Adult Education Markets Continue to Grow Worldwide
  4. Tuition Assistance for Employees Is Spent at Online Universities
  5. Education in Emerging Nations Faces Unique Challenges
  6. A Wide Range of Software to Enhance Learning and Improve Education’s Cost-Effectiveness Is Offered by Large Firms and Startups Alike
  7. Adaptive Learning Technology Adjusts Classroom Pace to Each Individual Student’s Ability
  8. Innovative Companies Score Big Successes in Adult and Leisure Learning Online
  9. Affordable Degrees Are Served Up Online and in Hybrid (“Blended Education”) Models
  10. Charter Schools Post Growth, Create Controversy as Traditional School Alternatives
  11. Technology and the Internet Enable Virtual Schools, Ranging from Virtual Public Charter Schools to Online Universities
  12. The Internet Enables the Flipped Classroom, Pioneered by Khan Academy Tutorials
  13. MOOCs, Massive Open Online Courses: Startups Seek Elusive Profits
  14. U.S. and U.K. Universities Serve Up Education to Foreigners/Private Schools Grow Rapidly Outside the U.S.
  15. Gamification: Games Technology Boosts Education and Training
  16. The Future of Education

EdTech (Education Technology) & MOOCs Industry Statistics

  1. U.S. Education Statistics and Market Size Overview
  2. Global Education Statistics and Market Size Overview
  3. School Enrollment of the Population 3 Years Old and Over, by Level of School, U.S.: 1964-2019
  4. U.S. Population Age 25 and Older, by Educational Attainment: 1940-2020
  5. PreK-12th Grade Student Enrollment, By School Level & Race/Ethnicity, U.S.: Selected Years, 1995-2019
  6. Number & Percent Distribution of Public Elementary & Secondary Students & Schools, By Traditional or Charter School Status & Selected Characteristics: 2000-2001 & 2018-2019
  7. Total & Current Expenditures Per Pupil in Public Elementary & Secondary Schools, U.S.: Selected Years, 1919-2020
  8. Total Fall Enrollment in Degree-Granting Postsecondary Institutions, U.S.: 1967-2019
  9. Average Annual Costs for Full-Time Undergraduates at Degree-Granting Post-Secondary Institutions: 1969-2020
  10. Educational Services Industry Revenue, U.S.: 2015-2020
  11. Employment in Education Occupations, U.S.: May 2020

Companies Mentioned Include:

  • Apollo Education Group Inc
  • Broadview Institute Inc
  • Franklin Covey Co
  • DeVry Education Group Inc
  • ECollege.com Inc
  • iLinc Communications Inc
  • HealthStream Inc
  • Instructivision Inc
  • Cengage Learning
  • Edmentum Inc

June 10, 2021

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

The real estate and construction sectors, including the many professions and fields associated with them, are among the larger components of the global economy. As of early 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor estimated that 7.0 million Americans were employed in the construction industry (down from 7.3 million at the beginning of 2019, and down significantly from a peak of 7.6 million in 2007). The agency also estimated that 1.7 million Americans were employed in the real estate industry as of early 2021 (essentially unchanged from 2020). Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 created many challenges in the real estate sector.

Key Findings:

  • Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 450 companies in Real Estate & Construction Industry.

Available Formats:

  • Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-570-7 (Available Now)
  • E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-915-6 (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-minute video overview of this industry

Pages: 626

Statistical Tables Provided: 20

Companies Profiled: 477

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 real estate, construction & home building business including:

  1. Introduction to the Real Estate & Construction Industry
  2. The Coronavirus’ Effect on the Real Estate & Construction Industry
  3. Low Interest Rates Cause Mortgage Refinancing to Boom
  4. Online Competition Changes the Mortgage Industry
  5. Millennials & Investors Buying Homes/High Prices Pose Challenges
  6. Real Estate Online Services Continue to Grow
  7. Internet-Based Home Sales and Cheap Commissions Rock Residential Brokers
  8. Homes and Commercial Buildings Seek Green Certification
  9. Building Technologies Advance/Robotics & 3D Printing Used in Construction
  10. Baby Boomers Become a Strong Influence in the Housing Market/Universal Design Catches On
  11. Multigenerational Families Are Increasingly Living Under One Roof
  12. Real Estate Markets in China and India Face Challenges
  13. Mixed-Use Developments Go Vertical
  14. Mall and Shopping Center Occupancy Fall as Online Sales and the Coronavirus Hurt Stores
  15. Malls Remodel to Boost Sales and Attract Shoppers/Store Visitor Counts Are Disappointing
  16. Tiny Apartments and Condos Proliferate, Solve Affordability Problem
  17. Hotel Mergers Enable Chains to Claim Market Share, Add Unique Properties
  18. Remodeling Market Is Strong
  19. Shared Spaces for Co-Living and Co-Working Face Challenges
  20. The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Smart Home
  21. The Future of Housing/The Future of Cities

Real Estate & Construction Industry Statistics

  1. Real Estate & Construction Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
  2. Selected Construction Industry Revenue by Industry Sector, U.S.: 2016-2020
  3. Value of U.S. Private Construction Put in Place: 2014-2020
  4. Value of U.S. Public Construction Put in Place: 2014-2020
  5. Estimates of the Total Housing Inventory for the U.S.: 2019-2020
  6. Assets & Liabilities, U.S. Agency- & Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE)-Backed

Securities by Holder: 2012-2020

  1. Commercial, Residential & Farm Mortgages by Holder, U.S.: 2012-2020
  2. Home Mortgages by Holder, U.S.: 2012-2020
  3. Mortgage Loans Outstanding, U.S.: 1985-2020
  4. New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started, U.S.: 1985-2020
  5. Homeownership Rates by Region, U.S.: Selected Years, 1965-2020
  6. Homeownership Rates by Race & Ethnicity of Householder, U.S.: 2001-2020
  7. Homeownership Rates by Age of Householder, U.S.: Selected Years, 2000-2020
  8. Average Sales Prices of New Homes Sold in U.S.: 1963-2020
  9. Median & Average Sales Price of New Single Family Homes by Region, U.S.: 1990-2020
  10. New Single Family Homes Sold by Region, U.S.: 1985-2020
  11. New Single Family Homes Sold by Type of Financing, U.S.: 1989-2020
  12. Rental & Homeowner Vacancy Rates by Area, U.S.: Selected Years, 2005-2020
  13. Construction Industry Employment, U.S.: 2016- February 2021
  14. Miscellaneous Real Estate & Construction Industry Employment, U.S.: 2016- February 2021

Companies Mentioned Include:

  • Archstone Trust
  • AMERCO (U-Haul)
  • Clayton Homes Inc
  • Accor North America
  • Extended Stay America Inc
  • Kerzner International Limited
  • Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc
  • Diversicare Healthcare Services Inc
  • Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc
  • Riverview Realty Partners

What You get

Complete data and market research for the industry(s) of your choice, including:

  • Market Research
  • Technologies Analysis
  • Business Intelligence and “hard-to-find” facts
  • Key Industry Associations (with contact information)
  • Corporate Executive Contracts
  • Industry Glossary
  • Data Export Tools
  • Top Companies Data