Tag COVID-19 pandemic

By Shivani Shah, PR Professional

Like many other industries, the public relations (PR) sector is presently experiencing a significant transition. Rapid improvements in manufacturing, shifts in patron behavior, and the growing importance of virtual presence are redefining the landscape. Looking at destiny, PR professionals must include exchange and innovation to live usable and powerful. Here are the key trends and strategies that are a good way to shape the destiny of PR work.

1. Digital transformation and AI integration

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital equipment is revolutionizing PR. AI-powered devices are improving media monitoring, sentiment scoring and predictive analytics, enabling PR professionals to gather insights and create more powerful techniques. Chatbots and AI-powered customer service are also improving client interactions and engagement.

Key strategy: Invest in artificial intelligence and digital equipment to increase performance and provide deeper insights. Training teams to use these technologies can be important to stay ahead.

2. Decision-making based on data

Data analysis is becoming central to PR strategies. Understanding audience behavior, tracking campaign performance, and measuring ROI are now more information-driven than ever. The potential to interpret and act on the basis of knowledge of the facts will distinguish successful PR campaigns from others.

Key Strategy: Develop strong statistical analysis talent in your team. Use the information to communicate strategy, optimize campaigns and reveal fees to clients.

3. Personalization and hyper-targeting

Consumers expect personalized studies. In PR, this means tailoring the message to a unique audience, informing them of their options and engaging them in important approaches. Hyper-concentration through virtual channels allows PR specialists to reach the right audience with the right message at the right time.

Key Strategy: Leverage data for audience segments and create personalized content. Focus on building authentic connections through focused outreach.

4. The rise of influencer partnerships

Even now, influencer marketing is a potent public relations tactic. Working with influencers that align with your brand’s values might help you reach a wider audience and convey a better message.

Selecting the appropriate influencers is essential for achieving authenticity and reputation.

Key Strategy: Build long-term relationships with influencers who resonate with your brand and target market. Ensure authenticity in collaboration for consideration and credibility.

5. Crisis management in the digital age

The virtual age has made crisis management even more complex. News spreads quickly on social media and a misstep can spread quickly. Effective crisis management now requires real-time monitoring, rapid response and transparent conversation.

Key Strategy: Develop a complete disaster management plan consisting of social media monitoring and a clear conversation log. Train your crew to respond quickly and effectively to potential crises.

6. Embracing diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are not optional – they can be vital. Diverse teams have exclusive opinions, leading to extra innovative and effective PR strategies. Inclusive campaigns resonate better with a broader target market and reflect the values of current clients.

Key Strategy: Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Make sure your campaigns reflect diverse voices and opinions to connect with a much wider audience.

7. Remote work and flexibility

The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the shift towards remote painting. Flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm, providing benefits that include increased productivity and a greater balance between painting and lifestyle. PR experts must adapt to dealing with remote groups and maintaining collaboration.

Key Strategy: Implement generation and strategies that help away from painting and co-op. Support a flexible lifestyle and believe in your team.

8. Sustainability and social responsibility

Consumers and clients are increasingly engaged in sustainability and social responsibility. PR campaigns that emphasize a brand’s commitment to these values can garner popularity and build stronger connections with stakeholders.

Key Strategy: Integrate sustainability and social responsibility into your PR strategies. Communicate your brand’s efforts and achievements in these regions authentically.

NEW YORK, July 13, 2024 — Inventory stacking, a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, drove cellular module growth in 2021 and even into 2022. However, in 2023 it was a major headwind, driving a shipment decline of over 5% relative to 2022. What has buoyed the spirits of the cellular module market has been the growth of Cat-1bis. According to a new report from global technology intelligence firm ABI Research cellular module forecasts show that Cat-1bis will replace nearly 70% of the Cat-1 market by 2029.

For years, many Cat-1 IoT devices were designed using only a single antenna which sometimes required carrier approval for use on their networks. LTE networks are ubiquitous with good coverage hence a single antenna was sufficient. But what device OEMs and chipset vendors realized is that Cat-1 module costs can be reduced even more by building a dedicated Cat-1bis chipset with send and receive functions delivered over a single antenna. Not only could power consumption be lowered but also component costs. The Cat-1bis standard in 3GPP Release 13 formalizes the common, yet informal use of single antenna Cat-1 devices. The original Cat 1 specification in 3GPP Release 8 required two antennas.

Commenting on the new data, Dan Shey, Vice President, Enabling Platforms at ABI Research, says, “Like many new developments in the cellular IoT market, China is leading with deployment of Cat-1bis. Outside of China, Cat-1bis penetration is much lower since it is typically the replacement technology for new device designs. Regardless of region, based on the benefits of Cat-1bis relative to other cellular technologies, we see Cat-1bis becoming the number two technology choice for cellular IoT applications by 2029.”

Cat-1bis benefits include lower cost – outside of China Cat-1bis modules are at least 30% cheaper with even greater reductions seen in China. Network roaming is also a benefit as 4G roaming agreements are well established unlike the challenges seen today with NB-IoT and Cat-M. Finally, the Cat-1bis standard formalizes the use of a single antenna. The only question which will vary by use case and application is connection reliability for stationary applications. For battery-powered IoT applications, fixed placement of a Cat-1bis device where cellular network coverage is poor could shorten battery life as single antenna devices struggle to connect to the cellular network.

But there is also another view of Cat-1bis in the market. According to Shey, “Presently it is unclear if the chipset vendors will invest in new Cat-1bis chipsets. At Mobile World Congress, and more recently at Asia Tech Expo, RedCap was being pushed not only by module suppliers, but also the device OEMs and the chipset community. 5G RedCap is creating an opening to drive 5G device volumes in the IoT domain. The calculus by the 5G supplier community is 5G capabilities – low latency, location granularity, and future proofing against LTE sunsets, will convince more customers to invest in these higher revenue products.”

By-Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Pune, one of India’s most vibrant real estate markets, has experienced rapid changes over the past few years. Latest data from leading real estate consultancies show a scenario of strong housing price increases and ongoing changes in market dynamics, pointing towards further price hikes in the future.

According to real estate consultants Anarock, Pune and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw over 50% of the overall housing sales in Q2 2024 among the top seven cities. This is a resounding statement for Pune — a city once considered the laid-back cousin of the financial capital and is now competing in the same league.

Rising Property Prices: A Continuum

Recent data from various leading consultancies clearly show Pune’s trend of rising property prices. There has been a significant 20-23% year-on-year increase compared to Q1 2023. This resilience and rising demand are driving prices higher. Several factors explain Pune’s growing housing prices

– Economic Growth & Employment Opportunities: Pune’s real estate market has improved significantly due to its development into a major IT and manufacturing center. High demand from professionals seeking homes near their workplaces has led to a surge in property values in and around IT parks and manufacturing hubs.

– Infrastructure Development: Ongoing and planned infrastructure improvements such as road extensions, new flyovers, and the Pune Metro are boosting the city’s property values and connectivity. This dynamic is evident across Greater Pune, which includes the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the infrastructure-driven Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

– Shift in Housing Segments: Pune’s housing market is now driven by mid-range and premium-to-luxury housing, thanks to higher demand for such options. The higher purchasing and borrowing power of the target clientele supports ongoing price increases.

So – Buy Now or Later?

To answer this very important question, it is necessary to consider some fundamentals. Pune’s strong economic growth draws professionals and families from various industries. The city offers a high livability quotient, better housing affordability, and a superior climate compared to neighboring Mumbai. It also boasts top-grade healthcare and education options and proximity to Mumbai, Maharashtra’s main economic hub.

Pune has delivered an overall residential price appreciation of well over 20% in just one year. Naturally, both end-users and investors find the city very appealing, especially considering its rapid growth since 2020, which saw Pune’s lowest year for housing demand in the last decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job losses, economic disruption, and the disappearance of construction labour brought building activity to a halt. The lockdowns caused a significant decline in real estate market demand and supply.

But in 2021, the market began to bounce back powerfully. With a 17% year-on-year increase, Pune saw the highest property sales since 2013. Buyer confidence increased steadily. In 2023, the Pune housing market rebounded remarkably. The current year is poised to set new benchmarks.

The writing is clearly on the wall — there is no stopping the Pune housing market, and a wait-and-watch stance can cost buyers dearly. For those who want to buy a home in Pune, either to live here or to reap investment returns, there is a strong argument for acting now. Historical data and current patterns clearly imply that the city’s property values will keep rising.

Given the continuous growth of the city and its expanding economic base, homes bought now will deliver significant value addition over time. Pune is currently second only to Mumbai in new residential launches and sales and is also attracting increasing interest from institutional investors eyeing its commercial real estate market.

This means more workplaces, more jobs, and even higher housing demand driving prices steadily northward. For potential buyers and investors, the message is clear – there is no equity in waiting for a more opportune time in Pune’s thriving housing market.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience