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Interviews are not the most effective way to determine if a candidate is right for a job. The most effective ways are tests and work samples, as has been established in numerous studies. The problem is that, although we know this, many still use the old ways of recruiting such as CVs and interviews. Assessio International was founded in Sweden in 1954 to publish tests and research into psychological testing for vocational, clinical and educational purposes. Today, it offers its expertise to recruiters around the world as a highly respected publisher of Den Norske Veritas-certified psychological tests and as HR consultants.

The first implantable cardiac pacemaker was invented in 1958. The technology has advanced considerably since then and the result is that millions of lives have been saved and lengthened. Further medical and technological advancements are continuously being invented and perfected, turning conditions that used to be death sentences into conditions that can be managed through proper care. MicroPort CRM, whose operating headquarters are in France, is a company which specializes in finding solutions for the management of cardiac rhythm disorders and heart failure.

T. Ottem Transport is a family company now being managed in the third generation by Torstein Ottem who shares ownership with his brother Harald. Since they took over the reins in 2010 the company has quadrupled in size thanks to a successful strategy of diversification. In addition to its core activity of providing transports for the livestock industry, it is also active in recycling and road maintenance. European Business spoke to Torstein Ottem about the secret to its phenomenal expansion.

Simplicity and minimalism with maximum functionality: Consumers around the world have embraced Scandinavian design. Furniture, though, is just part of the story; creating the right ambiance with natural colours and complementary lighting is equally important. Swedish company Belid Lighting AB has been pleasing homeowners with its lighting solutions for over 50 years. Now, a change of strategy means that Belid is bringing its stunning designs to a far wider audience.

The corona crisis is changing our lives. No one can predict the lasting effects of the pandemic on our society, on our economy and on the financial markets. Our Editor-in-Chief, Manfred Brinkmann, talked to Dr. Peter Andres, Managing Director of Signal Iduna Asset Management GmbH in Hamburg, about finding the right balance between risk and yield during these challenging times, and about the long-term effects on the financial markets.

A Happy philosophy©: Probably not at the top of most companies’ agendas, but perhaps it should be; after all, it has long been recognized that happy employees are more likely to result in satisfied customers. Swedish outsourced customer relationship management (CRM) provider H1 Communication AB – H1 stands for ‘happy one’ – takes the well-being of its 400 employees extremely seriously. It forms the foundation of the company culture, and its many loyal customers experience the positive impact of this approach every single day.

For many businesses, the Corona pandemic is working like a booster for digital transformation. A good example for the accelerating effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is provided by Desa Srl, the leading food retailer in Rome and the surrounding area. The Italian supermarket chain started a delivery service during the lockdown and is now developing its own e-commerce channel. At the same time, the family-managed enterprise is continuing its regional expansion, opening an average of three new stores every year.

With 17,000 experts within the fields of infrastructure, industry and energy operating on behalf of customers worldwide, AFRY is a leading international provider of engineering and design services as well as consultancy. Formed in January 2019 through the merger of Swedish engineering consultancy ÅF and Finnish competitor, Pöyry, the company looks back on over a century and a quarter of experience in technical advancement. European Business spoke to the Business Unit Director of Buildings in Denmark Martin Kjaer about the new entity’s strategic goals for the future.

Who knows what a farmer needs better than another farmer? Rune Stark, a farmer with 30 ha of land in Hårrgarden near Väderstad in southern Sweden, laid the foundations for Väderstad AB back in the early 1960s out of sheer frustration. At the start of every season, he spent considerable time making a new wooden rigid tine harrow. Understanding that for him and his fellow farmers, time was precious, Mr. Stark set out to design and produce a rigid tine harrow made from steel. His philosophy of ‘make it last’ still underpins Väderstad today, through its very strong quality and customer orientation.

With 40 years of experience in the challenging field of multidisciplinary engineering, Incico SpA in Italy has made a name for itself with numerous successfully completed projects worldwide. Its Italian team of 80 experienced engineers and technicians is complemented by a 30-strong team at its subsidiary company in India. With its sights firmly fixed on future expansion, it recently restructured its operations into three business units. European Business talked to Giovanni Monini, CEO and son of the company founder, about how the restructure fits in with his plans for the future direction of the company.

The ability to move goods swiftly from place to place has allowed the dissemination of information across the globe. As the opportunities to move goods has increased, so too has the complexity. Trexico Logistics BV has coordinated global logistics for over 20 years and has established itself as a specialized logistics expert across road, water, rail and air.