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75% of Software Engineers Faced Retaliation Last Time They Reported Wrongdoing

Engprax

As AI continued to bring public concerns about computer systems to the forefront, earlier this year FTX’s former Director of Engineering plead guilty to his role in wrongdoing at the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange. Meanwhile, the Horizon IT Inquiry continues to investigate how faulty accounting software has been blamed for multiple suicides and what has been described as “the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history”, with those wrongly imprisoned including a pregnant woman. An investigation 1 conducted by Dr Junade Ali CEng FIET 2 has uncovered systematic ongoing failures affecting software engineers and therefore computer systems used by broader society. 53% of software engineers surveyed by the polling firm Survation say they’ve suspected wrongdoing at work. Of those who speak up, 75% report facing retaliation the last time they reported wrongdoing to their employers. In instances where software engineers stayed silent, the top two reasons cited were potential retaliation from management (59%) and potential retaliation from colleagues (44%). Some companies have also sought to bypass public interest disclosure laws by getting employees to agree to warranty clauses during severance stipulating they know of no grounds to make protected disclosures. Such protected disclosures can include matters related to criminality, failure to comply with legal obligations, miscarriages of justice, health and safety dangers, or environmental damage. Despite these workaround clauses being banned by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2016, the investigation has found that they continued to be used in a financial institution - as evidenced by a settlement agreement between Worldpay and current BT CEO, Philip Jansen. The agreement lists automatic unfair dismissal for making a protected disclosure as a “particular claim” settled under the agreement and in exchange for signing the agreement Mr Jansen was paid £251,282 as a severance payment, the first £30,000 of which was tax-free, in addition to a £20,000 plus VAT contribution to legal fees, £3,700 plus VAT in outplacement counselling services and £100 for agreeing to post-termination restrictions. Commenting on the settlement agreement between Worldpay and Philip Jansen, Professor Richard Moorhead, Professor of Law and Professional Ethics at the University of Exeter, said: “If the clause is in breach of the FCA rules then this is a serious matter that I would expect them to look into, identify the senior people responsible, and take appropriate action. Any lawyers on top of their brief and involved in drafting such a clause would, I think, be expected to advise their clients that such clauses were inappropriate under FCA rules.” With engineers feeling unsafe to speak up, the investigation has also found the “industry standard” metrics frameworks used to assess software teams are flawed. Whilst Google’s DORA team has continued to use metrics that prioritise speed (and volume) to measure the delivery performance of software teams, a nationally representative poll of British adults ranked “getting the latest features as quickly as possible” least important to them when using computer systems (22%). Of the 10 different dimensions measured, the public was most likely to agree “to a great extent” that data security (62%), data accuracy (55%) and ensuring there are no serious bugs (55%) mattered to them. Of 8 dimensions, software engineers were least likely to agree “to a great extent” that “delivering work quickly” was most important to their jobs (33%); instead being able to provide for their families (52%), delivering work that is highly reliable (51%) and ensuring their work kept data secure (47%) came top. Additionally, whilst newer frameworks have focussed on the use of surveys within team settings; the investigation found, alongside the risk of retaliation for speaking up, 1 in 6 software engineers feel unable to express ideas or concerns, speak up with questions, or admit to mistakes, without fear of negative consequences. Nearly 1 in 4 software engineers said they were unable to take calculated risks without fear of negative consequences. Prior research identified in the investigation has also shown that “those with the lowest programming skill” are most likely to be most over-optimistic at evaluating software delivery performance in large projects. With 44% of those who didn’t report wrongdoing attributing fear of retaliation from colleagues as a reason, the study highlights the need to ensure subjective employee feedback mechanisms are not used as a tool for retaliation. Commenting on the entire investigation, Dr Junade Ali CEng FIET, the Principal Investigator of the study, said: “Recent developments demonstrate the fundamental importance of software engineers being free to raise the alarm when they become aware of potential wrongdoing; unfortunately our research has highlighted that software engineers are not sufficiently protected when they need to do so. From software engineers facing mass retaliation for speaking up and banned gagging clauses still being used, to ‘industry-standard’ software development metrics not considering the public’s risk appetite; this investigation has highlighted systematic and profound issues with society-wide impact, given how integral computers are to all our lives. Our investigation has shown a tendency for problems to be swept below the rug until they reach boiling point rather than addressed, this is neither compassionate nor honest for those involved.” In relation to the Worldpay settlement agreement, the Solicitors Regulation Authority said: “It’s not clear that any solicitors were involved in this matter. The FCA as Worldpay’s regulator will investigate this matter and if they felt that any solicitors were involved in drafting agreements that breach our rules, they would refer them to us through our agreed channels.” … “We were made aware in 2018 that solicitors potentially could be forgetting their legal obligations when drawing up settlement agreements and were including NDAs that were not compliant with the law. That led to us putting out a warning notice in 2018 that we updated in 2020 to make sure the profession did not breach its obligations. Solicitors should uphold the rule of law and proper administration of justice, after all.” FIS who own Worldpay, Phillip Jansen, the Post Office and the Financial Conduct Authority did not respond to requests for comment. BT Group declined to comment. Detailed responses from Professor Richard Moorhead, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Post Office can be found in the report. 1 The Dark Side of Software Development - Dr Junade Ali CEng FIET served as Principal Investigator for the study. Opinion polling conducted by Survation. Survation is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Survation is a Market Research Society (MRS) Company Partner. All UK adults polling fieldwork was done between 29th September and 8th October (1,989 nationally representative sample, providing 95% confidence the ‘true’ result will fall within 2.20% of the sample result). Software Engineer polling fieldwork conducted on the 25th October (n = 280, providing 95% confidence the ‘true’ result will fall within 5.85% of the sample result). 2 Dr Junade Ali MSc PhD CEng FIET is a British software engineer and computer scientist. About Engprax Engprax is a Scottish company offering software audits, investigations and consultancy - minimising the risks associated with software whilst maximising reward, to ensure all of society sees the benefits from technology. To learn more, please visit: https://www.engprax.com/ Contact Details Engprax Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.engprax.com/

November 20, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Navigating Open Enrollment

YourUpdateTV

Open Enrollment season is underway, and as we look ahead to 2024, now is the time to assess health care coverage options and select the plan that is best for you and your budget. Recently, Rhonda Randall, the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to share tips for navigating the Open Enrollment season. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/mhpkMs2vBGk Enrollment periods aren’t the same for everyone, so there are key dates to keep in mind depending on your circumstances. Many employers set aside a 2- to 3-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year. But just as millions of Americans prepare to choose health insurance for next year, a recent survey revealed that 1 in 3 people (36%) spend less than 1 hour reviewing their benefits options. For most people, not making an enrollment decision means you may be locked into your current plan for the upcoming year. If anything has changed this year – either with your current plan, health status or budget – that decision to do nothing could lead to unpleasant surprises or missed cost-savings in 2024. Because everyone has unique health and budget needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a health plan, it’s important to stay informed before making these decisions. When choosing a health plan, here are a handful of tips that will hopefully lead to better health and cost savings: Take your time and consider all of your options Learn the language Help prevent financial surprises Check for mental health coverage Don’t forget about specialty benefits Look into wellness programs Explore virtual care services Visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com for tips, resources and information on plans in your area About Rhonda Randall Rhonda L. Randall, D.O., is the Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, the nation’s largest business serving the health coverage and well-being needs of nearly 28 million Americans. Dr. Randall collaborates with U.S. employers who are looking for quality, cost-effective, long-term solutions to health benefits for their employees and retirees. She also leads the clinical strategy development for these businesses to improve quality outcomes, ensure affordability and improve health and well-being. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 16, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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New Research Highlights Urgent Need to Supercharge Efficiency of 10 “Net Zero Hero” Appliances to Meet Climate Goals

CLASP

New analysis from CLASP shows that the appliances sector has a staggeringly large climate impact, accounting for 39.3% of all energy-related CO2 emissions — roughly equivalent to the combined emissions of China, Europe, and Brazil in 2020. If current trends continue, appliance emissions will overshoot the International Energy Agency’s 2050 net zero targets by at least 9 gigatons. The report, “ Net Zero Heroes: Scaling Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience,” also reveals profound inequities in access to appliances, leaving billions of people more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. For example, at least 1.2 billion people lack access to air conditioners and fans, making it difficult to cope with rising temperatures. Fortunately, the appliances sector offers a time-tested solution for dramatically reducing emissions while bringing life-changing services to more people: energy efficiency. CLASP provides a roadmap for realizing the sector’s mitigation and adaptation potential by rapidly increasing the efficiency of 10 key appliances: the Net Zero Heroes. This group is comprised of air conditioners, comfort fans, electric cookers, electric motors, heat pump space heaters, heat pump water heaters, LED lighting, refrigerator-freezers, solar water pumps, and televisions. Dramatically reducing the energy consumption of the Net Zero Heroes would bring far-reaching benefits. In addition to avoiding emissions, thoughtful appliance efficiency policies contribute to end-use electrification and grid decarbonization. Efficient appliances are also less expensive to purchase and operate, making them more attainable for people in low- and middle-income countries and communities. The report urges governments and manufacturers to supercharge the efficiency of the Net Zero Heroes within the next few years. It provides targets for each appliance and estimates the emissions reductions and resilience benefits associated with reaching them. It also describes proven policy and financing mechanisms for achieving these goals within the ambitious timeline required. Compared to many climate solutions, appliance energy efficiency is low-cost and easy to deploy, making it a particularly vital tool for governments seeking to meet their Paris Agreement commitments. Efficiency pushes can deliver results relatively quickly by leveraging existing technologies and supply chains while harmonizing with existing policies. ### For more information about “Net Zero Heroes: Scaling Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience,” please contact: Corinne Schneider Chief Communications Officer CLASP cschneider[at]clasp.ngo CLASP is an international nonprofit dedicated to promoting appliance efficiency and energy access, working with governments, industry, and communities to advance policies and markets towards the highest-quality, lowest resource-intensive appliances, for the benefit of people and the planet. Contact Details CLASP Corinne Schneider +1 202-375-9814 Company Website http://www.clasp.ngo/

November 16, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

New Alvarez & Marsal Fall 2023 Consumer Sentiment Report Highlights Impacts of Inflation, Recession, Consumer Skepticism

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

Consumers are planning to spend less on indulgences and prioritize basic needs compared to Spring 2023 Over half of consumers are shopping second- hand which is driven by low prices in second- hand markets This holiday season consumers will spend more on gifts versus Fall 2022 and will prioritize gifts for others over gifts for themselves Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group (A&M CRG) today released its newest consumer report, Consumer Sentiment Survey Fall 2023, which looks at the impacts of inflation and resultant changes in consumer spending over the last year, as well as spending expectations for the coming six-month period. This is the fifth chapter of its bi-annual Consumer Sentiment Report, based on a survey of 1,500+ consumers matching the U.S. adult population according to gender, age, ethnicity, region and income. The report covers various changing behaviors in response to personal finances and the state of the economy, including consumers’ shopping priorities by category, concerns over rising prices, holiday plans, and other factors that will affect purchase decisions this fall/winter, and more. “One of the objectives of our semi-annual survey is to understand how consistent economic concerns impact consumer spending behavior, channel preferences and overall confidence in their financial security over time,” stated Chad Lusk, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group. “This cycle’s survey showed us that while consumer outlook was more favorable in Spring 2023, consumers are more pessimistic going into the winter months and plan to be more cautious with their spending. Despite this, we are seeing a year-over-year benefit in that consumers are still planning to participate more in holiday shopping when compared to Fall 2022.” The study found that: Consumer expectations are weaker this fall, they expect to save less money and have less money compared to Spring 2023 While we are seeing consumers plan to spend more money on basic needs, they are planning to spend less on experiences and indulgences. 67% of consumers believe that prices will continue to rise, and 65% believe the U.S. will be in a recession within the next year Consumers are more highly motivated to join loyalty programs through special promotions and discounts and redeemable rewards “Retailers should be aware of this cautious consumer mindset and manage inventory appropriately to ensure assortments are in-line with consumer spending plans,” said Lusk. “Smart retailers should remain flexible and be prepared to offer discounts and promotions in non-essential categories, as the season unfolds.” To download a pdf of Consumer Sentiment Survey Fall 2023, please visit: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/consumer-sentiment-survey-fall-23/ About Alvarez & Marsal Consumer Retail Group The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities toward their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm's bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Grocery, Mass Merchandise, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/industries/retail/retail

November 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Launches WomenandAlzheimers.org

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund announces the launch of WomenandAlzheimers.org, a website dedicated to bringing awareness to the impact of Alzheimer’s on women, providing information on research into understanding sex-based differences and recognizing many of the women who are working toward finding a cure. There are more than 6 million people in the United States—and 50 million people throughout the world—currently living with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and experts estimate there may be as many as three times more people living with the disease who have not yet been diagnosed. Both men and women develop Alzheimer’s disease, but two-thirds of all patients are women, and women are frequently the primary caregivers for spouses, partners, parents and others with the disease. “For far too long, science has had a partial view into disease biology because only one sex was included in research studies,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has long required researchers to include consideration of potential sex differences in their projects. Understanding why and how Alzheimer’s develops differently in men and women, and the factors that increase resilience or risk, will lead to benefits for all Alzheimer’s patients.” WomenandAlzheimers.org is a resource to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease pathology, signs and symptoms, and the scientific discoveries that are advancing our understanding of the disease. Users can learn about ways to improve brain health, at any age, and read about the women who are working to find a cure, including researchers, Board members, staff members and advocates. About Cure Alzheimer’s FundCure Alzheimer’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided grants to the world’s leading researchers and contributed more than $180 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has received a 4-star rating for more than 12 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. With 100% of funds raised going to support research, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has been able to provide grants to many of the best scientific minds in the field of Alzheimer’s research. For more information, visit https://WomenandAlzheimers.org and https://www.CureAlz.org/ Contact Details Barbara Chambers +1 978-417-9890 bchambers@curealz.org Company Website https://WomenandAlzheimers.org

November 15, 2023 05:46 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Sherri Winslow Reflects on Over 20 Years in Palm Desert, CA and Joins President’s Club

Minuteman Press International Inc

Sherri Winslow is the owner of the Minuteman Press franchise in Palm Desert, CA since April of 2002. When her husband suddenly passed away in 2012, Sherri made the difficult decision to carry on as she took a more prominent role in the business as the sole owner and operator. Since then, Sherri has continued to build her business and in 2023 she was honored and acknowledged as one of the newest members of the Minuteman Press President’s Club. As she reflects on her accomplishments, Sherri shares her thoughts on 20-plus years and joining the President’s Club, keys to success and longevity, advice to others, and more. Celebrating 20 Years + Joining Minuteman Press President’s Club In 2022, Sherri celebrated 20 years of business ownership for Minuteman Press in Palm Desert. Today, in 2023, Sherri is now recognized as a member of the Minuteman Press International President’s Club for achieving yearly gross sales of over $1 million in 2022. Sherri shares, “Reflecting on our 20 years in business makes me realize that we were fortunate to partner with a good franchisor. Very few small businesses were able to make it through this period without a strong management and operational program to follow. That along with proper training and support from people that have been in the print business have made a huge impact. We will always be thankful for this.” She continues, “In 2023, I was proud to join the Minuteman Press International President’s Club. We have had fairly steady growth over the past 20 years. We started out making $19,000 in our first month after buying an existing business. In 2012, I lost my husband and I personally went from part-time to being the boss. My staff and Minuteman Press local support led by RVP Dan Byers helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. It was a very foggy year but we made it. In the past few years, we were getting close to the $1 million milestone and we set that as our goal last year. My staff and I worked very hard to make sure we reached that goal. A lot of hard work and determination helped us get there.” When asked about her keys to success and growth, Sherri says, “Our longevity and success is primarily due to our staff and customer service. We have had many referrals through the years without asking. Now that we have been through the last training session, we plan to start asking for referrals through different channels. Other contributing factors to our success are related to our direct & internet marketing along with expanding our services & products over the years. We added wide format in the beginning, then signage, direct mail, and blueprints.” Sherri continues, “There are two other areas worth mentioning that I feel have been successful for us. The first has to do with Google Reviews, which has been a point of focus at regional meetings. At one meeting before the pandemic hit, there were around 50 people in attendance from many franchises in Southern California. We talked about how important Google Reviews are. We shared materials used to get reviews and it really blossomed here. I get a lot of new customers because they did a search and noticed how many good reviews we have.” She further shares, “Next is having good storefront and building signage. My shop is on the main highway that people travel from one end of the valley to the other. You can’t miss my shop because we went big and bold with the signage. I would do more, but the local laws don’t allow it. People always tell me they find me from our signage.” Printing Industry & Community/Franchise Support Sherri shares her insights on the printing industry today, saying, “Printing remains vital to businesses today because it provides a connection that stays with the consumer as opposed to the internet or email. Your printed materials end up in someone’s hand, which can make that lasting impression. How many people swipe left or delete emails without reading them? They will always take the time to look at a business card, postcard or holiday card that they receive.” In Palm Desert, Sherry says, “We are a small set of cities that hold large events and conventions. This brings an increase to our population that is about triple the amount during certain months of the year. Thanks to our community, our key growth areas have included signage, blueprints, convention printing and direct mail.” She adds, “We would not be where we are today without the local franchise support, training and the IT department that Minuteman Press International provides. We owe a lot of our success to this.” Rewards & Advice for Others As she looks back on over 20 years and reflects on the rewards of owning a business, Sherri says, “I would say my biggest personal reward is that I have been able to achieve everything that I have wanted to in my life. I can’t really ask for more personally except for time. My biggest professional reward has been reaching that $1 million goal and making the Minuteman Press President’s Club.” As for what advice she would give to others, Sherri shares, “Make sure you are active with the quote process and follow-up. Understand the difference between shoppers (who are getting 3 quotes from various vendors) and buyers. I recommend you give the customer a day to digest the quote they received, then follow up and make sure you answer their questions. Lastly, make sure you let them know you want to meet their price point or their budget constraints if you do… Again, the difference between a shopper and a buyer will make the difference on whether you will want to meet their budget constraints.” Minuteman Press in Palm Desert is located at 73-660 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ca/palm-desert/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

November 14, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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JustiFi and Sezzle Announce Partnership: Bringing Buy Now, Pay Later to SaaS Platforms

JustiFi

JustiFi, the fintech platform for platforms and Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ: SEZL, ASX:SZL), a prominent Buy Now, Pay Later leader, today announced a groundbreaking partnership. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is a short-term financing option enabling consumers to make interest-free purchases over time. This collaboration revolutionizes the fintech industry, bringing seamless BNPL services to JustiFi platform partners, including hundreds of SaaS platforms, thousands of merchants, and millions of end users for the very first time. This innovative approach to financing not only simplifies the purchasing process for consumers but also opens up new opportunities for businesses, enabling them to reach a wider customer base and enhance overall customer satisfaction. Imagine this scenario, a parent is registering their child for youth hockey, but instead of paying that hefty $500 registration fee upfront, they now have the option of four interest-free payments over a six-week period. With just a click of a button during their normal registration checkout process, they can access the benefits of BNPL while avoiding the need for additional apps or loan approvals. “It is our mission to accelerate potential – whether that’s the fintech potential of our platform partners or the financial potential of their merchants and end users. This collaboration with Sezzle will bring immense value to our clients and their customers,” said Joe Keeley, JustiFi co-Founder and CEO. Benefits to Customers Platforms: This partnership enables platforms to monetize Buy Now, Pay Later services, while simultaneously offering their merchants a seamless checkout experience with fewer risks. Merchants: Merchants benefit from boosted sales due to higher cart conversion while Sezzle absorbs all the risk including: fraud, chargebacks, and repayment. End Users: Consumers benefit from expanded purchasing power and financial convenience. This inclusive solution also caters to underbanked individuals who may lack access to similar financial services. “Sezzle is dedicated to revolutionizing the way people pay and we are excited to partner with JustiFi, because it allows us to extend our reach and enable additional platforms to offer our flexible payment options,” said Charlie Youakim, CEO of Sezzle. “Merchants on JustiFi’s partner platforms will be eligible for pre-approval by Sezzle, accelerating activation and reaching millions of new customers. Together, we are shaping the future of online payments and fintech." By providing cutting-edge BNPL solutions to SaaS platforms, JustiFi and Sezzle are reshaping the future of online payments. This collaboration underscores their commitment to enhancing the financial experience for their clients and end users, propelling the industry forward into a new era of convenience and accessibility. About JustiFi: https://justifi.tech/ JustiFi, the fintech platform for platforms, enables software companies to monetize white-label fintech products like embedded payments, Buy Now, Pay Later, lending, and insurance faster than ever before. As a registered payment facilitator, JustiFi provides world-class customer support and helps platforms deliver seamless fintech experiences to their end users. About Sezzle Inc. https://sezzle.com/ Sezzle is a fintech company on a mission to financially empower the next generation. Sezzle’s payment platform increases the purchasing power for millions of consumers by offering a suite of financing solutions at online stores and in-store locations. When consumers apply, approval decisions are instant, and their credit scores are not impacted, unless the consumer elects to opt-in to a credit building feature, called Sezzle Up. Contact Details JustiFi Cory Ploessl +1 612-281-8966 cory.ploessl@justifi.tech Sezzle Erin Foran +1 651-403-2184 erin.foran@sezzle.com Company Website https://justifi.tech/

November 14, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Tencent Cloud, Ledger and More Web3, Gaming & Investment Players Gather at the MultiversX Hub Seoul

STORM Partners

MultiversX, the leading layer-1 smart contract platform, known for its highly scalable, secure and robust infrastructure, has announced the Seoul Hub event scheduled for November 14, hosted by the nonce community location. Planned as an Upbit D Conference side event, the Hub will follow the extensive presence of the team at UDC, with MultiversX CEO Beniamin Mincu set to take the stage. The one-day event includes keynote sessions, technical presentations, panel discussions, workshops, a coding challenge, as well as networking opportunities and a party to conclude the day. Among the global experts attending the MultiversX Hub Seoul will be representatives from Tencent Cloud, Ledger, Pantera Ico Group, Presto Labs, Four Pillars, BIFROST and more. They will cover everything from gaming and NFTs, business, research, investment and beyond. MultiversX Hub is a new platform designed to spotlight the most relevant voices within the crypto, blockchain and tech spheres in strategic areas around the world and to connect them with exciting projects developing on MultiversX. In Seoul, participants will have the chance to connect with the team behind CyberpunkCity, an MMORPG currently in public alpha that combines immersive Metaverse experiences and creative tools of true digital ownership. On the DeFi side of the event, attendees can explore the industry-defining payment products from Pulsar Money, while NFT enthusiasts will get insights from XOXNO, the largest marketplace in the MultiversX ecosystem. The event will also host a developer-centric challenge to brainstorm, collaborate, innovate, and build using the MultiversX network. The team has prepared a series of workshops for developers to explore the MultiversX infrastructure, and encourage them to propose real-world solutions, pitch their ideas and win up to $2000 in prizes. " As the MultiversX protocol and ecosystem have matured and attracted significant interest from some of the largest tech companies in the world, including Google Cloud, Deutsche Telekom or AWS, we are in an exceptional position to provide a unique platform for advancing the discussion on the next evolution of blockchain and other emerging technologies. Seoul provides us with a great opportunity to kick-start the MultiversX Hub in one of the world's innovation centers, connect with some of the brightest minds in the industry in Asia, and expand our strong partner base, " said Beniamin Mincu, MultiversX CEO. The full event agenda, as well as a registration option, are available here: https://lu.ma/MultiversXHubSeoul About MultiversX A highly scalable, secure and decentralized blockchain network created to enable radically new applications, for users, businesses, society, and the new metaverse frontier. Distributed by STORM Partners. Contact Adrian Bono for interviews and quotes - adrian.bono@storm.partners or telegram @STORMPartners Contact Details Media Contact Dan Voicu, Head of Communications dan.voicu@multiversx.com

November 13, 2023 03:29 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Revenue Management Solutions Introduces Conjoint Analysis Solution

Revenue Management Solutions

A tailored Conjoint Analysis solution from restaurant data leader Revenue Management Solutions is now available worldwide to restaurant operators developing new markets, menus and products in an increasingly complex environment. A pioneering name in pricing for nearly 30 years, RMS recognizes that restaurants need new solutions to revolutionize their competitive strategies and drive profitability. Its Conjoint Analysis, previously available only to clients for special projects, presents selected participants with realistic item trade-off scenarios so brands can gain insights into factors impacting purchasing decisions and price sensitivity. Restaurants use the data to shape future pricing decisions, product development and menu designs without risking “real-world” traffic loss. “As brands prepare to make critical business decisions in 2024, we stand as a partner, relying on our research acumen and industry expertise,” said RMS Chief Research & Development Officer Sebastian Fernandez. “Using new technologies, our experienced statisticians tailor each conjoint study to meet client needs, so the results are relevant and lead to profitability.” Operators can choose between two conjoint study techniques. Choice-based studies replicate real-life purchasing behavior and outcomes, providing valuable pricing and product strategies. The more complex menu-based studies mimic restaurant ordering behavior. Participants build combinations of items from a full menu so brands can optimize menu and price, forecast revenue and uncover sales opportunities. Conjoint Analysis at Work To illustrate the power of choice-based conjoint studies, RMS surveyed more than 3,000 US quick-service restaurant (QSR) diners to understand item-specific value. Respondents weighed in on chicken sandwiches, nuggets and bone-in chicken at popular brands, including Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Wingstop and Jack in the Box. The results uncovered: How QSR brands stack up across different chicken offerings Which brands are favored by different generations, regions and households How price sensitivity affects the most popular choices and what brands are most vulnerable to trade down “Conjoint analysis, in tandem with RMS’ pricing expertise, reveals a window into future consumer behavior,” said Fernandez. “Our in-depth chicken market study underscores the powerful value of these insights for restaurant brands looking to better understand their customer preferences and pricing strategies.” Contact RMS today to learn how conjoint analysis can benefit your restaurant. About Revenue Management Solutions For over 25 years, Revenue Management Solutions (RMS) has partnered with restaurant brands to deliver actionable insights and data-driven solutions to boost sales, streamline costs and maximize profitability. Today, RMS is trusted by more than 50 major brands in 40+ countries. The company provides actionable insights to 100,000+ restaurant locations worldwide, helping them make informed business decisions that drive profitability, even in the face of challenges like inflation and rising labor costs. RMS holds five U.S. patents on menu pricing and customer segmentation and supports ongoing academic research efforts. To learn more about how RMS supports its clients, visit www.revenuemanage.com. Contact Details Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://www.revenuemanage.com

November 13, 2023 07:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

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