Forget PowerPoint presentations - leaders need to be able to tell a good story if they are to make their ideas stick. Storytelling can help businesses to motivate staff and inspire brand loyalty. Now developments in the digital world are making this ancient art more relevant than ever.

By Associate Professor Sunil Venaik and Dr Paul Brewer for The Conversation (September 2015)

Two heads are better than one, as the saying goes. But what if you could tap into the combined expertise of hundreds or thousands of people? Crowdsourcing allows companies to do just that – whether you are looking to solve a problem, find fresh ideas and inspiration or a new source of labour.

New research suggests that Australia’s controversial law to curb excessive executive pay has met with some success – but at a price.

With the rise of influencer marketing, companies are paying celebrities up to $10,000 a tweet to mention their products, while bloggers are benefiting from VIP treatment. But to what extent can a small number of people really influence opinions and drive sales?

Now there’s a new place to hang out at work. Enterprise social networks provide an online environment where employees can get to know their colleagues, work together and exchange ideas.

Innovation has long been viewed as a way to achieve competitive advantage but new research suggests it may be an asset for brand building too.

Iran offers great potential for Australian business following the lifting of sanctions, but ignorance about the country could result in lost opportunities, says management expert Associate Professor Bernard McKenna.

How can start-ups with limited resources achieve international success? The answer could lie in their entrepreneurial approach to innovation.