Corporate & Sector Studies

Re-engineering Growth: Research Study on Design Industry Skill Development (with Corbett Communications, 2004)

This study undertakes an analysis of the current reality and prospect for six design occupations in Ontario including architects, landscape architects, interior designers, graphic designers, industrial designers and fashion designers.  Grant Insights' role in the project is to conduct the labour force and education analysis based on a literature and data review, modeling and original research survey findings.  Grant Insights will also be facilitating roundtables with stakeholders.

Pay-to-Play: Implications of Risk Sharing and Contribution Arrangements for Companies in the Auto and Aerospace Sectors (2003)

It has become increasing common in sectors characterized by large scale research and development (like autos and aerospace) for Original Equipment Manufacturers to demand that lower tier suppliers assist in funding major research and development projects leading to the production of new products.  This study explored the implication of this practice for Canadian companies with a particular emphasis on the auto and aerospace sectors. The study was done for the Ontario Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation.

Education and Training Supply for the Aviation and Aerospace Sectors in Ontario: A Strategic View (for Forum Research, 2003)

Michael Grant was the principal author of this major report for the Aviation and Aerospace sectors in Ontario. The mandate was to undertake a labour force and educational analysis that could be used by the post-secondary system in Ontario and the industry to develop a strategy for addressing current and anticipated human resource gaps.

A Human Resources Forecasting Model for CP Rail (1998-2001)

This project, undertaken for Human Resources and Industrial Relations at Canadian Pacific Railway, developed a human resource profile of the organization and forecasted HR scenarios based on various planning assumptions.

An Analysis of the Franchising Sector (2000)
This study was conducted for Denninghouse, one of Canada's largest franchising companies.  The study undertook a thorough analysis of the franchising market in Canada with special attention to the use of information technologies.  This study was conducted with Corbett Communications, a Toronto market research company.

A Value Proposition for the Conference Board of Canada (1999)

The Conference Board of Canada asked Grant Insights to conduct a major study leading to a new value proposition for the Conference Board.  Grant Insights conducted focus groups with key customers and analyzed internal documents to develop a draft value proposition that was eventually adopted by the Conference Board's senior executive.

Profiting From China’s Rapid Economic Growth: A Canadian Perspective of Guangdong Province (1995) (Co-authored with Julie Mac Lure)

This project considered Canadian business opportunities in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.  It provided a business overview of the region, analyzed current Canadian business involvement in Guangdong province and identified areas for future growth. The study also looked at the key business practices of successful firms.

NAFTA Extension to Latin America: The Business Case (1994)

Written at a time of great interest in expanding Canada’s free trade beyond NAFTA, this study examined the case for extending the North American Free Trade Agreement to Latin America.  It considered, on a country-by-country basis, the economic prospects for the region and the likelihood of extending NAFTA to the region.  It foretold the eventual free trade agreement between Canada and Chile.

Canada’s Trade Policy Options in the Asia Pacific (1994) (Co-authored with Todd Evans)

This study considered the options for Canada’s trade policy with the Asia Pacific in light of developments within the region and through institutions like the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum.  It argued the case based on Canadian business demands for lower tariff and non-tariff barriers and greater transparency.  It is based on an extensive of Canadian corporation with business interests in the Asia Pacific.

The Tax Competitiveness of the Canadian Tourism Industry (1993)
International Tax Competitiveness of the Canadian Airline Industry (1991)
International Tax Competitiveness of the Canadian Railway Industry (1990)

These studies were designed to point out weaknesses in the Canadian corporate tax system when compared to the United States. They were based on simulations of an after-tax cash flow model.  The methodology involved modeling the cash flow of a “typical” firm in each industry and then simulating the impact of various tax systems on the firm’s cash flow.  I worked closely with Canadian companies in developing these models.