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- The Convergence of Design and Innovation
by David Silverstein - Both of these disciplines must be adopted for success.
(May 2008) - Use and Abuse of ROI
by Jack and Patti Phillips - Examine the many ways that the perennial business term is misunderstood.
(April 2008) - Collaboration
by David Silverstein - To COL-LAB-O-RATE. The American Heritage Dictionary defines collaboration as: "to work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort."
(April 2008) - Intangible Measures
by Jack and Patti Phillips - If certain data cannot be converted to money, are they still important?
(March 2008) - Art or Science?
by David Silverstein - Business is not an either/or proposition -- a cycle of innovation and analytical operation is needed to succeed.
(March 2008) - Collecting the Right Data
by Jack and Patti Phillips - Not all data is created equal -- here's how to know what kind to gather and how to use to make the most of the data process.
(February 2008) - The Idea Killers (Part II)
by David Silverstein - In this continued discussion of ideas being killed prematurely, the focus turns to the processing of ideas and recognizing when they are being unfairly disregarded.
(February 2008) - Taking Credit When Credit Is Due
by Jack and Patti Phillips - Many factors determine the success of a new strategy. But which one is responsible for real results? Here's how to find out.
(January 2008) - Beware the Idea Killers
by David Silverstein - New ideas are what will help your business remain competitive. Be sure you aren't killing them before you consider bringing them to fruition.
(January 2008) - Think ROI at the Beginning of a Project
by Jack and Patti Phillips - Walking into a project with ROI in mind will ensure the project delivers.
(December 2007) - What's The Problem?
by David Silverstein - It's one of the most important questions you'll ever ask yourself while running your business.
(November 2007) - ROI Basics
by Jack and Patti Phillips - Once you understand the basics of the ROI Methodology, the natural chain of impact really begins to make sense.
(October 2007) - Dying is Surviving: Redux Creative Destruction
by David Silverstein - If you don't plan for tomorrow, the pressure you'll feel when times, and consumer demands, have changed could kill you for good.
(October 2007) - Show Me the Money!
by Jack and Patti Phillips - In their first column, Jack and Patti Phillips introduce us to the concept of return on investment and how important it is to running a successful small business.
(September 2007) - Is Sourcing to China Safe?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Sourcing to China can be cost effective, but if something goes wrong, it could have a dramatic effect on your bottom line -- and negatively impact customer opinion of your business.
(September 2007) - Innovation and Improvement: A Distinction Without a Difference
by David Silverstein - The processes of innovation and improvement are much more intertwined than we generally like to believe.
(August 2007) - Either-Or Thinking Doesn't Work
by David Silverstein - Operational efficiency and creativity both play a part in business success.
(July 2007) - Infrastructure: The Chicken or the Egg?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Weighing the options -- and the costs -- will help you determine the best strategy for handling unexpected increases in sales.
(June 2007) - It's All About Convergence
by David Silverstein - The convergence of many approaches to business process improvement is the key to remaining successful in today's competitive business environment.
(June 2007) - I Can See Clearly Now
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Using visual systems in your business operations can help you quickly tell if things are going as planned, and help you take immediate action if they are not.
(May 2007) - Six Sigma for the Mathematically Challenged
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Don't worry if you don't know statistics and probability. We have a process by which you can help employees minimize mistakes and reach your business's goals without a degree in mathematics.
(April 2007) - The Pendulum Will Swing Again
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Constantly changing external forces will impact your business. The challenge is to recognize when to stay the course, and when to vary from it.
(February 2007) - Is There a Doctor in the House?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Few businesses understand their transformation processes, resulting in inconsistent delivery of their brand promise. Here's how to remedy the situation.
(January 2007) - Making Business Resolutions
by Rebecca A. Morgan - For most of us, how we think about improving our businesses is consistent with how we approach improvement and accomplishments as individuals.
(December 2006) - Your Deck of Cards
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Meeting business goals in the short and long term takes consistent and constant communication of those goals to employees.
(November 2006) - Having Problems?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Use the "5 Why?" method to help your company master the art of problem solving.
(October 2006) - Safety Is a Choice
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Workplace safety is more than an objective to be noted in a manual. It's a conscious commitment you, your managers, and your employees need to make to reduce and eliminate worker injuries and fatalities.
(September 2006) - Is That Opportunity Knocking?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Understanding and responding to market expectations and fluctuations is pivotal to managing a business's operations.
(August 2006) - The Really Bad News about Bad Customers
by Rebecca A. Morgan - It's nice to grow your client list, but if you're filling it with clients who don't line up with your company's goals and mission, you may find yourself in trouble.
(July 2006) - Before You Even Think of Relocating...
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Moving or expanding your business can seem to make a lot of sense from some angles. But it’s too easy to overlook some potentially disastrous issues, such as zoning – not to mention, whether geography is even the right answer to your business problem.
(June 2006) - Get Help Running Your Business, Virtually
by Rebecca A. Morgan - The latest trend in outsourcing is "virtual assistance," and it can help you be your most productive while assigning time-consuming, non-critical tasks to someone else.
(May 2006) - To Secure Your Business, Consider the Access Points
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Potential threats come in many forms: computer connections, supply chains, your employees, visitors -- even your front door. Know where the holes may be, then work to fill them.
(April 2006) - The Power of Purpose
by Rebecca A. Morgan - How can a statistician working in Japan over fifty years ago help your business? You'd be surprised.
(March 2006) - Improve Your Operational Style
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Too many companies fail because they just aren't grown-up enough; they fly by the seat of their pants. Avoid a crash-landing by following these steps.
(February 2006) - Does Discipline Squelch Flexibility and Creativity?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - The answer is no. Without some form of structure, new ideas may easily fall through the cracks.
(January 2006) - Getting the Laundry Out
by Rebecca A. Morgan - In order to ensure quality of products and services, consider processes that incorporate "mistake-proofing."
(December 2005) - Is Your Business Terminally Unique?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Seek competitive advantage, but don't forget there are lessons to be learned from your peers.
(October 2005) - Can You Afford the Lowest Price?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - "Low price" may sound appealing, but you'll do better to think of the total cost of ownership
(TCO), which could include hidden costs down the road.
(September 2005) - Cleanliness Is Next to Profitability
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Organization and cleanliness can provide a strong foundation for quality, communication, and effective management for any business.
(August 2005) - Inventory: Friend or Foe?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Poor inventory management is a bête noire of profitable businesses, leading financial auditors and bankers to cast a wary eye. You should too.
(July 2005) - Finishing Strong
by Rebecca A. Morgan - You're skilled at the technical side of your business, but can you routinely and consistently execute better?
(June 2005) - Technology Strategies: From Bleeding Edge to Pleading Edge
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Here are a few points to consider when mulling over your business's technology strategy.
(April 2005) - Am I Making Myself Clear?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - As business becomes increasingly international, success depends on understanding additional cultures, politics, and languages. You may need to start by making it easy to understand your own.(March 2005)
- Measures Matter
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Numbers are an important part of running a business. Whether you "run it by the numbers" or just need a few to look at so you can stay on top of things, it is imperative that you define your business metrics carefully.
(February 2005) - Delivering Effective Customer Service
by Rebecca A. Morgan - It's cheaper and easier to keep existing customers than to gain new ones, yet many firms ignore poor customer interfaces that drive away clientele.
(January 2005) - When Disaster Strikes
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can be expected, yet many businesses are unprepared.
(December 2004) - Hunting and Holidays
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Holiday and recreational diversions can put a cramp in your business operations. Here's how you can keep them from hurting your bottom line.
(November 2004) - Maintaining Your Company Figure
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Staying in shape by focusing on effective flow every day will help keep your profits from slipping away.
(October 2004) - The 22% Disadvantage
by Rebecca A. Morgan - External financial burdens place hurdles in front of businesses trying to compete on a level playing field.
(October 2004) - Smooth Operations = Happy, Productive Employees
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Your employees are affected by internal structures and processes more than you think. Get your operations in line, and employees will fall in line, too.
(September 2004) - The Missing Link?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - You have a business strategy and a marketing strategy, but without an operations strategy both will fall short of your expectations.
(September 2004) - Partnerships that Work
by Rebecca A. Morgan - You know you need a partner. Learn how to select the one that's best for you.
(August 2004) - How To Know What They Will Buy
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Forecasting demand is never easy; here are some tips for making the process work for you.
(August 2004) - What, Exactly, is "Partnering"?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - The people who sell goods and services to support your business used to be called "vendors." Here's how to make a "partnership" work.
(August 2004) - The Hard Questions About Outsourcing
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Distributing work elsewhere is all the rage these days. Consider these points before taking the plunge.
(August 2004) - Bringing About Change
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Resistance to doing things a new way is not uncommon. Here's how to get around it.
(August 2004) - Making Software a Good Investment
by Rebecca A. Morgan - Determine your objectives and goals before you sign on the dotted line.
(July 2004) - Are You Ready to Improve?
by Rebecca A. Morgan - The pace of change is picking up steam. That is why each of us must consider "change" now. Here's how to get started.
(July 2004)
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