Market structures provide a starting point for assessing economic environments in business. An understanding of how companies and markets work allows business professionals and leaders to accurately judge industry and market news, policy changes and legislation and how the economy shapes important decisions. What Are Market Structures? “Market structures” refer to the different market characteristics… Read more »
Urban Poverty in Chicago
Urban poverty in Chicago is often linked to lack of educational opportunity, poorer health outcomes, income inequality and other factors. Along with other professionals, social workers are focused on helping people in affected communities receive the support they need. Don Phelps, a professor of social work at Aurora University, discussed urban poverty and how it… Read more »
Why You Need a Crisis Management Plan
A crisis is a significant, unexpected and disruptive event that can undermine an organization if the crisis is not handled properly, according to consulting service Paradigm Solutions International. The event can be large or small in nature, internal or external to the company and a natural disaster or human in origin. A crisis often receives… Read more »
Supply Chain Management (SCM): 3PL vs 4PL
Supply chain management (SCM) is a term within the field of logistics that focuses on production and involves the supply and distribution sides of the company. In some applications, SCM and logistics are interchangeable. There are five layers of logistics that are important for organizations to consider. However, there is debate and confusion among people… Read more »
Creating a Strategic Plan for Nonprofit Success
Creating a strategic plan can help your organization translate its ideas into actionable steps and goals. By having a clear strategic plan in place for the next one to three years, your nonprofit will gain access to a “master plan” for achieving its goals and reacting to specific activities that impact your organization. Once you… Read more »
What Is Supply Chain Management (SCM)?
Supply chain management (SCM) is responsible for ensuring that auto repair shops have necessary parts in stock, Christmas presents are delivered in time for the holiday and home furnace repair companies respond to requests quickly, according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). A 1 percent decrease in supply chain costs for the… Read more »
Developing a Leadership Philosophy
At the beginning of each advanced leadership workshop session, business thought leader John Spence asks attendees how many currently have a written list of their key leadership values. Much to his surprise, only one or two out of 100 to 150 executives raise their hands. As a result, Spence wonders how executives successfully lead their… Read more »
Rural Poverty and Social Work
The official poverty rate for 2015 was 13.5 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Poverty thresholds were approximately $12,000 for one person, $15,000 for two people and $24,000 for a four-person family. Poverty impacts more of the population in rural communities. Rural poverty has consistently been higher than urban poverty, and the same holds… Read more »
Types of Coaching in the Workplace
Coaching in the workplace is expanding and “has become a more accessible development option which can help to shorten the learning curve and adaptation to a new environment or role,” according to The Journal of Positive Psychology. Business leaders have focused on this practice to help employees enhance their skills and knowledge. While organizations recognize… Read more »
SWOT Analysis: How To With Template (MS Word)
Businesses encounter several unexpected challenges and opportunities that impact whether the organization will be successful. This is true for established companies and startups alike. Certain tools can help businesses evaluate where they are and what they are considering. One of the most popular frameworks is the SWOT analysis, which can be used by virtually any… Read more »
