Winter
Showing 561–576 of 772 results
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Double strength — Merging can make your nonprofit twice as effective
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: When nonprofits are struggling and other organizations provide similar services in their community, a merger might be appropriate. Teaming up with other nonprofits enables organizations to pool resources, cut costs and possibly better serve their constituents. This article talks about finding a merger partner and warns against potential pitfalls.
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Better governance starts with a better executive/board relationship
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: Many boards and executive directors (EDs) have good working relationships, but a recent study found that there’s room for improvement. Although nonprofits have separate spheres for executives and boards, in reality the jobs often overlap. Nonprofits need to ensure that their EDs and board members understand their specific responsibilities — as well as when they must try to work together. A sidebar lists board members’ duties.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Weigh the pros and cons of IPD and BIM
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: Integrated project delivery (IPD) is a collaborative approach to construction projects that can help make projects more successful and profitable. It usually goes hand-in-hand with building information modeling (BIM), a technology that facilitates collaboration. But neither has been widely adopted, because collaboration isn’t always easy in an industry in which relationships are often adversarial. Furthermore, these techniques may raise thorny legal and risk management issues. But, as this article explains, IPD and BIM can provide substantial advantages, as well.
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Looking for a new revenue source? Consider consulting on cost segregation studies
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: A cost segregation study, which involves identifying the specific assets that make up a building and their costs, can provide benefits to both building owners and to contracting companies. The owner reaps the rewards of considerable tax deferral and the contractor can consult on this much-needed service and thus open up a new profit center. This article shows how a cost segregation study works, while a sidebar offers a partial list of items that qualify for faster write-offs.
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The “pay-if-paid” clause – Know what you’re dealing with
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 784
Abstract: In recent years, increasing numbers of owner bankruptcies and insolvencies have brought pay-if-paid (PIP) clauses into the spotlight. These clauses — which shift the risk of owner nonpayment from general contractors to subcontractors — are controversial. But they’re common in construction contracts, so it’s important to understand their impact. This article discusses the enforceability of PIP clauses and their impact on surety bonds. A sidebar explains the distinction between a PIP clause and a pay-when-paid (PWP) clause.
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BANK Wire – FAF: No independent board for “private company GAAP”
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” discusses the Financial Accounting Foundation’s rejection of the concept of a separate accounting standards board for private companies, in favor of a Private Company Standards Improvement Council. It also looks at the revelation of widespread mortgage-related violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and notes a Federal Trade Commission publication that provides a valuable guide to anyone dealing with Fair Credit Reporting Act issues.
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Clocking customers’ growth – Watch out for expansion that can veer out of control
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: When a loan customer’s business is booming, it’s easy to be enamored by the outward signs of prosperity. But there could be underlying patterns of risky behavior that spell trouble. This article uses a hypothetical example to show how rapid growth can be decelerated to a more sustainable rate before a borrower careens out of control. When a lender keeps an eye on the borrower’s debt-equity ratio and profit margins, it can put the brakes on lending if the time is right.
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IT security: Is your program still effective?
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 782
Abstract: In June 2011, the FFIEC issued Supplement to Authentication in an Internet Banking Environment, urging banks to tighten their controls on customer authentication. The FFIEC concluded that common authentication methods and controls have “become less effective” in an “increasingly hostile online environment.” This article shows how hackers have become more sophisticated, giving rise to the necessity of developing more complex defenses. These include “layered security” strategies, such as “out-of-band” authentication of high-risk transactions. The article lists additional tools and tactics recommended by the agency.
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Take a balanced approach to incentive compensation
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: For many banks, a strategically designed compensation plan — one that includes performance incentives — is critical to success. But a poorly designed program can encourage executives to engage in activities that maximize short-term returns while putting the bank’s long-term health at risk. This article discusses the FFIEC’s Interagency Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies and its three key principles to help banks design incentive compensation programs that are both safe and effective. The guidance also identifies four methods currently used to build risk into the compensation decision. A sidebar notes that new compensation rules for large banks could “trickle down” to community banks.
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Tax savings begin in your home office
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: The home office deduction is an important tax break associated with self-employment. But not all home offices qualify. And many self-employed individuals don’t know which expenses they’re allowed to write off — and which ones might raise red flags. This article lists three conditions to qualify for the deduction and what expenses are eligible.
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5 tips for getting a business loan
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 202
Abstract: Business owners know that bank loans remain difficult to obtain. But “difficult” doesn’t have to mean “impossible.” This article offers five tips that can improve owners’ odds of succeeding when applying for a loan.
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Protecting your business with life insurance
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 463
Abstract: Many people know they need life insurance to provide their dependents with financial security should they die unexpectedly. They may be less familiar, however, with how life insurance can help protect their business. This article shows that, while a buy-sell agreement can be funded from a number of sources, life insurance offers several advantages. And a sidebar explains how a buy-sell agreement can provide for a smooth transition of ownership in case one owner dies or wishes to sell.
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What’s an owner worth? Setting a reasonable salary for yourself
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 506
Abstract: During an economic downturn, it may be an acceptable short-term strategy for owners to take a pay cut to keep their company afloat. But it’s also important that owners pay themselves what the IRS calls a “reasonable” salary. S corporation owners, in particular, can get into trouble if their salaries are too low. This article offers advice for both start-ups and mature businesses regarding how to determine the amount, form and timing of their owners’ compensation.
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Unclaimed property – It’s not a matter of “finders, keepers”
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 504
Abstract: Every dealership has assets that are in a kind of limbo — long-forgotten checks to customers and other valuables that no one else has claimed. A dealership might be giving little thought to these financial assets, and perhaps improperly treating them as a type of revenue. But the state may try to collect this “unclaimed property.” This article explains the expectations that some states might have of businesses in regard to reporting it.
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Retooling pay incentives
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: All pay plans should be effective — they need to attract, retain and motivate a talented team. But many fail to meet these objectives, so dealers need to ask whether their pay plans have kept step with recent changes in the labor market. No universal formula works for every dealer, but this article offers six ideas for evaluating a pay plan, such as keeping the plan simple, aligning it with business strategy, and thinking beyond new and used vehicle sales.
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The “how to” of inventory management
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: Many dealerships order vehicles, parts and accessories using gut instinct. But more scientific techniques for managing inventory can minimize inventory carrying costs. Manufacturers have used cost accounting to improve operating efficiency for decades, but, as this article explains, only recently have dealerships begun to look at their businesses in other terms: product-by-product margins, product mix, turnover, and reorder points.