2012
Showing 145–160 of 717 results
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Building your construction company’s online reputation
Fall 2012
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 511
Abstract: Every type of business today has to deal with the Internet, and construction companies are no exception. They not only need to protect their online reputation — they need to build it, as well. This article shows where to look to find customer reviews, and how to respond if they’re negative. It also explains how to upgrade a website and take advantage of social media.
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Start finishing early to win the completion game
Fall 2012
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: To be in the best possible position to close out a job, it’s necessary for a construction company to start finishing early. This article shows that the process begins with ensuring that all parties agree to the contract specifications from the very beginning. Further planning steps are necessary roughly one month before substantial completion is reached, and the completion of the project calls for conducting the punch-list walk-through, training staff on the building’s equipment, handling documentation — and even writing thank-you letters.
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Help wanted, help available — You have options for finding skilled labor
Fall 2012
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 999
Abstract: Contractors have options for finding skilled workers right away — and a related tax break may await. This article looks at the Work Opportunity tax credit for contractors who hire veterans in 2012, and lists additional labor networks it may be possible to tap. It also discusses longer-term solutions, such as quality customer service, positive publicity and educational outreach. But it’s also important to vet potential hires; a sidebar lists five important safeguards to implement when hiring.
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Are you putting your best face forward online?
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 480
Abstract: Nonprofits need a strong online presence to communicate their mission and raise money. Websites that lack such features as an online donation function or have out-of-date content may be sending the wrong message. This article covers such topics as how to perform a critical assessment and ensure that a nonprofit’s site is informative, functional and appealing.
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5 simple steps to a better budget
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 571
Abstract: Preparing a nonprofit’s annual budget is probably one of the least appealing parts of an administrator’s job. This article offers five simple steps that can help make the process a little less painful and urges nonprofit leaders to seek professional financial assistance if they think they might need it.
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From reluctant to enthusiastic — Turning board members into fundraisers
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
Abstract: It can be difficult to motivate board members to play a fundraising role. They’re busy people and aren’t always comfortable asking those in their network for money. Fortunately, there are ways a nonprofit can help board members get over their reservations, including providing training and encouraging creative approaches.
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Take control — Your nonprofit’s future starts with a strategic plan
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 942
Abstract: If an organization has changed little since its founding, its focus and practices may be outdated and incompatible with new financial realities. Creating a strategic plan can provide a framework to help it adapt to change and achieve its long-term goals — even when the future is uncertain. This article discusses how organizations should define their mission and values, set strategic goals and implement their plan. A sidebar talks about branding strategies for nonprofits.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 88
Abstract: A brief list of key tax reporting deadlines for October through December.
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Reformation and surcharge under ERISA — Expanding on a Supreme Court theory
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a summary plan description (SPD) isn’t a plan document subject to enforcement under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Court did, however, state that, if an employer issued an intentionally misleading SPD, a plan participant may have an ERISA claim under equitable doctrines, such as reformation and surcharge. This brief article reviews a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit case that tackled this issue. Citation: Skinner v. Northrop Grumman Retirement Plan B, 673 F.3d 1162 (9th Cir. Mar. 16, 2012); ERISA §502(a)(1)(B).
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The DOL issues opinions on "open" multiple employer plans
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 487
Abstract: Earlier this year, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued two advisory opinions that address the legitimacy of "open" multiple employer plans (MEPs). An open MEP acts as plan sponsor and plan administrator under ERISA of a single plan under which unrelated employers participate. This article discusses the DOL’s conclusion that an "open" MEP isn’t a single retirement plan under ERISA. Citation: DOL advisory opinions 2012-03A and 2012-04A
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Does your plan have the right vesting schedule?
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 833
Abstract: Vesting defines the amount of ownership a plan participant has in employer contributions according to the plan sponsor’s predetermined vesting schedule. Vesting schedules can vary by retirement plan. This article summarizes the different types of vesting schedules and why a plan sponsor may choose to add or change an employer contribution vesting schedule.
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Employees seek more security, yet take more responsibility — Highlights of MetLife’s benefits trends study
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: MetLife has released its 10th Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends. The study is a compilation of the results of surveys of employers and employees about issues facing the U.S. benefits industry today. This article reviews some of the study’s highlights.
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Back to Basics — Performance in a flash
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: GAAP financial statements typically come out two to six weeks after month end. Management based solely on this stale information is reactive, not proactive. This article shows how flash reports bridge the timing gap between daily operations and receipt of GAAP financial statements. It explains what’s in a flash report and describes its uses and limitations.
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Bankers need to evaluate receivables with caution
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 559
Abstract: Some borrowers exaggerate their receivables to get a loan. Savvy bankers, however, know what to look for on the receivables end so that they don’t get duped. This article explains how to look out for fictitious sales, identify borrowers at risk, and look beyond the figures on financial statements.
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Who’s looking at impairment?
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: When the Financial Accounting Standards Board relaxed its annual impairment testing requirements, some private firms mistakenly thought they were no longer required to test or report impairment. Not true. Impairment testing is alive and well. And many more borrowers could face impairment losses as the economy continues to limp along. This article describes the quantitative testing that’s required and the qualitative pretesting that’s allowed, and lists several factors to consider when deciding whether to formally test for impairment. A sidebar notes the impact of write-offs on financial statements.
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Going global — Tips on maneuvering the minefield
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: Does offshoring live up to all the hype? Before a borrower enters — or, in some cases, re-enters — the global realm, it’s important to consider ways to minimize risk and maximize results. This article discusses the pros and cons of offshoring and lists steps a company can take if that decision is made. It also looks at alternatives that may provide some of the benefits of offshoring while minimizing the drawbacks.