The Architect's Guide to Small Firm Management. Making Chaos Work for Your Small Firm

The definitive resource for designer-led projects The Architect's Guide to Design-Build Services offers authoritative knowledge and industry insight to architects considering entry into the burgeoning practice of design-build project delivery. Written by architects and other professionals with expertise in risk management, law, ethics, finance, and contracts, this instructive guide addresses the roles architects can assume during a design-build project, including leading the project, acting as subcontractor, and forming a joint venture with a contractor. Developed by the AIA Design-Build Professional Interest Area, this book offers the real-world expertise of thirty industry leaders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, who share their experience and know-how on such topics as: Starting out in design-build Risks and rewards of design-build delivery Succeeding in a design-build practice Design-build education Essential practice information Ethics and licensing laws State laws regulating both architects and contractors are summarized to help busy firms bring design-build projects through to successful completion in a variety of jurisdictions. The Architect's Guide to Design-Build Services is the most complete, definitive resource for architects, contractors, and attorneys involved in designer-led projects.

A cliche it may be but we are living in ever more turbulent times. Business decision-making has become more challenging and unpredictable than ever: we see unforeseen and often cataclysmic changes in consumer demand, both at home and in export markets; customers continue to demand more, more quickly and for less; new laws and regulations abound; competitors steal loyal customers; and, increasingly, the advice that once could be found from a 'Small Business Adviser' has been replaced by a call centre. Hand in hand with these challenges, the risks associated with expansion, or a new strategy, have grown significantly. In the context of a small business, where a manager has not necessarily had the breadth of experience of someone in a larger organization or formal management learning, they can seem extremely daunting. This book addresses the issues confronting managers/owners of SMEs by providing practical, jargon-free advice on which a SME can create a sound platform from which to prosper. * Uncomplicated and jargon free to appeal to the SME director or manager who has little time to read * Can be used as a continuous read or a source of ides for dealing with the day-to-day problems of running and growing a small business * Based on the practical experience of the authors with examples taken from consulting practice

A real-world education for the twenty-first-century physician Being a good doctor is no longer enough. The twenty-first-century physician who wants to deliver quality medical care to patients and operate a successful practice must develop expertise in a variety of business and management skills. The Yale Management Guide for Physicians identifies these critical skills and provides both the theoretical understanding and the practical training physicians need to become competent, confident managers as well as accomplished healers. From healthcare policy and health economics to healthcare marketing and negotiating, this comprehensive guide addresses all of the major issues affecting the delivery of healthcare services in the twenty-first century. This remarkably effective manual helps doctors acquire the skills they need to expand their practices; develop, articulate, and advocate ideas; discuss and manage financial issues; manage the decision-making process; and assume a leadership role in the healthcare industry. Meticulously cross-referenced and organized, The Yale Management Guide for Physicians is destined to become the most important nonmedical volume in any physician's library, providing easy access to management principles and practical solutions to management problems faced by physicians every day.

The real-world guide to successfully funding your nonprofit program The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management is the comprehensive handbook for successful fundraising, with a practical focus that applies across the nonprofit sector. With a focus on planning, self-assessment, continual improvement, and high-payoff strategies, this book provides more than just ideas—it shows you the concrete, real-world actions that make it all happen, and gives you the tools you need to bring these concepts to life. This new fourth edition features the latest information about social media campaigning, internet fundraising, crowdfunding, and more. Timelines, checklists, and forms help you streamline management tasks to focus on effective development, and updated sample reports and budget information help you begin implementing these approaches quickly. The nonprofit world is becoming increasingly competitive in terms of funding, and fundraisers are being asked to perform miracles more than ever before. This book offers a time-tested framework for fundraising success, with step-by-step guidance through the entire process from prospect to program. Understand and apply the major principles and best practices of fundraising Manage information, resources, development, and volunteers Adopt new approaches to relationship-building and prospect identification Write grants and fundraising materials that make a rock-solid case for support There is never enough funding to go around. To survive and thrive, nonprofits must revitalize interest and generate more support. Gone are the days of door-knocking and bake sales; strategy is critical, and execution must be top-notch. The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management shows you the real-world strategies that get your programs funded.

The all-inclusive reference to starting and operating a landscape architecture firm The Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture, Second Edition is completely revised to keep up with the latest developments driving the day-to-day operation of a successful private-practice landscape architecture office. Whether helping a landscape architecture student identify a career track, providing direction on starting a new office, guiding an owner seeking to jumpstart a stagnant or fledgling business, or assisting a landscape architect-in-training study for the national Landscape Architecture Registration Exam (LARE), this single-source blueprint is the key to prospering in this dynamic field. This new edition features: Indispensible information for practicing landscape architects, including professional ethics, finances, office administration, marketing and promotion, and project management An updated look at government regulatory laws, federal tax administration, sustainable design, and LEED certification Strategies for using the Internet, computer software, and technology to market and manage a firm Examples of professional contract templates Case study profiles of landscape architecture firms Requirements for professional registration and criteria for taking the national exam This comprehensive and practical reference combines real-world experience with the highest professional standards to instruct the reader on business concepts. Expertly organized and easy to follow, The Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture, Second Edition continues to be the one source that landscape architects need to direct all facets of their practice.

Once again, Bragg has turned his discerning eye and formidable talents on a topic and the results are outstanding. Both those new to the business and the long-established entrepreneur will benefit greatly when he joins forces with E. James Burton to produce this outstanding work. —Mary S. Schaeffer, Editorial Director Accounts Payable Now & Tomorrow «I use the tips and practices found in [this book] all through the year. They are clear, direct, and efficient-which, in turn, improves our company and our bottom line. I recommend [this book] to anyone wanting to improve their own bottom line.» —D. R. Drum, CIO, CSO Engineering/Accounting, Dragon Moon Productions «Eminently accessible, this book is a must-read for the entrepreneur, both new and established alike. Organizationally, the work flows smoothly and logically in a way that is valuable for the start-up as well as the veteran needing a refresher on specific aspects of the small business accounting/financing picture. I found particularly useful the rich resourcefulness that Messrs Burton and Bragg brought to the table in compiling the essential checklists for every conceivable corner of the entrepreneur's financial realm from fraud prevention to financing options. As a small business owner myself, I was well pleased with the real-world guidance and instant 'useability' this book offers.» —David Struthers, JDFacilitator/Trial Lawyer «This book is essential for any small business owner, manager, or accountant's business tool kit. This easy-to-read book distills complex subject matter into meaningful and understandable information and is a great refresher course for those deeply involved in the accounting and financial matters of a small business. The book contains many examples that can be used immediately in daily operations to improve the quality of information for better decision making. The book provides those involved in small business the framework to manage what they measure.» —Jim Bologa, CFODaticon, Inc.

Innovative strategic management solutions for today's market Strategic Value Management addresses common problems among business managers and other professionals involved in thinking about developing and managing organizations. In it, author Juan Pablo Stegmann integrates all strategic management and business strategy into an innovative standard that introduces key metrics to strategic management and stock value creation. He argues that most complex business issues can be reduced to the three dimensions of stock value creation-profits, sales growth, and capital-that are linked to three critical strategic management decisions-competition, innovation, and resources. His new approach indicates that every strategy has a clear dollar metric, which can measure its consequences of the strategies in terms of stock value. Competitive and growth strategies are analyzed along with economic, financial, dynamic, and contingent approaches Includes a companion CD-ROM, which contains Stegmann's proven model for strategic management and stock value creation Ethical consequences of strategic decisions are introduced-showing how ethics are linked to long-term stock value creation Explains the roots of the current financial crisis by examining the link between the financial world and strategic management, and proposes possible solutions For any looking to enhance their understanding of this discipline, Strategic Value Management offers a new conceptual model for thinking about business strategy and its link to stock value creation.

A how-to guide to small business anti-fraud protection and internal control Internal Control/Anti-Fraud Program Design for the Small Business is a practical guide to protection for businesses NOT subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Written by an expert with three decades of forensic investigation experience, this book is geared specifically toward private, non-public small businesses and their unique needs in the realm of fraud protection. Covering all elements of an internal control structure applicable to the small business community, this guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for designing and implementing an effective, efficient internal control structure/anti-fraud program tailored to your business's particular needs. Case studies are used throughout to illustrate internal control weaknesses and the fraud that can result, and follow-up analysis describes the controls that would have reduced the probability of fraud had they been in place. You'll learn how to analyze your company's internal control issues, and implement a robust system for fraud prevention. Guidance toward Sarbanes-Oxley compliance is readily available, but there is little information available for the many businesses not subject to the act —until now. This book is the step-by-step guide for instituting an internal control program tailored to your small business. Understand the five elements of internal control Avoid gaps in protection with relevant controls Design the ultimate anti-fraud program Implement internal control tailored to your needs The majority of small business owners simply do not know the elements of or implementation process involved in internal control, and Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines don't necessarily scale down. Internal Control/Anti-Fraud Program Design for the Small Business helps you design and install the internal control/anti-fraud protection your business needs.

Necropsy Guide for Dogs, Cats, and Small Mammals is a complete, practical resource for performing necropsies on dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, and ferrets in the veterinary clinic, animal shelter, research laboratory, or in the field. Provides practical guidance on all aspects of performing an necropsy on dogs, cats, and small mammals and interpreting the results Presents more than 200 full-color images to demonstrate techniques and findings Offers step-by-step instructions for the necropsy process and collecting samples Includes an anatomy review, discussion of dissection techniques, and list of common artifacts and post-mortem changes for each organ system Supports veterinarians in performing a necropsy in any setting, including animal shelters, veterinary clinics, research laboratories, and in the field

The consulting industry has been on a roller-coaster ride since the heady days of the 1990s. After a recession triggered by the dotcom crash, it's now growing rapidly again–but in a market that has changed beyond all recognition. Fees are down, buying is centralized and many clients are ex-consultants who know all the tricks of the trade. It's a hostile environment in which great personal qualities are no longer enough–consultants need trusted firms behind them, helping them deliver results. This unique journey through the new consulting terrain looks at how leading consulting firms worldwide create a platform for success: what values they need; who they recruit and what recruitment processes work best; how they keep their finger on the pulse of the market; how they match the right people to particular jobs. «This book is essential for both client and consultant to understand the pitfalls to avoid and the conditions neccessary for successin todays' complex, multi faceted project environment.» – Peter Hill, Chief Executive, Management Consultancies Association «The Trusted Firm presents a compelling blueprint for the consulting firm of the future. From concepts to tactics, this book shows firm leaders why and how to rethink their businesses to earn client trust­the ultimate market differentiator.» –Michael W. McLaughlin, Editor, Management Consulting News and author of Guerrilla Marketing for Consultants «Fiona, astute observer, commentator of the management field, provides insight and clarity to the chaos of rapid changes in our clients' evolving demands and how our firms can most effectively respond to them. A must-read for understanding data on contemporary client demands; a valuable contribution to our field. Czerniawska explicates the dynamics of the three-pronged relationship between the client, the consultant and the firm. She explains why each aspect of this tri-partite relationship is equally significant in the successful engagement.» –Elizabeth Ann Kovacs, President & CEO, Association of Management Consulting Firms