Recent Articles
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The open door policy
Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementNow, I’m not talking about a literal or figurative open door to the boss’ office that purports to encourage employee-employer communication. I am referring to doors of opportunity. Sometimes you don’t even recognize that it’s a door; you’re just plugging along, wondering why, putting one step in front of the other and not sure of your path, and suddenly you realize that you’ve walked through what you didn’t recognize as a door to future possibilities. Such a thing happened to me recently.
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Infographic: How science-fiction AI has become reality
Brian Wallace Science & TechnologyWhen many of us were growing up, science-fiction books, movies, and television shows explored what was possible using science, technology and intelligent computers. These dreams are now becoming reality. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite real-life manifestations of AI in fiction.
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Sustainable travel efforts are increasing
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementWhen Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex were criticized for taking a private jet to Elton John's home in France, one thought this might be another tabloid story that would be buried by the next scandal. The world perhaps underestimated the prince’s conscience and passion for environmental issues. His new travel sustainability initiative, Travalyst, is a massive drive to protect vulnerable travel zones and benefit local communities. Furthermore, sustainable tourism is projected to grow by 10% to become a $340 billion business in the next four years.
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Federal emergency management: All in the name of security?
Michelle R. Matisons Civil & GovernmentRegarding recent controversies concerning Hurricane Dorian, National Weather Service (NWS) leader Neil Jacobs stated: "What did I learn over the last week? From now on, the National Weather Service should be at the table with emergency managers and FEMA, at all briefings." But this proposed coordination is complicated by obscured budgets in a vast, bureaucratic web. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is tasked with tracking weather changes, FEMA is tasked with providing resources for hurricane-threatened and impacted areas, among other things.
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Why doing everything right away is not always a best practice
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementAs an avid follower of the Getting Things Done system, I am a big fan of doing something right away if it takes two minutes or less. However, I have found sometimes where, counterintuitively, it seems best to wait a bit before playing whack-a-mole with issues as they arise. Here are a few examples of when doing things right away may not always be a best practice.
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A simple health tip with wonderful benefits is right outside your door
Victoria Fann Medical & Allied HealthcareAn Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report states that the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. Given that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, this isn’t good for our health. Since many of us work on our computers all day and work indoors, it can be easy to fall into the habit of going from our home to our car to our workplace back to our car and home, perhaps with some stops in between and little or no time at all outside. In today’s world, our desire for comfort often overrules our body’s need for fresh air, sunshine and exposure to the natural elements.
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Fixing the bugs in activity-based work environments
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesCompanies with high concentrations of knowledge workers have been gravitating toward activity-based work (ABW) environments in recent years to address employees’ complaints about the shortcomings of open-plan office spaces. Although employee response has been generally favorable, recent research indicates that ABWs can present their own set of problems if not carefully designed. In lieu of a single, dedicated office or cubicle, ABWs offer employees a wide variety of space types in which to work, each designed to support different types of work and interpersonal activities.
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Older designers need to flaunt their strengths
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesSome readers of a certain age may object to my labeling them as "older." I get that. "Old" and "older" are pejoratively loaded terms in our society and in a profession that thrives on creativity, innovation and novelty. The reality, though, is that, like it or not, "old" is how others perceive you. For that reason, it is crucial that you not take your past success for granted. If you want to stay competitive or employable, you need to reinforce your value to your clients or your firm.
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How a lean management approach can improve patient outcomes
Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare AdministrationLean management: it's an interesting concept in the business world and sounds like a great way to streamline your approach as a hospital administrator. So, what is it, exactly? Lean management's core principles are that you deliver value from your customer’s perspective; you eliminate waste; and you continue to improve in every way possible as your work progresses. This sounds like a tall order — but if you do an overview of the way certain hospital procedures are currently handled, you'll see where you should focus your efforts to go lean, and things will fall into place.
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Want oven-fresh delivery food? A new startup makes it possible
Linchi Kwok Food & BeverageMany consumers love ordering food online to have it delivered to their home. Food delivery has become a big business for restaurants and grocery stores. Others, like me, are still feeling skeptical about delivery food despite its convenience. First, there is no guarantee that the delivery drivers won’t touch the food. Also, I do not think my food would taste fresh or as good after it was sitting inside a container for a good amount of time. It was not until I heard of Zume Pizza, a startup in the Bay Area, that I saw myself ordering food online in the future.