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Taking a personal inventory

Betty Boyd Business Management, Services & Risk Management

From time to time, we all have to do a personal inventory. This can be a very hard concept for some, and is usually dreaded by all. But, there is a tool that businesses use in doing their own inventory: SWOT analysis. SWOT looks at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and can be used for personal improvement. Your personal inventory will give you an advantage over others, helping you determine and accomplish your goals — both in and out of the workplace.

Finding freedom as a project manager: Aligning your work with your core…

Michelle LaBrosse Business Management, Services & Risk Management

After studying systems dynamics modeling for three decades and from first-hand experience, I’ve realized when you establish several key core values, you can create an entire self-replicating system for your organization. Identifying those core values that drive your own leadership style as a project manager will help you thrive through times of change in your organization, and, most importantly, will give you enormous freedom to develop into the unique style of leader you want to be.

Metro repair work disrupts DC tourist season

Suzanne Mason Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Summer tourism is in full swing here in Washington, D.C. As tourists flock to visit the various historic monuments, museums and other various landmarks, they may face obstacles getting around the nation's capital as the public transit system — Metro — begins a yearlong repair, maintenance and track work.

Trump takes the complexity out of energy for voters

Lucy Wallwork Natural Resources

Energy market watchers had been eagerly awaiting Republican candidate Donald Trump's appearance May 26 at a North Dakota oil and gas conference. Until then, his campaign had been hazy on the details of any energy policies a Trump presidency might bring, other than generic endorsements and calls for support of America's fracking and coal industries. Analysts were left to dig among scattered tweets.

FAA announces ‘first-come, first-served’ ADS-B rebate program

Ryan Clark Transportation Technology & Automotive

In hopes of encouraging compliance with the ADS-B rule, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is offering a rebate incentive to owners of general aviation aircraft. The aim is to not only spur compliance, but to also avoid a last-minute rush.

USPS still in limbo waiting for Congress to act

Chris Lien Civil & Government

On May 11, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing regarding the state of the U.S. Postal Service. Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan, PRC Chairman Robert Taub, Director Lori Rectanus from the GAO, Fredric V. Rolando from the NALC, and Jessica Lowrance from Postcom all testified.

Bike share programs gaining traction across the country

Bob Kowalski Transportation Technology & Automotive

Bike share programs are growing in popularity and availability across the country. That’s not surprising, considering that the efforts combine exercise, eco-friendliness and sharing while reducing traffic congestion — all laudable qualities. On the surface, bike share seems like a no-brainer. Compared to other forms of public transit, it puts destination in the control of the users, who can travel when and where they want. It requires no additional infrastructure as would a new rail system. Who in good conscience could be against all of that?

What’s next for TSA after security head’s ouster?

Matt Falcus Transportation Technology & Automotive

Headaches from long lines and staffing problems at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have led to the replacement of its head of security as it urgently seeks a solution to the issues and criticisms faced over recent weeks. The decision was recently made to replace Kelly Hoggan, not because of any wrongdoing, it was claimed, but because a "different approach" was needed in order to get the organization back on track and deal with mounting pressure from the public and airlines.

Mixed signals in special education are concerning

Bambi Majumdar Education

A recent Education Week article said that the number of students with disabilities from ages 6 to 21 has risen to 5.83 million. This upswing in school-age students covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has brought forward a pressing need to take another look at K-12 special education programs and their allocated budgets. There has been improvement in special-education programs during the last few decades, but when we see this rise in numbers, one is forced to wonder how effective these programs have to be.

What are El Niño and La Niña, and why should you care?

Hope Barton Waste Management & Environmental

There are records of the El Niño weather phenomenon dating as far back as the 16th century when the Spanish came to Peru. For centuries, local fishermen have noticed that in years where the temperature was warmer, they caught more fish.

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