-
Project to product: How to survive and thrive in the age of digital disruption
Dr. Mik Kersten Science & TechnologyToday, enterprise organizations are attempting to use managerial mechanisms from previous ages to direct software delivery in this one. IT and software delivery costs have been growing for decades, yet our organizations do not have adequate visibility or understanding of what is now one of the largest costs of doing business. Meanwhile, the tech giants and digital startups have already mastered the managerial frameworks necessary to succeed in the age of software.
-
Tips to avoid travel fraud this holiday season
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementIf a travel deal seems too good to be true...it probably is. Holiday scams aren’t new but the sophistication applied behind them has made it harder for a layperson to gauge the scams from authentic offers. That is why one has to scrutinize that holiday getaway deal before booking. The internet was recently abuzz with James McAvoy’s story of how he nearly fell for a $10,000 Tenerife holiday scam. He went online to tell the world about his horrifying experience when a fake hotel website duped him.
-
Toxic boss syndrome and what to do about it
Patrick Gleeson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThe phrase "toxic boss syndrome" is widely used to describe a continuing workplace problem: the really bad boss. How does a toxic boss behave, and what can you do about it? The word "toxic" is particularly appropriate to describe bad bosses because, as research shows, their behavior soon infects entire workplaces. A 2015 Gallop study, for example, concluded that about half of all workers who voluntarily leave a job do so "to get away from their manager."
-
Where to invest your 2019 marketing budget
Emma Fitzpatrick MarketingDigital outpaces every other sector — whether we’re talking about online shopping or overall marketing trends. As you start planning for 2019, you should know that digital’s seemingly exponential growth is continuing, so you should plan on spending more on online efforts. For reference, 82 percent of marketers plan to spend more of their budget on digital media, according to Nielson’s 2018 CMO report. On average, they plan on increasing their digital media budget by 49 percent. To make that happen, 44 percent plan to cut back on their traditional media spending.
-
The golden rule or the platinum rule?
Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementTreating others the way they want to be treated sounds so much less selfish than treating others the way we want to be treated. However, it is not easy. Entire consulting practices and professional certificate programs exist to help us business folk try to decipher how someone else wants to be treated. Even with all this help, we do not always get it right. To understand why, it may help to consider both the golden and platinum rules together.
-
Stay away from ‘pocket’ associations
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementI had not heard the phrase "pocket association" until I was outside the U.S. Nor was I familiar with the statement, "I have an association in my pocket." The saying might be used by a politician or businessman to increase their perceived power or influence. If it sounds like they are seeking to increase their clout — you are right. The associations with which I interact are legitimate. They advance a good cause or mission. They provide value. They rely on a dedicated board of directors. Pocket associations are not so legitimate.
-
Tech firms vie against range of mobile retail payment systems from banks,…
Bill Becken RetailA half-decade or so since its introduction, Apple Pay continues to dazzle. It's the best-known of the world's mobile phone, contactless payment systems. And, by introducing new iPhones and iPads each year, Apple keeps its devices popular, stirring the Apple Pay pot. Despite Apple Pay's standing, new bank and bank card mobile apps, among others, have also made their mark on retail payments. Considering the advent of Apple Pay's contactless counterparts for non-Apple phones — Android Pay and Samsung Pay — the existence of a variety of services has been the defining trait of the mobile payments scene.
-
How to know when to say no
Deborah Ike Religious CommunityIn ministry, we’re often in a position where we want to please others and make them feel cared for and valued. That’s not a bad thing. However, if you agree to every request for your time and energy, you’ll burn out fast. Whether your title includes pastor, worship leader, church business administrator, or another role on staff, you’ll often receive requests for your time. When you receive these requests, you probably feel somewhat conflicted. The decision becomes even more difficult when the request isn’t unreasonable and sounds like something you’d enjoy doing. So, what to do?
-
Do your employees even know your name?
Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementDo your employees even know your name? Do they even know why your organization exists? If the answer to one or both of these questions is "no," you cannot possibly have an inclusive culture in your organization. And if that's the case, you’re not leveraging the skills, talents and experience of everyone in your workforce. Three revealing interactions with employees in the last month caused me to ask these questions.
-
Will in-store or online win this holiday season? It’s not so simple
Emma Fitzpatrick MarketingEvery year, beneath all those magical twinkle lights and pine-scented evergreen wreaths, it seems like there’s a battle going on. Will brick-and-mortar stores be able to win back customers, or will online shopping beat ‘em? Online shopping is expected to grow this holiday season (as it does every year). This year, people will spend an estimated $124.1 billion online. That’s a 14.8 percent increase year-over-year, according to Adobe research. But even as online sales grow, last year, the majority of holiday sales (85 percent) were still done in brick-and-mortar stores, according to PYMNTS data.
All Communications Articles