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- What is Six Sigma? - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2009 from Steven BonacorsiThe concepts surrounding the drive to Six Sigma quality are essentially those of statistics and probability. In simple language, these concepts boil down to, “How confident can I be that what I planned to happen actually will happen?” Basically, the concept of Six Sigma deals with measuring and ...
Views: 1450 - Generate Higher Returns from Your Innovation Investments: 3 of 10 - by Submitted on Mar 17, 2009 from Bryan SeyfarthOne way to establish market differentiation is through introducing innovative new products to market. Establishing market differentiation is one thing, maintaining it is quite another. Here we have put together a ten-part series on how businesses can generate higher returns from innovation ...
Views: 701 - *** Economic Changes Call for Tactical Adjustments - by Submitted on Mar 16, 2009 from Raymond Chip LambertIn these uncertain economic times, my experience tells me that there are still people out there who need your services. But because they are more concerned with getting the best value for their increasingly scarce resources, they turn to the people they trust to introduce them to professionals ...
Views: 1553(9 votes) - Why ANOVA and Linear Regression are the Same Analysis - by Submitted on Mar 14, 2009 from Karen Grace-MartinIf your graduate statistical training was anything like mine, you learned ANOVA in one class and Linear Regression in another. My professors would often say things like "ANOVA is just a special case of Regression," then do a lot of hand waving when pressed to explain. It was not until I started ...
Views: 2684 - Linear Regression - Interpreting Lower Order Coefficients When the Model Contains an Interaction - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2009 from Karen Grace-MartinA Linear Regression Model with an interaction between two predictors (X1 and X2) has the form: Y = B0 + B1X1 + B2X2 + B3X1*X2. It doesn't really matter if X1 and X2 are categorical or continuous, but let's assume they are continuous for simplicity. One important concept is that B1 ...
Views: 1107 - Linear Regression Analysis - Centering a Covariate to Improve Interpretability - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2009 from Karen Grace-MartinThe reason for centering a continuous covariate is that it can improve interpretability. For example, say you had one categorical predictor with 4 categories and one continuous covariate, plus an interaction between them. First, you'll notice that if you center your covariate at the mean, ...
Views: 2410 - Concepts in Linear Regression You Need to Know Before Learning Multilevel Models - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2009 from Karen Grace-MartinIt seems very many researchers are needing to learn multilevel and mixed models, and I have to say, it's not so easy on your own. I too went to graduate school before it was taught in classes--we did learn mixed models as in Split Plot designs, but things have progressed a bit since then. So I ...
Views: 1022 - Strategic planning: reinventing your business - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2009 from Carlos José PedrosaThe world of business is a real war, and, as in all wars, that win best known neutralize the strength and movement of enemies (competitors), facilitating the movement of their forces (their salesman) and use the potential of their weapons (itheir technology), occupy the strategic areas (market) ...
Views: 902 - Diagnosis: understanding the crisis. - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2009 from Carlos José PedrosaWHY THE DIAGNOSIS? Always, and every year, is investigating the natural value of the company. This evaluation, under our law, is held under the aspect merely carrying through the balance sheet, which is a specific method of evaluation, with different objectives. However, it is not possible, ...
Views: 1089 - Time zero: overcoming the crisis - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2009 from Carlos José PedrosaThe road to recovery of a company involves numerous steps required. The first is the awareness, by the leaders, that something must be done urgently. Recognize that it is not well is a reasonable, but may hurt the pride of the leaders. Meanwhile, the company does not have any pride: maximum play ...
Views: 981 - Crisis in the enterprise: an internal matter - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2009 from Carlos José PedrosaWith so many crisis-reaching enterprises of various branches of business, large and small, in Brazil and other countries - including the first world, it is to imagine why this happens. It is the same as asking why people get sick. Say it is because there are bacteria that will contaminate a ...
Views: 988 - Manager's Corner: Managing Lay Offs with Dignity - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2009 from Liz WeberWith the potential for layoffs facing more and more companies, the realities of laying off great workers is confronting many business owners and managers: owners and managers who have never before faced this hard act. To help ease the pain for the employees being laid off, the owners and ...
Views: 1268 - Statistical Consulting 101: 4 Questions You Must Answer to Choose the Appropriate Statistical Method - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2009 from Karen Grace-MartinOne of the most common situations in which researchers get stuck with statistics is choosing which statistical methodology is appropriate to analyze their data. If you start by asking the following four questions, you will be able to narrow things down considerably. Even if you don’t know the ...
Views: 819 - Web 2.0: Recovery for the Anxious - by Submitted on Mar 01, 2009 from Jean FranzblauAs a business owner, I sometimes find myself feeling “newness fatigue.” This is when I just want to stop. Stop meeting new people, facing new situations, discovering new opportunities and taking on new responsibilities. I have especially felt it when it comes to new technology. Perhaps this ...
Views: 632 - What Can Laws do without Morals? - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2009 from Jason SandlerIn today’s highly competitive modern world we hear more and more about unethical behaviour, either in business, politics or even in broader social activities. Values are the rules by which we make decisions about good and bad, right and wrong, or simply about our likes or dislikes Morals are ...
Views: 2572(1 vote) - Blogging for Leads – it’s easier than you think! - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2009 from Dean DeLisleThe evolution of Blogging seems like it’s not much different than the old chat rooms of yesteryear which were spawned by online conversations when people were too busy to talk! Whatever we want to call this, it does work and it does yield leads if properly managed. However, we must first ...
Views: 1025 - How Do You Earn the Customer’s Loyalty? - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2009 from Glen HamiltonThis question has spurred hundreds, if not thousands of books, articles, and programs during the past few decades. In the never-ending quest to find the “magic theory” which would instantly transform every customer into a loyal lifetime customer, we have lost sight of the basic fundamental truth ...
Views: 1819 - How Being a Mom Has Helped Me in Business - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2009 from Adrian MillerFor most women, becoming a mother is a turning point in their career. It’s a time in one’s life that’s rife with challenges, frustrations, and uncertainties, but it’s also when many of life’s most rewarding achievements and miraculous moments occur. What many new moms figure out rather quickly ...
Views: 1179 - Answers in this Economy - by Submitted on Feb 20, 2009 from Kenneth FosterSo many people are being challenged by the turn in the economy – are you one of them? Many seem to have lost their way and are wondering where to find the answers to their problems. Well, I have found the key to solving life’s problems and I would like to it with you. Wouldn’t you like to be ...
Views: 672 - How to Find and Keep the Best Employees for Your Business - by Submitted on Feb 20, 2009 from Gerri SmothersWith rapid advancements in technology and changes in regulatory requirements, healthcare professionals must constantly adapt to new trends and protocols. As a result, recruitment and retention of a talented, flexible workforce has become critical to the growth and profitability of organizations ...
Views: 657 - Project Turn-Around - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2009 from Shellee HaleA successful turn-around requires management of the the risks of failure at the earliest stages possible. Nothing is beyond repair on one level or another so never give up hope. Recovery from a failing project requires planning and pulling a team together that above all else has their heart in ...
Views: 1314 - 5 Mistakes of Cross-Functional Teams - by Submitted on Feb 11, 2009 from Sheri BettsMost people if asked, would like to do away with the idea of cross-functional teams. Just let my department handle it one might say. It would be easier than having to worry about conflict and drama, that is only created because we have teams. Well, as much as we'd like to do without them, ...
Views: 2347 - 2 ways for businesses to improve their bottom line - by Submitted on Feb 02, 2009 from Brian LucasTwo Ways for Business Owners to Manage Risk and Avoid losing money One habit that separates successful businesses from unsuccessful ones is managing risk. First, set a stop loss and don’t invest a cent more than your stop loss. A stop loss is the amount of money you will commit to the ...
Views: 980 - Biblical Asset Protection Strategies - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2009 from Mark FreemanSo far in this series, we have taught on the importance of learning how to build wealth, but just as important, you need to spend some time learning how to protect that wealth through asset protection and tax savings. Because the two biggest threats to your assets are lawsuits and taxes. I’m ...
Views: 1276 - Logistic Regression Models for Multinomial and Ordinal Variables - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2009 from Karen Grace-MartinMultinomial Logistic Regression The multinomial (a.k.a. polytomous) logistic regression model is a simple extension of the binomial logistic regression model. They are used when the dependent variable has more than two nominal (unordered) categories. Dummy coding of independent variables is ...
Views: 2974(1 vote) - Reduce Carbon Footprint with Small Steps That Save Money - by Submitted on Jan 26, 2009 from Jean CannonThe real issue for small to medium business is how to cut costs and reduce waste. We are entering a world where there are shortages of oil and other forms of energy and it is all getting more expensive. We have polluted our atmosphere and we need to slow the rate of pollution down and ...
Views: 1083 - Market Research – 3 Reasons to Create a Marketing Plan - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2009 from Locke DauchIf you’ve been in business a while, you may have noticed that customers don’t just come to you while you twiddle your thumbs. Passive strategies rarely work, even if you are doing some market research marketing, more often than not you will be beat out by your competitors who are actively ...
Views: 687 - Managing Your Credit in a Recession - by Submitted on Jan 24, 2009 from Michael LarsenIn my summary article, Top 10 Business Issues For 2009, I stated that the global economic crisis had changed things in a structural way, and we will not return to the way we have done business in the past. This next series of articles will expand on the top 10 list originally published. ...
Views: 1074 - Looking For a Silver Bullet Quick Fix For Cash Flow Problems? Here's a More Realistic Approach - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2009 from Caroline JordanUnraveling cash flow problems for small businesses can be a difficult task says cash flow expert, Caroline Jordan, author of Stop the Cash Flow Roller Coaster, I Want to Get Off! She should know. She has helped scores of small businesses with financial rescue missions and cash flow makeovers. ...
Views: 1215 - Simple Equity Method Accounting Defined - by Submitted on Jan 19, 2009 from Joe CoffeeSimple equity method accounting is when a company looks at its investments in other companies and includes any profits into their income statement. The statement includes the price paid for shares plus the percentage equity of the reported net income of the affiliated company. This net income ...
Views: 2538 - Three Questions You Must Never Ask Yourself in Times of Recession - by Submitted on Jan 19, 2009 from Lalitha BrahmaDuring the times of recession, by default, we are prompted to think and ask the following questions to ourselves. Everywhere I read and hear about recession. I have not made any money this month. I am afraid. I feel stuck. How can I run my business? I am not getting any new clients. No one ...
Views: 1065 - Plan Ahead to Sell Your Business - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2009 from Heather LoewenSelling your business can be a very emotional process. Countless hours and tremendous effort go into building a business, then one day, it is time to sell. It is easier for serial entrepreneurs to deal with closing day than it is for someone who has been in a business from start-up 25 years ...
Views: 1398 - Staff Reductions: The Last Resort - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2009 from Crystal O'BrienEverywhere you turn, the current state of the economy is a central topic. The economic crisis is not only an issue in the United States, but a matter of global concern. In fact, the United Nations projects that about 20 million jobs will be lost worldwide by the end of 2009. As many businesses ...
Views: 1664 - Telemarketing - Lessons for Achievement - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2009 from John ColeWhat are the outstanding factors for a thriving telemarketing company? The answer is effective communication, quality products and superb customer assistance. Success will be obtained only when the help offered is systematically dependable. To consistently attain superior standards of help is a ...
Views: 3002 - 5 Drivers to Increase the Value of Your Business - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2009 from Heather LoewenAre you considering selling your business? Before slapping up the ‘for sale’ sign, you may want to invest some time and energy in developing a few areas that don’t show up on the balance sheet. Buyers are interested in more than the bottom line. Here are 5 value drivers that influence the ...
Views: 1473 - Going Green at Home: Simple Ideas to Reduce Energy Costs - by Submitted on Jan 02, 2009 from Steve MrozThe idea of “greening” a home is not a new one. It is, in fact, one of the most common homemaking trends. Many people, however, are still unsure as to what benefits one can really get from turning their houses into green homes. While there may be a hundred or so personal reasons why ...
Views: 625 - Your Business Creation Myth - by Submitted on Jan 02, 2009 from Justin HandleyWith all the talk of USP, niche positioning, and your ‘features & benefits’, one thing that is often overlooked in the marketing cycle is what I am going to call your “Creation Myth”. All societies have them. Whether it is the Big Bang and evolution, or that a Christian God created the world ...
Views: 1308 - 10 Tips for Negotiations in Business and Life - by Submitted on Jan 01, 2009 from Robert BrittIn every field you are involved in negotiations on a regular basis, whether you realize it or not. When people think of negotiations generally the term "high level" comes to mind. There is a group of cigar smoking men surrounding a table in a board room and the volume is loud and occasionally ...
Views: 1336 - The Capital Gains Tax Scourge - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2008 from Brian IcenhowerThe combination of an ailing economy and a struggling housing market during an election year has created the perfect storm to once again bring issues concerning the federal capital gains tax rate to the forefront of the public’s attention. As our nation’s government continues to ...
Views: 1254(5 votes) - 10 Tips to Make Working from Home More Productive. - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2008 from Jeremy GislasonWorking from home is a great thing, no doubt about it. You can wear what you want. Keep you own hours. Eat and drink when you want. Surf the net without feeling like your boss is going to bust you. You don’t have to worry about commuting and all of the stress associated with bumper to ...
Views: 867 - The Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Entrepreneurs - by Submitted on Dec 21, 2008 from Stuart RubensteinEver wonder why management gurus are called “gurus”? To answer this question, you will need to go back into time when ancient civilizations reigned supreme. The term “guru” traces its roots from the Sanskrit language and is a respectful way of referring to a teacher or ...
Views: 1244 - Multilevel Models with Crossed Random Effects - by Submitted on Dec 21, 2008 from Karen Grace-MartinMost researchers know by now to use Mixed Models when observations are clustered. Examples include studies in which patients share the same doctor, plants grow in the same field, or multiple responses are observed from the same study participant. The observations at Level 1 (patient, plant, ...
Views: 1632 - Why Small is Beautiful - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2008 from Jack LohmanThe Cultural Olympiad has had its detractors since it was officially launched soon after the Beijing Games, with many decrying its £40 million budget. The truth is, this four-yearly event is not just the cultural preserve of the recognised collections and exhibitions of the big galleries ...
Views: 631 - Plan Your Data Analysis in 3 Steps - by Submitted on Nov 24, 2008 from Karen Grace-MartinBack when I was doing psychology research, one of my biggest challenges was having enough data. And while this is probably still true for many experimental researchers, with the internet’s ability to make data sets accessible, it seems data is reproducing faster than rabbits. Now I see ...
Views: 1350 - Centering Variables to Reduce Multicollinearity - by Submitted on Nov 24, 2008 from Karen Grace-MartinCentering is one of those topics in statistics that everyone seems to have heard of, but most people don’t know much about. It has developed a mystique that is entirely unnecessary. Centering just means subtracting a single value from all of your data points. It shifts the scale of a ...
Views: 15561(1 vote) - Eight Powerful Questions That Will Change Your Life - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2008 from Jan Marie DoreOne of the keys to living a life of passion and purpose is discovering your unique brilliance and living it. Many of us have wondered 'what is the meaning of my life' and 'what am I here to do'. One of the skills I have developed as a business coach is to ask provocative questions that ...
Views: 807 - Five Steps for Calculating Sample Size - by Submitted on Nov 17, 2008 from Karen Grace-MartinNearly all granting agencies require an estimate of an adequate sample size to detect the effects hypothesized in the study. But all studies are well served by estimates of sample size, as it can save a great deal on resources. Why? Undersized studies can't find real results and oversized ...
Views: 2390 - How To Use UPS Online Coupon Codes - by Submitted on Nov 13, 2008 from Abby ReidShipping, packaging and handling fees can be very costly to a business. Despite the modern convenience of the Internet when transferring and trading data, there are many instances when information, packages, contracts, products, goods and supplies require physical delivery. When employing ...
Views: 2480 - Gains to Outsourcing Your Telecommerce - by Submitted on Nov 13, 2008 from John ColeAny business sector, wide-ranging or small-scale, will benefit from telecommerce as an supplementary merchandising policy. As soon as a potential client answers the telephone and agrees to listen to a teleseller's patter, they have a captive listener who is most in all likelihood going to ...
Views: 948 - 7 Considerations When Buying Small Business Accounting Software - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2008 from Joe CoffeeThe world of small business accounting software can be a minefield for any business owner. However choosing the right package is one of the most critical business decisions you will make. Here are the seven things you must consider before making a purchase that will help you achieve your ...
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