Strategic Business Consulting Articles and Links on Business consultant

Strategic Business Consulting

For the fifth consecutive year a member of the Hitachi Consulting leadership team has been named to the prestigious Top 25 Consultants list by Consulting Magazine. David Rodman : , Hitachi Consulting Group Managing Vice President for Strategic ...

Hitachi Consulting Managing Vice President David Rodman Named Top 25 ... - PR Inside

HOUSTON - (Business Wire) DataCert, Inc., the leading global provider of legal operations management solutions, will co-host a free online seminar on June 17 with Huron Consulting Group (NASDAQ: HURN), a leading provider of business consulting ...

DataCert to Co-Host Online Seminar on Strategic Thinking for Corporate ... - Earthtimes

TORRANCE, Calif. - (Business Wire) California Manufacturing Technology Consulting ™ (CMTC) provides personalized, continuous improvement services and is keeping small manufacturers in business during tough economic times. The services, part of CMTC ...

Small Manufacturers Stay in Business with Expert Help - Earthtimes

John Wilkerson , CPSM, SSMBB, of Bellwether Services authors Green Supply Chain Thought Leadership White Paper, a Procurement and Strategic Sourcing Development Tool for Sourcing, Procurement, Purchasing, Buying, Sustainability, and Supply Chain ...

Green Strategic Sourcing Innovation Series: A North American Retail ... - dBusinessNews.com

Trillium Software, a business of Harte-Hanks, Inc. (NYSE: HHS ) and an enabler of Total Data Quality solutions, announced a new set of strategic business consulting services aimed at cost-effectively helping organizations plan, implement and maintain ...

Harte-Hanks' (HHS) Trillium Software Announces New Strategic Data ... - StreetInsider.com

Harte-Hanks Trillium Software Announces New Strategic Data Governance Consulting Services (Market Wire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) BILLERICA, MA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 06/02/09 -- Trillium Software®, a business of Harte-Hanks, Inc. (NYSE: HHS) and a ...

Harte-Hanks Trillium Software Announces New Strategic Data Governance ... - TMCnet

expressor software : , the leader in semantic data integration : , announced today that it has signed Acxius Strategic Consulting : as a reseller and systems integration partner. Acxius provides high-performance business solutions to Global 2000 ...

expressor software Announces Partnership with Acxius Strategic ... - PR Inside

Business Intelligence Consultant, UK based. My client provides strategic IT and Business Consulting services to clients and due to evolving client demands and ambition, are looking to grow their Enterprise Architecture practice. They are looking for ...

Business Intelligence Consultant - Silicon.com

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. (Sedgwick CMS) announced today that it has been successfully recertified as an Employer of Choice(R). The Employer of Choice designation is granted to public, private or ...

Sedgwick CMS Awarded Employer of Choice(R) Recertification - Biloxi Sun Herald

NEW YORK & ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Express Business Travel, a global industry leader in business travel and meetings management, and Maritz Travel, a leader in creating effective meetings, events and incentive travel programs, today ...

Voting Question: Which business sector choose after MBA to became a top manager?

Dear all, I have a BS and MS in mechanical engineering and I'm now completing my education with an MBA. I am now considering which sector of the business would be the best one to start the career. I'm interested in sales and supply chain management but after starting the MBA I tend to think that perhaps finance would be the place to start the career. Strategic consulting is also a very good choice but I'm scared not be excepted in a company one day for a good position. I so kindly ask an advice from an expert, able to give me precise indications which sector can push more the career. Thank a lot for your answer. I appreciate your time G. Gino more

Resolved Question: I need help with this question and there are total 20 question and select best answer for each question?

Question 1 Which IS manager is responsible for developing and monitoring standards and procedures to ensure that systems within the firm are accurate and of good quality? Auditing or computer security manager CIO Quality assurance manager Project manager Question 2 Which executive-level person is responsible for overseeing and managing the organization's information systems? Chief Knowledge Officer Chief Technology Officer Chief Information Officer Chief Operations Officer Question 3 Which type of information system supports and integrate all facets of the business, including planning, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and so on? Customer Relation Management System Functional Area Information System Enterprise Resource Planning System Transaction Processing System Question 4 It was joked that CIO stood for "Career is Over" because of the high turnover rate of CIOs. The primary reasons for CIO dismissals was: tightening budgets for technology and unrealistic expectations for CIOs by management. many CIOs could not keep up with constantly changing technologies and employee expectations. many CIOs left to take similar positions at dot-coms. CIOs tended to be technically-oriented but were ineffective managers. Question 5 Which IS manager is responsible for coordinating and managing all new systems projects? Project manager Systems manager Operations manager Development manager Question 6 Which IS manager is responsible for managing database and database management software use? Database administrator Network manager Development manager Systems manager Question 7 Which IS manager is responsible for managing the firm's World Wide Web site? Database administrator Telecommunications manager Network manager Webmaster Question 8 In 1983, Apple launched the ________, which proved to be a commercial disaster. Jane Lisa Mary Jane Liz Question 9 Which type of information system comprises a collection of technology-based tools to enable the generation, storage, sharing, and management of knowledge assets? Data mining and visualization system Collaboration System Expert System Knowledge Management System Question 10 Systems that support electronic commerce are considered: a declining fad. too complex. cumbersome to use and difficult to navigate. very popular and important. Question 11 Nicholas Carr argued that as IT becomes more pervasive, it will become more: ubiquitous. unique. unusual. unnecessary. Question 12 The business competency area for IS professionals: is more strategic than technical. sets them apart from others who have only technical skills. is the easiest to outsource. None of these. Question 13 While some IS professionals have only technical skills, others stand out for having a quality that enables them to understand (1) systems development and integration, (2) complex problem solving, and (3) management of technical personnel. This quality is called: management. technical smarts. systems development. systems competency. Question 14 Which type of information system is used to create, store, and analyze spatial data? Data mining and visualization system Geographic Information System Expert System Knowledge Management System Question 15 Which IS manager is responsible for managing IS services such as help desks, hot lines, training, consulting, and so on? Information center manager Maintenance manager Systems manager Account executive Question 16 Which IS manager is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the data and/or computer center? Operations manager IS planning manager Systems manager Account executive Question 17 In the last 10-15 years which of the following challenges have faced CIOs? Tight budgets Unreasonable expectations High dismissal rates (CIOs being fired) All of these Question 18 ________ is/are combinations of hardware, software, and telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and distribute useful data, typically in organizational settings. Technology Business Routers Information Systems Question 19 Today, information systems: are clearly delineated amongst these major systems categories. oft more

Resolved Question: Vote on which College business Major is the best for an Future Entrepreneur?

What is the best major for an undergraduate student who wants to become an entrepreneur? I am a freshman undergraduate student and am not exactly sure what I should major in. I am thinking about majoring in International business or economics, it is a goal of mine to one day own my own business. So, what major can set me up for a career in the corporate world and my goal of being an entrepreneur: economics, management, entrepreneurship, or some other International Business? I already plan on majoring in International Business but I want to know what should I double major in with International Business? The business I would like to start will be called UBG Services International. stands for United Bass Group Services International. I want it to be a Management(Management, strategic Management, and Operations Management), and IT Consulting Firm. I want the UBG brand to be a Parent Company or Conglomerate of two other companies such as UBG Publications(which produces three diffrent magazines which I will not name or describe over the internet) and UBG Professional Networking Services which will be a Website which will be a web based networking service providing a variety of ways for Professionals, Business Men and Women and Entrepreneurs to interact through Email, Instand Messaging services and We more

Resolved Question: Vote on which College Major is better?

What is the best major for an undergraduate student who wants to become an entrepreneur? I am a freshman undergraduate student and am not exactly sure what I should major in. I am thinking about majoring in International business or economics, it is a goal of mine to one day own my own business. So, what major can set me up for a career in the corporate world and my goal of being an entrepreneur: economics, management, entrepreneurship, or some other International Business? I already plan on majoring in International Business but I want to know what should I double major in with International Business? The business I would like to start will be called UBG Services International. stands for United Bass Group Services International. I want it to be a Management(Management, strategic Management, and Operations Management), and IT Consulting Firm. I want the UBG brand to be a Parent Company or Conglomerate of two other companies such as UBG Publications(which produces three diffrent magazines which I will not name or describe over the internet) and UBG Professional Networking Services which will be a Website which will be a web based networking service providing a variety of ways for Professionals, Business Men and Women and Entrepreneurs to interact through Email, Instand Messaging services and WebCam Interaction while sharing information securely from business to business, executive to executive, and professional to professional confidentially or publicly and also marketing. Any suggestions on which would better support my dreams? more

Resolved Question: MSA/MAcc or MBA for Financial Consulting Career?

I currently hold a B.S. in Business Management w/ concentration in Finance -- given the weak job market I know that I must continue my education to stay competitive. Ideally I would like to pursue a career in financial consulting (i.e. working on client projects that address critical strategic, operational, capital issues for firms). To make a long story short, I am stuck deciding between taking the additional accounting courses required to sit for the C.P.A. exam (most MAcc programs are a year long) or spending the extra time and money for a broader graduate degree like an M.B.A. more

Resolved Question: What should I double major in with Film?

Should I double major in Film and International Business or Film and Entrepreneurship? I have always wanted to be a screenplay writer/Director/Producer... however since I have graduated High School I have wanted to start a Management,Operations,Strategic, and IT consulting Firm also specializing in Information Systems Development... I know these things have nothing to do with eachother but I understand the chances of making it in the Entertainment Industry is very slim... The business world is the same however I am determined and the International Business Major will provide me education for careers... Which should I choose? more

Resolved Question: Becoming a business Tycoon?

what should my second major be? Im already planning on majoring in International Business... I want to start an MIS/IT, Management, Operations Management, Strategic Management Consulting Firm... I want to change the Group into a sort of MOTHER COMPANY or Conglomerate Enterprise and venture into starting a Publications Company that publishes three magazines dealing with Business and Entrepreneurship, Humanitarianism and Global Health, and Luxury and High end electronics....and a Business Hotel/Resort Chain.........I probably dont have enough years in my life time to complete all of that but I at least want the plans to do so. I was thinking that MIS or IT would be great to get into. Any suggestions? more

Resolved Question: The difference between MIS and IT... (Ill put more detail in my question in the details section thanks)!?

Ok so I want to dual major in International Business and MIS or IT... I plan on starting a Management/Strategic Management/Operations Management Consulting Firm that also specialises in MIS and IT. I would like to have skill in MIS or IT. However I dont know the difference. I have heard that MIS uses IT but which would give me the most knowledge in general? Can MIS be turned into a business in itself? By business I mean can MIS be turned into a company which Contracts MIS directors to other companies or if not contracted...hired by businesses to help the progression of a business as if a consultant would while being an employee of the Firm? Sorry i my question runs on and on... more

Resolved Question: The difference between MIS and IT... (Ill put more detail in my question in the details section thanks)!?

Ok so I want to dual major in International Business and MIS or IT... I plan on starting a Management/Strategic Management/Operations Management Consulting Firm that also specialises in MIS and IT. I would like to have skill in MIS or IT. However I dont know the difference. I have he sorry zelmo.... heres the rest I have heard that MIS uses IT but which would give me the most knowledge in general? Can MIS be turned into a business in itself? By business I mean can MIS be turned into a company which Contracts MIS directors to other companies or if not contracted...hired by businesses to help the progression of a business as if a consultant would while being an employee of the Firm? Sorry i my question runs on and on... more

Resolved Question: The difference between MIS and IT... (Ill put more detail in my question in the details section thanks)!?

Ok so I want to dual major in International Business and MIS or IT... I plan on starting a Management/Strategic Management/Operations Management Consulting Firm that also specialises in MIS and IT. I would like to have skill in MIS or IT. However I dont know the difference. I have heard that MIS uses IT but which would give me the most knowledge in general? Can MIS be turned into a business in itself? By business I mean can MIS be turned into a company which Contracts MIS directors to other companies or if not contracted...hired by businesses to help the progression of a business as if a consultant would while being an employee of the Firm? Sorry i my question runs on and on... crowkit.... i already know what each is... I NEED DETAILS.. NOT THE OBVIOUS... IM NOT AN IDIOT.... OR DOES THAT MAKE YOU ONE? more

Resolved Question: The difference between MIS and IT... (Ill put more detail in my question in the details section thanks)!?

Ok so I want to dual major in International Business and MIS or IT... I plan on starting a Management/Strategic Management/Operations Management Consulting Firm that also specialises in MIS and IT. I would like to have skill in MIS or IT. However I dont know the difference. I have heard that MIS uses IT but which would give me the most knowledge in general? Can MIS be turned into a business in itself? By business I mean can MIS be turned into a company which Contracts MIS directors to other companies or if not contracted...hired by businesses to help the progression of a business as if a consultant would while being an employee of the Firm? Sorry i my question runs on and on... more

Resolved Question: Can Someone please answer my question?! Please!?!?!? No one is answering.This is the second time I posted this?

College Undergraduate Double Major Help!? My goal is to become an Entrepreneur. However I would like something to fall back on which is in the field of business or Law. So I plan on Double Majoring in International Business with a concentration of Management and Business Administration then going to Law School. Would it be better to Double major in Business Management with a concentration of Entrepreneurial Studies and International Business? If I plan on eventually opening my own Management/Strategic Management/Operations Management/ Information Technology and Law Consulting Firm and expanding multi-nationally? Regardless of the Double Major I plan on going to Law School. At either Temple University or Loyola Marymount University. Please give me Advice. The reason for wanting to go to law school is because law has always been a dream of mines. Mainly to be a Corporate Lawyer or plaintiff's lawyer, yet in still I would much rather be involved in leadership in a business Consulting others how t more

Resolved Question: College Undergraduate Double Major Help?

My goal is to become an Entrepreneur. However I would like something to fall back on which is in the field of business or Law. So I plan on Double Majoring in International Business with a concentration of Management and Business Administration then going to Law School. Would it be better to Double major in Business Management with a concentration of Entrepreneurial Studies and International Business? If I plan on eventually opening my own Management/Strategic Management/Operations Management/ Information Technology and Law Consulting Firm? more

Voting Question: $5000 Finder Fee offer - what is the best way to make this offer widely known?

I am offering a $5000 Finder’s Fee for connecting me to the hiring manager at my next position! I am a Senior Information Technology Executive with 20+ years experience in the manufacturing, government consulting, and financial sectors. I have developed a talent for quickly understanding business goals and choosing the right technology to help achieve them. I succeed by delivering the BIG PICTURE through managing the little details. I am currently in transition and could use YOUR help locating my next opportunity. In return, I will pay $5000 to the person who connects me with the hiring manager for my next executive-level position. I am looking for a company that believes Information Technology is strategic to their success and I am open to relocating for the right opportunity. Finder’s Fee paid upon my accepting the full-time, permanent, executive-level position you directly connect me to. Additional awards available for non-direct connections – call or email for details. Full resume and additional info at http://TimFoley.info or contact Tim Foley at 703.443.2421 before 9pm EST. That is the offer, now how do I publicize this for maximum visibility at little to no cost? more

Voting Question: Best deal for How To Market Your Online Videos - Get Video Traffic To Your Site?

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Resolved Question: Should a founder of public school be allowed to sue parents for asking questions?

This was in the Philadelphia Inquirer yesterday. Devon charter school sues parents By Martha Woodall Inquirer Staff Writer Several parents at the Agora Cyber Charter School in Devon who asked questions about the school's finances have been sued by the founder and her management company. Dorothy June Brown contends that the parents and the Agora Parent Organization defamed her and Cynwyd Group L.L.C. in complaints sent to the state Department of Education and in e-mails circulated to other parents at the statewide cyber school. The parents say they were just trying to get answers about the relationship between Cynwyd Group and Agora. The cyber school rents its headquarters from Cynwyd under a nine-year lease and pays the firm a management fee of at least 4 percent, according to a services agreement. Brown owns Cynwyd and serves as its senior consultant to Agora, according to school and state records. The civil suit Brown filed in Montgomery County Court on Jan. 21 alleges that the parents made misleading statements "that give the clear but false impression that Dr. Brown is corrupt, incompetent and possibly criminal." The suit also says the parents' association "sought to interfere with Cynwyd's contractual relationship with Agora by spreading untruths about Dr. Brown and by implying that she had improperly used public funds." Brown and Cynwyd are seeking more than $150,000 in damages for libel, slander and civil conspiracy. "The allegations are false," Gladys Stefany of Milton, Pike County, said in an e-mail yesterday. She said she learned about the suit last Tuesday when she was served with papers. 'Civil conspiracy' "When did asking for information that is or should be public information become 'civil conspiracy?' " asked Stefany, who has a 15-year-old daughter enrolled in Agora and is president of the parents' organization. "It is sad that it has come to this, but I'm happy we'll finally have the opportunity to air our case in the open and get answers to our questions." Stefany said the questions did not involve the school's academic program. She said she was more than satisfied with the instruction her special-needs daughter has received. News of the suit left several lawyers and education officials scratching their heads. "I haven't heard of a case of this sort in recent memory," Len Reiser, co-director of the Education Law Center in Center City, said yesterday. Lawyers from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association agreed. SLAPP suit? Angelique Smith of Aston and her husband, Ira, are among the six parents named in the complaint. She said she believed the case amounted to what is known as a "strategic lawsuit against public participation" (SLAPP) and was meant to intimidate and silence critics. "This is really about freedom of speech and freedom of association," Smith said. "This is akin to going to a regular public school and telling the PTA to get out." Brown referred all questions about the suit to her attorney, Wendy Beetlestone. Beetlestone said it was a defamation case and not a SLAPP suit. "In any kind of public discussion, you have to make sure that what you say is true and doesn't bring down the reputation of the person you're talking about," Beetlestone said. She said parents had failed to respond to requests to stop spreading information that she said defamed Brown. "June Brown is a highly respected and innovative educator and has been for many years," Beetlestone said. "When the debate turns to making false statements and doing everything they can to bring her down, she is left with no other option. That's what this lawsuit is about." Brown is the founder of three traditional charter schools in Philadelphia. In 2005, she and Brien N. Gardiner, founder of the Philadelphia Academy Charter School in Northeast Philadelphia, co-founded Agora to provide online home instruction to students across the state. The school Web site listed Gardiner as a co-founder, but his name was removed in May after he became the subject of a federal criminal investigation at Philadelphia Academy and was fired from his consulting position at the charter. The lawsuit against the parents claims Gardiner "had no role in founding Agora and his name does not appear in Agora's application for a charter or in subsequent organizational documents." Brown's lawsuit also charges that Agora parents tried to imply that she "was guilty of some financial wrongdoing on the basis of her association with Gardiner." Records show that Brown and Gardiner did business together. In 2005, they established Cynwyd Group as an educational management company, state records show. In November 2007, the company paid $1.9 million to buy a property at 60 Chestnut Ave., Tredyffrin, that houses the Agora headquarters. The relationship between Gardiner and Brown was severed in May 2008. Gardiner and others were removed from Philadelphia Academy in May. An int more

Resolved Question: Should parents be sued for asking questions about their schools management?

This article appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer today. Devon charter school sues parents By Martha Woodall Inquirer Staff Writer Several parents at the Agora Cyber Charter School in Devon who asked questions about the school's finances have been sued by the founder and her management company. Dorothy June Brown contends that the parents and the Agora Parent Organization defamed her and Cynwyd Group L.L.C. in complaints sent to the state Department of Education and in e-mails circulated to other parents at the statewide cyber school. The parents say they were just trying to get answers about the relationship between Cynwyd Group and Agora. The cyber school rents its headquarters from Cynwyd under a nine-year lease and pays the firm a management fee of at least 4 percent, according to a services agreement. Brown owns Cynwyd and serves as its senior consultant to Agora, according to school and state records. The civil suit Brown filed in Montgomery County Court on Jan. 21 alleges that the parents made misleading statements "that give the clear but false impression that Dr. Brown is corrupt, incompetent and possibly criminal." The suit also says the parents' association "sought to interfere with Cynwyd's contractual relationship with Agora by spreading untruths about Dr. Brown and by implying that she had improperly used public funds." Brown and Cynwyd are seeking more than $150,000 in damages for libel, slander and civil conspiracy. "The allegations are false," Gladys Stefany of Milton, Pike County, said in an e-mail yesterday. She said she learned about the suit last Tuesday when she was served with papers. 'Civil conspiracy' "When did asking for information that is or should be public information become 'civil conspiracy?' " asked Stefany, who has a 15-year-old daughter enrolled in Agora and is president of the parents' organization. "It is sad that it has come to this, but I'm happy we'll finally have the opportunity to air our case in the open and get answers to our questions." Stefany said the questions did not involve the school's academic program. She said she was more than satisfied with the instruction her special-needs daughter has received. News of the suit left several lawyers and education officials scratching their heads. "I haven't heard of a case of this sort in recent memory," Len Reiser, co-director of the Education Law Center in Center City, said yesterday. Lawyers from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association agreed. SLAPP suit? Angelique Smith of Aston and her husband, Ira, are among the six parents named in the complaint. She said she believed the case amounted to what is known as a "strategic lawsuit against public participation" (SLAPP) and was meant to intimidate and silence critics. "This is really about freedom of speech and freedom of association," Smith said. "This is akin to going to a regular public school and telling the PTA to get out." Brown referred all questions about the suit to her attorney, Wendy Beetlestone. Beetlestone said it was a defamation case and not a SLAPP suit. "In any kind of public discussion, you have to make sure that what you say is true and doesn't bring down the reputation of the person you're talking about," Beetlestone said. She said parents had failed to respond to requests to stop spreading information that she said defamed Brown. "June Brown is a highly respected and innovative educator and has been for many years," Beetlestone said. "When the debate turns to making false statements and doing everything they can to bring her down, she is left with no other option. That's what this lawsuit is about." Brown is the founder of three traditional charter schools in Philadelphia. In 2005, she and Brien N. Gardiner, founder of the Philadelphia Academy Charter School in Northeast Philadelphia, co-founded Agora to provide online home instruction to students across the state. The school Web site listed Gardiner as a co-founder, but his name was removed in May after he became the subject of a federal criminal investigation at Philadelphia Academy and was fired from his consulting position at the charter. The lawsuit against the parents claims Gardiner "had no role in founding Agora and his name does not appear in Agora's application for a charter or in subsequent organizational documents." Brown's lawsuit also charges that Agora parents tried to imply that she "was guilty of some financial wrongdoing on the basis of her association with Gardiner." Records show that Brown and Gardiner did business together. In 2005, they established Cynwyd Group as an educational management company, state records show. In November 2007, the company paid $1.9 million to buy a property at 60 Chestnut Ave., Tredyffrin, that houses the Agora headquarters. The relationship between Gardiner and Brown was severed in May 2008. Gardiner and others were removed from Philadelphia Academy in Ma http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20090203_Devon_charter_school_sues_parents.html more

Resolved Question: Should parents be sued for asking questions about their schools management?

Here is the article that appears in the Philadelphia Inquirer today. Devon charter school sues parents By Martha Woodall Inquirer Staff Writer Several parents at the Agora Cyber Charter School in Devon who asked questions about the school's finances have been sued by the founder and her management company. Dorothy June Brown contends that the parents and the Agora Parent Organization defamed her and Cynwyd Group L.L.C. in complaints sent to the state Department of Education and in e-mails circulated to other parents at the statewide cyber school. The parents say they were just trying to get answers about the relationship between Cynwyd Group and Agora. The cyber school rents its headquarters from Cynwyd under a nine-year lease and pays the firm a management fee of at least 4 percent, according to a services agreement. Brown owns Cynwyd and serves as its senior consultant to Agora, according to school and state records. The civil suit Brown filed in Montgomery County Court on Jan. 21 alleges that the parents made misleading statements "that give the clear but false impression that Dr. Brown is corrupt, incompetent and possibly criminal." The suit also says the parents' association "sought to interfere with Cynwyd's contractual relationship with Agora by spreading untruths about Dr. Brown and by implying that she had improperly used public funds." Brown and Cynwyd are seeking more than $150,000 in damages for libel, slander and civil conspiracy. "The allegations are false," Gladys Stefany of Milton, Pike County, said in an e-mail yesterday. She said she learned about the suit last Tuesday when she was served with papers. 'Civil conspiracy' "When did asking for information that is or should be public information become 'civil conspiracy?' " asked Stefany, who has a 15-year-old daughter enrolled in Agora and is president of the parents' organization. "It is sad that it has come to this, but I'm happy we'll finally have the opportunity to air our case in the open and get answers to our questions." Stefany said the questions did not involve the school's academic program. She said she was more than satisfied with the instruction her special-needs daughter has received. News of the suit left several lawyers and education officials scratching their heads. "I haven't heard of a case of this sort in recent memory," Len Reiser, co-director of the Education Law Center in Center City, said yesterday. Lawyers from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association agreed. SLAPP suit? Angelique Smith of Aston and her husband, Ira, are among the six parents named in the complaint. She said she believed the case amounted to what is known as a "strategic lawsuit against public participation" (SLAPP) and was meant to intimidate and silence critics. "This is really about freedom of speech and freedom of association," Smith said. "This is akin to going to a regular public school and telling the PTA to get out." Brown referred all questions about the suit to her attorney, Wendy Beetlestone. Beetlestone said it was a defamation case and not a SLAPP suit. "In any kind of public discussion, you have to make sure that what you say is true and doesn't bring down the reputation of the person you're talking about," Beetlestone said. She said parents had failed to respond to requests to stop spreading information that she said defamed Brown. "June Brown is a highly respected and innovative educator and has been for many years," Beetlestone said. "When the debate turns to making false statements and doing everything they can to bring her down, she is left with no other option. That's what this lawsuit is about." Brown is the founder of three traditional charter schools in Philadelphia. In 2005, she and Brien N. Gardiner, founder of the Philadelphia Academy Charter School in Northeast Philadelphia, co-founded Agora to provide online home instruction to students across the state. The school Web site listed Gardiner as a co-founder, but his name was removed in May after he became the subject of a federal criminal investigation at Philadelphia Academy and was fired from his consulting position at the charter. The lawsuit against the parents claims Gardiner "had no role in founding Agora and his name does not appear in Agora's application for a charter or in subsequent organizational documents." Brown's lawsuit also charges that Agora parents tried to imply that she "was guilty of some financial wrongdoing on the basis of her association with Gardiner." Records show that Brown and Gardiner did business together. In 2005, they established Cynwyd Group as an educational management company, state records show. In November 2007, the company paid $1.9 million to buy a property at 60 Chestnut Ave., Tredyffrin, that houses the Agora headquarters. The relationship between Gardiner and Brown was severed in May 2008. Gardiner and others were removed from Philadelphia Ac http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20090203_Devon_charter_school_sues_parents.html more

Voting Question: Will offering a $5000 finders fee for introducing me to my next manager generate help in building my network?

I am looking to generate interest and increase my personal brand recognition as I work to find my next employment opportunity. Corporations have used contingency fees for job placements to generate interest from recruiters and in some cases employees. Will the inverse of this work as well? The ad I am thinking of running: $5000 Finder’s Fee for connecting me to the hiring manager at my next position! I am a Senior Information Technology Executive with 20+ years experience in the manufacturing, government consulting, and financial sectors. I have developed a talent for quickly understanding business goals and choosing the right technology to help achieve them. I succeed by delivering the BIG PICTURE through managing the little details. I am currently in transition and could use YOUR help locating my next opportunity. In return, I will pay $5000 to the person who connects me with the hiring manager for my next executive-level position. I am looking for a company that believes Information Technology is strategic to their success and I am open to relocating for the right opportunity. Finder’s Fee paid upon my accepting the full-time, permanent, executive-level position you directly connect me to. Additional awards available for non-direct connections – call or email for details. Full resume and additional info at http://TimFoley.info or contact Tim Foley at 703.443.2421 before 9pm EST. As a follow-on, any suggestions on where to place this ad? Best Regards, Tim Foley "delivering the BIG PICTURE through managing the little details" executive profile: http://timfoley.info more

Voting Question: Assess the value of strategic value in helping P&O to formulater its strategy for the future?

P &O is a large established company operating across channel ferry services for passengers and freight. In addition, it owns and operates a number of pods. In the first half of 2004, passenger ferries lost P&O £25m. In contrast freight crossings, which transport lorries carrying goods between UK and the rest of Europe, earned £74m in profit in the same period. In the late 2004, P&O announced plans to reduce its passenger ferry workforce by 1200 employees. The move was designed to reduce capacity and cut costs in its cross channel passenger ferry services. The job cuts are part of a larger strategic review of operations that P&O has been conducting since the start of 2004. This was not the first time P&O had reduced the size of its operations. It has spent the past decade slimming down. In the past, it has been criticised for being over-large ............ with a vast range of interests in property, entertainment, holiday resorts, in addition to its ferry services and ports. It has gradually shed its diverse interests and concentrated on its core activities of ferry services and ports. The city was pleased with the proposed job cuts. P&O’s share price climbed 5% following the announcements of cuts. Some analysts suggested it was only a matter of time before P&O rid itself completely of the passenger ferries and focused on the thriving ports and freight parts of the operation. However, union leaders criticised the proposed job losses and the lack of consultation, warning P&O bosses that they faced industrial action if they went through with the proposed cuts. Bob Crow, the Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) General Secretary, said: “our members are devastated by the cuts. We urged the company to consult with us properly, but instead they kept, us guessing for weeks. We found out about the job cuts through the media after the decision had been taken. We are happy to talk about ways we can improve efficiency, but we will not tolerate any compulsory redundancies.” Another union lender claimed that P&O’s management was acting “like rabbits facing the headlights” in response to the passenger ferries losses. “they should seek imaginative and bold strategies for the future, rather than opting to cut costs in this knee jerk way”, he said. A number of factors have made it increasingly difficult for P&O to run its passenger ferries profitably. In recent year, it has experienced a decline in day trips, where passengers bought cheaper beer, wines, tobacco products and gifts on board or during a short stay in France. This decline has occurred for a number of reasons: •The opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994; •The abolition of tax free sales of alcohol and tobacco products on board ferries in 1999; •The French government’s decision to raise tax on cigarettes by 50%; •Increasing sales of cheep beer and wine in UK super markets. At the same time the growth of low cost airlines opened up more exotic destinations for UK travellers. In addition, P&O claims it does not receive the same kind of help as some of its competitors. Two of the main rivals, Sea France and Brittany Ferries, are basically owned by the French government and, consequently, are under little pressure to deliver profits for shareholders. Also, Eurotunnel, which operates services through the Channel Tunnel, continues to run at a loss with little, chance of generating a return for investors. So it is no surprise that P&O has been under intense pressure to slash prices of its crossing in order to stay profitable. “We are not asking for subsidies from the UK government, but we do not have a pretty uneven playing field”, said Mr Woods, P&O’s chief executive. Bill Moses, a former boss of Hoverspeed, one of P&’Os competitors, argues that the ferry companies have been reluctant to reduce their capacity as the overall market has shrunk and changed in nature. Total ferry passenger numbers from the UK to France are set to halve between 2000 and 2010. “The industry needs to match capacity to demand – something its never been good at , he said. “In the past, in a growing market, its not been an issue. In truth, P&O is a fat cat and needs to tailor its service more to customer needs and customer volumes”, he added. It isn’t all gloom at P&O. Ports and freight services have been consistently profitable. The company expects freight services to contribute 51% of total revenue for 2004, and the freight market as a whole to expand by 6% a year. This growth in freight is partly due to the fact that the volume of freight traffic increases as the economy grows stronger and is also likely to be boosted by the expansion of the European Union. More than half of total imports into eastern European countries are from established EU countries, so freight traffic between established EU countries and the new entrants could expand considerably. P&O is attempting to ....... freight business from Latvia, Hungary, and the Czech Repu more

Resolved Question: What are some things to consider when obtaining a website?

I am starting to market my small business of Hospitality consulting and recruiting. I have made some strategic alliances which allow me to offer more services under one roof and I have ambitions to grow those services even further. My question is as I move forward with a website design what should I look for in a designer, host etc.? Also, I want the site to be capable of hosting a member log in and some member access services. Can that be accomplished through say Yahoo hosting? Or am I looking at needing a professional designer? What can I expect a pro to charge for mid range site? I cater to companies that have 1 to 20 units. Thanks for reading and any responses that may be offered. B more

Resolved Question: how to build a sustainability strategy for my company?

Hello I am working for a strategic consulting firm with about 50 employees and offices in 3 countries. I am looking to develop and lead a strategy for a more sustainable business. where can I find the tools and data to get started? more

Resolved Question: Career Path for a Consultant: Will taking this specialized position limit my options?

I am looking at a senior-level position with a real estate consulting firm. While it's right up my alley, I'm concerned about where I can go with this position down the road as the firm focuses predomintely on the gaming industry (developing casinos, operational analysis, gaming feasiblity, etc). I currently work in an investment bank and focus on hotels, which is a small sector in it of itself but it is what I love and at least allows me to do it just about anywhere in the US. I like this position, which would actually be a promotion, but I'm worried about the limiting industry exposure. Gaming is cool but its really only present in two locations in the U.S., neither of which I ever care to live. The job would allow me to work with some P.E. Firms, Banks, Government Agencies as well Business Organization so it' good exposure but will my skills be seen as transferrable? Can I do this for a couple years, move up in rank and then expect any real opportunities/chocies after? My Fear is that recruiters will focus more on the industry I worked predominately in (Gaming) and less on the actuall skills I'd learn (valuation, feasibility, strategic planning, management, etc). Am I freakin' out or could this truly limit my options in the future?!! Ther's basically TWO QUESTIONS HERE: What kind of positions do consultants usually move on to? And then, more specifically, what can I expect if I take this one? I dont' know any Private Equity firms or investment banks that have gaming departments (especially if I want to stay on the east coast), and certainly not in the NYC area, which is where I'd ultiimately like to be. Help! am I shoottng myself in the foot?! My current company is downsizing, so I need to act fast! For Clarity, I would ultmately llke to do this and then, perhaps get back into the financial world and work with a private equity firm, investment firm, developer, etc. more

Resolved Question: Help Me Come Up With A Name For My Company?

Come up with a name for a Information Technology and Information Security Consulting firm. The name could either be an acronym, an analogy/metaphor or be a hybrid word (a mix of two words). The company’s major focus will be Information Technology including networking and security professional services, as well as operational maintenance. Their differentiation is through their ability to provide strategic direction of aligning business requirements, direction and goals with the technology support structure. I'm thinking something like Key Technology but that's not very creative. And needs to include the information aspect of it. backdoor girls... i think you clicked the wrong question. you were trying to come up with a name for a "dirty" porn more

Resolved Question: Help Me Come Up With A Name For My Company?

Come up with a name for a Information Technology and Information Security Consulting firm. The name could either be an acronym, an analogy/metaphor or be a hybrid word (a mix of two words). The company’s major focus will be Information Technology including networking and security professional services, as well as operational maintenance. Their differentiation is through their ability to provide strategic direction of aligning business requirements, direction and goals with the technology support structure. I'm thinking something like Key Technology but that's not very creative. And needs to include the information aspect of it. more

Resolved Question: Do I have what it takes create a career in Management Consulting? What areas do I need to improve or focus on?

Education: *** Masters of Business Administration- May 2007 ***Bachelors of Business Administration- November 2004 Experience: ***Analyst- January 2007- Present *** College Professor (Business)- July 2006 - Present ***Change Management Consultant- July 2006- March 2007 *** Small Business Consulant- January 2002- June 2006 Entreprenurial Projects: **2005- Present- Community website that showcases local businesses online; more than 1000 businesses in 39 cities to date. (Competencies gained include: B2B marketing; public and community relations; marketing management, strategic partnerships) **2004- Present- Online informational resources for small business owners who are starting, managing, or growing their business. More than 100 case studies, articles, and webinars (strengthened public speaking, writingm, & consulting skills) **2007- Present- 29 Online college courses for students to prepare for CLEP exams (learned instructional design and techology, curriculum design) more

Resolved Question: Service Name ? Thanks In Advance?

Hi, I currently manage a company which offer a service called Remote Managed Services, often referred to as RMS, where we assume the responsibility for the deployment and management of all infrastructural IT issues within a business. This includes all the tasks associated with the day to day administration and ongoing management of the network such as user administration, back up monitoring, patch management and software upgrades etc. One of the key elements of the service is that it is proactive. We monitor the network on an ongoing basis and can identify potential issues before they arise. Usually the customer will not even know about a problem as it will have been identified and resolved before they become aware of it. Another unique feature which makes this offering very attractive is that once engaged, we also become the businesses strategic IT partner, consulting with them on how they can align IT with business drivers, and helping them to make investment decisions at a more strategic level so that they will have a more measurable impact on the overall business performance. Many of our competitors offer services which they also refer to as 'Remote Managed Services' or 'Remote Management'. To varying degrees, the fundamental difference between our service and what is offered by our competitors is that they simply respond remotely to issues on the network as they arise. A user reports a problem to them and they dial in remotely to fix it. Really this service is equivalent to what you could descibe as a reactive remotely managed network maintenance contract. Usually these offerings have no proactive element nor does the IT service provider act as a strategic IT partner. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of new names for our offering which descibes more accurately what the service entails and which adequately differentiates our service from that offered by the competition ? more

Resolved Question: What do you think of the following names for my consulting business?

180 Degrees, Create, Kreate (both of these would have the "re" in bold type ,for an actual name of "Recreate/Rekreate), Unleased, and New Direction. My company will focus on Strategic Planning, People Development through Individual and Business Coaching/Leadership programs, and Process Improvement. Primary target market is small to medium size companies, i.e. 50 to 200 employees. My mission is to assist this market segment in "moving in another/new direction, turn around situations, and developing associates rather than simply "training" them". Any other suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks for the help! more

Resolved Question: Principles of marketing?

Q1 Understanding customers are not enough. As the game console market shows this is a period of intense competition in local and global markets. Explain how companies can gain a competitive advantage by analyzing and positioning Q2 Portfolio analysis helps managers evaluate the strategic business units (SBU) making up the company. Explain how the Boston consulting group matrix can help management assess the attractiveness of SBUs and how it can be used to develop growth strategies. Q3 A marketing audit presets the background data on the market, product, competition and distribution .explain what the key steps in the marketing environment audit. Q4 Marketing management’s job is to attract build relationships with customers by creating customer value and satisfaction .Their success will often depend on other actors in the company’s microenvironment that combine to make up the company’s microenvironment of a company. Q5 Once a company has chose its overall competitive marketing strategy it should be ready to begin planning the details of the marketing mix. Explain the marketing mix in detail with examples of how each marketing tool is used more

Resolved Question: What is this saying?I am lost i know one of the airlines is buying the other i think.?

ATLANTA - UAL Corp.'s United Airlines and Delta Air Lines Inc. have been discussing a combination between the nation's second- and third-largest carriers that would keep the United name and the corporate headquarters in Chicago, The Associated Press has learned. ADVERTISEMENT Shares of both airlines surged on the news. There is a sense of urgency in the talks, which have been going on for some time and continued as recently as a week or so ago, an official with knowledge of the talks said Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly. "They want to get something done before a new administration gets in and so they get the clock ticking on" federal regulatory approval, the official said. The exact financial details of the transaction being discussed are not clear. But the talks involve United being the name of the combined airlines, the headquarters staying in Chicago and Delta's Atlanta hub being an operational center for the two carriers, the official said. One possible scenario involves Delta CEO Richard Anderson being the chief of the combined airline, the official said. Delta also has had talks with other airlines, the official said, without specifying which airline or the status of any such talks. A spokesperson for Chicago-based United did not immediately return a call Wednesday seeking comment. Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton declined to comment. Shares of Delta rose $1.92, or 10.2 percent, to $20.67 in afternoon trading. UAL shares gained $4.20, or 9.7 percent, to $47.70. Delta said in a statement Wednesday that its board has established a special committee to work with management to review and analyze strategic options for the airline. Top executives have said recently they are trying to determine whether consolidation makes sense for Delta. When Anderson was named in August as Delta CEO to replace Gerald Grinstein, there was immediate speculation in the investment community that Delta and Northwest might eventually merge. Anderson is a former CEO of Northwest Airlines Corp. Anderson immediately tried to dispel such speculation, telling Delta employees he wasn't coming to Delta to facilitate a deal with Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest. Delta's statement Wednesday was responding to pressure by a hedge fund that owns 7 million Delta shares to consider combining with UAL. Pardus Capital Management LP said in a letter to Delta's top management on Tuesday that it is "imperative" that the company undertake a merger transaction with another airline in view of soaring fuel prices and what it described as the increased risks of going it alone. "Consolidation is needed to de-risk the industry and time is of the essence as now is the right regulatory environment," said Karim Samii, president of Pardus, and Shane Larson, a principal. The hedge fund executives said they had determined since making a similar recommendation in a Sept. 7 letter that "the most attractive and practical combination would be a Delta and United Airlines combination." It cited figures from a consulting firm estimating that the benefits of such a pairing would be about $585 million and said a combined Delta-United would boast a broader network than any other combination. Pardus also owned 5.6 million shares in Chicago-based UAL as of Sept. 30. Pardus executives said a Delta combination with Northwest would produce even bigger benefits of about $1.5 billion, primarily from combining the smallest hubs — Detroit/Cincinnati and Memphis/Atlanta. "However, Northwest may not enable Delta to complete the breadth of network that business travelers require, resulting in the need for a potential follow-on transaction at a later date in order to achieve the same breadth of network that UAL would provide out of the box." Pardus, citing information provided by the air transport consultancy Simat, Helliesen & Eichner Inc., said a third potential combination, with Continental Airlines, would produce no synergies and would raise other challenges. Robert Mann, an airline consultant in Port Washington, N.Y., said United's broad Pacific network and Delta's huge Atlantic presence would complement each other. However, he said, combining fleet information systems and labor could pose challenges. The biggest problem would be that neither carrier has any recent track record of integration, he said. "I would see this as a very risky move from the standpoint of the actual implementation," Mann said. more

Resolved Question: How do I break into the field of business consulting ?

I just graduated with a bachelors in business admin. I want to work in the business consulting field...preferably strategic consulting. I've applied to 5 of the leading consulting firms in the U.S., but unfortunately haven't had any responses to my applications. While I have graduated from one of the top 25 business colleges in the nation, I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps I'm being a little overly ambitions to get a consulting job with only an undergrad degree. Here are my questions: 1) Should I head back to school to get an MBA? 2) Would working as just a "pencil pusher" for a year, prior to applying to a consulting job, be a better idea then just shooting for a consulting job right out of school? 3) Any suggestions on a good consulting firm to apply to? (I'm not particularly interested in any one sector at this point in time, but if I had to choose I would have to pick, marketing.) Any other suggestions or feedback would be more than welcome. Thanks. more

Resolved Question: What is a core strategy?

In my college course called "strategic management" our teacher is asking us to make a paper and include Core strategies, Business strategies and functional strategies for a particular business. So what is a core strategy!? How is it any different from a business strategy and a functional strategy? i've tried to google it but most of the stuff that appeared were websites of business consulting firms and wikipedia said it's some legal thing in the UK. please help!!! more

Resolved Question: Why does bush want to stay in Iraq if the majority of the people don't?

Congress Must Cut Off Bush Family War Profits by Evelyn Pringle Global Research, April 10, 2007 Countercurrents.org - 2007-04-11 Email this article to a friend Print this article On Monday, April 9, 2007, the Boston Herald reported that the US military had announced the Easter weekend deaths of 10 more American soldiers, including six killed on Sunday. The Associated Press reports that, since the war began in March 2003, over 3,000 members of the US military have been killed in Iraq, as of April 8, 2007. The military reported the deaths of four more US soldiers on Tuesday. Its nearly impossible to estimate the number of deaths of civilians in Iraq, but the Herald reports that at least 47 people were killed or found dead in violence on Easter Sunday, including 17 execution victims dumped in the capital. News releases out of Iraq also report that a woman wearing a black veil and strapped with explosives blew herself up outside a police station in Iraq on Tuesday, killing 16 people. According to the January 14, 2007 LA Times, Steven Kosiak, director of budget studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington, says that, starting with the anti-terrorism appropriation a week after the 9/11 attacks, he estimates the US has spent $400 billion fighting terrorism through fiscal 2006, which ended on September 30, 2006. In January 2007, Marine Corps spokeswoman, Lt Col Roseann Lynch, told Reuters that the war in Iraq is costing about $4.5 billion a month for military “operating costs,” which did not include new weapons or equipment. Since this war on terror was declared following 9/11, the pay levels for the CEOs of the top 34 defense contractors have doubled. The average compensation rose from $3.6 million during the period of 1998-2001, to $7.2 million during the period of 2002-2005, according to an August 2006, report entitled, "Executive Excess 2006," by the Washington-based, Institute for Policy Studies, and the Boston-based, United for a Fair Economy. This study found that since 9/11, the 34 defense CEOs have pocketed a combined total of $984 million, or enough, the report says, to cover the wages for more than a million Iraqis for a year. In 2005, the average total compensation for the CEOs of large US corporations was only 6% above 2001 figures, while defense CEOs pay was 108% higher. But the last name of one family, which is literally amassing a fortune over the backs of our dead heroes, matches that of the man holding the purse strings in the White House. On December 11, 2003, the Financial Times reported that three people had told the Times that they had seen letters written by Neil Bush that recommended business ventures in the Middle East, promoted by New Bridges Strategies, a firm set up by President Bush’s former campaign manager, who quit his Bush appointed government job as the head of FEMA, three weeks before the war in Iraq began. Neil Bush was paid an annual fee to "help companies secure contracts in Iraq," the Times said. But Neil Bush is by no means the only Bush profiting from the war on terror. The first President Bush is so entangled with entities that have profited greatly that it's difficult to even know where to begin. Bush joined the Carlyle Group in 1993, and became a member of the firm's Asian Advisory Board. The Carlyle Group was best known for buying defense companies and doubling or tripling their value and was already heavily supported by defense contracts. But in 2002, the firm received $677 million in government contracts, and by 2003, its contracts were worth $2.1 billion. Prior to 9/11, some Carlyle companies were not doing so well. For instance, the future of Vought Aircraft looked dismal when the company laid off 20% of its employees. But business was booming shortly after the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began, and the company received over $1 billion in defense contracts. The Bush family's connections to the Osama bin Laden's family seem almost surreal. On September 28, 2001, two weeks after 9/11, the Wall Street Journal reported that, "George H.W. Bush, the father of President Bush, works for the bin Laden family business in Saudi Arabia through the Carlyle Group, an international consulting firm." As a representative of Carlyle, one of the investors that Bush brought to Carlyle was the Bin Laden Group, a construction company owned by Osama's family. The bin Ladens have been called the Rockefellers of the Middle East, and the father, Mohammed, has reportedly amassed a $5 billion empire. According the Journal, Bush convinced Shafiq bin Laden to invest $2 million with Carlyle. The Journal found that Bush had met with the bin Ladens at least twice between 1998 and 2000. On September 27, 2001, the Journal reported that it had confirmed that a meeting took place between Bush Senior and the bin Laden family through Senior's Chief of Staff, Jean Becker, but only after the reporter showed her a thank you note that was written and sent by Bush to the bin Ladens after the meeting. The current President’s little publicized affiliation with the bin Laden family goes back to his days with Arbusto oil when Salem bin Laden funneled money through James Bath to bail out that particular failed company. Probably the most eerie report about this strange group of bedfellows is that on 9/11, the day that served as a kick-off for the highly profitable war on terror, Shafiq bin Laden attended a meeting in the office of the Carlyle Group, and stood watching TV with other members of the firm as the WTC collapsed. The fact that so many Saudis, including many bin Ladens, were allowed to fly out of the country right after 9/11, while Americans were still grounded, has always seemed a bit strange to most people also, especially when nobody in the Bush administration was able to explain who gave permission for the flights. About a month after 9/11, in October 2001, the Carlyle Group severed its ties with the Bin Laden Group, but the Bush family did not. In January 2002, Neil Bush took a trip to Saudi Arabia that was sponsored by the Bin Laden Construction Company and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the same Prince who offered New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani $10 million to help the 9/11 victims, a gesture that Rudy refused. In the fall of 2003, Bush Senior finally resigned from the Carlyle Group as the accusations of family war profiteering grew louder. However, according to the Washington Post, he still retained stock in the firm and gave speeches on its behalf for a fee of $500,000. Carlyle companies have also scored big in the Homeland Security bonanza. Federal Data Systems and US Investigations Services hold multi-billion- dollar contracts to provide background checks for airlines, the Pentagon, the CIA and the Department of Homeland Security. US Investigations used to be a federal agency, until it was privatized in 1996 and taken over by Carlyle. Marvin and Jeb Bush are also highly successful members of the family war profiteering team. Marvin is a co-founder and partner in Winston Partners, a private investment firm, and Jeb is an investor in the Winston Capital Fund, which is managed by Marvin. Winston Partners is part of the Chatterjee Group, which owned 5.5 million shares in a company called Sybase in 2001, a firm that had contracts worth $2.9 million with the Navy, $1.8 million with the Army and $5.3 million with the Department of Defense. All totaled, the federal procurement database listed the firm's contracts that year as $14,754,000. And, Sybase was not the only company delivering war profits to Marvin and Jeb. The portfolio of Winston Partners also included the Amsec Corp, which, in 2001, was awarded $37,722,000 in Navy contracts. Marvin's business partner, Scott Andrews, sat on the board of directors at AMSEC, and the company's CEO was Michael Braham, who formerly worked for Paul Bremer, the leader of the Coalition Provisional Authority responsible for handing out contracts Iraq. This is the same Paul Bremer who used Iraqi money from the Development Fund for Iraq to award 5 no-bid contracts to Dick Cheney’s cash cow, Halliburton, worth $222 million, $325 million, $180 million, and $194 million combined for the last two, according to a July 28, 2004, report by the CPA Inspector General Stuart Bowen, entitled, "Comptroller Cash Management Controls over the Development Fund for Iraq." As it turns out, Halliburton received 60% of all contracts paid for with Iraqi money. In a January 2005 report, Inspector Bowen concluded that occupation authorities accounted poorly for $8.8 billion in Iraqi funds, and said, "The CPA did not implement adequate financial controls.” The President's uncle, William (Bucky) Bush, is the most visible war profiteer on the team. He sat on the board of a major military contractor called Engineered Support Systems. Six months before the war in Iraq began, on September 16, 2002, CNN/Money Magazine called ESS one of "seven defense stocks that fund managers like," and one fund manager said ESS was one of two companies that "would gain the most from a war from Iraq." As a director, Uncle William received a monthly fee and held stock options. In January 2003, before the Iraq war began, he owned 33,750 shares of stock, but a year later, in January 2004, he owned 56,251. The fact that Uncle William had an inside line to the White House can hardly be disputed. On March 25, 2003, Bush asked Congress for funding, "to cover military operations, relief and reconstruction activities in Iraq, and ongoing operations in the global war on terrorism," and the very next day, ESS announced a large order from the Army for its Chemical Biological Protected Shelter systems. Uncle William has become a very rich man since his nephew took office. In January 2005, SEC filings show that he made about $450,000 by selling ESS stock. But he did even better the next year. According to the Excess Report, through a series of defense contracts, ESS earnings reached record levels and set the stage for the sale of the firm to another defense contractor, DRS Technologies, in January 2006, and among the beneficiaries of the deal was Uncle William, who cleared $2.7 million in cash and stock off the sale. Its time for Congress to stop the direct deposits of tax dollars into the Bush bank accounts. Lawmakers need to notify the White House that all funding for Iraq is done, other than what is needed for the immediate removal of our troops from this disgusting war profiteering scheme. more

Resolved Question: Which IT Job should i accept?

I have two options. Move back to the company i just left and move into an IT Management role where i can grow as a Manager and define the strategic IT direction for the business? Issue here is the new Director which is based in another state may have slightly different intentions. OR Accept an offer from my ex-boss who has started his own company with 5 other people. They now has a partner agreement with very large IT service based companies. Offering me same money as other job offer above in a consulting capacity and possible overseas training with flexability to work from home or in office. Issue for me is job security here as they are just new but have told me they have plenty of work in the pipeline. more

Resolved Question: Looking for ideas to increase business newsletter list for exec/owners besides buying opt in lists directly.?

We are looking to expand our newsletter distribution list targeted to executives and established entrepreneurs looking to increase their performance through strategic planning, leadership, improving teams, customer service or other organizationally related methods. We do executive coaching, corporate consulting, speaking/workshop engagements and retreats. We prefer not to purchase lists or use interactive advertising dollars. Any ideas to put our newsletter in front of such a targeted audience? more

Resolved Question: How do I start a consulting business with very little start-up capital?

I am interested in building on my expertise in non-profit management, organizational development, and strategic planning. There seem to be very few consulting firms that occupy this particular space, particularly in the categories of interim-CEO/Executive Director, non-profit company restructuring, strategic planning. However, most consulting firms that appear to be successful have far more infrastructure than I can afford to develop. I would love to get advice about how to launch a consulting firm with limited resources for the start-up. more

Resolved Question: Human Resources Case Studies HELP?

Ok, I need your help. I am running out of time I have not sleep yet. I need to pass this paper in 2 hours. I could not make it. Hope you can help me. It will be very much appreciated. Thank you. 1.The President/owner of a company was so disgusted over the unreasonable demands of the union. He was also incensed by the arrogant behavior of the union officers. A day before the start of the CBA negotiations, without consulting his Board of Directors, he decided to lockout all employees, close shop, stop the entire business operations of the company. Is the lockout legal or illegal? Why? 2.After 4 months of negotiations, the union declared a deadlock and filed a notice of strike. On the 16th day from filing of the notice, the union submitted to the general membership for secret balloting its intention to strike. Seeing the clear mandate of the members, the union struck on the 18th day from date of filing of the notice to strike. Is the strike legal or illegal? Why? 3.Your company has a limited budget allotment for a computerized human resource information system. It will be conducted in phases, and the budget is good for only one module for this year. You have been asked to recommend to the Executive Committee which of the following modules will be targeted first: a.Personnel Management Module b.Benefits Module c.Recruitment Module d.Training Module e.Performance Management and Administration Module f.Medical Information/Wellness Module g.Time and Attendance Module h.Safety Management Module 4.The Executive Committee of your company has, for the first time, scheduled a strategic planning workshop that will be done for a full three-day period. As the head of the Human Resources Management function, you are asked to help design and facilitate the workshop. You have two months preparation time and have the liberty to hire an external consultant to assist you. Your initial draft of the three-day workshop outline is due for presentation. 5.In your call center company, you are asked to jointly prepare the development plan of a Customer Relations Officer for three competencies listed in Competency Framework at Work. Work with another colleague and develop an extensive definition of the competency, behavioral indicators, and suggestive developmental activities for any one of the following competencies: a.Innovative and resourceful b.Open c.Proactive d.Rational/reasonable e.Self-directed f.Integrity g.Patient h.Quality conscious i.Self-confident j.Team-oriented more

Resolved Question: Business projects that can help a rapidly expanding company?

I plan to resign a regular job to take up consulting/project management job in the same company. That company is rapidly expanding and I would like to offer my services in the area of documentation, strategic planning and research as an external/outsourced person but I can't think of any specific projects that the company will need. Any suggestion? Thank you in advance. more

Resolved Question: How big is Choice Point? How many companies have they bought? Does it smell like Monopoly?

ChoicePoint is an Alpharetta, Georgia-based company that sells information in three markets--insurance, business and government, and marketing. According to a recent quarterly statement filed at the Security and Exchange Commission, ChoicePoint sells: "claims history data, motor vehicle records, police records, credit information and modeling services...employment background screenings and drug testing administration services, public record searches, vital record services, credential verification, due diligence information, Uniform Commercial Code searches and filings, DNA identification services, authentication services and people and shareholder locator information searches...print fulfillment, teleservices, database and campaign management services..." ChoicePoint has managed to attain a large share of the commercial data broker (CDB) market with strategic purchases of other businesses. Since its spinoff from Equifax in 1997, ChoicePoint has acquired a number of information collection and processing companies. These include: National Data Retrieval, Inc., a provider of public records information; List Source, Inc., d/b/a Kramer Lead Marketing Group, a marketing company in the life and health insurance and financial services markets; Mortgage Asset Research Institute, Inc., a mortgage fraud monitoring company; Identico Systems, LLC, a customer identity verification company; Templar Corporation; insuranceDecisions, Inc., an insurance industry claims administration company; Bridger Systems, Inc., a USA PATRIOT Act compliance company; CITI NETWORK, Inc. d/b/a Applicant Screening and Processing, a tenant screening company; TML Information Services, Inc., a provider of motor vehicle reports; Drug Free, Inc., a drug testing company; National Drug Testing, Inc., a drug testing company; Application Profiles, Inc., a background check company; Informus Corporation; a company enabling ChoicePoint to offer products online; Tyler-McLennon, Inc., a background screening company; ChoicePoint Direct Inc., formerly known as Customer Development Corporation, a database marketing company; EquiSearch Services, Inc.; DATEQ Information Network, Inc., an insurance underwriting services company; Washington Document Service, Inc., a court record retrieval service; DataTracks Technology, Inc., a public record information company; DataMart, Inc., a database software company; Statewide Data Services, Inc; NSA Resources, Inc., a drug testing company; DBT Online, Inc., a public record services provider; RRS Police Records Management, Inc., a provider of police reports and related services; VIS'N Service Corporation; Cat Data Group, LLC; Drug Free Consortium, a drug testing company; BTi Employee Screening Services, Inc., an employee pre-screening services company; ABI Consulting Inc., a drug screening company; Insurity Solutions, Inc., an insurance rating company; National Medical Review Offices, Inc.; Bode Technology Group, Inc., a DNA identification company; Marketing Information & Technology, Inc., a direct marketing company; Pinkerton's, Inc., a preemployment screening company; Total eData Corporation, an e-mail database company; L&S Report Service, Inc., a provider of police records; Resident Data, Inc., a residential screening services provider; Vital Chek Network, Inc., a provider of vital records; Accident Report Services, Inc., a provider of police records; Programming Resources Company, insurance software company; Professional Test Administrators, Inc., a drug testing company; CDB Infotek, a seller of public records; Medical Information Network, LLC, an online physician verification service; and Rapsheets.com, an online provider of criminal records data. more

Resolved Question: How big is ChoicePoint? How big you have to be to become a monopoly?

ChoicePoint is an Alpharetta, Georgia-based company that sells information in three markets--insurance, business and government, and marketing. According to a recent quarterly statement filed at the Security and Exchange Commission, ChoicePoint sells: "claims history data, motor vehicle records, police records, credit information and modeling services...employment background screenings and drug testing administration services, public record searches, vital record services, credential verification, due diligence information, Uniform Commercial Code searches and filings, DNA identification services, authentication services and people and shareholder locator information searches...print fulfillment, teleservices, database and campaign management services..." ChoicePoint has managed to attain a large share of the commercial data broker (CDB) market with strategic purchases of other businesses. Since its spinoff from Equifax in 1997, ChoicePoint has acquired a number of information collection and processing companies. These include: National Data Retrieval, Inc., a provider of public records information; List Source, Inc., d/b/a Kramer Lead Marketing Group, a marketing company in the life and health insurance and financial services markets; Mortgage Asset Research Institute, Inc., a mortgage fraud monitoring company; Identico Systems, LLC, a customer identity verification company; Templar Corporation; insuranceDecisions, Inc., an insurance industry claims administration company; Bridger Systems, Inc., a USA PATRIOT Act compliance company; CITI NETWORK, Inc. d/b/a Applicant Screening and Processing, a tenant screening company; TML Information Services, Inc., a provider of motor vehicle reports; Drug Free, Inc., a drug testing company; National Drug Testing, Inc., a drug testing company; Application Profiles, Inc., a background check company; Informus Corporation; a company enabling ChoicePoint to offer products online; Tyler-McLennon, Inc., a background screening company; ChoicePoint Direct Inc., formerly known as Customer Development Corporation, a database marketing company; EquiSearch Services, Inc.; DATEQ Information Network, Inc., an insurance underwriting services company; Washington Document Service, Inc., a court record retrieval service; DataTracks Technology, Inc., a public record information company; DataMart, Inc., a database software company; Statewide Data Services, Inc; NSA Resources, Inc., a drug testing company; DBT Online, Inc., a public record services provider; RRS Police Records Management, Inc., a provider of police reports and related services; VIS'N Service Corporation; Cat Data Group, LLC; Drug Free Consortium, a drug testing company; BTi Employee Screening Services, Inc., an employee pre-screening services company; ABI Consulting Inc., a drug screening company; Insurity Solutions, Inc., an insurance rating company; National Medical Review Offices, Inc.; Bode Technology Group, Inc., a DNA identification company; Marketing Information & Technology, Inc., a direct marketing company; Pinkerton's, Inc., a preemployment screening company; Total eData Corporation, an e-mail database company; L&S Report Service, Inc., a provider of police records; Resident Data, Inc., a residential screening services provider; Vital Chek Network, Inc., a provider of vital records; Accident Report Services, Inc., a provider of police records; Programming Resources Company, insurance software company; Professional Test Administrators, Inc., a drug testing company; CDB Infotek, a seller of public records; Medical Information Network, LLC, an online physician verification service; and Rapsheets.com, an online provider of criminal records data. more

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