Canadian Manager

from March 1989
Last Number: March 2009

Canadian Institute of Management
ISSN 0045-5156

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Year 1994

Vol. 19 Nbr. 2, June 1994

Can organizations have a learning disability?

Manufacturing organizations which plan to maintain successful business operations must learn the five concepts that promote organizational learning. Systems thinking, personal mastery, team learning, mental models and a shared vision are disciplines which aim to promote the linkage among sectors of the organization and to understand the importance of the sectors to the success of the whole unit. They promote teamwork, commitment and a strong desire to succeed.

Canadian firms help produce Mexican economic development conference.

Ottawa-based Saunders Consulting Inc. and Toronto's KPMG Management Consulting devised a unique electronic voting procedure to serve as a pilot project for Mexico's State of Guanajauto. The voting process, which was used during the First International Colloquium, is part of the economic development strategies which are being developed by Canadian, US and Mexican companies. It featured special wireless highly sensitive keypads that tabulated the votes of over 500 participants of the colloquium.

Dealing with corporate fraud.

Many companies can prevent corporate fraud by knowing the warning signs of fraud and initiating measures to stop its practice. Internal fraud can be committed by top management, middle managers and employees. KPMG's 1993 survey of Canada's 1,000 largest companies revealed that 56% of respondents are burdened with fraud problems. Forensic accountants attribute the high number of cases of fraud to the economic recession. They also indicated that weak management controls and poor corporate ethic...

Developing opportunity windows through creativity enhancements ... 21st century style.

The continued development of organizations depend on the introduction of new concepts and ways to stimulate the creativity of its members. Creative group decision-making matrices, nominal group process interaction, synectics and brainstorming are four methodlogies which can be used by organizations to enhance creativity. The techniques aim to increase the involvement of members in the decision-making proccess, promote teamwork and group dynamics and increase communication.

Fast Lane.

Financial Freedom Without Sacrifice.

Management and the entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners need to yield their operations to experienced managers to ensure the continued growth of the business. The managers need to possess skills, decisiveness and experience that will aid the development and expansion of the company. They should be able to devise strategies to create a harmonious and competitive working environment that will motivate employees to be productive.

Mobile Computer WorkCenter. (Evaluation)

Ergotron Inc. introduces 'The Mobile WorkCenter,' a new workstation that can be used in manufacturing, assembly and medical settings. The 'The Mobile WorkCenter' is portable and set on a frame with wheels to increase mobility in the worksite. It also equipped with lockable cabinets, storage shelves, compartments, pull-out keyboard tray, tool drawers and integrated power products.

'Staying Fit at the Computer.' (Evaluation)

Health consultant Rick Shields introduces 'Staying Fit at the Computer,' a new instructional video tape for computer users at home and in the office. The video tape features the correct posture and work positions for computer users. It also provides tips on stretching, relaxation and exercises for the hands, back, legs, neck and shoulders. The video is equipped with other training materials to give more information.

Targeting the New Professional Woman: How to Market and Sell to Today's 57 Million Working Women.

The case of the problem loan. (bank loans)

Small business owners who are having financial difficulties should always consult with their chartered accountants to assess the company's financial situation and evaluate the status of their bank loans. This avoids a possible review of the company that will be conducted by banking consultants. The review will entail the examination of the company's business practices, controls and operations. Aside from costing the company huge sums of money, the review also disrupts operations and leaves a ...

The computer investment - where's the return?

The onset of the information age caused many companies to invest on computer equipment to increase the efficiency in management operations, production and communications. However, not all companies which have invested in computers were able to reap the benefits of information technology. As a result, many new companies are thoroughly assessing the costs of automation, computers and networking before making an investment. Many analysts attributed the inadequate returns of computer investment t...

The forgotten team. (business management teams)

The vertical team is a management team that is vital to the success of business operations. The team, which consists of the subordinate, the manager and the manager's superior, aim to promote effective communication amng members of the company, strengthen teamwork and devise techniques to increase employee productiveness. The tasks of the vertical team are carried out through coaching, mentoring and context setting.

The low-cost way to overseas marketing. (Canadian export marketing)

Euroventure Consultants Canada Limited devised export marketing and training programs to boost Canada's export marketing business. The programs were designed to meet the needs of international markets including the US, Europe and the Far East. They focus on opening trade opportunities for Canadian companies and providing training and experience to graduates who are interested in entering the field of export marketing. The programs consist of research assignments, field studies and training wo...

The real cost of customer loss.

Customers are the fuel that keeps businesses running and losing a customer can have serious repercussions on the status of a business. A study indicated that a small percentage of customer loss is caused by death, relocation and complaints and unsatisfactory service while others are simply indifferent to the business. Aside from decreasing profit, this indifference also creates a negative impression on the business that will take years to eradicate.

'The Speakeasy Tapes.' (Evaluation)

Speechwriter Robert Shelley introduces 'The Speakeast Tapes' for people who want to improve their speech. The 'The Speakeasy Tapes' are audio cassettes that are designed to help people to prepare and deliver their speeches on any topic. They also includes tips on capturing and sustaining the audience's attention, learning correct timing, improving presentation and increasing confidence.