For many organizations, leasing an essential piece of equipment, such as a photocopier, can often make more sense than buying one. Why? Because unless you're Kinko's, making photocopies probably isn't the core reason your organization exists. It makes more sense...
Introduction I opened up my closet the other day and put on a pair of casual pants that I have had for three years. As I put them on, I thought about their excellent quality. They fit well. The plaid...
Despite the oft-maligned paradigm of governments entering into contract with private firms to provide services and/or build infrastructure for the public good, public-private partnerships, or P3s, continue to gain steam in Canada. Skeptics say the fact that governments can borrow...
A couple of years ago, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada took a strategic step outward. Though boasting a staff rich in expertise and vast in experience, they nonetheless decided to outsource an external consultant for an upcoming sponsorship program....
Introduction Every project has a beginning and end. It begins with an idea, such as how to improve communications with donors, and ends with the delivery of a product or service, such as a donor database. Each project follows a...
I counsel clients and am required to explain a range of options. My clients are usually under considerable stress and not at their best for making sensible choices. It often seems they make the worst possible choice. I compare notes...
A resolution to get and stay fit In the past few weeks, many of us have made a resolution to get in shape. But when the cold hard reality of the gym sets in, we may be disappointed that we...
Introduction Many of our previous discussions have looked at the various components of project management and what a project manager does on a daily basis. These have been tip-oriented to help you manage the project and your sanity as you...
My community has many needs. Sometimes as executive director I hear about new grant programs that would serve my community well, but the type of service is well outside what my organization does. I cannot just tweak. Should I go...
Introduction Everyone has worked on a project at one time or another that has been 'challenged'. These are the projects that keep us working well beyond sunset or that keep us up at night. The best case scenario is that...
