Newsletter

Thumbnail image for Does the Market Know (and/or Care) That You Exist?

Does the Market Know (and/or Care) That You Exist?

January 25, 2012

This month, in our continuing series on building and growing industry focused practices, we explore the question of how to assess the strength of your industry practice relative to competitors and best practice professional services firms.

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Thumbnail image for Security Challenges of the Smart Grid

Security Challenges of the Smart Grid

January 24, 2012

A smart grid adds monitoring, analysis, control, and communication capabilities to the electricity supply chain. This promotes efficient and economic energy usage by informing the customer exactly how much electricity they are using on a real-time basis.

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Thumbnail image for Not-for-Profit Fundraising Challenges and Opportunities

Not-for-Profit Fundraising Challenges and Opportunities

January 24, 2012

During challenging economic times, not-for-profit organizations experience further struggles in raising funds. Rather than emphasizing individual agency brands and programs, support may be best leveraged by identifying core issue and causes, championing a movement to create a vision and goal for change.

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Thumbnail image for M&A for Asset Managers

M&A for Asset Managers

January 23, 2012

As the global economy has begun to turn around and lending terms are becoming more flexible, private equity and corporate capital have become more readily available, and investors are looking for deals. Asset managers are beginning to feel the pressure to get back into the game.

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Thumbnail image for Opportunities in Healthcare

Opportunities in Healthcare

December 5, 2011

Business is booming in the healthcare industry, with 76% of the Fortune 50 in the industry or with a health division. More and more businesses are turning to the US health system as an opportunity for innovation, differentiation, and profits.

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Thumbnail image for Using Analytics to Mitigate Banking Risks

Using Analytics to Mitigate Banking Risks

December 5, 2011

Banks are faced with unprecedented challenges with regard to the current economy, as well as with increasing regulation and oversight. The industry needs to better understand this environment to effectively manage risk and drive performance.

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Thumbnail image for Promoting Innovation in Pharmaceuticals

Promoting Innovation in Pharmaceuticals

December 5, 2011

Rather than short-changing research & development activities in light of shrinking budgets, pharmaceutical companies are looking to streamline their process for new product development.

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Thumbnail image for Retailers Looking to Holidays to Lift Their Spirits

Retailers Looking to Holidays to Lift Their Spirits

December 5, 2011

Holiday shopping surveys are predicting cautiously optimistic returns. Today’s consumer is more likely to shop around for the best value, and e-commerce sales are becoming increasingly important to retailers’ success.

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Thumbnail image for Automotive Companies Driving to Success

Automotive Companies Driving to Success

December 5, 2011

Businesses across the auto industry must become increasingly strategic to remain competitive in developed and emerging markets.

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Thumbnail image for Manufacturers Look to the U.S.

Manufacturers Look to the U.S.

December 5, 2011

Manufacturing companies are beginning to bring offshore operations back to the U.S. as they reconsider their cost and risk models. American manufacturers have a competitive advantage over Asia, South America, and Europe with access to automated production technology.

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Thumbnail image for Reaching Mobile Customers – Across the Industries

Reaching Mobile Customers – Across the Industries

December 5, 2011

Consumers have grown to expect easy access to paying their bills, shopping, and otherwise managing their money from the convenience of their laptops and smartphones. Retailers, banks, and even mobile companies need to be one step ahead of the customer’s demand, or they could find themselves out of the competition entirely.

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Thumbnail image for Business Interruption Insurance Coverage

Business Interruption Insurance Coverage

December 5, 2011

Earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding, and – this past summers – Hurricane Irene have taken a toll on policyholders and insurers alike.

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Thumbnail image for Construction Fraud

Construction Fraud

December 5, 2011

More than ever, companies are looking to their bottom line: How can they achieve greater profit? In a struggling economy, the reality of fraud becomes more prevalent – whether it shows up in corruption/ conflicts of interest, misappropriation of assets, or fraudulent financial statements.

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Thumbnail image for Which Industries Should You Focus On?

Which Industries Should You Focus On?

November 11, 2011

Our previous post (“Does Industry Focus Matter?”) presented rationale for why we believe industry focus can deliver benefits to both clients and firms. This post addresses question number two in our fifteen question series, “Has the firm made strategic decisions about which industries to target and focus on?”

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Thumbnail image for Gas vs. Wind: Is There Really a Conflict

Gas vs. Wind: Is There Really a Conflict

August 11, 2011

Whether continuing to rely upon established power generation or developing alternative energy sources, developed and emerging markets alike are dependent upon power to operate their businesses.

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Thumbnail image for HIPAA and HITECH Privacy Breach Notifications

HIPAA and HITECH Privacy Breach Notifications

August 9, 2011

HHS has proposed significant changes to HIPAA and HITECH standards. Over the next 18 months, 150 privacy and security compliance audits will be conducted.

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Thumbnail image for Social Media and Networking Policies

Social Media and Networking Policies

August 9, 2011

The rise of social media usage for business purposes has introduced greater risks to privacy and compliance.

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Thumbnail image for Financing Renewable Energy

Financing Renewable Energy

August 9, 2011

Corporate investors are increasingly seeking opportunities in the cleantech sector, financing development of wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy.

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Thumbnail image for Does Industry Focus Matter?

Does Industry Focus Matter?

August 8, 2011

Does industry focus matter for professional services firms? Research suggests it matters greatly to clients and that can result in payoffs for firms that develop a strong industry focus.

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Thumbnail image for Positioning Aerospace for What’s Ahead

Positioning Aerospace for What’s Ahead

August 8, 2011

Things are looking up for commercial aerospace manufacturers – global M&A is at a 30-year high, passenger and freight traffic is expected to grow, and production of single-aisle aircraft is anticipated to increase.

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Thumbnail image for Dot Com Disclosures

Dot Com Disclosures

August 8, 2011

The FTC is taking a second look at the consumer protection guide that addresses importing advertising disclosure rules into the online context. With the emergence of social media, behavioral advertising, and mobile apps, a lot has changed since the initial publication of these “dot com disclosures.”

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Thumbnail image for Assembling a Strategy for Manufacturers

Assembling a Strategy for Manufacturers

August 8, 2011

Manufacturing companies are seeking innovative ways to respond to economic demands and other challenges. Leaders are looking toward tightening cost management processes, while simultaneously addressing the ever-widening skills gap in the emerging workforce.

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