operational activities
The Compleat approach to automated procurement
Norwich-based Compleat Software has emerged as a growing force in the market for automated purchase-to-payment processing systems.
The Dictionary of Project Management Terms competition
Finance Week is running a competition in conjunction with ESI to win 10 project management dictionaries.
Both sides of the coin: a study in project success and project failure
J. LeRoy Ward, who has helped organisations manage projects for 33 years gives his views on how project management can be good or bad and examines the two sides of the same coin - success or failure. He uses two fictional case studies as exemplars.
SEPA and developing a new model for the EU payments market
Mark Dunleavy looks at how EU rules under SEPA are pushing banks to improve payment services to companies. While compliance issues may have been tackled, solid solutions still need to be developed and there remain idiosyncrasies.
Information Builders: BI has more impact on the front line
To make a real difference, business intelligence (BI) technology needs to be applied to frontline, operational activities and not finance and strategy, according to Kevin Quinn, vice president of Business Intelligence at Information Builders.
Outsourcing the HR function
As the pressure on companies to cut costs and boost efficiencies increases, outsourcing is one solution. This has extended to human resources role, so should it be feared by those in HR. Annie Hayes reports.
Tips for payroll outsourcing
Organisations cite cost savings and the need to focus on core competencies as key factors that have influenced their decision to outsource HR and payroll. However, finding the right outsourcing partner can be a complicated process so how do you get the perfect match?
AIA calls for independent inquiry into banking crisis rather than 'knee-jerk' regulation
The Association of International Accountants (AIA) has called for a measured inquiry into the UK's role in the current crisis in the world banking system. Philip Turnbull, its chief executive, calls for a detailed investigation rather than a 'knee-jerk' reaction of increasing regulation.
The power of web analytics in the marketing arsenal
Conrad Bennett, at WebTrends, looks at how analysing internet movements and keywords can boost a company's marketing returns and bring in new business. He outlines how the NS&I used the technology to promote products other than the premium bonds, its market leader.
The finance directors top ten challenges
A new survey shows that heads of corporate finance are taking a gloomy view until at least next year, while their top concern is cost control. At the same time a number of companies are considering moving abroad citing corporation tax as their main irritant.
The Bottom Line:If Mr Cable has his way...
"If Mr Cable had his way, all the big banks would be broken up and bonuses would be virtually eliminated - a sure-fire way in my view of guaranteeing an end to the UK’s ability to compete as an international financial centre. Let’s not forget that this is a man who is on record as saying that everyone who works in a bank has an ‘aristocratic lifestyle’ clearly demonstrating his lack of understanding of the sector." A tough line on bankers’ bonuses could make a brain drain of financial talent a distinct possibility, warns Paul Marsden. Read more