In the wake of the recession, the topic of fixed asset management has become increasingly important. When an organization has a good handle on its fixed assets, meaning it is able to do a good job of tracking, managing, and accounting for depreciation, it not only avoids errors on its financial…

Last week, Cindy Hubert and I presented a Webinar on making knowledge flow through organizations. We talked about APQC’s seven-step Knowledge Flow Process and how to deal with glitches and bottlenecks as you move through the cycle. As part of the call, we asked you which part of the knowledge flow…

Creating an effective, productive project management office (PMO) is a key concern for many organizations. The Project Management Institute (PMI) released a 2012 pulse of project management report that examines the current trends of more than 1,000 project management professionals. Some of the…

It’s December and workers across the globe are engaging in a similar yearly tradition—reflecting on the lessons of the past and aspiring for an improved future. For the many workers considering issues related to people management, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite APQC articles on…

Over the weekend NPR ran a story on reshoring: not necessarily a new topic, but one that has gained new publicity by the recent announcement from Apple that it will move production of a line of its Macs from China to the United States. NPR’s story highlights the case of GE, which has been making…

As 2012 begins to come to a close and finance departments are consumed with the year-end close-to-disclose process, it seems fitting to reflect back on how this “last mile” of finance has transformed over the past few years. The close-to-disclose process involves all activities needed to close an…

While not as “sexy” as social media or mobile KM, a solid process to identify and transfer best practices is one of the best knowledge-related investments an organization can make. By learning what works in other business units and locations, employees are exposed to theory, evidence, and expertise…

When it comes to performance measurement systems, staff buy-in, support, and participation are key. Many times, organizations assume that because management and leadership support measurement, employees will be onboard as well. Yet, employees find measurement threatening—many worry that it will…

Selling consulting services to a former consultant requires a different mindset than when pitching a project to someone who has never sat on your side of the negotiating table. APQC’s analysis of 72 organizations’ consulting procurement practices found some key distinctions you should be aware of…

Talent development lessons for all can be found in best-in-class finance functions. This was my big take-away after co-presenting a webinar for Business Finance Magazine on developing finance professionals. In the webinar, The New Rules for Finance Talent Development, my colleague Mary Driscoll and…