Business Skills

article
3 Minutes

Measuring the Success of Communication

Communications must be regularly monitored to ensure that the messages are understood, retained and responded to as desired, and also that future messages are constructed and conveyed appropriately. This article highlights the importance of assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the key messages you communicate.

article
4 Minutes

Understanding Systems Theory

Systems theory is the study of a group of elements that combine to produce one end result. This article offers an introduction to systems theory, and explains how the concept could be useful to organisations as they look to change their processes and procedures.

article
5 Minutes

Where Do Insights Come From?

Psychologist Gary Klein's fascination with insights - flashes of understanding that change everything - led him to examine over 100 famous cases to see what they had in common. This article summarises his findings, with suggestions for fostering more insights.

article
4 Minutes

Matrix Management

Matrix structures occur when projects cut across the traditional functional boundaries in an organisation. Running these projects without compromising regular organisational activity can be a complex task. Here we outline some of the approaches to matrix management and provide guidance around the issues involved.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
article
6 Minutes

Tackling Budget Variances

The key to successfully controlling your budget is taking action on any variances you uncover. By doing this you can keep your budget on track and work within your financial boundaries. This checklist will help you identify common reasons for variances. It also suggests some actions you could take to keep your budget on track.

article
7 Minutes

The Fundamentals of PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is a project management system that has become widely used in both the public and private sectors. It is seen by many as the UK’s ‘de facto’ standard for project management. This article outlines the main principles, processes and benefits of PRINCE2.

article
6 Minutes

An Introduction to Hire Purchase

Using hire purchase may be an option open to you when you are thinking about buying a piece of equipment. Use this quick guide to find out the implications of a hire purchase arrangement and how this may affect your budget.

article
3 Minutes

Different Types of Budget

Use this article to familiarise yourself with the most common types of budgets. It offers a quick summary of the format and purpose of the different types of budgets.