Management Matters
News, opinions and advice on managing business systems and people.
Anthill's Five Most Influential Posts
They were chosen for the way they influenced us (yes, Anthill) and, therefore, the way we report to you. Sure, it's a slightly narcissistic email but, in a strange way, our chosen five also seem to say a great deal about the changing nature of business in Australia. The five are presented in no particular order.
Anthill’s Five Most Influential Posts
They were chosen for the way they influenced us (yes, Anthill) and, therefore, the way we report to you. Sure, it's a slightly narcissistic email but, in a strange way, our chosen five also seem to say a great deal about the changing nature of business in Australia. The five are presented in no particular order.
Talking Business: The Australian Economy [7 June 2010, PODCAST]
Leon and Garry talk about the Australian share market and its worst May performance in 26 years, driven largely by the panic in Europe. This may explain why the RBA has kept interest rates on hold. However, the respite might be short lived with Australian exports surging by the most in three decades and inflation gathering pace. Australian GDP grew by 0.5% for the first three months, driven largely by Government spending.
What is GDP and what is contributing to its growth in Australia? [PODCAST]
RMIT economist Alberto Posso talks about Australia’s GDP rising 0.5%, raising questions about the Government spending crowding out private sector investment. He also looks at the drop in mining investment and asks whether manufacturing and agriculture can level the balance.
Do you have a need… a need for speed!
Every aspect of our lives is speeding up. Workloads are greater, deadlines are closer and advancing technology allows for more of our day-to-day tasks to be automated quickly. Ultimately, and ironically, the time we have to fit everything in is less. Recognising this trend and realising the need to address this increasing pace, Ken Hudson has developed the theory and practice of 'speed thinking'.
Investors back people, not products. Don’t forget it.
Recently, I have been reflecting on a saying I learned from VC friends when I was living and working in Silicon Valley: “Always invest in an A grade team with a B grade product rather than a B grade team with an A grade product”.
Investors back people, not products. Don't forget it.
Recently, I have been reflecting on a saying I learned from VC friends when I was living and working in Silicon Valley: “Always invest in an A grade team with a B grade product rather than a B grade team with an A grade product”.
Can a company really outsource something as important as R&D?
Long before the term ‘GFC’ became common parlance, cost cutting was part of the fabric of business. The question is: are all departments of an organisation eligible for outsourcing or should some be kept close to the company’s chest? Peter Lewis looks at what can be done with Research and Development.
Can a company really outsource something as important as R&D?
Long before the term ‘GFC’ became common parlance, cost cutting was part of the fabric of business. The question is: are all departments of an organisation eligible for outsourcing or should some be kept close to the company’s chest? Peter Lewis looks at what can be done with Research and Development.
Australian business investment returning back to 2008 levels [PODCAST]
RMIT economist Steve Kates talks about business investment, which is headed back to 2008 levels. He also looks at construction activity which appears to be flat with reduced investment in residential housing. This will exacerbate the housing shortage. He predicts high debt levels will drive inflation around the world as governments are forced to print more money to stay afloat.
Here’s something that most IT people won’t tell you. Some responsibilities simply cannot be...
Last week, David Moore commenced his expose into the secrets of computer maintenance – 20 dark secrets your computer technician doesn’t want you to know (or is simply too embarrassed to tell you). This week, he continues with the uncomfortable truth about backing up your data.
Here's something that most IT people won't tell you. Some responsibilities simply cannot be...
Last week, David Moore commenced his expose into the secrets of computer maintenance – 20 dark secrets your computer technician doesn’t want you to know (or is simply too embarrassed to tell you). This week, he continues with the uncomfortable truth about backing up your data.
Australian wages are expected to grow, yet more Australians are filing for bankruptcy [PODCAST]
Frank Lowy is now the richest man in Australia according to the BRW rich list. The property and mining sectors are the country's most profitable sectors. Meanwhile, more Australians are filing for bankruptcy because of unsustainable home loans. Garry Barker and Leon Gettler talk about 'The Week in Review'.
A meeting of minds: partnership a positive move for growth
If you’ve ever wondered how the big corporations got big, it’s usually because somewhere along the way they entered into a partnership. Successful partnerships can help transform small businesses into multi-million dollar companies.
It’s all Greek to me: How world events affect Australian small business budgets
With recent focus on world events, many small- and medium-sized businesses in Australia are left wondering what these distant, foreign events mean to their business operations at home.
It's all Greek to me: How world events affect Australian small business budgets
With recent focus on world events, many small- and medium-sized businesses in Australia are left wondering what these distant, foreign events mean to their business operations at home.
7 ways to inspire your employees
If someone asked you for a good synonym for inspiration, what would you say? You might answer that stimulation is a good substitute. You might choose influence or encouragement. But, by and large, when people think of inspiration, the word that usually comes to mind is motivation. Terry Barber explores seven ideas to get your staff striving to the best of their abilities.
The budget, the mining tax, falling shares… why is the government “all over the...
RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the latest employment figures, which look positive. He criticises the mining super tax, saying the government is all over the place on the issue and questions assertions in the Federal Budget that we are headed back for a surplus.
The budget, the mining tax, falling shares… why is the government "all over the...
RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the latest employment figures, which look positive. He criticises the mining super tax, saying the government is all over the place on the issue and questions assertions in the Federal Budget that we are headed back for a surplus.
7 things you must do before attempting to sell your website
Just like dressing up a house for auction, giving your website a spit and polish prior to sale will ensure you achieve the best outcome. The following seven steps can help make your treasured site shine, prior to putting it on the market and attracting top dollar.