http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/MNP Consulting Master RSS FeedCopyright 2012MNP All rights reserved.In any organization, effectively transitioning through periods of change can be an enormous challenge. For credit unions, change management strategies can help mitigate the effects on internal people and operations as well as on members. It also allows for an effective transition and helps you achieve the desired outcomes.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/articles/2011/11/14/four-strategies-for-effective-change-management-for-credit-unions/Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTResponding to the needs of your member community and fostering these relationships is not only critical for maintaining your credit union’s current membership. Introducing innovative and value-added services can strengthen member relationships and provide a return on investment for your credit union.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/articles/2011/11/7/grow-your-membership-in-a-competitive-market-strategies-for-fostering-loyalty-between-credit-unions-and-their-members/Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTOftentimes the quickest answer to organizational problems is “they need more training”. However, it’s not just as simple as that. The training needs to address the root cause of the issue or concern – which may or may not be solved by more training.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/5/30/is-training-always-the-answer-to-performance-problems-why-a-needs-analysis-is-always-important/Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe vast majority of the market is made of people who won’t buy until someone else buys first. Sales take off when you get the early majority on side, but you can’t get there unless your message resonates with the early adopters. You can capture these people by switching your focus from what to why.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/4/6/forget-the-what-when-selling-wine/Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMTThere are few “black and white” answers when it comes to Canadian tax law. Most situations require a careful evaluation of the facts combined with knowledge of the Income Tax Act, related resources and case law. The question of whether the activity of making wine constitutes farming is a great example.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/3/9/the-cras-view-on-the-activity-of-making-wine/Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTToo many companies are still consumed with containing and directing their employees. Thus they privilege age and experience when what they need is integrated, internally motivated people and the courageous willingness to set them free.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/3/9/integrated-generations-at-the-workplace/Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMTWhen you are an accountant dealing with tax issues on a daily basis, you need to get comfortable with the fact that there are few “black and white” answers when it comes to Canadian tax law.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/articles/2011/2/23/is-winemaking-farming/Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTAn entire industry of books and seminars has emerged around how to help people change or grow. Bold titles and quick fix steps promise a new you now! But what if growth and change don’t work that way? http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/2/7/why-people-dont-change-and-how-they-can/Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTHow would your business respond if the internet collapsed, or an earthquake hit or if the bottom fell out of the stock market?http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/2/2/resilience-in-the-information-age-from-command-control-to-sense-respond/Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMTBuilding a solid economic base from which to produce employment opportunities and generate new revenue streams to support financial growth and social development, is a key to keeping communities – especially Aboriginal and rural communities – healthy and thriving.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/1/31/maximizing-aboriginal-economic-opportunities/Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTLeadership guru Warren Bennis separates managers from leaders this way: managers do things right while leaders do the right thing. But what, pray tell, is the right thing? http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2011/1/7/leadership-styles-that-build-strong-teams/Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMTWhen the word “training” comes up in the context of an organization, instantly visions of classrooms and power point presentations come to mind. There are many different training methods that are at an organization’s disposal. We’ll take a very high level look at some of the common methods.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/12/13/workforce-training-more-than-just-powerpoints-and-presentations/Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMTTerminating an employee is never an easy task, no matter how many times you have done it. When making the decision to terminate an employee, keep in mind that your primary goal is to maintain the employee’s dignity throughout this difficult process while also balancing the needs of your organization.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/10/20/termination-best-practices-preserving-dignity/Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTRetention should be a priority for all businesses. Have you ever stepped back to consider the impact training can have on retention?http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/10/18/training-as-a-retention-tool/Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTWhen making the decision to go public there are numerous considerations to keep in mind. Going public could be the best decision you ever made but don’t forget about the people side of your business if you choose to do this! http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/10/4/going-public-the-implications-to-your-human-capital-group/Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMTGrowing your business relationships is one of the most valuable things you can do to build your business and keep clients coming back. It takes time and effort to build a network of people who give and take within their business relationships.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/9/13/the-art-of-small-business-networking/Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTBuilding capacity in your community with MNP’s customized training solutions.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/9/7/business-training-designed-for-you/Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTLast week I had lunch with a client of mine. And so began the conversation around what is a Star versus a Sustainer... and why you need to have both.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/8/30/stars-sustainers-why-you-need-both-in-an-organization/Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMTBuilding capacity is key for First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities interested in developing economic opportunities for long-term success. This is where customized training solutions can be an effective tool at achieving that goal.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/articles/2010/8/26/tailored-to-fit-customized-business-training-programs-help-aboriginal-communities-succeed/Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMTConstructing a new facility can take a toll on your community’s resources. While construction management is necessary to ensure the actual building of the facility goes smoothly, getting to the point where construction begins requires project management at a higher level. http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/8/16/capital-project-management-for-aboriginal-communities/Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMTEarlier this year I had the opportunity and honor of volunteering at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Surrounded by high achievers focused on performance and success, it gave me a great number of memories upon which to reflect. So what could I learn from this experience and apply to my work on behalf of MNP’s clients? http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/8/9/project-success-what-i-learned-from-the-winter-olympics/Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMTMaking use of the available assets in a classroom or group setting is the key to a successful group environment, and the most valuable asset available to any group is the people in it.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/8/3/people-the-most-valuable-classroom-asset/Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMTEAPs can play a key role helping employees and their eligible family members address personal issues that, without outside assistance, could have a negative impact on work performance. In today’s workplaces, a growing number of organizations are recognizing the value of offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for their people.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/7/15/employee-assistance-programs-enhancing-effectiveness-accountability/Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMTOften times, companies make the mistake of having one of their experts in a field deliver a session on their area of expertise. Great training programs, no matter what the content or format, result from an interwoven involvement of Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) and Instructional Designers.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/7/5/the-great-training-program-equation/Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMTWithout training surrounding workplace violence and harassment, employees do not know what to do in the event of an incident or how to prevent violence before it happens. Providing training is another step to compliance with Bill 168. http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/6/28/bill-168-workplace-violence-part-5-develop-implement-training-programs/Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMTUpon completion of the workplace violence Risk Assessment, the second step towards compliance is the development of policies and programs which address workplace violence and harassment. Well-drafted policies can provide employees information regarding what constitutes harassment or violence and how to report incidents.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/6/21/bill-168-workplace-violence-part-4-creating-policies-programs/Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMTTraining should be a strategic investment into one’s business and employees as it has a direct effect on the bottom line and productivity of a business. Often, an employee (or employees) go through the training, come back to work and nothing changes or improves. What happens? Well, the answer is simple.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/6/14/ensuring-training-success-transfer-of-learning/Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMTCompliance to Bill 168 begins with a risk assessment. A risk assessment evaluates the risks of workplace violence that may arise from the nature of the workplace, the type of work or the conditions of work. A risk assessment begins with the identification of current risks.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/6/7/bill-168-workplace-violence-part-3-conducting-your-workplace-violence-risk-assessment/Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMTOrganizations may find themselves asking: “What are the consequences if I do not comply with Bill 168?” Non-compliance with Bill 168 will be subject to fines and penalties that currently exist with respect to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/5/31/bill-168-workplace-violence-part-2-making-your-organization-compliant/Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMTEmployees know that sometimes their workplaces need to change, and most of them even understand that they can’t be involved in every detail of planning the change. Organizations can make significant strides towards minimizing employee resistance by maximizing employee engagement in the process and minimizing the losses that employees will face.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/5/21/myth-people-dont-like-change/Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMTWorkplace violence is becoming an ever increasing issue for organizations. It is conservatively estimated that 1 in 6 violent incidents in Canada occur in the workplace and Statistics Canada’s latest report on violence in the workplace shows approximately 356,000 incidents of violence occur in the workforce each year.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/5/17/bill-168-workplace-violence-part-1-protecting-your-people-and-your-business/Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMTIn a world where outsourcing and offshoring promise lower cost options, these decisions may be made in haste and without an understanding of the real savings involved.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/5/10/making-the-right-outsourcing-decision/Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMTOrganizations invest in professional training and development to further the growth of their team members but also to continuously improve the organization and achieve the results required for success. The organization must realize a return on their investment and a focus on results must be an integral part of any training initiative.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/5/3/strategic-training-investment/Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 GMTPublic program accountability, transparency, and effectiveness have become increasingly important in today’s public sector. To ensure public funds are being spent effectively and efficiently, governmental agencies and bodies have sought to systematically gather and analyze data on their programs by engaging in program reviews and evaluations.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/4/28/public-program-evaluation/Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMTOur world has changed. We live and work amid new and emerging threats. As 2 out of 5 companies that experience a crisis do not survive, developing effective strategies to proactively identify and manage threats to your organization could be your best defense in an ever-changing world.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/4/12/managing-business-continuity/Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMTOur everyday activities are often so consuming that there is little time left to focus on the bigger picture. As a result, business planning and project management are often sacrificed in order to complete work, and get through the day, week or month.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/4/5/the-value-of-business-planning-and-project-management/Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMTBusiness performance is under pressure from the economy. Customers, far from sympathetic, continue to demand more for their investment in time or money. Simply running faster just isn’t enough.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/3/29/are-your-business-processes-working-for-you-or-against-you/Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMTService organizations, whether in the public, private or non-profit sectors, want the customer experience to be great. Their long-term survival often depends on it!http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/3/22/transforming-your-business-to-better-serve-your-clients/Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMTMany companies have professional development budgets allocated for their staff, yet often times these budgets are only spent on “cookie-cutter” courses where only a portion of the material is relevant to the staff member. http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2010/3/9/benefits-of-customized-training/Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMTFor most of us, outside of that elite band of Gantt chart experts, Project Management is one of the last things we’d consider to be “sexy”. Where’s the fame, glamour, money and power in being a Project Manager?http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2009/9/21/does-project-management-need-to-be-sexy-to-succeed/Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMTBusiness Continuity Planning (BCP) is a field of work involving pre-planning for business disruptions and disaster-related events. A company undertakes the BCP process to mitigate the possible risks to their business if an unplanned interruption occurs.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2009/6/16/if-the-worst-hits-is-your-company-prepared/Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMTA number of years ago I got involved in a client engagement to assist in turning around the performance of a small team which provided service delivery to the public. The team had dismal performance statistics compared to all of its peer group and improvement was urgently required.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2009/4/27/the-mystery-of-teamwork/Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTLet's do an experiment. I'd like you to answer this question: what is a project? I'm not asking in the sense of "Do you know the official and correct definition of the word?" I'm asking what you think of when you use the word project.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/blog/2009/4/24/what-is-a-project-anyway/Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMTChronic labour shortages have become the norm across Canada, with little relief in sight. The two biggest culprits? Aging baby boomers - and a birth rate too low to maintain our current population.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/articles/2008/8/4/goodbye-baby-boomers-hello-baby-bust/Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMTWhen a piece of plastic the size of a quarter can cause a multimillion-dollar operation to screech to a halt, the importance of an effective, well-oiled supply chain becomes obvious.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/articles/2008/7/1/the-whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-partsor-is-it/Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMTWith the increase in agri-tourism, more and more customers expect your winery to offer additional attractions. These ventures are also an important component of your wine’s brand recognition, as they will help differentiate your winery and generate more profits.http://www.mnpconsulting.ca/media-centre/articles/2008/3/3/is-your-agri-tourism-plan-as-good-as-your-wine/Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT