Abstract: In the wake of the subprime meltdown, many financial services firms are coping with huge write-downs and high market volatility by cutting staff and budgets. But even in uncertain times, smart financial firms can find ways to grow. Learn how you can use customer-centric strategies and customer relationship management (CRM) tools to maximize the value and loyalty of your client base and gain insight into new opportunities.

Abstract: For advocacy firms, safeguarding client information is of paramount importance. One key concern for these law firms is the presence of vulnerabilities in their networks due to the general lack of user awareness in information security issues. While there are a number of solutions on the market to combat threats, MicroWorld’s suite of security solutions provide highly advanced protection that businesses can rely on.

Abstract: Professional services firms are not like other businesses. They have unique ways of working, unique challenges, and unique opportunities. While progressive project-based businesses have already embraced professional services automation (PSA)—achieving results and return on investment along the way—there are still many firms that have yet to fully automate their key business processes or integrate their knowledge base.

Abstract: A survey of professional services firms shows a serious disconnect between the desired operational state of the firms and their current ability to achieve that state. But firms are recognizing that automating resource planning and management, including human or talent resources, is crucial to continued success. Learn more about how to improve the management of your talent inventory to improve service-line profitability.

Abstract: Many firms see software as a service (SaaS) as having a cost advantage over on-premise in the short run due to its quick implementation times and pay-as-you-go pricing. But many firms question the long-term value of SaaS, wondering if the rent-versus-own model has a cost crossover point? Discover how some firms have obtained long-term value with SaaS solutions as SaaS has moved into larger, more strategic deployments.

Abstract: CharityMall.com and 4Charity.com are two firms that hope to survive in e-Commerce by giving one hundred percent of affiliate commissions to charity.

Abstract: Although glitch-plagued software implementations are nothing new, the growing number of brand-name firms reporting big troubles with their multimillion-dollar projects is starting to look like a Who's Who of the Fortune 500.

Abstract: For many firms, continually moving people to new projects under different leaders is the only possible way to operate. The formal boss on the org chart may only rarely get a chance to observe employees in work situations. This isn’t normally a problem; direction is provided by whoever is leading the project. Where it is a problem is when it comes to performance appraisal—there is no one person who can do that appraisal.

Abstract: A smaller budget, a smaller staff—managing a small company isn’t easy. And managing for growth only multiplies the challenges. Hard work is essential, but for sustainable growth, careful planning, specialized expertise, and technology support are also necessary. That’s why managers of smaller firms aiming at expansion need to remember some essential guidelines before it’s too late to turn back.

Abstract: The lifeblood by which executives in professional services organizations (PSO) manage their businesses has traditionally centered on the concept of realization, measured through metrics. Predictive Service Execution enables firms to deliver consistent and timely services while maximizing cash flow, engagement profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Abstract: Andersen Consulting has announced plans to deploy $1 billion of its privately-held wealth for the purpose of providing venture capital to Internet start-ups.

Abstract: Accenture has moved from its former identity Andersen Consulting to a new mark and strategy aligned to its competitors in the market place. Since the arbitrators ruling in August, 2000, Accenture’s transformation has rapidly moved the organization from being centered around four competencies to a group of Service Lines.

Abstract: Recent findings by the SEC prompted global management consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to dismiss a number of its consultants, including five partners, and discipline a larger group from its U.S.-based staff of 39,000 consultants.

Abstract: To select a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) turned to Gibson Consulting Group to manage the project’s complexities. Gibson partnered with TEC, taking advantage of the eBestMatch decision support system (DSS). Find out how TEC and Gibson helped Katy ISD reduce the cost and duration of the selection project, and deliver a compelling business case to stakeholders.

Abstract: There continues to be a wide variety of different approaches to building a solid data management solution for your organization, and just as many consulting firms across the globe willing to help you build them. However, it’s imperative for each data management solution to specialize to the unique needs of your organization’s business users, across varying functional areas.

Abstract: Hearing confusing messages from your customer resource management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors? You may be dealing with dozens of software vendors and system integrators, each one praising the benefits of his solution. Among these proposals, one claims not only to efficiently manage the entire customer life cycle, but also to take full advantage of your previous technology investments. Your incumbent ERP system vendor also has a CRM solution, and praises the benefits of the tight integration of both systems. The question then is, how do you know whether this solution is the best for you? Request your copy of Integrating CRM with ERP compliments of Baseline Consulting. The report gives you the criteria to use when formulating your strategy of integrating CRM with ERP, best practices of CRM implementation, dealing with ERP integration, and how to integrate CRM with ERP impacts the value chain.

Abstract: You can blame your sales people all you want, but if the lead data is bad, they’re not going to bring in business. You can blame your product managers for ineffective promotions, but if the target lists are redundant, the pitches fall on deaf ears. You can blame your customer service representatives for low satisfaction scores, but if customer data is missing, then no wonder the complaint resolution pipeline is backed up. Think it’s your customer resource management (CRM) system? Think again. It’s bad data, and it’s costing you millions. Request your copy of The Bottom Line on Bad Customer Data that delivers detailed advice from Jill Dyche, partner and co-founder of Baseline Consulting, about what you can do to address the impact of bad data on your company. The report gives you insight into how bad data is impacting your company and what you can do about it. How to identify where the bad data is and quantify its impact, and different approaches to determine the sources and causes of bad data are all offered in this paper.

Abstract: Interface Software, a provider of relationship intelligence to professional services firms, introduces InterAction 5 with three additional modules aimed at facilitating collaborative work in both legal- and project-based environments. InterAction 5 reinforces Interface Software's customer relationship management offering in response to its customer requirements and work processes. Interface Software targets particularly accountants, financial services, law firms, and management consultants.