2012

Showing 673–688 of 717 results

  • What to do when a fund manager leaves

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 993

    Abstract: It might be tempting to sell a fund undergoing a portfolio manager (PM) change, but it pays to be cautious, and decide whether the fund can likely continue to deliver the kind of performance that originally made it attractive. In making this decision, it’s important to ask a number of questions: How important was the PM to the fund? Was he or she a “lone wolf” or part of a team? Has the management style changed? Does the new PM have the requisite experience for the kind of fund he or she will be managing? This article addresses these questions, while a sidebar notes that a PM’s “poor” track record can be deceptive.

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  • The Contractor’s Corner — Should we throw our hardhat into the disaster recovery ring?

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 493

    Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” discusses the concerns of a contractor who wonders if it would be best to augment business by expanding into disaster recovery. The article states that it can be beneficial— but there are many provisos that must be taken into account to decide whether the benefits are likely to outweigh the costs.

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  • Business valuations are for contractors, too

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 744

    Abstract: Many associate the term “business valuation” with the sale of a professional sports team or the unfortunate task of handling a deceased owner’s affairs. But there are many reasons for a construction company to work with its financial advisor and a qualified appraiser to estimate the company’s current value. This article lists several of these reasons, and describes three primary approaches that appraisers use to conduct a business valuation. It also mentions other documents that must be gathered if a sale of the company is in the offing.

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  • Protecting your construction company’s mobile technology

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 499

    Abstract: Mobile technology — such as laptops, tablets and smart phones — allows contractors to generate estimates, review job plans and store important documents. This is valuable data that can easily fall into the hands of a thief or a competitor. Because of such dangers, it’s essential that companies ensure that their mobile technology is protected. This article discusses safety procedures, including laptop-tracking software.

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  • Employment update — IRS offers truce in worker classification battle

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: On-Site

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 962

    Abstract: Among the most long-standing battles between the IRS and employers — including construction businesses — is the classification of employees vs. independent contractors. This article discusses why this has been such an issue, and shows how the new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) allows some businesses to escape harsh penalties if they voluntarily reclassify independent contractors as employees. A sidebar lists three major factors of worker classification.

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  • How op-eds help you get the message out — for free

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 686

    Abstract: Nonprofits that have had to tighten their public relations budget may be having a hard time getting their message heard by the right people. But placing opinion editorials (op-eds) in newspapers and other media can be an effective way to target communications — for free. This article provides tips for writing effective op-eds and getting them published.

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  • A quick look at recent IRS releases

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 457

    Abstract: Nonprofits must pay careful attention to all IRS releases regarding tax-exempt entities. This article discusses two recent IRS actions that merit their attention: finalization of Form 990 rules and guidance to help organizations be reinstated after losing their tax-exempt status.

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  • Double strength — Merging can make your nonprofit twice as effective

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 623

    Abstract: When nonprofits are struggling and other organizations provide similar services in their community, a merger might be appropriate. Teaming up with other nonprofits enables organizations to pool resources, cut costs and possibly better serve their constituents. This article talks about finding a merger partner and warns against potential pitfalls.

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  • Better governance starts with a better executive/board relationship

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 869

    Abstract: Many boards and executive directors (EDs) have good working relationships, but a recent study found that there’s room for improvement. Although nonprofits have separate spheres for executives and boards, in reality the jobs often overlap. Nonprofits need to ensure that their EDs and board members understand their specific responsibilities — as well as when they must try to work together. A sidebar lists board members’ duties.

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  • No hire, no retaliation — One FLSA case gives rise to another

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 775

    Abstract: After a prospective employee admitted to having commenced a lawsuit against her former employer, her job offer was withdrawn. But was she protected as an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act? This article discusses the court’s ruling. Citation: Dellinger v. Science Applications International Corp, No. 10-1499, Aug. 12, 2011 (4th Cir.)

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  • Assessing ADA protection for recovering addicts

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 732

    Abstract: A plaintiff who’d completed an inpatient drug rehabilitation program asked his employer whether he could return to work. He was told yes, but with reduced compensation. He filed a lawsuit alleging that he was subject to unlawful discrimination. In response, the employer argued that he wasn’t protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act because, it asserted, he’d still been a drug user when he’d asked to be rehired. This article looks at whether the one month that the plaintiff had spent in the treatment program qualified him for protection under the ADA’s safe harbor provision for people not currently using drugs. Citation: Mauerhan v. Wagner Corporation, Nos. 09-4179 & 09-4185, April 19, 2011 (10th Cir.)

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  • Third Circuit addresses allegedly discriminatory PIP

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1040

    Abstract: A performance improvement plan (PIP) is supposed to help an employee keep his or her job. But does requiring an employee to participate in a PIP constitute an adverse employment action that could establish the basis for an age discrimination case? This article discusses a case that addressed that question, while a sidebar looks at another case that dealt with whether failure to investigate a discrimination complaint constitutes an adverse employment action. Citations: Reynolds v. Department of Army, No. 10-3600, July 22, 2011 (3rd Cir.). Burlington Industries v. Ellerth, No. 97-569, June 26, 1998 (Supreme Court). Fincher v. Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., No. 08-5013, May 14, 2010 (2nd Cir.)

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  • Is that your final answer? — Polygraph law put to the test in Eleventh Circuit case

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 814

    Abstract: When may an employer legally request that a staff member undergo a polygraph examination? After a bank discovered that money had gone amiss, surveillance video and employee testimony did not discover that a particular manager had stolen the money, but that he had violated security policies. After he refused to take a polygraph test, he was fired. This article looks at the court’s decision, which highlights the four conditions employers must meet before they may lawfully request that their employees take a polygraph test. Citation: Cummings v. Washington Mutual, No. 10-10706, Aug. 22, 2011 (11th Cir.)

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  • Dealer Digest

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Dealer Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 475

    Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” discusses the circumstances under which employee cell phone use is not taxable. It notes a survey finding that most respondents lacked a disaster preparedness plan for business data, and explains how dealerships wishing to avoid large IRS penalties can voluntarily report misclassified employees.

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  • 3 ways to keep cash flowing

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Dealer Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 741

    Abstract: Dealers know the importance of having sufficient cash on hand to meet daily needs and obligations. This article offers three tips for managing cash flow: staying organized, keeping the lid on inventory, and being quick to collect payments.

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  • How to manage your online reputation — New media demand fast responses to critics

    January / February 2012
    Newsletter: Dealer Insights

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 736

    Abstract: Car shoppers today can find valuable information on a store through a quick Internet search. But they also can find harsh — sometimes devastating — words from disgruntled customers who legitimately or not have a bone to pick. This article shows how to find out whether bad reviews exist and explains how to respond to them. A sidebar lists several professional service firms that can help dealerships manage their online reputation.

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