The healthcare industry has been growing explosively by every metric over the past few years. Data released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests the sector is currently the fastest growing category in the country, adding as many as 19,000 jobs per month to the national economy. But despite that growth, the industry
Continue reading »The American manufacturing industry has been slowly growing over the past few years. While it recently contracted in June, according to the Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing Business Survey, this was the first occurrence of activity decline since July 2009. Even then, seven of the 18 manufacturing industries observed still grew. This changes how manufacturers
Continue reading »Businesses are understandably profit-focused, and in the past, that meant many weren't averse to polluting, so long as they weren't forced to pay any fines or suffer any consequences. Now, environmental agencies are cracking down and setting stricter standards. Not to mention, consumers are also becoming more eco-conscious and are paying more attention to the
Continue reading »If you heard the nickname “city of tomorrow,” there are a few major metropolitan areas that may spring to mind – Tokyo, London, New York, Dubai, etc. What you probably wouldn't think of is the 30,000-resident Canadian town of Stratford, Ontario. However, for two years in a row, the Intelligent Community Forum has recognized Stratford
Continue reading »The Toyota Production System, which encompasses various Lean manufacturing philosophies ranging from Kaizen to TPM, was developed in Japan by the automaker more than five decades ago. The Toyota Way helped the company gain ground in an incredibly competitive auto market led primarily by American businesses, and to this day sets a standard that many
Continue reading »When it comes to running a successful business, what happens inside the office is frequently paramount to success. Even manufacturers need an effective sales team in their offices to ensure they are generating the highest-value leads. Kaizen is a familiar philosophy to many businesses, particularly those in the field of manufacturing, but it can be
Continue reading »Many companies are riding out of the economic recession, which is both good and bad for employee relations. On the one hand, Americans have grown more optimistic because they feel financially stable for the first time in years, and this improves workplace morale. Conversely, it means more companies are hiring and employees have other options
Continue reading »Healthcare organizations are complex, with a variety of staff who each have their own goals and responsibilities. Doctors treat patients, nurse staff conduct preliminary readings on these individuals, front office clerks greet patients and help them set up subsequent appointments, etc. – each role is unique in that it plays a very specific part in
Continue reading »Reputation is everything when it comes to winning business from customers. How prospects perceive your company is crucial – having positive word-of-mouth surrounding your brands and products can swing customers who are on the fence into your favor. Conversely, negative buzz may discourage leads from taking action on your products and services. One way companies
Continue reading »The healthcare industry has proved to be relatively recession proof. At a time when many companies are buckling down, reducing staff, watching their budgets and shelving expansion plans, a number of healthcare organizations are improving their position in the market. That isn't to say, however, that healthcare organizations are growing unhindered. Several new challenges have
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