Problem

A sales and marketing manager for a national retail chain was spending more time on preparing reports than on driving sales. Automating his report preparation was not within the scope of the company's IT department so he had no other choice than to continue spending two days a week on reports.

Solution

We were able to automate the report preparation into a five-minute computer program and set it up to display the reports in the same format as previously done by hand.As a result of this program, the company is able to save thousands of dollars in wasted salary and gain hundreds of thousands in increased sales.

Problem

A recruiting firm was spending count less hours pulling resumes off the Internet that matched its search criteria. In addition to the resumes on the Internet, the firm had resumes received over e-mail or fax that also had to be reviewed and processed. Then there was the manual process of categorizing and storing each one in order to have the information readily available.

Solution

Our program automated the entire process into one simple step. At the click of the mouse, thousands of resumes are pulled off the Internet or e-mail and loaded into a database. These resumes are stored and categorized in the database, which is easily searchable by keywords or phrases. Just this one simple program has given that company a significant competitive advantage.

Problem

Faced with budget cutbacks, a community college needed better reporting in order to make strategic budgeting decisions. After determining what information would be crucial to their budget managers, they approached their IT department with the requirements. The school's IT department was unable to provide the complex integration of data needed for this project but was happy to work with an outside specialist to fulfill his request.

Solution

We were able to integrate the school's a internal finacial reporting with information from outside sources including performance of similar schools and departments. The end result was a one-page summary given to each budget manager consolidating profit and loss at ements with realistic income based on state reimbursement rates and benchmark school comparisons. In the end, the college was able to provide their budget managers with the information needed to make tough budget decisions and save the school money.

Problem

A higher education institution lacked clarity on specific strategies to ensure it would grow and be viable in the future. The lack of clarity caused problems with identifying which programs would grow in enrollment, where would the growth occur (physical campuses versus online classes), and what should be the focus for budgeting.

Solution

The solution required planning. Specifically , creating a strategic plan that would be the foundation for other plans. The process for creating the strategic plan involved a internal review of this educational institution, an external review of other competitors in higher education, and a literature review of higher education's future. Next, stakeholder focus groups at every level (customers, students, vendors, Board, employers, community members, etc.) answered a set of common questions. Based on the repetitive answers, the vision, mission, core purpose, and values of the institution were recommended to the executive staff and Board for review and approval. Next, the goals to complete the mission within the next five years and strategies and tasks for each goal were compiled. These were also reviewed and approved by the executive staff and Board. Upon publication of the strategic plan, other plans emerged including a facility plan, advertising plan, online instruction plan, information technology plan, etc.

Problem

A local tourism site had a low recognition of its existence and historical importance. As a result, visitors passed by the location.

Solution

The tourism site selected our proposal to design advertising to increase visitors. An awareness campaign and advertising plan were created. The awareness campaign included consistency in the message and appearance across all media. Billboards were strategically placed on a major highway which visitors then identified as the reason that they stopped. In addition, a larger 4-color brochure and revised website with a recognizable name included in the web address was created. The website became the foundation of the awareness campaign as well as a central point for online merchandise and ticket sales. The advertising plan provides direction for 24 months beyond the awareness campaign.

Problem

A local organization lacked software to prove compliance with 59 required standards.

Solution

Our company designed a web-based archive of documents inside that organization's existing portal. This electronic archival library enabled referenced documents to be stored with links embedded in an easily-accessible template as proof of completion for each organizational standard. Training for key staff members ensured the staff could process the storing of documents, completing the template, and embedding links from the electronic archival library. As a result, this organization was deemed compliant with all standards and continues to qualify for funding grants.

Problem

A local non-profit was sinking financially and as a result cutting back on services.

Solution

This non-profit contracted with our staff to develop a sustainability plan that would ensure viability into the future. The plan's development through publication took six months. Stakeholders' input included focus groups (community, staff, Board of Directors, local officials) and assessment of surveys and comments (visitors and community). Upon collecting the opinions of stakeholders, the plan was compiled and presented to the Board. After revisions based on input from the Board, it was approved by the Board. The plan includes mission, vision, values, goals, strategies and tasks. This plan continues to serve the non-profit as the road map to a secure financial future.

Problem

A non-profit lacked quantifiable knowledge on whether the clients felt the services were satisfactory, and the staff did not clearly understand the strategic plan and its required outcomes.

Solution

This non-profit contracted with our staff to train staff on outcomes expected of them based on the existing strategic plan. The first training included a staff-friendly explanation of the strategic plan, outcomes, and the role both play in on-going funding for the non-profit. Concurrently, a customer satisfaction survey that fulfilled research expectations was completed, compiled and analyzed. Follow-up training included analysis of the customers' viewpoints, staff expectations, and recommendations for future research and development.