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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 May 2009
Terry Peabody
has a long history of building up successful companies. He shared some of his business secrets at a recent AICD
Leaders’ Edge
lunch in Brisbane. Here is an abridged version of what he had to say.
Looking to the long term
With many businesses focused on resizing or sim...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Apr 2009
A sneak preview of what’s shaping up to be a highly entertaining and thought provoking session at
Directorship: 09 – Navigating Uncharted Waters
, AICD’s national conference which takes place in Cairns from 10 to 13 of June.
Drugs, love and ethics
In their everyday live...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Apr 2009
Climate change poses yet another governance challenge for directors.
Dr Chris Mitchell
explains why vigilance and engagement are crucial for boards.
The new green-fields thinking
In a rapidly changing world, directors are required to reconsider old issues in new ways and are conf...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Mar 2009
Matt Hern
discusses the hidden profit risk in tough times: employee fear and uncertainty.
Overcoming fear and uncertainty
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself, nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” So said...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Mar 2009
Mercedes Trautwein
outlines some ways in which you can keep staff motivated and passionate in times of gloom.
Don’t just dangle the carrot
Staff motivation is today’s boardroom BBQ stopper. Employees are being asked to work even harder, longer and take on additional duties d...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Feb 2009
Letters to the editor
I share E C Fox’s concern with the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) (Letters, Company Director, December 2008). The jolt to the political momentum behind the CPRS, delivered by the current global financial and economic crises, provides a timely opportunity to ...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Dec 2008
Bernard Tanner
says its not all gloom and doom for SMEs battling the credit crunch and economic downturn.
When it comes to the crunch
The numbers are staggering. According to the Bank of England, global losses from the credit crunch have topped £1.8 trillion to date ($4.2 trillion). That...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Dec 2008
James Lau
provides 10 strategies that could help your organisation thrive in a downturn.
How to thrive in a recession
In times of subdued demand and economic turbulence, companies can fall from the top positions in their sector. Recent examples include Lehman Brothers and Babcock ...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Dec 2008
Tough staffing decisions may have to be made in 2009.
Kevin Chandler
provides some tips on how to survive them.
When the axe drops
Earlier this month, the Finance Sector Union predicted that up to 10,000 jobs could be lost in the next 12 to 18 months. Many of these jobs will be in middle...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Nov 2008
The past year certainly hasn’t been the best time to list on the stock exchange.
Tony Featherstone
chats to the directors of five companies that did take the plunge to find out how they fared.
Taking the IPO leap
Spare a thought for small companies that ha...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Oct 2008
Dale Budd
outlined the challenges and opportunities confronting public sector governance at a recent seminar in Canberra. This is an abridged version of his speech.
The governance of government
Directors of public sector agencies and businesses often have a difficult role to play in ...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Oct 2008
Executive pay is likely to be a tense topic this AGM season.
Tony Featherstone
details the dilemmas boards face as they seek to attract and motivate top executives in a tough business climate while, at the same time, risking a backlash from some shareholders.
The great divide
...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Sep 2008
Leading lawyers reveal the changes taking place at law firms that directors ought to know about.
What’s up at the law firms
Dean Hely, Deputy Managing Partner, Lavan Legal
The corporatisation and listing of law firms is currently a hot topic in the legal fraternity. The...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Sep 2008
Origin Energy chairman
Kevin McCann
outlined what climate change meant for Australian directors and businesses at a recent AICD lunch in Sydney. Here’s an abridged version his speech.
The brave new world of climate change
There is an overwhelming consensus across...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Sep 2008
Dr Russell Hoye
explores the unique world and challenges faced by directors of professional sport leagues and clubs in Australia.
A different playing field
Australia has, arguably, the most competitive professional sport marketplace in the world, with four major football codes, a natio...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Sep 2008
Domini Stuart
reveals smarter ways to cut costs as the downturn starts to bite.
Pulling in the belt
As the credit crunch and rising fuel prices continue to cause anxiety, corporate budgets are being closely scrutinised. Most businesses are under pressure to minimise costs, and we are alread...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Aug 2008
Case studies, like those offered in
The Executive Board
course, can help prepare for those tough lessons you haven’t learnt yet.
A case in point
Australian Diaries, a ficticious company, is one of three fully owned subsidiaries of Office Stationery Manufacturers (ASX c...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Aug 2008
Unclear ownership of intellectual property can pose significant risks for a business, writes
Mike Lloyd.
Hands off my IP
Much of the market value of many Australian companies can reside in their intellectual property (IP). In today’s competitive marketplace, IP rights are crucial for b...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Aug 2008
FAQs of the month
Question
What is good practice in regards to non-executive directors (NEDs) having separate meetings from executive directors (EDs)?
Answer
It is regarded as good practice for NEDs to have separate meetings from EDs to discuss issues candidly where the subject matter requires and i...
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Content Type:
CDM Article
01 Aug 2008
Using the spoils of the good times
Michael Chaney, chairman of National Australia Bank and Woodside Petroleum, has long believed that economic prosperity should be the catalyst to unwind disadvantage, not perpetuate it. He also advocates that the spoils of the good times, such as the current commodi...