Why should your organization use the ISO 9001 Standard? An honest reply can say a lot about how effectively the standard can improve your business. If you are using the standard as a marketing gimmick (a plaque on the wall; a logo on a website), or just because a customer requires it, then the standard will be a burden, not a benefit. If the honest reason for implementing the standard is improvement, then it can truly help your organization become better. »» Read more… »

Question of the month: How does using the typical writing process assist you in creating effective procedures?

The advice for writing procedures is the same as for any kind of writing project - from a college term paper to a novel, a business letter, or a procedure; craft the writing project by working through a process that includes three phases: Plan – Draft – Revise. Extensive research has shown that writing projects of any kind tends to be successful when writers use the process approach and engage in some type of activity from all these three phases. »» Read more… »

In this series our topic is how to write procedures: what advice do we have to give about writing procedures? Most importantly - employ the writing process. The writing process considers activities that successful writers engage in while producing a piece of writing, and it applies whether one is writing an essay, a business letter, or a procedure. These writing activities are typically divided into three steps or phases – Planning, Drafting, and Revising. Having covered Planning and Drafting, let’s turn our attention to Revising. »» Read more… »

In the most recent article we began discussing the topic of using a process approach for writing procedures. It is useful to think of any writing project as a three step process consisting of Plan-Draft-Revise. Last week we covered planning activities associated with writing effective procedures, so this week let’s discuss Drafting. »» Read more… »

Recently we published a series of articles covering why you need policies and procedures, and it included how to decide when you need to create procedures. Now that you understand why you need procedures, let’s talk about how to write procedures. »» Read more… »

Question of the month: How do policies and procedures fulfill requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley and other financial regulations?

The highlight this month was the release of the Finance Policies, Procedures & Forms manual. Our newest product is the result of a nearly year long effort of intensive research, writing, editing and reviewing. The Finance Manual was finally ready for production and shipping last week. We are very pleased with this new product, and the response from our customers has been tremendous. »» Read more… »

Strengthen compliance, enhance performance, or speed the development of your financial procedures.

Are you still trying to build an internal control system to help you comply with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and other financial regulations? The newest addition to the Bizmanualz Policies, Procedures & Forms product line - the Finance Policies, Procedures & Forms Manual - can provide a big boost in meeting regulatory requirements. »» Read more… »

You may be familiar with the COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) framework for internal control. We have discussed it in past articles, and it has received significant attention when referenced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) as an example of an “internal control” system as required by Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) sections 302 and 404. »» Read more… »

In recent articles we have discussed several aspects of business finance.  Topics so far have included internal controls, capital planning, and managing working capital. While almost every business pays attention to financial performance, studies show that small and medium sized businesses in particular frequently do not engage in thorough financial planning - if at all.  »» Read more… »

Question of the month: Is using a process approach useful in improving the financial performance of a company?

The articles in February revolved around financial issues such as financial controls, working capital, return on investment and cash flows.

Discussions of improving processes are too commonly relegated to the production floor. Is it any less important for your office processes to function effectively and efficiently? »» Read more… »