Crash Course In Strategic Planning

For practitioners, this text provides an easy-to-understand approach to strategic planning and execution. The general recipe for achieving an intended outcome is equal parts of the following: clear vision and mission, a practical strategic plan, daily activities linked to the mission, and unified commitment to the plan. However, orchestrating the details of these necessary components is somewhat more complicated. Crash Course in Strategic Planning uses a process approach to the creation of a strategic plan, providing practitioners with no-nonsense instruction on planning. The volume is arranged to lead the reader through the stages of planning, from the beginning development stages through the execution of the plan to completing the plan and attaining the objective. A variety of recommended planning techniques are supplied for groups to use to accomplish their planning goals, and the final chapter emphasizes the importance of overall organizational commitment to execution of the plan.

For practitioners, this text provides an easy-to-understand approach to strategic planning and execution. The general recipe for achieving an intended outcome is equal parts of the following: clear vision and mission, a practical strategic plan, daily activities linked to the mission, and unified commitment to the plan. However, orchestrating the details of these necessary components is somewhat more complicated. Crash Course in Strategic Planning uses a process approach to the creation of a strategic plan, providing practitioners with no-nonsense instruction on planning. The volume is arranged to lead the reader through the stages of planning, from the beginning development stages through the execution of the plan to completing the plan and attaining the objective. A variety of recommended planning techniques are supplied for groups to use to accomplish their planning goals, and the final chapter emphasizes the importance of overall organizational commitment to execution of the plan.

Everything you need to know about eBooks is explained in this holistic guide to a new world of reading—from selection and curation of an eBook collection to training and support for staff and patrons. EBooks are a must for today's libraries, making this introduction indispensable for those who have yet to delve into the ever-expanding universe of downloadable material. This "crash course" is an easy-to-use, hands-on approach that will simplify the decision and implementation processes. It introduces you to eBooks and eReading and covers the many issues surrounding eBooks in circulating libraries including technology, acquisition, and training. You'll learn how to launch a program, what to buy, how to let your public know you've added eBooks to your collection, and how to circulate the materials. The guide will also help you with decisions like vendor selection, how many eBooks to purchase, which delivery platforms to employ, how best to offer access, and licensing agreements. Chapters can be consulted as stand-alone overviews of key areas, or the book can be used as a source of holistic instruction. While it will be especially useful to small or rural circulating libraries, including public libraries, school libraries, and specialty libraries that may have a small staff responsible for all aspects of library service, tips on things like promoting an eBook collection are pertinent to enhancing any collection.

Concise, informative, and well-indexed, this book helps readers get the "big picture" as well as the considerable number of details involved in managing the finances for a library. For all libraries, money is critical to decision-making about technology, staffing, and collections. As a result, informed budgeting is critically important for any library to succeed. This book explains library finance in a practical, engaging way, using examples of real situations in different types of libraries to teach key points. Written by authors with years of experience in budgeting and financial planning within a variety of library settings and in teaching library management or fundraising at the university level, Crash Course in Library Budgeting and Finance makes it painless to learn how to properly manage money in any library environment. The book addresses the entire process of financial planning, from a general, conceptual overview of library budgeting to the details of generating and spending income, and describes best practices for implementing financial controls. Subjects covered include building construction and capital projects, fund raising, capital campaigns, moving to fee-based services, extending and developing earned income, financial best practices, and assessment and evaluation. The authors also make recommendations regarding when and how to share relevant financial information throughout the organization and with constituents throughout the book.

Future IT leaders won't be technology leaders, they'll be business leaders who understand technology. Leading the Digital Workforce takes a fresh look at technology leadership, exploring how to lead and manage in today’s digital workplace where the pace of change is exponential. This book walks you through building personal resiliency and avoiding stress and burnout to creating a strategy, building a high-performance team, and examining how technology will change the workforce of the future. Technology leadership requires a unique set of skills, which is why traditional leadership approaches don't always work. This book provides actionable advice on how to create a culture of innovation while driving successful change initiatives. Leading the Digital Workforce provides strategies for empowering people, optimizing processes, and inspiring innovation. This book offers insights into managing change, leveraging technology, and building strong relationships within your organization, including how to understand and work with company culture. Finally, it shares strategies for using technology and innovation to create a competitive edge to unlock new opportunities. Leading the Digital Workforce is essential reading for IT leaders who want to develop their skills, stay ahead of the digital curve, and lead their organizations into the future. No matter if you’re a new IT leader, an aspiring one, or a seasoned leader who’s been at it for years, there’s something in this book that will help you level up your game.

In addition to providing students with a solid foundation in library management, with its structured, practical knowledge this impressive volume will also benefit experienced managers.

In, A Crash Course in Starting a Business, Scott L. Girard, Jr., Michael O'Keefe, and Marc Price walk you through each phase of planning, conception and development for starting your own business. Whether you're at an unsavory job and looking to venture out on your own, or you've been on your own for a while and want a fresh perspective, A Crash Course in Starting a Business will bring you clarity, depth, and an ignition to get out there and make it happen! Or if you currently know next to nothing (or less) about business and are just looking for a painless read to educate you on the broad topic of entrepreneurship - look no further! Great for students, young professionals, and prospective entrepreneurs of all ages, A Crash Course in Starting a Business has everything you need to build that holistic foundation of entrepreneurship and get you pointed in the right direction to take the first step to getting out there and making it happen for yourself!