Craig's freelance blog

An online portfolio

People practices of high-performing companies

Posted by Craig on October 16, 2011

Article published in AFR BOSS: People practices of high-performing companies.

We know intrinsically that good leadership leads to strong financial performance. But, to date, it’s been rare to get hard evidence of that link in Australian companies. A landmark research report, released this month, has now applied some science to identifying exactly which people management strategies correlate with better financial results. See the full article here …

Posted in Finance, Human resources, Leadership | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off

Mining safety: mind the gaps

Posted by Craig on June 15, 2011

Article published in OHS Professional magazine: Mining safety: mind the gaps.

While mining is sustaining Australia’s economy, experts acknowledge that the production over safety debate still rages. Craig Donaldson explores this issue and looks at how mining companies can develop real cultures of safety. See the full article here, starting page 14 (PDF version) …

Posted in OHS, Risk management | Comments Off

Getting AML right

Posted by Craig on June 14, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Getting AML right.

With AUSTRAC taking a more active approach in enforcing anti-money laundering laws, risk management professionals need to be vigilant when it comes to compliance, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here (PDF scan) …

Posted in Finance, Risk management | Comments Off

Cyber attacks increase on resources companies

Posted by Craig on June 10, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Cyber attacks increase on resources companies.

Major resources companies are experiencing an increase in cyber attacks, with both competitors and foreign countries looking for information that will give them a commercial advantage, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

Posted in Risk management, Security, Technology | Comments Off

Building internal audit from the ground up

Posted by Craig on June 1, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Building internal audit from the ground up.

The Hollard Insurance Company has taken a whole-of-business approach in building a strong internal audit program, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

Posted in Finance, Risk management | Comments Off

Has BCM lost its way?

Posted by Craig on May 29, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Has BCM lost its way?

While the mechanics of companies’ business continuity plans are often fine in theory, management often overlooks the basic fact as to whether or not they would work in practice. See the full article here …

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Chinks in the armour

Posted by Craig on May 21, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Chinks in the armour.

Fraud is an ongoing issue for many Australian organisations. Craig Donaldson looks at the latest fraud trends, explores the most common vulnerabilities and details how companies can take a proactive and preventative approach to fraud. See the full article here, starting page 12 …

Posted in Finance, Risk management | Comments Off

Safety the biggest risk for oil and gas operators

Posted by Craig on May 19, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Safety the biggest risk for oil and gas operators.

Safety will be one of the biggest risks for the oil and gas industry as it actively recruits more skilled workers. See the full article here …

Posted in OHS, Risk management | Comments Off

Contained growth: The growing containerised trade in Australia

Posted by Craig on May 18, 2011

Article published in Property Australia magazine: Contained growth: The growing containerised trade in Australia.

Containerised trade is growing in Australia, bringing both opportunity and challenge for the property industry, reports Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

Posted in Property | Comments Off

Major projects forging ahead

Posted by Craig on May 16, 2011

Article published in Property Australia magazine: Major projects forging ahead.

Craig Donaldson explores six major projects that are underway globally which are likely to be delivered within the next couple of years. See the full article here …

Posted in Property | Comments Off

The risks of a rising dollar

Posted by Craig on May 6, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: The risks of a rising dollar.

With a high Australian dollar, companies should revisit their risk management strategies and implement good hedging policies, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

Posted in Finance, Risk management | Comments Off

Rising up through the risk ranks

Posted by Craig on April 29, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Rising up through the risk ranks.

Risk management professionals require a unique skill set in order to be effective at senior levels. Craig Donaldson speaks with three risk management leaders about their experience, the evolution of careers in risk management and what steps risk professionals need to take to make the chief risk officer grade. See the full article here, starting page 13 …

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Engaging supervisors in safety

Posted by Craig on April 13, 2011

Article published in OHS Professional magazine: Engaging supervisors in safety.

Cathy Grasso, OHS manager for Western Australia’s Water Corporation, speaks with Craig Donaldson about how the organisation provided supervisors with a self-directed approach for improving their safety effectiveness. See the full article on page 20 (PDF version) …

Posted in OHS | Tagged: , , , , | Comments Off

Green risk management

Posted by Craig on April 12, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Green risk management.

Corporate social responsibility, environmental issues and risk management are increasingly intertwined. Craig Donaldson explores this trend and speaks with a number of experts about the greening of risk management. See the full article here, starting on page 20 …

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Testing times

Posted by Craig on April 11, 2011

Article published in OHS Professional magazine: Testing times.

Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace is increasingly common. However, as Craig Donaldson writes, there are a number of important considerations to take into account with the development and implementation of any drug and alcohol policy. See the full article starting on page 22 (PDF version) …

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Tomago’s middle path

Posted by Craig on March 17, 2011

Article published in AFR Boss: Tomago’s middle path.

A new approach to negotiations helped crack a historically hostile culture at aluminium giant Tomago. See the full article here (subscription required) …

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Steps to attract the best procurement talent

Posted by Craig on March 17, 2011

Article published in Government News: Steps to attract the best procurement talent.

The complex economic environment in Australia and around the world will have a significant impact on public sector chief procurement officers (CPOs) in 2011. See the full article here …

Posted in Government | Comments Off

Paving the way to corporate governance

Posted by Craig on February 22, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Paving the way to corporate governance.

Corporate governance has come a long way in recent years. However many companies still struggle to build a strong organisation-wide culture of governance, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article on page 20 (free subscription required) …

Posted in Leadership, Risk management | Comments Off

Bridging the risk management and compliance gap

Posted by Craig on February 22, 2011

Article published in Risk Management magazine: Bridging the risk management and compliance gap.

While corporate governance is well developed in listed Australian companies, the practice of risk management is less so, with some companies considered complacent in terms of risk management planning, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article on page 18 (free subscription required) …

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Your 5 minute guide to refinancing your home loan

Posted by Craig on February 13, 2011

Article published on BankWest website: Your 5 minute guide to refinancing your home loan.

In the past years, many borrowers stuck with their home loan for the duration of their loan until fully paid off. However, with increased competition and many new lenders entering the market in recent years, borrowers are much more willing to refinance their loans for a number of reasons. See the full article here …

Posted in Copywriting, Finance | Comments Off

Top 7 tips to help you pay off your home loan sooner

Posted by Craig on February 13, 2011

Article published on BankWest website: Top 7 tips to help you pay off your home loan sooner.

While a home loan will be the most expensive purchase of most peoples’ lives, there are a number of steps that borrowers can take to pay off their home loan sooner. See the full article here …

Posted in Copywriting, Finance | Comments Off

Your 5 minute guide to Home Loans and Interest Rates

Posted by Craig on February 13, 2011

Article published on BankWest website: Your 5 minute guide to Home Loans and Interest Rates.

A home loan is the most common means of buying your own property. Home loans are provided by a lender, most often a bank, on the basis that the initial amount borrowed (the principal) will be repaid on a regular set basis, together with interest, which is essentially a fee charged by the lender for borrowing the money. See the full article here …

Posted in Copywriting, Finance | Comments Off

7 Common Home Loan Myths

Posted by Craig on February 13, 2011

Article published on BankWest website: 7 Common Home Loan Myths.

Buying a home will usually be the biggest investment that most Australians make. Before you wade into the home loan market, however, there are a number of common mortgage myths that need to be dispelled in order to get the best home loan deal. See the full article here …

best deal

Posted in Copywriting, Finance | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off

Fine for an unlocked car

Posted by Craig on January 28, 2011

Article published on Allianz website: Fine for an unlocked car.

Did you know that in some States, you can actually get fined if you walk away from your car ‎without locking it? You can even get fined if your windows are wound down too far while ‎the car is unattended.‎ See the full article here …

Posted in Copywriting, Finance | Comments Off

Comparing car insurance quotes: how to pick the best policy

Posted by Craig on January 28, 2011

Article published on Allianz website: Comparing car insurance quotes: how to pick the best policy.

When it comes time to pay your car insurance, you can save money by comparing insurance quotes. See the full article here …

Posted in Copywriting, Finance | Comments Off

Is comprehensive car insurance right for me?

Posted by Craig on January 28, 2011

Article published on Allianz website: Is comprehensive car insurance right for me?

In shopping around for the best comprehensive car insurance policy, one of the basic choices you need to make is whether you really need comprehensive car insurance, or whether third party property insurance is adequate. See the full article here …

Posted in Copywriting, Finance | Comments Off

Facing up to risky business

Posted by Craig on January 23, 2011

Article published in Government News: Facing up to risky business.

Local governments face a unique set of challenges when it comes to governance and risk management, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

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The Christchurch earthquake: business continuity planning in practice

Posted by Craig on November 23, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: The Christchurch earthquake: business continuity planning in practice.

Unisys and its clients benefited from a well-developed business continuity plan following the Christchurch earthquake. See the full article on page 18 (free subscription required) …

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The Z evolution

Posted by Craig on November 2, 2010

Motoring review published in Lawyers Weekly: The Z evolution.

Nissan have done a stellar job in taking its Z range to the next level with the 370Z, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

Posted in Motoring | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Look the part, don’t pay the price

Posted by Craig on October 25, 2010

Motoring review published in Lawyers Weekly: Look the part, don’t pay the price

Audi’s A6 2.0 TDI delivers European comfort and class at a price that won’t break the bank, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

Posted in Motoring | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off

Building cultures of safety

Posted by Craig on October 23, 2010

Article published in OHS Professional magazine: Building cultures of safety.

It is well established that organisational leaders at every level are responsible for shaping and building cultures of safety. Craig Donaldson looks at this process in practice and examines how OHS professionals can engage leaders to build cultures of safety. See the full article on page 16 (PDF version) …

Posted in OHS, Risk management | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off

Leading the way in mining safety

Posted by Craig on October 22, 2010

Article published in OHS Professional magazine: Leading the way in mining safety.

Alcoa of Australia has one of the lowest lost workday injury rates in the country. Craig Donaldson speaks with the company’s director of safety, Carl Phillips, about the company’s innovative approach to safety. See the full article on page 26 (PDF version) …

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A convertible in its own class

Posted by Craig on October 2, 2010

Motoring review published in Lawyers Weekly: A convertible in its own class.

Lexus’ entry-level luxury convertible, the IS 250C, is unsurpassed as far as quality and reliability go, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

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Making the cross over

Posted by Craig on September 23, 2010

Motoring review published in Lawyers Weekly: Making the cross over.

Nissan continues to pave the way in crossover SUVs with the latest version of its Murano, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

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Grand designs

Posted by Craig on September 18, 2010

Article published in CFO magazine: Grand designs.

The Henry review recommended a number of key changes to property tax. Craig Donaldson looks  at some of the challenges in formulating one of the favoured options for a stable tax base. See the full article here …

Posted in Finance | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off

Lockdown: tightening up facility security

Posted by Craig on September 18, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Lockdown: tightening up facility security.

Facility security professionals need to take a more efficient and strategic approach to managing the sites and buildings which they are responsible for. Craig Donaldson explores some of the latest trends in facility security, reveals some of the common vulnerabilities and looks at how facility security management can be taken to the next level. See the full article on page 18 (free subscription required) …

Posted in Risk management, Security | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

BP under fire over oil spill report

Posted by Craig on September 18, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: BP under fire over oil spill report.

BP has come in for more criticism following the release of its official report into Gulf of Mexico oil spill. See the full article here …

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A return to real governance

Posted by Craig on August 26, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: A return to real governance.

Boards’ focus in the economic crisis post-mortem should be on returning to “real” governance. See the full article here …

Posted in Leadership, Risk management | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Getting to grips with social media risks

Posted by Craig on August 25, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Getting to grips with social media risks.

Many companies are struggling to keep pace with developments in social media – let alone the potentially significant associated risks. See the full article here …

Posted in Risk management, Technology | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Tapping into corporate fraud

Posted by Craig on July 29, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Tapping into corporate fraud.

Fraud is on the rise across Australia – and is costing companies billions of dollars every year. Craig Donaldson looks at the latest trends in fraud post GFC, how Boards and executives can tackle the issue and key steps for risk professionals in embedding an effective anti-fraud culture across their organisation. See the full article on page 16 (free subscription required) …

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Getting up to speed at Telstra

Posted by Craig on July 29, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Getting up to speed at Telstra.

Effective inductions and onboarding play a vital role in improving the efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and engagement of new employees. HR Leader looks at how Telstra goes about onboarding and details some of the associated benefits. See the full article here …

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Stemming NRL salary cap scandals

Posted by Craig on July 29, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Stemming NRL salary cap scandals.

The Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal is the latest to beset the NRL, bringing into question the credibility of its risk management and compliance processes. See the full article here …

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Building a culture of compliance

Posted by Craig on July 9, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Building a culture of compliance.

While companies are getting better at compliance, compliance professionals need to take a more active role in securing the support of Boards and management. See the full article here …

Posted in Law, Risk management | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Good risk managers and badly behaving CEOs

Posted by Craig on June 28, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Good risk managers and badly behaving CEOs.

There are a number of lessons for risk managers about cultures of bullying and harassment in the recent resignation of David Jones’ chief executive. See the full article here …

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Be prepared with business continuity

Posted by Craig on June 24, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Be prepared with business continuity.

Business continuity planning leaves a lot to be desired at some companies. Craig Donaldson looks at some of the latest trends and examines how companies can get up to speed with good business continuity. See the full article on page 16 (free subscription required) …

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Corruption comes to surface in Securency scandal

Posted by Craig on June 23, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Corruption comes to surface in Securency scandal.

Allegations about widespread bribery and corruption at Securency, a Reserve Bank of Australia subsidiary which produces and supplies polymer banknotes, have raised serious concerns about the company’s management and corporate culture amidst an ongoing Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation. See the full article here …

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Unilever gets down to business with health

Posted by Craig on May 19, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Unilever gets down to business with health.

Proving the financial worth of corporate health and wellbeing programs is often a challenge. HR Leader finds out how manufacturer Unilever has developed a robust program that is hardwired into business outcomes. See the full article here …

Posted in Human resources, OHS | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Going private for your career in healthcare

Posted by Craig on May 19, 2010

Article published on CareerOne: Going private for your career in healthcare.

Careers in healthcare are booming and registered nurses are amongst those in hottest demand with no sign of a slow down. See the full article here …

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Nursing a private hospital career

Posted by Craig on May 19, 2010

Article published on CareerOne: Nursing a private hospital career.

Registered nurses are high on the government’s skills shortage list, so when Rachel Buckley graduated from University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2008, the nursing world was literally her oyster. See the full article here …

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Taking a flexible approach to nursing

Posted by Craig on May 19, 2010

Article published on CareerOne: Taking a flexible approach to nursing.

It can sometimes be a hard road for mothers to get back into the workforce. One success story is Belinda Moroney, a nurse who took a 14-year break from her career to raise her family. See the full article here …

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The importance of HR leadership

Posted by Craig on May 19, 2010

Article published by The Australian School of Business: The importance of HR leadership.

HR as a function has not always been perceived as one that is vital to the success of an organisation. This is changing, however, as senior leadership teams understand the value that effective HR leaders can add to a business. See the full article here …

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Improve production with better induction

Posted by Craig on May 19, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Improve production with better induction.

Inductions and onboarding programs are essential in bringing new employees on board and improving their efficiency, effectiveness and productivity in a short amount of time. HR Leader speaks with experts about how technology is streamlining and transforming this process. See the full article here …

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MBAs: What’s in them for HR?

Posted by Craig on May 2, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: MBAs: What’s in them for HR?

MBAs are particularly relevant for HR practitioners who are looking to broaden their business knowledge. HR Leader examines the process of choosing the ideal MBA school and program and how to get the most out of an MBA. See the full article here …

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At the compliance coalface of superannuation

Posted by Craig on April 26, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: At the compliance coalface of superannuation.

Compliance with superannuation rules and regulation is an oft-moving goalpost for HR and employers. HR Leader examines some of the latest issues and trends in superannuation and looks at how employers can tick all the compliance boxes. See the full article here …

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Airport safety – who’s protecting us?

Posted by Craig on April 23, 2010

Article published in Government News: Airport safety – who’s protecting us?

Huge changes have been touted for airport security in Australia, but technology alone will not plug all of the holes. See the full article here …

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Pulling together for safety’s sake

Posted by Craig on April 23, 2010

Article published in Government News: Pulling together for safety’s sake.

Government departments at all levels will soon be impacted by a national OHS regime. Craig Donaldson looks at what it will mean for the public sector and examines the hallmarks of good practice. See the full article here …

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The risks of relying on credit agencies

Posted by Craig on April 23, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: The risks of relying on credit agencies.

Former Citigroup leaders recently claimed that they didn’t look too closely at mortgage assets in the lead up to the GFC because they were AAA-rated, bringing into question both the credibility of credit-rating agencies and the internal risk processes of banks globally. See the full article here …

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Putting learning through the mixer

Posted by Craig on April 21, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Putting learning through the mixer.

Blended learning has evolved in recent years to become a dominant method of delivering learning. HR Leader looks at some of the latest trends in blended learning and how to get the mix right. See the full article here …

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Laying down the internal audit law

Posted by Craig on April 20, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Laying down the internal audit law.

The Institute of Internal Auditors Australia (IIA) recently called for non-negotiable risk assurance standards to be introduced for ASX-listed companies. Craig Donaldson examines how public companies fare when it comes to internal audit and looks at the implications of the IIA’s policy in practice. See the full article on page 20 (free subscription required) …

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Combating a culture of kickbacks

Posted by Craig on April 20, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Combating a culture of kickbacks.

Doing business in countries where bribery and kickbacks are part of the business culture presents a unique set of challenges for Australian companies. See the full article on page 14 (free subscription required) …

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Workforce flexibility: how to be fit-for-purpose

Posted by Craig on April 20, 2010

Article published on Knowledge@Australian School of Business: Workforce flexibility: how to be fit-for-purpose.

A crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind, suggests a Chinese proverb, and while the dangers of the global financial crisis were keenly felt by the business world at large and many organisations cut their workforces, others seized the chance to introduce more flexible work practices. See the full article here (free subscription required) …

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The dark side of leadership: bosses behaving badly

Posted by Craig on April 20, 2010

Article published on Knowledge@Australian School of Business: The dark side of leadership: bosses behaving badly.

Government and organisational leadership were stress-tested during the financial crisis – with dire consequences for cases such as 158-year-old financial giant Lehman Brothers, which collapsed under the strain. See the full article here (free subscription required) …

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Know thy worth

Posted by Craig on April 18, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Know thy worth – HR salary trends.

HR salaries are set to gradually increase following tough economic times. HR Leader examines some of the latest trends in HR remuneration and looks at how HR professionals can improve their pay prospects. See the full article here …

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Executive remuneration: striking a balance

Posted by Craig on April 9, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Executive remuneration: striking a balance.

There will be increased attention on executive remuneration in the wake of the global financial crisis. HR Leader examines some of the thorny issues and looks at how companies can get the executive remuneration balance right. See the full article here …

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In the public leadership spotlight

Posted by Craig on April 5, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: In the public leadership spotlight.

The Victorian Public Service took leadership into its own hands with the establishment of the Victorian Leadership Development Centre. HR Leader examines how this “centre of leadership excellence” operates and looks at what HR professionals can learn in the process. See the full article here …

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Talent management on call

Posted by Craig on April 5, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Talent management on call.

Many organisations struggle with developing and implementing effective and integrated talent management solutions. HR Leader looks at the award-winning approach that Optus uses in managing its talent. See the full article here …

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Keys to successful workforce planning: Westpac’s story

Posted by Craig on April 5, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Keys to successful workforce planning: Westpac’s story.

Workforce planning can make a significant contribution to the success of any company. HR Leader looks at how Westpac approaches the issue and details the makings of successful workforce planning programs. See the full article here …

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OHS shrugs off the GFC

Posted by Craig on March 31, 2010

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: OHS shrugs off the GFC.

With a national OHS regime on the horizon, OHS lawyers are set for an increasingly busy time. Lawyers Weekly looks at how OHS practice groups have fared over the past 18 months. See the full article here …

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Improve your recruitment prospects: spreading HR’s business wings

Posted by Craig on March 5, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Improve your recruitment prospects: spreading HR’s business wings.

HR professionals can broaden their experience in a business by rotating through other functions. HR Leader looks at this trend and how it can improve the recruitment prospects of HR proponents. See the full article here …

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E-learning: keep it simple, stupid

Posted by Craig on March 5, 2010

Article published in HR Leader magazine: E-learning: keep it simple,  stupid.

E-learning solutions need not be expensive or sophisticated to be effective. HR Leader looks at how The Laminex Group took a thrifty but successful approach to e-learning. See the full article here …

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Navigating the social networks

Posted by Craig on March 4, 2010

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: Navigating the social networks.

Australian lawyers and their firms have taken a conservative approach to social networking. Is it time to re-examine the merits of social media? See the full article here …

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Litigation risk rattles corporate cages

Posted by Craig on February 22, 2010

Article published in Risk magazine: Litigation risk rattles corporate cages.

As companies in Australia emerge from the immediate pain of the global financial crisis, experts are warning of a potential wave of post-GFC litigation. Craig Donaldson find out how to manage the risk of legal action. See the full article on page 12 (free subscription required) …

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Fighting fit at Rio Tinto

Posted by Craig on February 22, 2010

Article published in HR Leader: Fighting fit at Rio Tinto.

Corporate health and wellness programs reap a variety of results, from dismal to successful. HR Leader looks at what made Rio Tinto’s program a success and examines the lessons it learned in the process. See the full article here …

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HRIS – Hawaiian style

Posted by Craig on February 22, 2010

Article published in HR Leader: HRIS – Hawaiian style.

A good HRIS can make the daily life of HR professionals and the businesses they work in much easier. HR Leader looks at the experience of Western Australian-based property group Hawaiian and how it managed a smooth and seamless HRIS integration. See the full article here …

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Measure up

Posted by Craig on February 22, 2010

Article published in CFO magazine: Measure up.

Financial chiefs can transform people management from a warm and fuzzy art to a quantifiable process, Craig Donaldson writes. See the full article here (subscription only) …

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Blowing the OHS whistle

Posted by Craig on January 28, 2010

Article published in OHS Professional magazine: Blowing the OHS whistle.

There have been a number of incidences in which workers have felt the need to blow the whistle on poor OHS practices. Craig Donaldson speaks with a number of experts about this issue and looks at how employers can avoid cases of OHS whistleblowing through good OHS policy and practice. See the full article on page 17 (PDF version) …

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Putting a finger on workers’ compensation fraud

Posted by Craig on January 28, 2010

Article published in OHS Professional magazine: Putting a finger on workers’ compensation fraud.

Fraudulent workers’ compensation claims have long been a thorn in the side of employers and their insurers. Craig Donaldson looks at some of the latest issues and trends in such fraud and asks what employers can do about it. See the full article on page 20 (PDF version) …

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At the coalface

Posted by Craig on January 15, 2010

Article published by CEO Forum: At the coalface.

When Nicole Hollows was appointed CEO of Macarthur Coal three years ago, it came with one day’s notice and at a time of significant organisational change. Hollows describes how both she and her role as CEO have evolved over that time and shares her insights on leadership, culture change, being a female CEO and lessons from the GFC. See the full article here …

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Clients, culture & cachet

Posted by Craig on December 8, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: Clients, culture & cachet.

Law firms outwardly pride themselves on fostering unique professional working cultures with lawyers to match. But what do clients really think of firms’ cultures and the lawyers that represent them? See the full article here …

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Fail! The 10 worst business decisions

Posted by Craig on December 3, 2009

Article published on ninemsn: Fail! The 10 worst business decisions.

Over the centuries, there have been some crackers when it comes to bad business decisions. Craig Donaldson lists 10 of the classic additions to the hall of bad business decisions fame.  See the full article here …

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Boutique law firms take talent war to the top tier

Posted by Craig on November 28, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: Boutique law firms take talent war to the top tier.

The lull in legal services at the top end of town has highlighted the emerging force of boutique firms, and the war is on for the boutiques to secure some top talent. See the full article here …

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How to protect your business against interest and currency rate change risks

Posted by Craig on November 24, 2009

Article published on ninemsn: How to protect your business against interest and currency rate change risks.

Businesses need to prepare themselves for both higher interest rates and the possibility of a strong Australian dollar over the years to come, writes Craig Donaldson.  See the full article here …

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Getting on a pay roll

Posted by Craig on November 24, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Getting on a pay roll.

Payroll is constantly faced with the need to improve cost efficiencies while maintaining an important focus on compliance and customer service delivery. HR leader looks at some of the latest trends and reveals some important developments for payroll professionals. See the full article here …

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A new lease on company car life

Posted by Craig on November 24, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: A new lease on company car life.

HR plays a pivotal role in novated leasing programs. Craig Donaldson looks at the pros and cons of such programs and examines how some companies have gone about successfully putting them in place. See the full article here …

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How to keep going when disaster strikes

Posted by Craig on November 20, 2009

Article published on ninemsn: How to keep going when disaster strikes.

Business continuity planning is one of the most common precautionary steps a company can take to prepare for any level of operational interruption. Craig Donaldson explores some of the common business continuity risks and how to plan for them.  See the full article here …

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Sports law clears GFC hurdles

Posted by Craig on November 20, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: Sports law clears GFC hurdles.

With the globalisation of the sporting industry, increasing commercial interests and contracts, sports law is developing as an increasingly sophisticated and complex practice area. We take a look at the issues and trends for lawyers who work behind the scenes of Australia’s mammoth sports industry. See the full article here …

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How to manage people risk in your business

Posted by Craig on November 11, 2009

Article published on ninemsn: How to manage people risk in your business.

They’re the engine that powers your business, but how do you stop them becoming the risk that puts you under? Craig Donaldson looks at how you can manage people risk. See the full article here …

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Technology lawyers ride GFC wave

Posted by Craig on November 11, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: Technology lawyers ride GFC wave.

Technology practice areas have weathered the global financial crisis better than most, with a number of significant developments making up for potential losses of billable work as a result of cutbacks in clients’ IT budgets. See the full article here …

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Mastering MBAs

Posted by Craig on October 17, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader magazine: Mastering MBAs.

MBAs have long been seen as both a stepping stone and milestone in professional career progress. Craig Donaldson looks at some of the latest MBA trends and examines the all-important process of how to choose the ideal MBA school and program. See the article in Lawyers Weekly here and in HR Leader here

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Educating executives

Posted by Craig on October 17, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Educating executives.

Executive education is a popular and cost-effective option for many time-poor business professionals when it comes to bolstering knowledge and skills. Craig Donaldson looks at the latest trends in executive education and how participants can get the best return on their learning and development dollar. See the full article here …

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Global HR: Russia and China

Posted by Craig on October 6, 2009

Article published in the UK’s Personnel Today: Global HR: Russia and China.

HR is developing rapidly in the emerging superpowers of China and Russia, moving from an administrative mindset to establish itself as a recognised profession increasingly similar to its UK counterpart. Craig Donaldson reports. See the full article here …

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It’s time to take the incentive initiative

Posted by Craig on September 28, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: It’s time to take the incentive initiative.

Employee incentive programs can play a big role in boosting productivity and employee engagement. HR Leader details the elements of successful incentive programs and why HR plays an important role in them. See the full article here …

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Getting with the learning game

Posted by Craig on September 28, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Getting with the learning game.

Training: employees want more and more of it – putting pressure on HR professionals to be more creative with tighter budgets. Craig Donaldson looks at how The Collingwood Football Club did more with less through the implementation of a new learning management system. See the full article here …

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Value in people

Posted by Craig on September 10, 2009

Article published in CFO magazine: Value in people.

Although it is hard to measure and often ignored by analysts, improved employee engagement delivers better financial performance and a higher share price. Craig Donaldson reports. See the full article here (subscription only) …

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Practice profile: workplace relations

Posted by Craig on September 10, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: Practice profile: Workplace relations.

The global financial crisis and the Fair Work Act are keeping employment and workplace relations lawyers busy, writes Craig Donaldson, but the work is about to get a lot more complicated. See the full article here …

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Global HR: Asia Pacific

Posted by Craig on September 9, 2009

Article published in the UK’s Personnel TodayGlobal HR: Asia Pacific.

In the second part of its international series, Craig Donaldson finds that while HR in the Asia Pacific region is well developed, the profession in the UK remains more advanced in a number of ways. See the full article here …

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A supermodel among supercars

Posted by Craig on September 3, 2009

Motoring review published in Lawyers Weekly: A supermodel among supercars.

Aston Martin’s DBS is an envy-magnet on wheels, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

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People profit … and how to measure it

Posted by Craig on August 19, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: People profit … and how to measure it.

A company’s employees are typically its largest expense, but often the least measurable when it comes to productivity and profit. Craig Donaldson looks at how HR can help a company measure what an employee is really worth. See the full article here …

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Bottom-line benefits of leadership development

Posted by Craig on August 13, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Bottom-line benefits of leadership development.

Leadership is the topic du jour for many HR professionals, but many organisations still struggle with how to treat tomorrow’s leaders today. Craig Donaldson details how Infosys has gone about it and looks at the bottom-line benefits. See the full article here …

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The big salary freeze

Posted by Craig on August 12, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: The big salary freeze.

A number of firms have implemented salary freezes and battened down the payroll hatches to contain costs in the face of the economic downturn. Craig Donaldson looks at the latest trends in legal salaries and what they mean for lawyers. See the full article here …

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