Craig's blog

An online portfolio

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) …

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

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) …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

Posted in Human resources, Risk management | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

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 …

Posted in Law, Technology | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

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

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

Training on tap makes upskilling easy

Posted by Craig on August 8, 2009

Article published on CareerOne, Training on tap makes upskilling easy.

Upskilling is key to remaining employable in the current economic climate, and it has never been easier to take the initiative and sharpen your skills. See the full article here …

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

The 360-degree spin

Posted by Craig on August 4, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: The 360-degree spin.

360-degree feedback is a well-rounded and established method of assessing employee managerial performance. Craig Donaldson looks at how a leading automotive retailer has successfully used 360-degree feedback to develop its leaders and improve business performance. See the full article here …

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

Take the pressure down – reducing workplace stress

Posted by Craig on August 4, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Take the pressure down – reduce workplace stress.

Stress in the workplace is a problem for a significant number of organisations. Craig Donaldson looks at the unique case of the South Australian Ambulance Service and how it goes about managing and reducing stress among its workforce. See the full article here …

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

BMW breaks SUV mould

Posted by Craig on August 4, 2009

Motoring review published in Lawyers Weekly: BMW breaks SUV mould.

BMW’s X6 xDrive 50i breaks the traditional SUV mould, and it seems that buyers like it. Craig Donaldson reports. See the full article here …

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

Winning ways: 2008 Australian HR Awards guide

Posted by Craig on August 3, 2009

A series of articles published in HR Leader magazine: Winning ways: a guide to the 2008 Australian HR Awards.

The Australian HR Awards recognise excellence across the entire spectrum of HR, with 17 categories ranging from strategic planning and innovation in recruitment, through to best HR team and the CEO award for best HR champion. See the full e-zine guide here …

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

Practice profile: Infrastructure and construction

Posted by Craig on July 27, 2009

Article published in Lawyers Weekly: Practice profile: Infrastructure and construction.

Work for lawyers in infrastructure and construction practices across the country has been sluggish as a result of the global financial crisis, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

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

Online compliance training guide

Posted by Craig on July 21, 2009

Online compliance training guide published in HR Leader magazine

First article: Technology as tutor.

There have been a number of important technological developments in online compliance training. Craig Donaldson examines these trends and looks at how HR can maximise the return on investment in online compliance training. See the full article here …

Second article: Falling in line with learning.

Organisations must comply with a growing number of legislative and regulatory requirements. Craig Donaldson examines some of the more important requirements and looks at how HR can help their organisations make the most of online compliance training. See the full article here …

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

Bridging the gap

Posted by Craig on July 8, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Bridging the gap.

The economic downturn has impacted on HR technology in a number of ways. Craig Donaldson speaks with experts about this and what HR can expect from relevant technology in the future. See the full article here …

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

Continuing recognition in recession

Posted by Craig on July 8, 2009

Article published in HR Leader magazine: Continuing recognition in recession.

Rewarding and recognising performance is especially important in a downturn. Craig Donaldson speaks with experts about this and how HR can assist in the process. See the full article here …

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

Bentley’s GT Convertible

Posted by Craig on July 6, 2009

Motoring review published in Lawyers Weekly: Bentley’s GT Convertible

Bentley’s GT Convertible redefines expectations of what a luxury convertible can achieve, writes Craig Donaldson. See the full article here …

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

The Sydney Morning Herald Essential Guide to Managing Your Executive Career

Posted by Craig on June 26, 2009

Guide published by Fairfax: The Sydney Morning Herald Essential Guide to Managing Your Executive Career.

The Sydney Morning Herald Essential Guide to Managing Your Executive Career, sponsored by EPR is a comprehensive 24-page guide. It offers advice on planning, goal setting and advertising yourself effectively. It also recommends techniques for networking, presenting and negotiating in order to make the most of your career. The aim is to get the best job for you. See more information here …

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