Settling in log homes has always been an issue, adding cost and complexity to log home construction. Using traditional methods of construction, logs are stacked horizontally one on top of the other (either scribed or chinked). Because logs tend to shrink and settle over time, the multiple layers of logs compound the effect of wood shrinkage. A traditional 10' log wall will settle upward of 6 to 8 inches depending upon the moisture content of the logs. Special construction methods must be employed to counter the effects of settling.

The cost of doing business continuously increases as gasoline prices soar. Many service companies (e.g. plumbing, air conditioning and chimney contractors) have realized this as gasoline expenses have reached the ceiling. In an effort to offset this cost many companies are cutting budgets in other key areas like marketing and advertising. Many companies are realizing as they cut budgets for advertising they are seeing a decrease in profits which requires further budget cuts. This can have a snowball effect; however, there are adjustments that can be made to relieve the strain on the gasoline budget.

Though many of the Lean tools have originated in the Toyota Production System, the maturation and migration of them to non-manufacturing settings is a natural evolution. This evolution builds on the foundation of Lean in the plant and adapts the concepts to other venues. 5S Workplace Organization is one lean tool that is increasingly applied in the office as well as in the plant. The basic reason for this cross-border applicability stems from its title, Workplace Organization.

China was where printing methods were developed, as early as the 6th century CE. During that period, block printing methods were in use to produce cloth as well as manuscripts, wall hangings, and tapestries.

Global supply chain management has emerged as a major topic in the age of globalization and now it is sitting at the heart of the whole system. But you might be asking yourself, so what exactly is supply chain management and how can it affect my company?

Trying to decide whether honing in on a niche will help boost your business? This article will tell you exactly why defining a niche will actually bring you more business!

Running a business gets so demanding, that we often can't see the wood for the trees. We become preoccupied with ensuring that everything in the business works the way it is supposed to. In other words, we spend most of our time working in the business.

There's a lot of excitement today in the health care field about the benefits that Lean practice can bring. This is especially critical in an environment where patient care needs are climbing while the pool of skilled resources and reimbursement for services shrink. Lean Advisors Inc. is working in the healthcare industry to help them implement Lean in order to be able to do more with less while doing it better. The key is to apply Lean methods in an environment driven by the unique values that surround patient care.

Every field is highly competitive nowadays. A new entrant in the business world finds it very difficult to face the heat. This article helps you to learn the art of getting a winning edge.

According to their annual report available on their website, in the last fiscal year-ending, SBC spent over two-and-a-half billion dollars on advertising. Verizon's annual report shows just over two billion. Sprint, nearly a billion. AT&T (who had stripped back their advertising budget) just under half a billion.

To achieve a successful fundraising event you will need to create awareness and excitement for your fundraising event. The bigger the crowd of people you attract for your fundraiser, the bigger amount of money that will be raised for your group. Below are some tips for generating interest in your fundraising event!

Ah, the ebb and flow of work. Sometimes it seems like there is much more ebbing than flowing with all of the workflow, the deadlines, the projects and presentations, but overall the tide seems to constantly be flowing in and out, in and out, in and . . . sorry.

Many small companies are trying to empower their employees and alleviate some of the hardships of over regulations, taxation and paper work. Often these small businesses will attempt to make their employees Independent Contractors. Where this might sound like a good idea it is also a very gray area of law and can get you into a real bind if not done correctly.

Ohio has had some bumpy economic rides in the past as the auto industry has taken hits from Japanese Imports, high steel prices, wars, recessions, NAFTA and now robotics. These issues have caused complete boom and bust cycles for the automobile manufacturing sector in Ohio. When workers are laid off, then those high paying and generally union jobs slow the money flows in the other sectors, such as retail, professional services, banking, real estate, etc.

The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Division’s Franchising Group is not well known by consumers or the citizenry. Franchising in the United States Accounts for one-third every consumer dollar spent and 400,000 outlets or stores. The Federal Trade Commission over sees the franchising industry. Some franchisors believe the FTC desperately needs turn over at the franchising division.