Small Business Blog from Atlantic Canada

Now that you have your business objectives that are measurable as defined by your strategy you need to look at the initiatives (programs) you need to undertake. Simply put, a program is a series of related or unrelated projects that further a certain goal. Just to drive home the point, the program is a portfolio of projects designed to achieve your organizational goal (strategy). Having a good program management also ensures your resources are prioritized and aligned.

“The current crisis is unprecedented!” “Governments globally are reducing interest rates to historic lows in response to this crisis.” “Government is urging banks to lend.” “TSX is down another 100 points …”

Not a day goes by these days without us hearing the words of economic gloom and doom. Deficit’s seem to be the new economic mantra. It seems to be the magic wand that will seemingly fix our economic woes. And perhaps it will. But I am not sure that getting into a deficit to fund infrastructure spending is the key to our economic recovery. A deficit may be effective depending on how we get into deficit.

I received the following email a few days ago. From my experience working with an investment bank, I know that VCs NEVER send out such emails soliciting clients. This is most likely a scam. This is the first time I have received one. Beware of such emails - you have been warned!

I think the answer lies in speculators and hedge funds. They are no longer buying (using debt) futures and forwards as they used to. Did this cause the increase in demand in the first place? Did these funds create an artificial demand? I find it quite hard to believe demand for crude from actual users (i.e. those individuals and businesses who actually take delivery of the asset in a forward or a futures contract) just slid off the cliff in less than three weeks.