Reviews (18)

"Lack of feedback is one of the most critical flaws in existing aid." (Worthy of 4 stars if not for author's quirks--see below.)
JFK declared in 1961 that "existing foreign aid programs and concepts are largely unsatisfactory." He then stated his intention "during this coming decade of development to achieve a decisive turnaround in the fate of the less-developed world, looking toward the ultimate day...when foreign aid will no longer be needed."45 years on innumerable people all over the globe are wondering what went wrong. The author of this book, an economist formerly with the World Bank, thinks he has an answer.In his view, "the legend that inspired foreign aid in the 1950s is the same legend that inspires foreign aid today"---"that the poorest countries are in a poverty trap...from which they cannot emerge without an aid-financed Big Push."Western elitist balderdash, William Easterly, calls this notion; arguing that the economical and political complexity of any society "dooms any attempt to achieve the end of poverty through a plan," adding that "no rich society has ended poverty in this way."How then is the West supposed to wipe out hunger, malaria, AIDS, TB, illiteracy, etc. within upwards of a 3,4, or 5 dozen countries around the world, all within a ten or fifteen years, or within any specific time frame.Utopian social engineering has not, to say the least, been particularly successful in living up to its rhetoric.It ought not be a revelation, thus, that "a big problem with foreign aid has been its aspiration to a utopian blue-print to fix the world's complex problems."How many cycles of "idealism, high expectations, disappointing results, cynical backbash" ought it take for us to conclude that some things just cannot be accomplished by planning fiat.It doesn't help matters, either, that "in the typical utopian program, everything is done at once and it is impossible to learn what works and what doesn't."
Masterful combination of rigorous analysis and real-life experience
In The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good, William Easterly does a masterful job of taking the complex topics of international development and aid and making them understandable and accessible to the uninitiated.He does this not through dumbing-down the subject, patronizing his reader, or oversimplification, but through effectively lifting the shrouds of jargon, pretentiousness and mystification that drape most academic and international organization publications.Easterly seems to take delight at poking fun at the reams of incomprehensible babble and acronyms that spew out of most official documents.
This should be required reading, along with Collision and Collusion, the Strange Case of Western Aid for Eastern Europe
I spent 5 years doing a private development project. What I learned is exactly what Easterly says and more.
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Subjects:  1. Developing countries    2. Economic assistance    3. International Relations - General    4. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Poverty    7. Prevention    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Third World Development    11. Social Science / Poverty   

Reviews (6)

Very Helpful
The world is full of experts at what is wrong with the things that we do. Dr. Carver has a rock-solid, well thought out suggestion concerning how to do it right. One reviewer complained that Dr. Carver's suggestions are not realistic. Right isnot often realistic, but right is always right. It's far better to start with an ideal and compromise from that point than to capitulate from the outset. Boards that Make a Difference is well worth reading.

Idealistic
The carver style of governance is a tad idealistic and perhaps overly optimistic.I have read everything Dr Carver has written concerning this field and enjoy this material at an academic level.But when it comes tooperationalizing this model in boardrooms I've seen it fail time and timeagain.Not to say that the model is flawed because in fact the model isnormative and conceptually complete.However it doesn't capture thatelement of reality from which, in my experience, the model requires -practicality and real-world application.Dr Carver's notion that Boardscan do without Finance and Audit Committees is very naive.Mostconsultants from the chartered accountant genre are saying the completeopposite.In fact most government policy initiatives are moving towardmore control of financial affairs of organizations for boards from chartsof accounts to fiscal policy.So I don't think the elimination of Financeand Audit Committees is realistic nor is it a terribly bright suggestion. I guess my only crticism is that the carver model is far to idealistic andphilosophical for a practical application in the form Dr Carver suggests. Sorry but a hybrid model of traditional Board governance and the carvermodel may work given the commitment required from directors tofollow-though on everything suggested in that system of governance,

A must-have for not-for-profits!
This book was the core piece of a radical change in our board room. It led us down the path we knew we wanted to go but didn't know how to get there. His model for board room organization could revolutionize boards ofcompanies in transition, like those of the rural electric program inAmerica. It's a road map for where you already know in your heart that youwant to go. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Associations, institutions, et    2. Associations, institutions, etc.    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Corporate & Business History - General    7. Directors of corporations    8. Leadership    9. Management    10. Non-Profit Organizations Management    11. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    12. Nonprofit organizations    13. Public Administration    14. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    15. Civil service & public sector    16. Management decision making   

Reviews (14)

A lot of nothing
This book has very little to teach you and it's virtually unreadable. Make sure you read one or two pages before you buy in case you are like me and you can't stand his style.

Great, but Swensen's New Book is Better
This book covers the HOW and WHY of diversification.While everyone claims to understand diversification, there have been few individuals or institutions that have actually applied the concepts as well as Swensen.
solid primer on institutional money management
Swenson's reputation was made by the investment results he has generated, which in turn are based on good insights and steely discipline in managing a portfolio.That said, he could have used an editor on this book.His prose style is almost a mockery of a business presentation - here's what he's going to say, he says it, and then a recap of what he said.Still, his style, with its absolute emphasis on clearly communicating to the reader, is a huge improvement over quasi-academic articles in the Journal of Finance.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Economics - Theory    5. Finance    6. Investments    7. Investments & Securities - General    8. Non-Profit Organizations Management    9. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    10. Portfolio Management    11. Business & Economics / Economics / Theory    12. Economic theory & philosophy    13. Investment & securities   

Reviews (12)

Strategic leaders at NPOs should read this book
The authors of this book do a nice job of condensing the content of their book into a diagram at page 15 that they entitle: "The Strategic Planning Process." Then they explain the diagram chapter by chapter. The chapters are full of good information and lots of exhibits, worksheets, and real-life examples. Job well done! I recommend to anybody interested in preparing a business plan for a for-profit or a nonprofit to read this book. And I also recommend all strategic leaders (i.e. executive directors, board chairs, and CEOs) read this book. It should be helpful to them in performing their job duties.
good basic introduction
Book provides a good basic introduction to strategic planning from the non-profit perspective. Although I already knew strategic planning from the corporate side, this book showed how it differs when applied to the non-profit arena. The review of the SWOT process was a bit simplistic, but I found the checklist for evaluating projects helpful. The disc and the worksheets were definitely worth the price of the book

Excellent Resource for Non-profit Boardmembers
This book is a step by step guide with suggested modifications to fit the needs of any group.The worksheets, included on an accompanying CD, are very useful.I highly recommend this book to anyone involved in strategic planning for any organization - public, private or non-profit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Management    5. Non-Profit Organizations Management    6. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    7. Nonprofit organizations    8. Strategic Planning    9. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    10. Business strategy    11. Non-profitmaking organizations   

Subjects:  1. Advertising & Promotion    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Marketing    6. Marketing - General    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Nonprofit organizations    9. Business & Economics / Marketing / General    10. Non-profitmaking organizations    11. Sales & marketing   

Reviews (1)

Governance as Leadership
I found this book to be a breath of fresh air.It offers a new way of looking at nonprofit boards, in a relatively short, easy to read manner.There is a wealth of information designed to help nonprofit boards of directors become more effective.Unfortunately, existing approaches have been less than successful with most boards.This book identifies the problem as one of purpose rather than performance.
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Subjects:  1. Boards of directors    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Corporate governance    6. Leadership    7. Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Trusts and trustees    11. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    12. Business & Management   

Reviews (2)

Highly Recommend this Book!!!
I just received this book in the mail and it is beautiful. If you know a knitter or someone who aspires to learn knitting (although this is not a "how-to" book for those who can't knit), or just want to buy a great inspirational book, I can't recommend this book enough!! It is a beautiful, inspiring book. It has quotes, photos and stories of organizations that knit for others---orphans, refugees, preemies, animal shelter pets, and a host of other highly inspiring organizations. I discovered that knitting for peace and for others is a part of our heritage and pure Americana. I commend the author for this beautiful, inspiring, well-written book. I plan on buying several for holiday gifts. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would!
so inspiring yet simple
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is full of information and inspiring stories. It also has some great historical anecdotes. In addition, it's gorgeous!!
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Subjects:  1. Charity    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Patterns    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Reference    11. Social aspects    12. Crafts & Hobbies / General    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Editorial Review

John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work--not at business school or leading Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s--but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. Wood felt trapped between an all-consuming career and a desire to do something lasting and significant. Stressed from the demands of his job, he took a vacation trekking in Nepal because a friend had told him, "If you get high enough in the mountains, you can't hear Steve Ballmer yelling at you anymore."

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Reviews (7)

JohnWood - Hero
Whoever came up with the title of this book deserves an award for most descriptive title.John Wood is a truly remarkable person.The book is about his giving up a lucrative carreer with Microsoft to establish Room to Read, an organization for building and stocking libraries and schools in Asia. If you are drifting into cynicism, spend some time reading this book to recharge your "maybe it all isn't going to Hell "batteries.
Just Dive In...Think Big
Anyone who has ever questioned whether individuals can make a difference and change the world of poverty and illiteracy in our poorest nations should read this book--and be prepared to be convinced and inspired!This book describes the journey of John Wood, a Microsoft marketer burned out by the rat race and trekking through Nepal, who rediscovers meaning and purpose in this impoverished nation whose people yearn for education but are hampered by lack of resources, illiteracy rates of 70%, and no books in village schools.Moved by the villagers' passion and commitment for learning, Wood sends a simple email request to friends for used children's books.The response he receives is overwhelming, providing the seeds for Room to Read, a nonprofit organization he founded with his colleagues to develop schools and libraries to educate children in poor countries.
The Real Deal
John's pursuit of education for ultimately 10 million children is a noble one.Even more impressive is his drive-for-results management of Room to Read as described in this book. Thoughtful and well-written, this book in the end achieves what so many others fail at . . . making one person believe that they too can change the world.Bravo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Case studies    4. Education    5. Education, Rural    6. Entrepreneurship    7. General    8. Illiteracy And Literacy Education    9. Literacy    10. Non-Profit Organizations Management    11. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    12. Room to Read (Organization)    13. South Asia    14. Southeast Asia    15. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities   

Reviews (8)

A college textbook that has crossed over into the nonprofit world as a treatise for "non-students" on strategic planning.
I certainly liked this book a lot, but I didn't love it. Ergo, it gets a 4 star rating. If you want a detailed account regarding strategic planning, then read this book. It is well documented and clearly organized. Unfortunately it is boring!
Strategic Planning
Its a book highly recommended by for any Social Worker trying to stay competitive when funding is getting tighter and evaluation criteria is getting more strict.

A Real Bore
I pity those in strategic planning if this textbook is the best around.I found it to be the most boring text I had ever read.It was hard to get more than two pages read before snoozing.I finally gave up and started reading the summaries, and then going back over the details if I had time.In addition to the boredom, the political correctness had me groaning all the way through.Exploration of Venus? - give me a break!
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Management    5. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    6. Nonprofit organizations    7. Public Affairs & Administration    8. Public administration    9. Strategic Planning    10. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    11. Business & Management   

Subjects:  1. Counseling - General    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Human services    5. Psychotherapy - Counseling    6. Social workers    7. United States    8. Charities & voluntary services    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Counseling   

Subjects:  1. Accounting    2. Accounting - Financial    3. Bookkeeping    4. Business & Economics    5. Business / Economics / Finance    6. Business/Economics    7. Financial Accounting    8. Non-Profit Organizations Management    9. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    10. Nonprofit organizations    11. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    12. Management accounting   

Reviews (3)

A book for the 21st century
Niven is one of the best authors on BSC. If this administration and communications tool has been hailed as one the best new concepts in the business world, in nonprofit and government administration it can have even more impact. It is a great general introduction, but even seasoned experts will find enlightenment and a great very updated bibliography. Works very well as a textbook for nonprofit management with HBS cases.

Clear, informative and highly implementable advice
Although the Balanced Scorecard has taken over performance mangagement thinking in business, its linkages and adaptability to public and non-profit organizations has remained extremely challenging. I currently am resposible for leading planning and strategy development for a large social services provider in Canada.Being a strong proponent of Balanced Scorecard theory, I anxiously waited two months for Paul Niven's latest book to hit the shelves in hope that I could adapt the balanced scorecard approach to evaluate our organization's strategy. Long story short >> Balanced Scorecard for Government and Nonprofit Agencies was an incredible investment, and we are now on the way to better measuring and reporting on our organization's progress with the help of this book's advice, tips and proecess design steps. Good & Practical Book on Balanced Scorecard
I've read most of the literature on the Balanced Scorecard and the previous books by Norton & Kaplan and Paul Niven himself.Being a Management Consultant of 15 years, I worked with numerous for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and have the usual skepticism towards theory books.This latest book on Balanced Scorecardwas easy-to-read with numerous examples from Balanced Scorecard implementations in public sector.I found the step-by-step approach to be practical and quite down-to-earth with numerous take aways for a reader interested in BSC or a performance management practitioner, like myself.The book rightly touches upon the challenges in the scorecard implementations, and offers valuable advice.If you haven't read any previous books on this subject, you can read this book alone for a good idea on what the Balanced Scorecard is all about, and how you go about its implementation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administrative agencies    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Evaluation    5. Management    6. Management - General    7. Non-Profit Organizations Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Political Science    11. Public Administration    12. Public Affairs & Administration    13. Total quality management in go    14. Total quality management in government    15. Business & Economics / Management    16. Central government    17. Local government    18. Non-profitmaking organizations    19. Quality Assurance (QA) & Total Quality Management (TQM)   

Reviews (7)

Warwick is a skillful writer
Warwick's writing style is extremely straightforward and clear. It was a pleasure to learn these tips on writing equally straightforward solicitation letters. What differentiates this book from other ones is that it is up-to-date and remains relevant.

Every Non-Profit Should Have This Book
Fundraising is a very specialized area of copywriting and marketing. Unlike the more common direct mail letter wherein you are selling a product or service, fundraising often offers nothing more to the receipient than a chance to feel good about doing good. The best book of its kind ...
There are many many books and courses on how to write a funding proposal but few out there on how to write and develop your organization's annual campaign. Fortunately Mal Warwick's is the only book you'll ever need. Thorough, loaded with examples, not only of solicitation letters but follow up and thank you letters as well -- if you're a development professional this is one book you must have on your shelf. Using Mal Warwick's books and website, along with a great deal of marketing reading, I successfully redesigned my organization's membership campaign - raising our overall donations by 33% the first year and an additional 25% the second year.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Writing    5. Business/Economics    6. Direct-mail fund raising    7. Finance    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Small Business - Capital Generation    11. Budgeting & financial management    12. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    13. Charities & voluntary services    14. Non-profitmaking organizations    15. Writing & editing guides   

Reviews (3)

Budget Management
When I purchased this book I thought it might be outdated for my organization. I was wrong - this is an excellent budget WORKBOOK. The author did an excellent job in bringing the complex and problematic issues of budgeting for Nonprofit organizations and takes you step by step into the process. The book covers everything from the start of the budget to financial reporting of the budget. This book also provides numerous samples of budgets. If your a budget manager or director - this book should give a fresh new way to look at the budgeting process.

Budgeting Made Easy
This book is a must have for not-for-profit organizations wishing to improve their budgeting process. This book encourages a botttom up budget building process involving those people intimately familiar with each department. In easy to understand language Dropkin and LaTouche walk you through each step of the budgeting process from planning to monitoring.Helpful sample forms and practical resources are included. The Budget Building Book for Nonprofits takes the fear out of budgeting.

A practical "how to" guide for middle management
This book steps you through the terminology and methodology of preparing and using budgets in the special case of the Nonprofit organization.It is particularly useful for middle (program) managers - how to deal with the Board of Directors, and so on.The book could use a few more computational examples, but it has excellent worksheets and checklists to simplify the task and keep you on track.It says what it has to say very concisely, which helps you to focus on the tips and pointers.It is really like an annotated workbook, complete with a sample budget.If you have to do this stuff, this book is invaluable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Budget in business    2. Budgeting    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Finance    7. Non-Profit Organizations Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Budgeting & financial management    11. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities   

Reviews (4)

The Perfect Guide for the Perfect Board Member
Clemon's new volume is a wonderful tool for individuals who are about to enter a challenging and sometimes unknown world - the world of Board service. I have served on a number of Boards in my nearly 35 years of professional life, including 8 years service as an elective office holder, perhaps the most difficult of all Boards of serve on. How I wish that I had Clemon's insights during that time. Buy the book- its a gem.

The Perfect Board is a 'Perfect Resource'
The Perfect Board is a great resource and provides a list of requirements for my (future) Board Members, the legal necessities related to meetings, and decision making in groups. Most importantly, the writing style makes for a very easy and interesting read. Instead of a textbook and academic approach that typically puts me to sleep, the writing style is straightforward and practical, and this combines to keep it compelling.
Well Written and Informative
"The Perfect Board," is a book written for those who want to become an effective member of any Board of Directors.In essence it is a self-help book chock full of essential guidelines to be an effective leader.
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Subjects:  1. Boards of directors    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business Organization    5. Business/Economics    6. Corporate governance    7. Directors of corporations    8. General    9. Industries - General    10. Leadership    11. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    12. Structure Of Industrial Organizations    13. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (6)

Better than college textbooks
The author wrote this book assuming that non-financial people need to understand accounting, making this easy to read and understandable. Having gone through a college course on accounting, and being forced to use three other books (which were also worthless), I only wished I read this book first. Although it's designed for not-for-profit organizations, it explains the differences with for-profit organizations, and explains why certain things can be done, or can't be done. For anyone who is starting fresh, starting a new company, or planning on taking accounting in college, I would strongly recommend you invest $30 (my accounting textbook was over $100) and the first chapter alone, summarizes the the first 10 chapters of several college textbooks.

small non-profit organization treasurer
This book is not for bookkeepers.It is more for accountants who want to understand non-profit accounting.If a bookkeeper needs to know the proper day to day and month to month entries for this kind of organization, than this book is not for you.
Soporific and Overly Wordy.
Reads like a law textbook. Author often uses three sentences where one would do. Much ink is wasted telling the reader "we won't go into that here, but Chapter "X" deals exclusively with that." Concepts are understandable for those with an accounting background, but definitely would not recommend to someone without a solid grasp of accounting fundamentals. Author should have hired a writer to help him smooth out his writing style. Not recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Accounting    2. Accounting - General    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. CPA (Certified Public Accountant)    7. Financial Accounting    8. Financial statements    9. Non-Profit Organizations Management    10. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    11. Nonprofit organizations    12. United States    13. Financial reporting, financial statements    14. Non-profitmaking organizations    15. Study Aids / CPA (Certified Public Accountant)   

Subjects:  1. Associations, institutions, etc.    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Directors of corporations    6. Leadership    7. Management    8. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    9. Nonprofit organizations    10. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    11. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (5)

a "how-to" manual and more
Among the relatively few books available that focus on getting science grants, "Getting Science Grants" is unquestionably the very best of the bunch.Blackburn has the perfect mix of credentials (college professor, research scientist, grants officer) to craft this concise treatment of the whole enchilada, from concept development through proposal writing, revision, submission (and resubmission), and grant administration.Giving frank, qualified advice in friendly prose, the author succeeds in creating more than just a "how-to manual" for scientific proposal writing.In roughly a hundred pages, this book shares insight on the science research funding process that would only be acquired by a decade or more of study in the school of hard knocks.As one whose career success is significantly influenced by external funding success, I couldn't recommend Blackburn's book more strongly.

A must purchase for every researcher!
Getting Science Grants provides readers with a complete introduction to the grant writing/submitting process. Essential reading!
I found "Getting Science Grants" to be a thoroughly readable, no-nonsense little book that demystifies the grant making process. Blackburn's experience both as a researcher and as one charged with the responsibility of reviewing grant applications shows through. His book provides a step-by-step approach that, if followed, should lead to a higher probability of success and avoid wasted time and frustration occasioned by poorly prepared and submitted applications. Those just entering the sometimes perilous fight for funding will find this book indispensable, and even old hands will find it provides handy reminders of all of the points we think we know by heart, but sometimes forget to apply. This little book is a "must read" for anyone whose professional life depends on getting funding for his or her research. You simply can't afford to ignore it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    5. Research grants    6. Study & Teaching    7. Funding of education    8. Mathematics and Science    9. Science / General   

Subjects:  1. Accounting    2. Accounting - General    3. Accounting - Governmental    4. Business & Economics    5. Business / Economics / Finance    6. Business/Economics    7. Finance, Public    8. Non-Profit Organizations Management    9. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    10. Nonprofit organizations    11. Public Finance    12. Public Finance (General)    13. Standards    14. United States    15. Business & Economics / Accounting / Governmental    16. Central government    17. Local government    18. Non-profitmaking organizations    19. Public finance accounting   

Reviews (3)

Very usefull
Clear, simple and very practical guide for strategical planning. Very flexible in this concepts and tools.
Valuable but...
This is a valuable book. But, you should also read "Strategic Organizational Change" by Beitler. They make a great combination.

Excellent companion to the main book!
Chockablock full of charts, checklists, tips and tricks for the practictioner in mind.Use this along with the main text and get ahead! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Management    5. Management - General    6. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    7. Nonprofit organizations    8. Public administration    9. Strategic Planning    10. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    11. Business & Management