Grant Thornton provides analytics solutions to help organizations with Working Capital Funds (WCFs) improve decision making. WCFs have been used by the Federal government for over 100 years but often lack visibility into costs and performance. Grant Thornton's analytics can increase transparency, improve processes like billing and collections, and identify inefficiencies. The firm also offers assessments of WCFs to evaluate practices and develop recommendations for improvement.
Rachael Troughton, Head of Portfolio, and Louisa McLeod, Senior Assurance Manager from the Open University, presented at the APM Portfolio Management Conference on 17 May 2018.
Rachael Troughton, Head of Portfolio, and Louisa McLeod, Senior Assurance Manager from the Open University, presented at the APM Portfolio Management Conference on 17 May 2018.
Designed for finance managers, CFOs, and accountants, this session will examine what key performance indicators nonprofits should look at to gauge their operational efficiency, stewardship of resources, and performance compared to peer organizations. The session will also include a discussion of the tools and data that are available to enhance this process and to improve accountability to donors and other stakeholders.
Responding to market changes and demand signals from customers is critical. We are helping leading companies do this through improved collaboration, data management and revenue management
This tutorial's objective is to provide you with sources of financial statement data, to highlight and define the most relevant ratios, to show you how to compute them and to explain their meaning as investment evaluators.
Strategy, budgetary planning and expenditure managementTonderayi Chikanda
Explore how enhancing your strategic planning skills, budgetary planning and expenditure management can significantly transform your organization's effectiveness, efficiency and excellence.
Designed for finance managers, CFOs, and accountants, this session will examine what key performance indicators nonprofits should look at to gauge their operational efficiency, stewardship of resources, and performance compared to peer organizations. The session will also include a discussion of the tools and data that are available to enhance this process and to improve accountability to donors and other stakeholders.
Responding to market changes and demand signals from customers is critical. We are helping leading companies do this through improved collaboration, data management and revenue management
This tutorial's objective is to provide you with sources of financial statement data, to highlight and define the most relevant ratios, to show you how to compute them and to explain their meaning as investment evaluators.
Strategy, budgetary planning and expenditure managementTonderayi Chikanda
Explore how enhancing your strategic planning skills, budgetary planning and expenditure management can significantly transform your organization's effectiveness, efficiency and excellence.
14Kyle’s Post1. What rationale is offered by HQ Depot.docxjesusamckone
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Kyle’s Post
1. What rationale is offered by HQ Depot in support of the idea of using a 3PL? Do you agree with the reasons cited for the interest in a 3PL?
HQ Depot was initially managing their transportation operations from within, but with the need to expand to new markets it would not have been feasible given the lack of logistical resources it currently has . There was also a concern the company was providing inconsistent shipping times and service reliability issues. If this expansion was going to be successful using a 3PL would meet faster and consistent shipping deadlines. HQ Depot would then be able to focus more on customer service and what they describe as its "core competency" maintaining its leadership in the office and school supply industry.
3. What steps would you suggest be considered by HQ Depot as it beings to analyze the feasibility of forming a relationship with individual 3PL providers?
As HQ Depot beings to analyze the feasibility of forming a relationship with 3PL providers, setting expectations for what the company is looking for in a 3PL. These expectations include: provide superior service and execution, trust/information sharing, solution innovation, capable technologies that executes, ongoing executive level support, and service offering that aligns with customer strategy and industry knowledge. If a particular 3PL provider cannot meet those expectations, they need to look elsewhere. Since this is mutual relationship and collaborative effort, the 3PL should also provide expectations for HP Depot.
Reference:
Coyle, J. J., Novack, R. A., Gibson, B., & Bardi, E. J. (2010). Transportation: a supply chain perspective. Cengage Learning.
Mychala’s post
What rationale is offered by HQ Depot in support of the idea of using a 3PL? Do you agree with the reasons cited for the interest in a 3PL?
With HQ wanting to expand their reach into the market but not having access to the logistics to expand it would make sense for them to want to use 3PL. With a third-party logistics HQ would not have to worry about transportation, warehousing, distribution, and financial services. The rationale behind the decision was based on HQ wanting to maintain their status on their shelf-stable juices, while being able to strengthen that core. HQ wants to expand their logistics network. Also, HQ would be able to centralize their transportation operations.
What steps would you suggest be considered by HQ Depot as it begins to analyze the feasibility of forming a relationship with individual 3PL providers?
· Perform a strategic assessment- HQ needs to view the options and locations of various 3PL’s to find which would fit more with their goals
· Decision to form a relationship- HQ would then decide which 3PL’s would suit their needs and goals. And contact their agents for meeting and discussions.
· Evaluate alternatives- an in depth look at all the competing 3PL’s. Which 3PL’s are going to align with the A: HQ’s needs and priorities a.
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
1. pg. 1
Working Capital Analytics
Leveraging the Power of Analytics to Support Decision Making
Date: February 14, 2017
2016
Working Capital Funds have been used throughout the Federal government for well over 100 years. The first revolving fund is
thought to have been established for the Navy around 1878. The ultimate objective of WCFs are to eliminate duplication of
services, leveraging economies of scale, streamlining and standardizing business processes, simplifying funding, and consolidating
acquisition strategies, while maintaining a singular focus on high-quality service delivery. However, without the correct line of
sight into its operations, these objectives may be compromised and in spite
of being in existence for over a 100 years, WCFs are still consistently faced
with these difficult questions:
• Can you run a business without knowing the true cost/rates of your
goods and services?
• Do you know if your customers have paid for your goods and
services on time?
• Do you know if your operating model is recovering the entire cost
of your operations and are you allocating overhead accurately?
• Do you have the correct governance model in place to aid in the
financial decision making process?
• Is your financial model flexible enough to cross service a variety of
customers and to respond to fluctuations in supply and demand?
If you are looking for support around any of these questions, Grant
Thornton’s Working Capital Fund Analytics might be the solution for you.
With the flexibility that WCFs offer, as well as the range of services provided
and customers supported, there is a need for total cost visibility and the
expectation of continuous improvement in cost and performance in delivery
of services. This requires WCF to convert its wide array of financial, operational, and performance data into analytics that provide
valuable insights to inform data-driven decision making.
Our WCF Analytics solution provides direct line of sight into metrics that matter so that executives and managers can analyze
their operations effectively. A sample report from our WCF analytics below provides:
1. Overview of products/services sold
2. % of orders sold on time (based on agreed upon SLAs);
3. Planned revenue vs actual revenue; etc.
Grant Thornton’s proven and repeatable
Working Capital Analytics methodology
can:
ü Increase transparency into full cost of
operations and related overhead
ü Increase transparency into service level
agreements and
products/services/solutions/business
lines performance towards cash
management
ü Improve cycle times for
payables/receivables, DSO/DPO, etc.
ü Identify optimum payment cycles
ü Assist with rate stabilization (beginning
of FY) and cost recovery (end of FY)
2. pg. 2
Working Capital Analytics
Leveraging the Power of Analytics to Support Decision Making
Date: February 14, 2017
2016
These and other metrics (unobligated balances, carryover, reserves etc.) will help your operations target and improve inefficiencies
rapidly.
Comprehensive WCF Review
Based on our experience supporting the implementation and operation of WCFs across the Federal government, we have
developed a high-level assessment to evaluate current financial and operational processes and to identity opportunities for
improvement. We recommend a 60- to 90-day approach to conduct an assessment of your WCF to:
1. Confirm that existing financial policies and procedures are complete and comply with applicable
laws/regulations/guidelines;
2. Review the WCF governance model for adequacy in driving operational efficiency and effectiveness and
reinforcing trust with customers and external stakeholders.
3. pg. 3
Working Capital Analytics
Leveraging the Power of Analytics to Support Decision Making
Date: February 14, 2017
2016
3. Review methodologies for measuring service provider cost and performance.
4. Assess whether costing and pricing methods are fair, reasonable, and transparent.
5. Analyze WCF budgeting and forecasting processes as well as risk mitigation strategies.
6. Evaluate the order management process efficiency and effectiveness from order acceptance through financial
closeout to provide strong financial management as well as customer service.
7. Create a reporting framework/dashboarding initiatives to keep managers and executives appraised of key
performance indicators.
During this high-level assessment, we will evaluate performance against an objective list of criteria contained in a scorecard as well
as compare performance and key metrics to those of other similar WCFs. The assessment will follow a structured analysis
approach that includes: Current State Analysis, Gap Analysis, and Recommendation Development. The outcome of the
assessment is a clearly outlined roadmap to improve, mature and/or stabilize the WCF management practices.
Grant Thornton Understands Working Capital Funds
Grant Thornton is an industry thought leader in Federal financial management. We
have recently partnered with the National Academy of Public Administration
(NAPA) to bring agency leaders together develop solutions to common WCF
management challenges such as rate setting, governance, and cash management. The
NAPA-GT government-wide Working Capital Fund Group was established in 2015
(WCF Group) with participation from a large section of federal agencies with
WCFs. With active guidance from agency WCF managers, Grant Thornton SMEs
and NAPA Fellows, the WCF Group is collaboratively working on strategies to help
address critical WCF issues. Through this effort, government executives and
managers can discuss WCF issues, share lessons learned, and gather best practices.
Additionally, we leverage our past experience working with the Department of
Defense, NASA, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human
Services, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, and numerous
other revolving funds to bring best practices in WCF management.
Contact Information
Shiva Verma
Principal
Phone: 703-373-8740
Email: Shiva.Verma@us.gt.com
Aurpon Bhattacharya
Senior Manager
Phone: 703-637-2984
Email: Aurpon.Bhattacharya@us.gt.com
Leigh Sheldon
Senior Associate
Phone: 703-837-4434
Email: Leigh.Sheldon@us.gt.com