Company News

Training to develop stronger project management skills

In the past few weeks, we have met with leaders in two companies to talk about problems they are having with wasted time on work.  In one case, the client needed a better software solution than the spread sheets they are using to track projects and tasks.  We are in dicussion about helping them learn the use of Microsoft Project software.  In the other situation, their key staff members need to better manage their software development projects.  One key measurement that came to light recently is that they lost money on all the projects they completed in Q4 of 2011.  One  reason is that their ability to estimate the time needed for a project is low.  A second reason is that they are not managing the tasks as closely as is needed.  One of our trainers, who has been managing projects and teaching project management for over 25 years, is working with these customers to develop education options appropriate for their needs.

New Learning Facility

This week, Arden Corporation finalized a contract with Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada to lease space in one of the buildings they own in Blue Ash (Ohio). The new facility is 20% larger than the current facility. The new learning facility became operational starting July 1 of this year. Robert Gepfert, Managing Partner for Arden Corporation, stated: "This move will provide our clients an even more professional environment for learning programs and allow for future expansion for the company. Based upon efficiencies the organization is building into the new center, it is expected that the set up time for learning programs will decrease by over 50%. This will be a welcome change for our Operations Coordinator Beth Combs. It will free her up to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities in her work."

CRM Solution for Landscaping company
One of the national landscaping and grounds maintenance companies brought their sales and management staff to Cincinnati (to the Arden training facility) to train on use of their CRM system. They have selected software that was created for their industry. COINS is the software. This education is part of the national roll out for use of this application. This company has already increased their business significantly by going back to dormant accounts and striking up new services agreements. 

Microsoft Office 2010 Training
An international manufacturing company has selected Arden Corporation to help its staff learn the new elements of Microsoft Office 2010. Training for production staff, engineers, administrative employees, and individuals in the financial group will be held later this month. This education is to prepare the employee's for receiving this new software in February. The objective for this program is to help these staff members improve their ability to work more efficiently with this new version of Excel, Word, and Powerpoint applications 

The envy of the office
As a part of a promotion we offered our customers, when our associate delivered the iPad to Jeremy Peterson of Winegardner and Hammonds, several of Jeremy's co-workers were there. They were envious that Jeremy had won an iPad. In talking with Jeremy to make arrangements for the iPad to be delivered, we could tell that he was excited about having this new technology. Being that Jeremy is in a technical role for his organization, we expect he'll get significant use from his new iPad.

Simplifying an Information Technology Environment
We at Arden Corporation have focused on options for simplifying our information technology environment. We have come up with a solution that allows us to discontinue use of three software products. This reduces the number of software products we have to support for internal production by 25%. This will reduce the amount of time our internal staff spends maintaining our environment. It will free them up for more productive activities