In Brief

PwC created the In Brief series as a concise look at topics of importance to organizations in Alberta. This series will discuss issues facing companies in various industries in the province and provide some practical steps to improve overall business performance.

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Building a sustainable cost-effective culture through operational efficiency
During a downturn, business leaders know that they have to make tough decisions to ensure their companies' survival. But despite all the doom and gloom, the current downturn does offer an opportunity for Albertan companies to enact not only rapid cost reduction but also long-term restructuring. Doing so can help organizations achieve higher levels of operational efficiency. Read the following article to learn more.

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Due diligence advice for banks done with experience, focus and speed
In today's economic climate, lending and then monitoring loans is among the most critical and risk-laden banking activities. Credit managers need access to quality data and a high degree of confidence of its integrity. Today, it often goes even deeper. It is also valuable to have a view into an organization’s debt service capability and working capital as well as a look at the quality of its operations and systems. Read how PwC can add value and confidence to lending processes.

Due diligence advice for banks done with experience, focus and speed (41 KB) Download the PDF publication.

Converting from an income trust to a corporation—with expertise and experience
Most income trusts should strongly consider converting into a corporation by the end of 2010, but a conversion is a significant event that will have long-term ramifications. It has to be done right. And the clock is ticking. PwC has experience helping many income trusts across the country with their conversion plans.

Converting from an income trust to a corporation—with expertise and experience (70 KB) Download the PDF publication.

Control your cash flow; control your destiny
The majority of companies have enjoyed the benefits of a booming oil and gas sector and many have never experienced a downturn. The following publication offers some practical suggestions on developing a strong cash-flow strategy and outlines the benefits of talking to our practitioners, who have addressed these issues with many companies in a range of sectors.

Control your cash flow; control your destiny (80 KB) Download the PDF publication.

Taking taxing challenges and turning them into cash-flow opportunities
Good tax management can play a big role in improving cash flow, helping companies survive the downturn and improve their competitiveness for when the upswing arrives. Many Albertan companies have enjoyed low taxes or have never experienced a serious cash crunch. Consequently, they aren't prepared to incorporate effective tax management into their immediate survival and long-term strategies. The following article provides some details on how to do exactly that.

Taking taxing challenges and turning them into cash flow opportunities (88 KB) Download the PDF publication.

Is your company built to sustain shifts in Alberta's energy sector?
A wake-up call has occurred in Alberta's energy service sector as business has slowed and capital is scarce. The business leaders who realize this and start building sustainability into their capital structures will position their companies for success. We outline some clear steps that business leaders can take to ensure their companies are well-capitalized and have a strong corporate finance strategy in place.

Is your company built to sustain shifts in Alberta's energy sector? (67 KB) Download the PDF publication.

The time has come for discipline and governance in the IT Revolution
In the race to keep up with boom-time demands-and with money readily available-both the private and public sectors took advantage of new technology But they often did so in a piecemeal fashion, adding layers of complexity and redundancy to their IT infrastructures. In this article, we suggest some practical steps that public and private organizations can take to improve their IT performance.

The time has come for discipline and governance in the IT Revolution (58 KB) Download the PDF publication.

PwC's SAP practice: Making change that sticks
Whether an organization is looking to realize more business benefits from its existing SAP system, or achieve a sudden change in business performance through the initial implementation of an integrated enterprise resource planning system, PwC can help you unlock the potential of SAP.

PwC's SAP practice: Making change that sticks (94 KB) Download the PDF publication.

Internal Audit 2.0: Transforming the Internal Audit department
The current downturn has alerted many companies to the importance of risk management. Failing to assess business risks is the most common means by which organizational value is eroded. Changing the focus of the internal audit department from compliance and financial reporting to managing risks can help support strategic business decisions.

Internal Audit 2.0: Transforming the Internal Audit department (96 KB) Download the PDF publication.