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Business Diagnostics: The Canadian Edition 2nd Edition

by Richard Mimick and Michael Thompson

261 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); U.S. edition to be released in the fall of 2001; catalogue #01-0164; ISBN 1-55212-764-8; US$70.00, C$70.00, EUR50.00, £35.00

Business Diagnostics is a timely and practical reference guide that allows the reader to acquire 'size-up' and diagnostic skills to asses the health of their company.

About the Book

Business Diagnostics has been written to overcome a significant challenge facing today's business owners, specifically the time constraints in acquiring business management skills.

Business owners have limited time or inclination to attend extended business school courses. Likewise, accessing topical information on enhancing corporate performance (magazines or web sites) can be sporadic and time consuming.

The authors have designed Business Diagnostics to address these concerns by developing a valuable reference book that can be easily read over a weekend or a few weekday evenings.

Business Diagnostics will provide practical assistance to the following target audiences:

• The existing business owner or manager who has growth opportunities and needs to 'size up' existing and potential operations.
• The individual planning to buy or invest in another business. That process requires the completion of 'diagnostic checks' to ensure that the targeted entity has the required degree of corporate health.
• The individual who wishes to set up a new, yet to be proven business venture and requires guidelines to assess the likelihood of success and the steps necessary to attract financing or equity.
• A new or existing technology company owner who needs to assess the relative merits of attracting outside equity capital or raising additional debt in order to expand product lines and/or markets.

Visit the BUSINESS DIAGNOSTICS home page at www.ceosizeup.com

About the Author

Richard Mimick is President and CEO of Professional Practice Management Services Limited, a management consulting and executive development firm based in Victoria. B.C. Rich holds a CPA (USA) designation and commenced his consulting career with Andersen Consulting.

His academic appointments include Chair and Professor at the world ranked Ivey Business School, Director of Royal Roads University Business Programs, and Director of University of Victoria's Executive Programs.

Rich has designed, developed and delivered consulting engagements and executive programs for Canadian, American, European and Asian clients. His areas of expertise are strategic management, finance and marketing strategy.

Rich has received international recognition for his outstanding teaching abilities and is known for his exceptional ability to turn complex topics into understandable practical learning.

Rich also provides consulting assistance to technology companies in raising financing and is presently a director of VIATeC, the Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre.

Michael Thompson has over 20 years commercial banking experience gained in the U.K, Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.

He is presently Senior Manager, Business Development for a Canadian commercial bank, located in Victoria, British Columbia.

His academic credentials include an Honors degree in Economics from the University of Manchester and a Diploma in Land Economics from the University of British Columbia.

Professional certifications include Fellow of Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) and Certified Management Consultant (CMC).

Mike has taught Business Strategy courses at both the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University and has developed a number of successful business planning and risk assessment seminars for business and professional associations.

He is actively involved in the Victoria technology community and is presently a Director of the Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre (VIATeC) and the Innovation and Development Corporation at the University of Victoria.

Excerpts

Reviews

'Business Diagnostics' is a unique and highly valuable resource for technology companies. It is most readable in it's style and covers the critical aspects of successfully leading, managing and growing a dynamic firm. Mimick and Thompson's perspective has answered a challenge by providing a 'required reading' for all technology firms, in fact, for all companies. Exceptionally well done.

~ Doug Taylor, CEO
   Vancouver Island Advanced Technology
   VIATeC

A thorough but readable checklist approach to assessing (and managing) issues and opportunities that may impact your small business. Especially helpful in providing insights with respect to financing strategies from a commercial banker's perspective.

~ Donna Bridgeman
   Vice President
   Growthworks Capital
   Working Opportunity Fund, Vancouver B.C

'Business Diagnostics' is an innovative approach to one-stop business evaluation, development and growth. It is a welcome addition and should be included in any entrepreneurs' tool kit. The technology assessment chapter, in particular, is succinct and highly relevant to technology-based companies.

~ Tim Walzak, President and CEO
   Innovation and Development Corporation, University of Victoria, B.C

A major challenge to most business managers, especially those operating in the fast-paced world of high technology, is to find the time to learn good management practices while on the job; most people simply do not have the luxury of taking time off for formal training. Business Diagnostics addresses this critical need by packaging the essentials into a manageable text.

~ Denzil Doyle
   Chairman, Capital Alliance Ventures Inc, Ottawa
   Author - 'Making Technology Happen'

If you are the CEO of a small to medium-sized company and want a pragmatic framework for sizing-up the health of your business, then I suggest you look at Rich and Mike's gem of a book, "Business Diagnostics". Track with the case study, use their novel size-up grids and you will have the pulse on your corporate health and a sound framework for revitalizing your business.

~ T. John Drew
   Chair, TEC (The Executive Committee), Victoria, B.C
   President, Pacific Design Academy