Comments on: Why we wish charities ran LESS like businesses http://blog.givewell.org/2007/08/25/why-we-wish-charities-ran-less-like-businesses/ Exploring how to get real change for your dollar. Thu, 17 May 2012 06:26:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.7 by: Stephen http://blog.givewell.org/2007/08/25/why-we-wish-charities-ran-less-like-businesses/#comment-12543 Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:00:45 +0000 http://blog.givewell.org/2007/08/25/why-we-wish-charities-ran-less-like-businesses/#comment-12543 This post is being featured on the front page of The Issue (www.TheIssue.com) in the issue of the day section. Check it out if you get a chance and let me know (Stephen@theissue.com) if you have any questions This post is being featured on the front page of The Issue (www.TheIssue.com) in the issue of the day section. Check it out if you get a chance and let me know (Stephen@theissue.com) if you have any questions

]]> by: Holden http://blog.givewell.org/2007/08/25/why-we-wish-charities-ran-less-like-businesses/#comment-11886 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:43:59 +0000 http://blog.givewell.org/2007/08/25/why-we-wish-charities-ran-less-like-businesses/#comment-11886 I'd also guess that Starbucks and Wal-Mart are choosing new locations with a fair amount of research and rigor, since a new location is a big commitment that relies on a pretty confident view of the future. (I'd be a little surprised if they are choosing new locations the way most of the large charities we've spoken to do: by choosing between purely qualitative proposals from their people in the field.) I'm a lot less convinced of the impact of academic studies on brand management and pricing. Regardless, the larger point of the post is that charities have far <b>more</b> need of formal measurement than companies do. That companies often do quite a bit is a testament to how important auditing can be ... but I want to see charities do even more, consistent with their greater challenges, rather than gauging their success from financials, years of existence, etc. as businesses do. I’d also guess that Starbucks and Wal-Mart are choosing new locations with a fair amount of research and rigor, since a new location is a big commitment that relies on a pretty confident view of the future. (I’d be a little surprised if they are choosing new locations the way most of the large charities we’ve spoken to do: by choosing between purely qualitative proposals from their people in the field.)

I’m a lot less convinced of the impact of academic studies on brand management and pricing. Regardless, the larger point of the post is that charities have far more need of formal measurement than companies do. That companies often do quite a bit is a testament to how important auditing can be … but I want to see charities do even more, consistent with their greater challenges, rather than gauging their success from financials, years of existence, etc. as businesses do.

]]> by: Rodobago http://blog.givewell.org/2007/08/25/why-we-wish-charities-ran-less-like-businesses/#comment-11876 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:36:56 +0000 http://blog.givewell.org/2007/08/25/why-we-wish-charities-ran-less-like-businesses/#comment-11876 Academic style studies form the cornerstone of brand management, pricing theory, and franchise strategies for pizza joint chains and every other major consumer retail endeavor. I don't think Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have to believe that Starbucks, Walmart choose the location of their stores using a rigorous model they have developed. Academic style studies form the cornerstone of brand management, pricing theory, and franchise strategies for pizza joint chains and every other major consumer retail endeavor. I don’t think Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have to believe that Starbucks, Walmart choose the location of their stores using a rigorous model they have developed.

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