Each and every business potentially faces these threats - and, in service-based firms such as veterinary practices where there is no physical product being sold, these crimes can be even more difficult to uncover.

How You'll Benefit From This Article

• You'll understand the distinctions among fraud, embezzlement and theft.

• You'll discover common reasons that people commit these crimes, and gain knowledge about how to identify areas in which your practice may be vulnerable - and the types of employees who typically commit fraud in veterinary practices.

• You'll know what steps to take if you uncover instances of theft.

• You'll receive a useful checklist of best practices to implement for controlling risk and preventing fraud.

 

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A key piece of a PMP involves developing performance goals and expectations. While goals and objectives are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. However, for purposes of this program, we will describe a goal as a written statement that clearly describes certain actions or tasks with a measurable end result. Goals should be well-defined, detailed declarations of specific actions to be taken during the upcoming review period for which measurable outcomes are expected. Goals can be tied to desired productivity, performance of stated tasks or achievement of targeted personal and professional development. Each goal should be specific enough to let the employee know what is expected to be accomplished, why it is to be done, and the target date for accomplishing it. It is important to ensure each goal can be measured to determine if it has been accomplished. Goals should also be realistic, achievable, and firmly within the control of the employee to accomplish. They should be consistent with the overall mission of the department and, ultimately, the practice. Finally, each goal should include a deadline as to when it should be accomplished.  

 

The following acronym is often used to assist supervisors in developing goals for their employees:

 

  

S          Specific

            Answers what, why and when actions should be accomplished          

 

M         Measurable

             Clarifies how to determine if the goal has been achieved

 

A          Attainable

             Supports the Practice's mission and overall objectives.

 

R          Realistic

             Ensures goals are doable but with a stretch challenge

 

T          Time Based

            Establishes deadline for completion