Teaching profession is facing lower job satisfaction, unclear idea related to a particular subject. Inaccurate teaching processes are generating slack in the education industry. To manage such issues we can use big data as used in famous movie "Moneyball". It can predict the future outcome by using simple statistics and work according to forecasted outcome. Proper mining could help us to find undervalued personnel with higher potential to attain a high success rate. So in educational context we can segregate major characteristics. These attributes can be:

1. High level of optimism, enthusiasm, sense of humor

2. High standard of expectation from their students

3. Continual self-evaluation

4. Self-criticizing, understanding and updating.

These attributes can be well observed if a bigger pool of educators is created and their continual behavioral attributes are analyzed. In this way future prospective educator’s list can be predicted and deploy them in proper institutional scenarios.

To read, follow: : http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/brown-center-chalkboard/posts/2016/02/03-teacher-moneyball-big-data-analytics-murray

Data scientists have categorized this new era of data with "four Vs". They are volume of the data, variety of the data sets, velocity of analysis of data and veracity of data quality. Nowadays, companies are turning to external Big Data for answers. Organizations want to distinguish which external factors will influence the sales and demand of a particular product in the future. The answers they get from the above questions, is setting the trend for three distinctive predictive analytics process. They are - Predictive hypothesis testing, Closing the gap between data and delivery, shrinking the barrier between internal and external data.  With the speed of technology diversity of data continues to grow. Read more about this article written by RICH WAGNER(Author) at:

http://www.information-management.com/news/big-data-analytics/a-new-era-of-predictive-analytics-2016-trends-to-watch-10028253-1.html

From a consumer's perspective brand equity research, usually involves collecting data on consumer mindset. It measures of brand equity from the consumer through surveys. The data is used to assess the consumer’s perceptions towards the brand. From a firm’s perspective brand equity research involves the use of observed market data to assess the brand’s financial value to the firm.

The Net Promoter Score shows how much loyal are the customers. High score of NPS means the growth of the company and how the growth is achieved. Rating a company on the total value the company offers, compared to the total value offered by other suppliers of similar products/services, the Net Value Score is calculated. The benefits are -

1. It enables us to easily compare one company with another in a similar field.

2. NVS measures value and therefore is a good predictor of the likelihood of a company winning or losing market share.

3. Determining the Net Value Score is simple.

Read more about it in the article written by Julia Cupman (VP of B2B International) and Paul Hague (Director):

https://www.b2binternational.com/publications/brand-equity-research/

The Six Sigma approach makes the work both flexible and focused. Six Sigma training helps entrepreneurs to assess process cycle of operations. The essential factor in entrepreneurship is that they are not afraid of taking risks. Six Sigma practices also help them in business planning. Entrepreneurs also realize that there is a need to move slowly and work on the service models for better consistency. Read more at: http://www.business.com/entrepreneurship/a-new-look-at-entrepreneurship-where-six-sigma-aligns-personality-with-process/

There is a prediction that by 2017, 33% of Fortune 100 companies will experience information crises due to lack of adequate testing measures. To prevent this, the robust testing approach must be used. Developing a well-planned data warehousing, testing process will help in minimizing such risks. And while moving to agile, we can do more testing in comparison to traditional projects. The testing being done during development in parallel aids to agile development, because development and testing can be completed in a single sprint. The roadmap for building agile data warehouse will consist of following steps-

·         Build business conceptual model

·         Grass roots Data governance

·         High-level architecture with repeatable design patterns

·         Strong testing tools

·         Robust data quality program

·          Self-managing teams.

Read the full article here http://www.cio.com/article/3012097/data-warehousing/take-testing-seriously.html

Call for innovation is acknowledging efforts which are required to lead the market. But innovation initiatives without a plan or meaningful approach can be delayed. First setback does not understand the need of innovation, which may result in the lack of explanation and context leaving staffs in jittery. It's essential to have a specific objective that fits the central need of the customer telling them what you are all about. Secondly, it's more important to learn and listen the original problem rather than hunting for solutions. Third, mishap is by solely asking for ideas of innovation without much interaction over the problem or the matter at hand.Read more at : http://www.cmswire.com/social-business/why-your-call-to-innovation-keeps-falling-flat/

More and more industries are realizing the benefits that the remote working environment has to offer. Instead of calling of a meeting or walking up to employees desk for ideas, companies communicate via instant messaging, phone, video conferencing. According to surveys, remote workers sleep better, exercise more, have healthier diets and have low stress. Now a day's companies are expanding search beyond office geography. Yet owners fear the resulting lack of communication and collaboration. With the right communication tool, we can 1) encourage video conferencing. It is the most effective way of distant communication yet is harder to get used to in initial practices. 2) Instant messengers to keep updates and ask questions. 3) Central status update on project progress is a prime feature of project management tool which can be used to have general meetings.Read more at:-http://www.cmswire.com/social-business/embrace-the-growing-remote-workforce/

To provide correct business decisions, we need to address data quality consideration like accuracy, timely, consistency, etc. There is a sheer growth of data which needs to be accounted for and properly identified from the source. Quality movement focuses on many diverse aspects. The origins of defects therefore failed to be identified. The challenge is to understand the data, by use of data models and in context. Analysts build models based on continual consultation with business stakeholders. Metrics are established to quantify the relative importance and evaluate progress. Continual improvement is an ongoing discipline which gives breakthrough results and competitive advantage. To know more:
http://www.thoughtsoncloud.com/2015/07/enabling-a-data-culture-through-continuous-improvement/

Learning and Development experts believe that the process of learning and remembering can be broken down into four basic stages:
§ Sensory Memory
§ Working Memory
§ Long-term Memory
§ Transfer to Job Memory
Lean Principles are applied to these stages of learning for a more effective training in the following ways:
• Lean Training Techniques for Sensory Memory – The basic motive of the trainer in this stage is to remove any distractions from the room and add things that draw the trainee’s pre-conscious attention to the training.
• Lean Training Techniques for Working Memory – Better training materials with working memory on mind can be done in the following ways:
1.)  Creating a set of “Learning Objectives” and including only training materials that support those objectives.
2.) Breaking down the training into small “chunks” and organizing those in such a way that it helps in learning..
3.) Keeping it Simple and Short
4.) Keeping the training active
5.) Providing job aids when it is not necessary to memorize.
• Lean Training Techniques for Long-term Memory – When information is moved from the working memory to the long term memory, it is stored in little “packets” of related information called “schemas”. Hence it would be helpful if new information is introduced relating it to the information already known by the trainees.
• Lean Training Technique for Transfer to the Job – The final step of any training is transferring information from training and applying it on the job. This can be done by:
1.) Explaining workers how it will benefit them.
2.) Providing sufficient hands-on exercises.
3.) Providing work in real work environment.
4.) Providing realistic simulations in training when possible.
5.) Testing workers at the end of the training to see if they can satisfy learning objectives.
Read more at: http://www.industryweek.com/lean-six-sigma/applying-lean-manufacturing-principles-job-training

At a time when software is at forefront of all business activities, it is surprising to know that very few business minds truly comprehend the practice of software development and options that are available to them. Among the two most widely used methodologies-Agile and waterfall, picking up the suitable one and adoption of the same is extremely crucial for business. However the responsive and flexible nature of agile methodology is what is desired at present day businesses and for this reason agile is fast becoming the preferred approach. Continuous communication and collaboration, minimal documentation, increased efficiency are some of advantages of agile methodology. Read more:  http://www.information-age.com/technology/applications-and-development/123459702/how-being-more-agile-can-help-you-juggle-your-business-demands-more-efficiently

Businesses have made use of data for operations management, for decades now. Data being used for operations management involve continuous flows of information and mining of data. Such data are handled and untangled using advanced and unique storage, management, analysis and visualization techniques. Big data analytics is usually dependent on extensive storage capacity and quick processing power. Insightful data can be gathered from various sources like web, social media etc. Big data is now being used to predict customer purchase decisions. Big data when linked with production applications and timely operational processes enables continuous improvements. Organizations are now realizing that data can bring value through continuous improvement in their operations. Thus, data needs to be collected, filtered and analyzed. Read more at: http://www.business2community.com/big-data/crunching-big-data-operations-management-01255094

Lean Manufacturing is a business improvement philosophy which focuses on the needs of customers. Lean Manufacturing originated from the Toyota Production System. When a company reduces wastes, many other benefits are achieved. One of the basic advantages of implementing lean is that it helps in getting more work done with less people.
Lean manufacturing helps to reduce costs, eliminate waste, increase productivity, maintain high levels of quality and thus increase profit.
Read more at: http://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/lean-six-sigma-business-transformation/articles/why-does-your-business-need-lean/

Internet of Things has taken the world with a storm. It has delivered opportunities to almost every industry and function. Supply chain is not an exception to this. With the increasing number of online businesses, the importance of this function of management has increased multifold. Combining internet of things with this has introduced us to a vast expanse of opportunities and made the supply chain smarter.

Maha Muzumdar, in his article at Industry Week has shared a list of supply chain opportunities that companies can exploit by leveraging IoT technology. They are:

• Better Predictability of Demand & Inventory Visibility
• Better Tracking & Efficiency
• Accelerated Innovation & Product Support
• Improved Alignment & Collaboration
• Sustainability & Quality

He has also stressed upon the fact that supply chain executives must adapt IoT in their processes as soon as possible to gain its maximum benefits.

To know more, please visit the following link:

http://www.industryweek.com/supply-chain/internet-things-iot-opportunities-smarter-supply-chains?page=1

Agile is the buzzword in industry today. Simply put, it is a better way of managing teams and projects by self organizing and cross functional collaboration.

Ming Chan, Founder and CEO of The1stMovement, in his article at Forbes, has shared his experience of transition to agile and benefits achieved from it in an agency context.

In his words, “Transition of moving from Waterfall to Agile as a business nearly killed our agency, but once we pushed through the steep learning curve, the implementation of Agile into our day-to-day workflow, and most importantly, our culture, undoubtedly took us to the next level.”

According to him, this transition yielded the following benefits:

• Project Profit Margin
• Client Satisfaction
• Employee Happiness

To learn more from his experience, please visit the following link:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2015/06/01/the-benefits-of-adopting-an-agile-approach-in-an-agency-setting/

“Analyzing and streamlining the supply chain is one way to help companies respond more quickly to the fast pace of business today while boosting operational efficiency.”

- Glenn Johnson

Efficiency in supply chain management provides an extra edge to any organization as it helps in reducing costs, speeding time to market, better customer experiences as well as flexible operations. Glenn Johnson, in his article at smartdatacollective.com has shared 5 tips for streamlining supply chain that will result in more profitable operations. They are:

1. Review and optimize supply chain processes
2. Integrate your supply chain
3. Leverage existing systems
4. Abolish duplicate data
5. Understand the big picture

To understand them in detail, please visit the following link:

http://smartdatacollective.com/magicsoftware/312051/5-tips-streamlining-supply-chain

According to Bill Baker (President/Owner, Speed to Excellence), manufacturing companies need to be innovative.  They need to keep on finding new ways to do a task. Companies and individuals need to be agile and flexible in gaining new skills. In manufacturing industry only three things matter. They are:

• People: Employees are the most valuable assets of the organizations. They can find innovative ways to make processes more efficient.
• Technology: It keeps on changing. To be competitive you need to adapt new technologies.
• Process: Process can be improved by reducing waste time and by improving quality and to improve process you can use lean six sigma.
Read more at: http://www.industryweek.com/leadership/what-does-future-hold-manufacturing

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.

- John F. Kennedy

Change management is an important part of today’s business. Poor change management can lead to a loss of an important opportunity. This problem can be handled by equipping project managers with the skills and abilities to manage change. But are they ready for it?

According to Mike DePrisco, Vice President for Academic and Educational Programs at PMI, “We’ve seen the losses shrink over the past nine years. Part of this is due to having more engaged sponsors for change initiatives, but it also has to do with learning leaders making sure project managers have better skills and strategies.”

For training the project managers in this, PMI relies on the PMI Talent Triangle which includes the following 3 elements that lead to their holistic development:

• Technical Project Management
• Leadership
• Strategic and Business Management

Besides these, Satish Subramanian, author of “Transforming Business with Program Management”, identifies lack of sustainable vision as a problem which change leaders face. For this, he has suggested few management tactics that learning leaders can apply with project managers in their change implementation plan. Some of them are:

• Articulate the plan
• Deliver the right training
• Get leadership on board

To know more, please read the following article by Kate Everson, Associate Editor at Chief Learning Officer, at clomedia.com:

http://www.clomedia.com/articles/6249-turn-project-managers-into-change-managers

There is a continuous fall in number of manufacturing industries due to lower profit margin or problem in operation. Here are some problems faced by manufacturing companies with their solutions:

 •    Organizations won’t able to find skilled labor:

·         They need to train them for building required skills, and train employees to solve daily problems.

·         Can’t keep track of all the regulations: Companies need to have Quality legal counsel.

·         Problem with suppliers: Apply lean, six sigma or analytics to reduce waste cost and lead time.

·         Competitive Advantage: Continuous Innovation and lean product development are the need of manufacturing industry.

To know more about these problems and their solution read an article link “Manufacturing: It’s Where and How, Not If” by Becky Morgan (President, Fulcrum ConsultingWorks Inc.): http://www.industryweek.com/strategic-planning-execution/manufacturing-it-s-where-and-how-not-if

Agile represents a group of software engineering methodologies which promise to deliver increased productivity, quality and project success rate overall in software development projects. Now, the scope of agile methodologies has increase more than just software development. They are increasingly being used in aviation, construction, pharmaceuticals, defence and the financial sector. This methodology divides the project in parts and focuses on each part rather than one single deadline.

According to Steve Messenger, Chairman of Agile standards body DSDM, “Agile takes a more fundamental approach to problems, enabling you to move forward with versions as you go along. Rather than try to design everything upfront, your experience and knowledge will increase as you go.”

This article by Tim Adler at business-reporter.co.uk explains in detail about agile methodology, compares it with previous technologies- Prince 2 and Waterfall Technologies. It also talks about an upcoming methodology – Prince 2 Agile.

To know more, please visit the following link:

http://business-reporter.co.uk/2015/04/28/project-management-why-it-pays-to-be-agile/

Agile practices can help companies navigate in this dynamic global economic environment. However, only a few companies are adopting these practices to improve their supply-chain performance and their results show the benefits that they achieve from them.

According to a research conducted by McKinsey of over 250 global companies, across 5 industries, Companies with more agile supply-chain practices had service levels that were seven percentage points higher and inventory levels that were 23 days lower than their less agile peers did.  Those companies did well in areas such as demand forecasting, labor flexibility, and the optimal placement of inventory across distribution networks also.

An example of application of these agile practices is Amazon, which adjusts prices and inventory levels in real time in response to competitors’ moves, among other things.

To get more insights in this subject, read the following article by Raoul Dubeauclard, Kerstin Kubik, and Venu Nagali at mckinsey.com:

http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/operations/how_agile_is_your_supply_chain