November 2013

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 30 nov 2013

Responsive web design (RWD) provides optimal user experience to customers and visitors to the website irrespective of whether they are using a smartphone, tablet, desktop PC or an internet-enabled television. There are important considerations that have to be taken into account to fully utilize this approach of serving content. Author suggests - (1) Uniformity of content across all user access devices is a necessity. Keep a single URL for the website. Continuously update and upgrade the online content. Keep focus on the mobile content strategy due to the increasing number of mobile device users. (2) Evaluate the current content management system (CMS) and ensure that it is flexible to accomodate responsive layout. To transition to RWD, the CMS focus should be on workflow and the ability to extract uniform content across variety of platforms and that can be displayed into variety of form factors and templates. (3) Ensure collaborative approach to the design and development process keeping the mobile user in mind. Considering the large number of display resolutions of mobile devices it would be difficult to have a 'pixel perfect' design for each one of them. Hence designers have to prioritize and optimize content keeping the key platforms and primary target audience in mind. Provide adequate training to the designers and developers that are part of the RWD team. Read on...

iMedia Connection: 3 reasons you're not ready for responsive design
Author: Scott Kiekbusch

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 30 nov 2013

According to a recent research study led by Professor Jason West of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, more than 2 million people die every year due to air pollution. The main cause reported in study is the rise in the particulate matter (PM2.5) levels that has the tendency to penetrate deep into vital organs like lungs and increases the risk of cancer and other respiratory diseases. Professor Jason West mentions that East Asia and South Asia are the most affected regions due to large population and high air pollution. Researchers have also found that climate change had only a small role to play in deaths related to air pollution. Read on...

Nature World News: 2 Million Global Deaths Linked with Air Pollution
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 28 nov 2013

Most countries in the developing world face similar challenges regarding socio-economic development strategies and plans. More so is the case with farming and rural development considering their large population being engaged in farm related activities and unskilled labor intensive livelihoods. The case of Rwanda is no different with 88.8% of homesteads employed in agriculture and 90% of labor force participating in agricultural activities. Efforts are underway to create more incentives for private sector to invest in agro-processing and farm related industries to ensure sustainability of the agriculture sector. Better infrastructure is required - adequate electricity, feeder roads network, food storage capabilities in rural areas etc - to prepare produce for export and also for efficient local delivery and consumption. Read on...

AllAfrica: Rwanda: Design Strategies to Attract Private Sector Investment in Agriculture
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 27 nov 2013

Article explores the design philosophy of Randy Pausch and the importance of collaboration in design. It mentions the three most important lessons from his design concepts - (1) Test early, test often (Get people to try your work early on, and simply observe and watch what they do without interference. It can uncover product flaws and assumptions quickly); (2) Stop being nice, start being helpful (Give and receive straight and honest feedback. It is an important ingredient of a helpful approach to mentoring and leadership); (3) Designers are shepherds (Design is centered around collaborative problem solving. Randy Pausch's tips in this regard - Check your ego at the door, Let everyone talk and Praise each other). Being a great designer means championing a design vision and process, aiding collaboration and shepherding the design decisions forward. Read on...

Gigaom: Beyond 'The Last Lecture' - Design lessons I learned from Randy Pausch
Author: Ross Popoff-Walker

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 26 nov 2013

Technological changes and upgrades to newer systems require network administrators to carefully implement these changes with best possible uptime during the transition process. Change management (or configuration management) in the IT context refers to technological installations, upgrades, patching and migrations. Article suggests best practices that need to be considered during the change process - Redundant components should be as identical as possible; Space out changes between redundant systems; Use a centralized solution to deploy updates; Always migrate to the new system leaving the old one intact until all the changes have been completed and tested; Devise change plans with multiple inputs; Utilize multiple approval methods; Formulate a backout plan; Choose your change schedule carefully; Use auditing and individual accounts; Always schedule downtime in your monitoring system; Bringing it all together and keep things running with a minimal amount of downtime and disruption. Read on...

TechRepublic: Best practices for change management in the data center
Author: Scott Matteson

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 25 nov 2013

Selecting a right fit while creating an interior design for ones own living space is a challenge. Visuals created by famous designers that are available in design magazines, TV advertisements and websites, are hard to copy considering the tight budget, limited space and already existing family items that one possesses. In her book 'Secrets Of A Stylish Home', interior designer Cate Burren, provides a step by step process and guide for individuals to create their own interior design irrespective of the space restrictions. According to her the most important part of designing is to first understand ones style and tastes and create the surrounding that reflects them. The design should provide personal comfort and functionality, as it is the space created for personal use. If one tries to replicate what he/she likes in other designs it might not gel completely and may lead to costly mistakes. Read on...

Derbyshire Times: Simple way to design heaven
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 25 nov 2013

In a rapidly changing business environment with technology, innovation, globalization and the need for continuous improvement, it is important for leaders and managers to effectively manage and adapt to these changes for long-term growth and success of the company. Managers first have to understand and convince themselves of the need and benefits of the change and then utilize effective methods to lead their team to embrace that change. According to the Best Practices Report (2012) by Prosci, a change management research organization, there are five roles managers should play to ensure change is well adopted - (1) Communicator (effectively communicate and create awareness of the change and its benefits); (2) Advocate (exemplify the change with actions and proactively advertise and promote the message of change); (3) Coach (understand and work to remove barriers to change from within the team members and mentor and guide them towards smooth transition); (4) Resistance Manager (overcome resistance to change from among the team by giving time to each member and uplift their morale to adopt change); (5) Liaison (work as a bridge between the top leadership and the workers to understand and receive the change from top and translate it for operational adaptation). Read on...

Gulf Business: What's A Manager's Role During A Change In The Workplace?
Author: Debbie Nicol

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 24 nov 2013

Physician Assistants (PA) are healthcare professionals that can provide broad range of healthcare services in a collaborative capacity with a physician. They can also perform a limited number of healthcare duties independently. They are an important part of the healthcare human resources and their role is becoming more prominent considering the shortage of qualified physicians in many countries. Their presence is well recognized in military assignments, international humanitarian projects, during epidemics and health crises, in rural and remote areas etc. The article by Professor Ruth Ballweg of Washington University, provides an analysis of the growing importance of PA's and how the profession evolved over a period of time in various parts of the world. Moreover the article also mentions the various educational programs that are geared towards providing PA qualifications in many countries. Read on...

Healthcare Global: The Global PA (Physician Assistant) Phenomenon
Author: Ruth Ballweg, Alyssa Clark

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 23 nov 2013

In today's globalized world and business environment diversity is an important element of the competitive advantage. Organizations are trying to mirror the segments of the customers they serve into their workforce for better connect and understanding. This results in enhanced and valued relationships and partnerships. Moreover according to experts diverse workforce directly affects the organization's bottom-line and leads to better problem solving, better client insights and better employee relations. Professor Sonia Kang of Rotman School of Management says that organizations with diverse workforce find less absenteeism, less turnover, higher productivity and more commitment, giving employees sense of belonging and making them better workers. Inspite of so many benefits of diversity there are still visible workplace biases. According to a study by University of Toronto professor Philip Oreopoulos, online job applicants with English names and Canadian or British education and experience were more than three times more likely to get response for interview than equally qualified applicants from China, India or Pakistan. Read on...

The Globe and Mail: Workplace diversity - 'To win in your market, you need to hire the market'
Author: Jonathan Stoller

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 23 nov 2013

Diversity focused hiring is an important requirement for inclusive corporate human resources. In a recent survey of 400 business executives worldwide by Korn/Ferry Insitute it is found that 96% of them believe that having a diverse and inclusive workforce can improve employee engagement and business performance. 72% mentioned about having diversity and inclusion programs in their organizations while less than 25% said their companies provide financial incentives to senior management to encourage inclusion. Read on...

Fox Business: Creating Diverse Workforce Requires Strategic Hiring
Author: Chad Brooks

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 22 nov 2013

Recent report by Juniper Research forecasts cumulative cost savings of US$ 36 billion globally from remote patient monitoring over the next five years. As healthcare moves to 'accountable care' in developed economies, with direct linking of funds to the health of the patient, this is a significant opportunity. Mobile health services are enabled by the combination of smartphones, mHealth attachments and companion apps. They are creating new healthcare delivery models. Moreover remote patient monitoring for cardiac and chronic diseases seems to obviously fit with the latest healthcare practices and the goal of minimizing patient's time spent in hospitals and reduced outpatient visits. Read on...

M2M WorldNews: mHealth Monitoring Offers 36bn USD Global Healthcare Cost-savings Opportunity by 2018
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 21 nov 2013

Digital revolution facilitated by advancement in technologies in almost all fields of human life's existence is creating a new evolved society. Some works of the past have totally been taken over by technology enabled systems. Human resources is finding a different meaning. Jobs are being transformed and there are visible shifts in the 21st century job functions compared to earlier ones. Article explores the various aspects of technology and its economic impact on societal structures. Author quotes the new book 'Race Against The Machine' by MIT professors, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee - "Those jobs that are complementary to computers such as data scientists and computer programmers will be in demand, as well as those jobs that require empathy, relationships and sensory perception". Read on...

Deseret News: John Florez - Technology disrupting our way of life
Author: John Florez

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 18 nov 2013

As more and more customers are heading online for shopping, there is need for optimized integration of video content on the websites to facilitate the buying process. Videos are a very persuasive marketing medium and assists in customer engagement. Although most marketers are using basic explanatory videos on website but a more comprehensive approach is required for effectiveness that encompasses the whole spectrum of the online shopping and buying experience, from initial awareness to post-sale. Author suggests an ideal video content mix for each stage of the sales funnel - Top funnel content [Interest (15%), Learn (20%)] should include - How-to content libraries; Repurposed webinar content; Thought leadership interviews; Fun content showcasing company culture. For Mid-funnel content [Evaluate (40%)] - Detailed product demos; Client testimonials; Video case studies; Videos showcasing how the solution provided integrates with other products and services in the customer's ecosystems. End of the funnel content [Justify (20%)] should have - Nurture campaign videos; FAQ videos; Customer check-ins; Instructional videos. Read on...

the guardian: How to produce effective video marketing throughout the sales funnel
Author: Michael Litt

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 16 nov 2013

Raspberry Pi, the cheapest computer in the market but without screen or keyboard, is finding success and diverse usage that wasn't anticipated by its creators. It was designed basically as an educational tool for children to learn computer programming. But with its versatility and customization ability, it has found multiple uses - Powering a small humanoid robot that can tell weather, manage diary and make coffee; The Instant Wild system with Pi cameras for recording animal behavior; Powering warehouse doors etc. Moreover Eben Upton, executive director of Raspberry Pi Foundation, and his team is focusing on developing software that will make the computer more accessible to children and for enhanced computer programming learning experience. Read on...

GlobalPost: World's cheapest computer gets millions tinkering
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 14 nov 2013

At present there is interconnectedness and collaboration between the academics at the global level but there are disparities in higher education around the world. To understand the social and institutional practices that assisted in evolution of the academic connections it is important to explore the history of British education and its influence across the globe that dates back to the time of the British Empire. With large number of colonies of the empire most early universities were started by settlers for their own specific purpose. As the colonies further grew these institutions became more structured and started building academic partnerships with British institutions and other colonial institutions. This process also established personal academic networks and recommendation system for academic hiring and collaboration between academia. Later political developments in Europe and weakening of the empire created new dynamics in these connections. In 1960s nationalization led to a phase of consolidation in the British education. But in 1990s came another shift towards marketization of educational structures and new governance model that once again revitalized the global connectedness of the British education. The article by Tamson Pietsch of Brunel University in UK explains in detail the evolution of British education's personal and institutional connections and networks, the practices that constitute 'internationalization' and the transformed role of Association of Commonwealth Universities. Read on...

University World News: Empire and higher education internationalisation
Author: Tamson Pietsch

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 14 nov 2013

Most companies have been putting technology enabled customer service systems at place to fulfil their customers needs and resolve issues. But are these systems sufficient to satisfy customers? According to a report '2012 Customer Service Barometer' by American Express (based on 1000 customer surveys and interviews) - Most customers still don't think service is good enough, much less getting better; Most people will spend more, significantly more, for great service; Quality personal connections still matter most; And those live interactions can be make-or-break propositions. Moreover the customers, with enhanced communicating and sharing technologies (social media etc), find it easier to propagate their customer service experiences. They tell on average 15 people about their good experiences and 24 people about their bad ones, while nearly 50% consumers always tell others about good customer service experiences while 56% always talk to people about their poor experiences. Read on...

CBS News: Most companies fail customer service test
Author: Michael Hess

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 13 nov 2013

Social media is creating new dynamics in the delivery and performance of customer service. It is providing tools for both marketers and customers to share their views and experiences with a larger audience at a speed that wasn't available before. Product and solution providers must understand that customer service is a critical element of a company-customer relationship that is build over a period of time with a value exchange from both sides. Customer service is the front of the organization that deals directly with the customers and a bad experience have a potential to negatively affect this relationship. The article explains the customer service mistakes that should be avoided - Limited use of the automated phone systems; Proper use of automated phone systems; Not apologizing or appearing unsympathetic; Passing the buck; Not solving the problem. Read on...

The VAR Guy: Top 5 Customer Service Nightmares To Avoid
Author: Elliot Markowitz

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 11 nov 2013

Customer participation in the design process is becoming an important part of the innovation and creative strategy. Though most organizations are still struggling to fully incorporate the concept of empathy and customer-centeredness in their business practices. In their book, 'Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All', authors David Kelly (Founder of IDEO and d.school at Stanford University) and Tom Kelly (Partner at IDEO and executive fellow at Haas School of UC-Berkeley) share their design experiences and how companies and organizations can build their creative competence. The excerpt from the book focuses on empathy (understanding what people need and incorporating them in products and services) and how over the years they have used anthropological field research at every stage of the design process to empathise with the end users. Authors suggest 'hybrid insights' an approach that integrates quantitative research into human-centered design. They cite a successful example of a bank that utilized these concepts to understand the needs and wants of the millennial generation (GenY) and created specific financial products for this target segment. Read on...

Slate: Why Designers Need Empathy - Designing better online banking for millennials
Authors: David Kelley, Tom Kelley

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 09 nov 2013

Technology is used in education to facilitate and enhance learning and to equip students with 21st century skills. It is also used to expand education to reach remote, disadvantaged and underprivileged areas of the world. The experiment and efforts are underway in Kenyan schools where e-readers and tablets are being used to provide children with engaging digital content. The project named 'eLimu' was initiated by two Kenyan women, Nivi Mukherjee and Marie Githinji, and utilizes local content and curriculum with a focus on Kenyan youth. The education system in Africa is mired with multiple problems and UNESCO estimates 38% illiteracy ratings among adults and only an average 8-9 years spent in school. To overcome these issues a bigger strategy is required to educate and empower the African population and improve regional economies. Other technological efforts and projects in African education are - Worldreader; Read and Prosper; eKitabu. Read on...

Al Jazeera: A technology revolution in Kenya's schools
Author: Philippa H. Stewart

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 08 nov 2013

Design influences and participates in almost every aspect of human life - from mundane to extraordinary and directly or indirectly. Design continues to evolve and is becoming more personalized and individualized and emphasis is given to understand the needs of specific users and consumers through observation, data and feedback to design the customizable products and services. In a recently concluded Roadmap 2013 design conference in US a vast array of products and services were showcased that emphasized how design is part of everyday life. Some of the examples from the conference are - Maps (Google Maps- tailored for each person based on behavioral data and preferences); Money (Square- online payment transaction focused on buyer's needs and not seller's); Dating (Tinder- aims for 'organic' experience and uses glanceable interface that facilitates quick decision making); Photos (Instagram- use of data for enhanced emotional and visual photo viewing and sharing experience); Clothing (True & Co- using online data and questionnaire to design specialized women innerwear for specific body types and preferences); Driving (Tesla Motor's Model S- in addition to focus on driving environment it intends to provide a emotional connect and welcomes by extending handles when driver approaches). Read on...

Gigaom: To each her own, in product and in design
Author: Rani Molla

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 07 nov 2013

There is a direct relationship between education system and industry. What is taught in classrooms is often translated and reflected into the workplace environment. Over the years education has been designed to provide students the skills and competencies based on what the world of work required. Industrial-age mindset had a strong imprint on education design process. This might not be totally relevant in the present times. The education system must evolve together with the current work environment. The recent Gallup survey of 18-35 year olds in US found a direct relationship between the 21st century skills imparted in schools and the quality of work (twice as likely as their peers). This higher quality of work further translates into higher level of work satisfaction. Education systems across the world should understand and evaluate the latest skills required to survive in the present work environment and plan and implement policies that align and adapt to these changes. Then only there would be a high quality, productive, efficient and satisfied workforce. Read on...

BD Live: Workplace skills are learnt in classrooms
Author: Arthur Goldstuck

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 07 nov 2013

There are diverse opinions regarding the whys and hows of entrepreneurship education. But one thing that can be considered by those who value entrepreneruship is to provide a creative ecosystem that cultivates entrepreneurial mindset and facilitates new venture development. This could also be possible outside the walls of the classroom with participation from both academia and industry. According to enrepreneurial researcher, Norris Krueger, there are three ingredients to train and develop entrepreneurial thinking - supportive network, outstanding mentors and personal reflection. Global entrepreneurial events, forums, conferences etc that bring entrepreneurs, industry experts and academics together can be a good tool to initiate entrepreneurial thinking among students and would be entrepreneurs. Hands-on learning can be considered as an essential element of entrepreneurship education and business schools should provide support services for planning, creation and development of new ventures. Read on...

Businessweek: To Teach Entrepreneurship, Get Out of the Classroom
Author: Matt Symonds

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 06 nov 2013

With increased pace of change, global reach and advance communication technologies it becomes imperative for businesses to align and adapt their processes to this changing reality. Although the basics of business like cost reduction, profitability and customer focus don't change but the way businesses achieve their goals continues to change. Business Process Management (BPM) as a concept and practice have been there with trends like 'work simplification', 'workflow automation', 'business process reengineering' etc being part of it and revolutionizing the way its stakeholders (owners, managers, workers) think about business organization. BPM suite offered by software and IT solution vendors that is used to simplify and streamline business processes should be capable of adapting to the changing demands of the business environment. Human resource department with various administrative tasks requires BPM suite that can align with the changing demand and workforce requirement like freelancers, part-time workers, telecommunters etc, that the standard off the shelve HR solution might not be efficiently able to address. BPM suite gives HR flexibility to customize and individualize the processes with changing expectations. Read on...

Firmology: Is Your BPM Solution Responsive Enough to Keep Up?
Author: Maricel Rivera

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 04 nov 2013

3-D home design softwares provide imaging and building tools to designers and builders so that they can assist their clients to visualize with almost exact accuracy their remodeled homes. Design builder (contractor who designs and also remodels home) firms help their customers in better decision making before they make the actual purchase. Most often home shoppers find it hard to imagine how their home would look like after renovations. The software creates substantially accurate 3-D images of remodeled home with furnishings, accessories, wall coverings, paint colors etc that suits the needs of the buyer. Read on...

mySanAntonio: 3-D design programs help buyers 'see' renovation
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 04 nov 2013

Performance measurement and management are a set of activities and tools that are essential to ascertain the effective and efficient utilization of resources and enhance and improve capabilities of the organization for continued success. Strategic planning is required for organizations to define goals and the processes to achieve them. Every component of the organization has to be aligned and focused towards these goals and objectives. Cost and profitability analysis ensures that better decisions are made, costs are controlled and profitability is optimized. Strategic planning coupled with cost and profitability analysis can fill the gap in performance management solutions. Organizations need to complete the performance management cycle by efficiently aligning and converging the priorities of finance and IT departments and make relevant investments in obtaining the best solutions either by utilizing outside consulting expertise or by seeking in-house skills of the existing software vendor. Read on...

Business 2 Community: Filling The Gaps In Performance Management
Author: Malcolm Faulkner

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 01 nov 2013

Organizations become stagnant if they don't continue to learn and adapt to the changes in their environment. Professor Don Mroz of Post University in US, suggests five essential aspects that can transform a stagnant organization into dynamic, thriving and evolving workplace with innovation at its core - (1) Create a learning environment (idea sharing, professional development, discussions for idea generation, openness to collaboration) (2) Consider your attitude (culture of openness, receptive to new ideas and concepts, don't fear change, adaptive attitude) (3) Create a culture of trust (value perspectives, understand diversity, awareness of ones behavior, sensitivity to others) (4) Celebrate small wins (employee recognition, foster and support small achievements, value organic sense of progress) (5) Experiment (encourage experimentation, learn from failures). Moreover organizations should continue to look for newer ways and models to better themselves, innovate and adapt to their specific environment. Read on...

WIRED: How to Invigorate Innovation in a Stagnant Organization
Author: Don Mroz