June 2013

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 29 jun 2013

Professor Rokhmin Dahuri of Bogor Agricultural University provides a detailed analysis of the various factors leading to climate change and how humans in their efforts for growth and prosperity are depleting the various natural resources. He explains that global warming which is impacting our environment resulting in rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, floods, outbreak of diseases etc, will reduce earth's sustaining capacity to produce food, energy and various natural resources. According to US National Academy of Sciences (2002) humanity's total demand first exceeded the earth's sustainable capacity in 1980, and in 1999 that capacity further increased by 20%. Prof. Dahuri mentions that world's economic growth is neither inclusive enough nor it is sustainable. To feed the world population (estimated to reach 9 billion by 2050), provide them with optimum employment and to bring 1.5 billion people out of poverty he suggests - stabilize the world's population to 10 billion by 2010; developed countries must act responsibly regarding environmental protection and distribution of welfare; focus on green and inclusive growth; adoption of green technologies; convergence of government policies, market mechanisms and institutional arrangements towards low carbon, resource efficient and sustainable economy. Read on...

The Jakarta Post: Sustainable development in an increasingly warming world
Author: Rokhmin Dahuri

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 28 jun 2013

Is it possible to sustain a business without the supervision and leadership of the management? There are examples that prove the various models of management-free enterprises, totally run by employees without the presence of bosses, that are able to perform and do successful business. The various models of management-free companies in existence include - running through committees; employees electing managers; employees free to work on any project and in any team; work commitment contracts with responsibility of performance. Technologies and tools for collaboration and communication beyond the walls of the organization are providing employees more freedom to work according to their own convenience. These self-directed employees are becoming a reality even in various traditional companies. John Naisbitt said, "The successful organization of the 21st century will not be a hierarchy, but rather, a 'confederation of entrepreneurs.'" Read on...

Smart Planet: Are management-free workplaces too good to be true?
Author: Joe McKendrick

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 28 jun 2013

Climate change, with carbon pollution the main catalyst, is affecting the global environment leading to extreme and unexpected weather conditions throughout the world. The effects are more severe in developing nations due to the lack of proper systems to effectively manage disaster situations. Climate change has an impact on the economy too. According to economists 3.5°F rise in temperature will lead to 1% decrease in global GDP (Loss of 5% for India and 4% for Africa). UN estimates that natural disasters will lead 3 billion people to extreme poverty by 2050. Developed nations have been the main contributor of the carbon dioxide pollution (2/3rd) since the Industrial Revolution. The US senator in the article mentions his concerns for the global environment and urges US and the world to take measures to overcome the effects of climate change. Read on...

Reuters: The price of ignoring climate change
Author: Sheldon Whitehouse

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 26 jun 2013

To achieve smart manufacturing (intelligent and integrated) there is need for better connectivity and networking technologies between production and the enterprise. OEM machinery builders are using single control and information platform to achieve this. The machine builders have to meet two key end user demands - better machine throughput and machine flexibility. According to experts, users are achieving better value due to the convergence of networks and use of Ethernet on the production floor. Read on...

Design News: Connectivity Enabling Smart Manufacturing
Author: Al Presher

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 26 jun 2013

Companies and organizations are investing in technology to enhance their global human resources management systems. As work environment evolves with concepts like 'anywhere anytime work', 'remote work', 'boundaryless work' etc there is need for technology enabled HR systems to effectively and efficiently manage globally diverse, multicultural and multigenerational workforce. Experts mention that technology will not dilute the need for human side of the recruitment process and there will be continued need for skillful HR professionals. IT in HR enables streamlined recruitment process; saves cost while reaching large number of diverse talent; helps organize, maintain and manage large HR databases; assists in better decision making. HR professionals have to continue to retrain and update their HR technology skills to remain relevant in this competitive environment. Read on...

The Economic Times: Technology paves way for a highly competitive HR cosmos
Author: Apeksha Kaushik

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 25 jun 2013

Dr. Paul Jacobs, CEO of Qualcomm says that there is a need to enhance the role of design in engineering at all levels and students should be supported to design innovative solutions for the society's problems. He mentions that in the present business and technology environment interdisciplinary teams are a necessity and by understanding possibilities students would be encouraged to fulfill their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) requirements and would pursue education and careers that will assist them in solving global challenges by integrating creativity and technology. Read on...

Huffington Post: Students - Prepare for a New Era of Design Innovation, Says Qualcomm's Paul Jacobs
Author: Alice Korngold

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 25 jun 2013

According to the research at Babson College and Baruch College the early stage entrepreneurial activity in US increased to 13%, highest since 1999. The report also mentions that 34% of US-based entrepreneurs introduced innovative products and services. 75% of entrepreneurs engage in startup venture to pursue an opportunity rather then necessity. The factors that are contributing to rise in manufacturing entrepreneurship in US include - economic recovery; rise of automation; lean manufacturing models; demand for high quality and value products. 3D printing technologies are also creating changes in manufacturing entrepreneurship and giving rise to niche manufacturing startups that focus on customized products and cost effectiveness. Read on...

ThomasNet News: Conditions Are Ripe for Manufacturing Entrepreneurs
Author: Ahvi Spindell

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 20 jun 2013

Innovative companies focus on connecting and building relationships with the customers at a meaningful level, says a chief design officer of a global company. He suggests adopting 'design thinking' and creating an organizational culture where innovation can thrive - Invest in dreams and aspirations, not just function and create emotional connection between customers and the product; Listen to customer but focus on their most critical problems to develop solutions; Align everyone around the same goal and vision and create a collaborative environment. Read on...

Entrepreneur: How to Inspire a Culture of Innovation
Author: Kathleen Davis

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 13 jun 2013

MIT Computer Science professor Daniela Rus and her team collaborated with researchers led by Professor Robert Wood from Harvard University's Microbiotic Laboratory to design a 3D printed robotic inchworm. Although the robot is printed flat but it is capable of self-assembling itself into a desired form with an electric current. Scientists mention that these printable inexpensive robots will find applications in numerous fields like education, healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment etc. Moreover the technology is convenient and user friendly to such a level that even an average person would be capable to design, customize and print a robot in few hours. Read on...

Design News: Harvard, MIT Researchers Design 3D Printed, Self-Assembling Robots
Author: Elizabeth Montalbano

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 13 jun 2013

Civil Engineering professors at University of Illinois, Jim LaFave and Larry Fahnestock, are finding clues after the Oklahoma City's devastating tornado storm regarding the resilience of certain buildings that stood the destruction while others got totally destroyed around them. Their survey intends to understand the construction practices and disaster preparedness of the city and how the construction of critical infrastructure like bridges, air-ports, schools, hospitals etc can be enhanced and evolved to overcome and minimize destruction caused by natural and man-induced disasters. Underground concrete shelters, pits in the garage, above ground 'safe rooms' etc were some solutions that saved lives during storm. Continued research in this field will be able to provide concepts and solutions to save lives and critical buildings in such situations. Read on...

The News-Gazette: UI profs survey tornado destruction for design clues
Author: Julie Wurth

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 12 jun 2013

Countries have their own set of professional designations and credentials for interior designers. If someone is hiring an interior designer in US it is advisable to consider these designations - NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification); ASID (American Society of Interior Designers); Allied ASID membership; Qualifications from accredited institutions. Although educational qualifications and professional designations and memberships are advantageous for assessing interior designers but like any other creative field natural talent and demonstrated work and experiences are an essential element of guaging their skills and standards. Read on...

News-Press: Understanding professional designations of interior designers
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 10 jun 2013

With internet and mobile technologies becoming part of consumer's life, the role websites play in their exploring, visualizing and buying products and services has become indispensable. Consumer's first point of interaction is generally a company's website and it substantially influences their decision making process while building a business relationship. Therefore businesses and individuals providing products, services and information online should give importance to their website's usability and design to be able to have low bounce and exit rates and high conversion rates and avoid abandonement and low sales. Article suggests 13 ways to achieve a better web design - (1) High resolution logo design and link it to homepage (2) Use intuitive navigation (3) More clarity and less visual clutter (4) Give users only sufficient information and provide optimum space (5) Use colors strategically (6) Use professional photographs (7) Use easy to read fonts keeping in mind various devices and browsers (8) Every page should be designed as a landing page with relevant and easy navigation (9) Make the best use of the fold (10) Use responsive design and make site usable across devices and platforms (11) Minimize use flash (12) Design appealing buttons (13) Test the design and optimize different elements. Read on...

CIO: 13 Simple Tips for Improving Your Web Design
Author: Jennifer Lonoff Schiff

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 10 jun 2013

Team of researchers at Philippines Textile Research Institute (PTRI) have utilized the natural phenomenon 'Lotus Effect', the ability to repel water by lotus leaves without wetting it, to develop water-proof textile material. This effect, visible on leaves, insects and birds, is a result of numerous tiny waxy spikes on their surface that causes extreme water shedding. Scientists used silver to provide the fabric with water repellant properties. Silver nano particles are utilized in garments, beddings, pillows etc due to their anti-microbial properties. Nanofinishing that provides nano-sized coating on the textile keeps the softness and breathability of the textile intact. The fabric with this water repellant and anti-bacterial property can find applications in outdoor garments and packaging. Read on...

Business Mirror: Mimicking nature's waterproof technology
Author: Joy Camille Baldo

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 06 jun 2013

Architects are trying to find ways to design safest and most efficient emergency exits in office buildings, sports stadiums, railway stations and other enclosed public places. The difficulty that arises is related to ethics of involving human beings in faking an emergency to make them panic. Group of researchers led by Majid Sarvi of Monash University are using ants to observe the panicky behavior in emergency situations and their exit strategy. The various types of design layouts are then tested. It is observed that corner exits are more efficient and less chaotic. The test is then done with computer simulation of human behavior to assess the efficacy of the various designs. But experts also suggest caution while applying and correlating panicking ants behavior with humans. Read on...

NewScientist: Panicky ants help design safest exit strategy
Author: Paul Marks

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 06 jun 2013

As companies, even smaller ones, get opportunities to operate and do business globally, the nature of work and communication has changed substantially as a result of workforce diversity. To know and understand these cultural differences can be challenging and at the same time beneficial, says a human resource expert. Benefits of diversity can be obtained by integrating workforces. It brings multiple point of views to solve problems. Moreover integrated workforce is more capable of sharing best practices from across different parts of the world and evolve best solutions. It is also attractive and motivating for employees to work for a global company as they would get a chance to work abroad. Read on...

HR Magazine: Global business has changed how we all communicate
Author: Katy Clough

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 05 jun 2013

Professor Philip Kotler defined marketing as 'exchange of value' and the concept is becoming more strengthened in the field of pharmaceutical marketing where 'value-based pricing' has reached a highly popular level. The language of customer needs is transforming itself into the language of value. As affordability is becoming an essential aspect of healthcare the customers are getting more focused on what value they can obtained from the pharma offerings. Marketing tools to attract customers will not work if the value to the customers lacks clarity. Pharma marketers have to plan and execute effectively their communication strategies to make customers understand value in the products that they are selling. Customized offerings would be an essential part of this process. Moreover pharma marketers have to think more closely into the patient treatment landscape and how it evolves in the future. Incorporating effective financial measures into a value proposition is a difficult task. Companies that focus on value and innovation and have integrated the concept of value in each and every aspect of the communication and planning process would be the ones that will succeed in the highly competitive pharma industry. Read on...

PMLive: Translating value in pharma marketing
Author: Jonathan Dancer

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 05 jun 2013

The way schools are designed can play an important role in the learning experiences of the students and the architecture can be considered as a 'living textbook', says an architect. In one of the design for the school he kept the installed machinery exposed due to the learning it can initiate moreover a large space for collaborative learning is created. The open architecture enhances the shared learning aspect of the environment and students are made to spent less time in closed classrooms. Labs are also visible to anyone who is walking down the hallway giving students the opportunity to view other students while they experiment. This again increases inquisitiveness and curiosity among students that might help develop certain interests. An added advantage of this open architectural design is the security aspect where teachers can keep watch on the students and avoid any accidents from happening within the school premises. Read on...

Fast Company: Redesigning Schools For Learning, Discipline, And Safety
Author: Ben Schiller

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 03 jun 2013

Professor Atam Dhawan of NJIT is globally advocating for adoption of 'Point-of-Care Healthcare'. He suggests the importance of the concept by pointing out that it can reduce illness, improve the quality of life, and reduces the ever increasing healthcare costs. Wearable and home use medical devices with mobile technologies; use of big data such as electronic health records and patient-centric information from genome to physiom level; use of stem cells and regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and organ implants; surgical robotics etc are all technological innovations and advances alongwith communication and information systems that have the potential to transform healthcare delivery and enhance its quality with minimizing costs. Read on...

EurekAlert: Worldwide lecture tour touts point-of-care health care
Author: Sheryl Weinstein

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 03 jun 2013

Renowned designer, Yves Behar, has come up with a latest technology and design for the 'Smart Lock' that functions by interacting with the smartphone without the use of keys. The lock has additional functionality like giving user control over the entry of individuals and keeping track of entry and exit of people. According to the designer - simplicity, usability, personalization and easy integration with connected devices are the important aspects of the design. Read on...

pandodaily: Yves Behar on design and the Internet of Things
Author: Richard Nieva