Messages

1

Faculty Forum / Get rid of Headaches

« on: April 20, 2015, 04:15:00 PM »

Step 1: Put down your smartphone.
A recent study found that people hold their mobiles way too close to their faces when texting or surfing online, which can strain the eyes. That, in turn, may lead to a headache. If that doesn't work. . .
Step 2: Chug water.
Just being mildly dehydrated can cause severe headaches, per a 2012 study in The Journal of Nutrition. Drinking down a full eight ounces of H2O may quell throbbing in minutes. If that doesn't work. . .
Take a time-out.
Tightness across your temple could signal a tension headache caused by stress, says WH advisor Keri Peterson, M.D., a physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Retreat to a quiet corner—even a bathroom stall will do!—and use your fingertips to massage your forehead in a circular motion. As you knead, take five slow, deep breaths; inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Pause, then repeat. If that doesn't work. . .
Head for the herbals.
Research in the journal Headache revealed that holding anti-inflammatory ginger-feverfew gel under your tongue for 60 seconds—then swallowing—can curb early headache pain. Feverfew capsules or ginger tea may also work. Still not better? Pop a couple of ibuprofen.

2

Faculty Forum / 10 Natural Depression Treatments

« on: April 20, 2015, 12:03:54 AM »

Being depressed can make you feel helpless. You're not. Along with therapy and sometimes medication, there's a lot you can do on your own to fight back. Changing your behavior -- your physical activity, lifestyle, and even your way of thinking -- are all natural depression treatments.
These tips can help you feel better -- starting right now.
1. Get in a routine. If you’re depressed, you need a routine, says Ian Cook, MD. He's a psychiatrist and director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA.
Depression can strip away the structure from your life. One day melts into the next. Setting a gentle daily schedule can help you get back on track.
2.Set goals. When you're depressed, you may feel like you can't accomplish anything. That makes you feel worse about yourself. To push back, set daily goals for yourself.
"Start very small," Cook says. "Make your goal something that you can succeed at, like doing the dishes every other day."
As you start to feel better, you can add more challenging daily goals.
3. Exercise. It temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals called endorphins. It may also have long-term benefits for people with depression. Regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways, Cook says.
How much exercise do you need? You don’t need to run marathons to get a benefit. Just walking a few times a week can help.
4. Eat healthy. There is no magic diet that fixes depression. It's a good idea to watch what you eat, though. If depression tends to make you overeat, getting in control of your eating will help you feel better.
Although nothing is definitive, Cook says there's evidence that foods with omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and tuna) and folic acid (such as spinach and avocado) could help ease depression.
5. Get enough sleep. Depression can make it hard to get enough shut-eye, and too little sleep can make depression worse.
What can you do? Start by making some changes to your lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all the distractions out of your bedroom -- no computer and no TV. In time, you may find your sleep improves.
6. Take on responsibilities. When you’re depressed, you may want to pull back from life and give up your responsibilities at home and at work. Don't. Staying involved and having daily responsibilities can work as a natural depression treatment. They ground you and give you a sense of accomplishment.
If you're not up to full-time school or work, that’s fine. Think about part-time. If that seems like too much, consider volunteer work.
7. Challenge negative thoughts. In your fight against depression, a lot of the work is mental -- changing how you think. When you're depressed, you leap to the worst possible conclusions.
The next time you're feeling terrible about yourself, use logic as a natural depression treatment. You might feel like no one likes you, but is there real evidence for that? You might feel like the most worthless person on the planet, but is that really likely? It takes practice, but in time you can beat back those negative thoughts before they get out of control.
8. Check with your doctor before using supplements. "There's promising evidence for certain supplements for depression," Cook says. Those include fish oil, folic acid, and SAMe. But more research needs to be done before we'll know for sure. Always check with your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you’re already taking medications.
9. Do something new. When you’re depressed, you’re in a rut. Push yourself to do something different. Go to a museum. Pick up a used book and read it on a park bench. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Take a language class.
"When we challenge ourselves to do something different, there are chemical changes in the brain," Cook says. "Trying something new alters the levels of [the brain chemical] dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and learning."
10. Try to have fun. If you’re depressed, make time for things you enjoy. What if nothing seems fun anymore? "That's just a symptom of depression," Cook says. You have to keep trying anyway.
As strange as it might sound, you have to work at having fun. Plan things you used to enjoy, even if they feel like a chore. Keep going to the movies. Keep going out with friends for dinner.
When you're depressed, you can lose the knack for enjoying life, Cook says. You have to relearn how to do it. In time, fun things really will feel fun again.

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Faculty Forum / Effective Presentation Techniques

« on: April 19, 2015, 11:57:46 PM »

1. Use visual aids
Using pictures in your presentations instead of words can double the chances of meeting your objectives.
2. Keep it short and sweet
There is an old adage that said – “No one ever complained of a presentation being too short.” Nothing kills a presentation more than going on too long.
There are some college professors who will penalise a short presentation (most lecturers see no problem in droning on) , but for most people a shorter presentation is better. Keep your presentation to under 22 minutes if you can.
3. Use the rule of three
A simple technique is that people tend to only remember three things. Work out what the three messages that you want your audience to take away and structure your presentation around them. Use a maximum of three points on a slide.
4. Rehearse
Practice makes for perfect performance. Many experts say that rehearsal is the biggest single thing that you can do to improve your performance. Perform your presentation out loud at least four times. One of these should be in front of a real scary audience. Family, friends or colleagues. Even the dog is better than nothing.
5. Tell stories
All presentations are a type of theatre. Tell stories and anecdotes to help illustrate points. It all helps to make your presentation more effective and memorable.
6. Lose the bullet points – don’t put your speaker notes up on the screen
Bullet points are the kiss of death for most presentations. Most people use bullet points as a form of speaker notes. To make your presentation more effective put your speaker notes in your notes and not up on the screen.
7. Video yourself
Set up a video camera and video yourself presenting. You will see all sorts of mistakes that you are making, from how you are standing, if you are jangling keys, to how well your presentation is structured.
8. Know what slide is coming next
You should always know when presenting which slide is coming up next. It sounds very powerful when you say “On the next slide [Click] you will see…”, rather than than a period of confusion when the next slide appears.
9. Have a back-up plan
Murphy’s law normally applies during a presentation. Technology not working, power cuts, projector blowing a bulb, spilling coffee on your front, not enough power leads, no loudspeakers, presentation displays strangely on the laptop – all of these are things that have happened in presentations that I have given.
Have a back-up plan. Take with you the following items – a printed out set of slides – (you can hold these up to the audience if you need to), a CD or data stick of your presentation, a laptop with your slides on it. Just in case it goes wrong.
Guess what? When you have back-ups – you seldom need to use them.
10. Check out the presentation room
Arrive early and check out the presentation room. If you can make sure that you see your slides loaded onto the PC and working on the screen. Work out where you will need to stand.

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Faculty Sections / Salary Negotiation Know-How :)

« on: April 19, 2015, 11:52:18 PM »

Whether you're after a more lucrative job or are just trying to fatten your weekly paycheck, asking for a raise is an exercise in negotiation. And the first step is to know what you want.
"Look at the total compensation picture before you start to negotiate your paycheck, including bonuses, commissions, health insurance, medical and dependent care spending accounts, profit sharing, paid vacation, stock options and other offerings," says Allen Salikof, president and CEO at Management Recruiters International Inc., one of the world's largest search and recruitment organizations.
"All of these benefits can impact your total financial picture -- never evaluate your salary in a vacuum," he adds.
Salikof offers these 10 tips you should keep in mind as you head into salary negotiation talks:
Ask
You've heard of "Don't ask, don't tell" rules, right? Well, the first rule of salary negotiation is, "Don't ask, don't get." You're unlikely to ever get more than a cost-of-living adjustment unless you have the guts to ask for more. So get your arguments set, your nerves steeled and go for it.
Do Your Homework
Find out what others in your position make. Our Salary Wizard has information on many jobs. Also, check with trade associations, ask recruiters what folks in your niche earn, and browse through the job postings to see how your salary compares to those being offered to new employees.
Know Your True Value
Have you saved your company money, improved a process or met your quota? If you've had an impact on the company's bottom line, know the exact figure. You could even suggest that it's fitting for you to see 5 percent of that figure in your paycheck. Suggest the company tie your compensation to measurable bottom-line results. If your position doesn't have a specific line in the budget, be ready to prove that your work improved morale or employee retention. The key is to provide data that shows your value to the company.
Be Your Own Advocate
Make sure you bring your list of accomplishments to your boss's attention. You are the best source of information about you, and you have to be willing to step up to the plate and go to bat for yourself. Don't count on your boss to simply suggest you ought to earn more money or to notice you haven't had a raise in 10 years. You need to be willing to brag about yourself.
Plan Ahead
If you want an early raise, let your bosses know you'd like to discuss the issue so you can give them a peek at what you want from the next raise. Ask for a meeting to conduct a prereview discussion.
It's Never Too Late to Ask for More
If you've already had your performance review, ask for a different type of raise -- perhaps a merit increase or an accelerated performance review that's retroactive based on meeting agreed-upon objectives.
Wait Your Turn
Don't even think about being the first one to ask about money during an interview. Wait for your interviewer to put an offer on the table. What should you do if you're pressed to name a salary? Give the interviewer a range or a vague answer, like "The salary I expect depends upon the job's exact specifications. Can you tell me more about it?"
Know When to Fold
Consider other job opportunities and be prepared to leave your job if you can't get the salary you deserve. Nothing gives an employee more confidence in asking for a raise than having another job offer in the hopper. On the other hand, if you go into a performance review and don't get the raise you want, don't ever quit on the spot. It's easier to find a job when you have one than when you're unemployed.
Everything Counts
When calculating your salary, remember to include the value of benefits, such as bonuses, commissions, health insurance, flexible spending accounts, profit sharing, paid vacation and stock offerings. If a potential employer asks how much you make in your current position, you can honestly say, "My total compensation is..." and then give them the figure that includes everything.
Don't Underestimate the Value of Happiness
If you're happy in your job and the only thing you can't get is more money, maybe it's not time to leave. There's no way to put a price tag on having a job you enjoy.

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Faculty Sections / 10 Interviewing Rules

« on: April 19, 2015, 11:48:47 PM »

In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance against the competition. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before you go on that all-important interview.
1. Do Your Research
Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company's needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself in the interview. You also should find out about the company's culture to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job.
2. Look Sharp
Select what to wear to the interview. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best interview clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual environment, you don't want to look like you slept in your outfit. Above all, dress for confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.
3. Be Prepared
Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your resume, a copy of your references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview. For extra assurance, print a copy of Monster's handy interview take-along checklist.
4. Be on Time
Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.

5. Show Enthusiasm
A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.
6. Listen
One of the most neglected interview skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.
7. Answer the Question Asked
Candidates often don't think about whether they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.
8. Give Specific Examples
One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your stories before the interview. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future performance.
9. Ask Questions
Many interviewees don't ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. The questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job.
10. Follow Up
Whether it's through email or regular mail, the interview follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don't miss this last chance to market yourself.
It is important to appear confident and cool for the interview. One way to do that is to be prepared to the best of your ability. There is no way to predict what an interview holds, but by following these important rules you will feel less anxious and will be ready to positively present yourself.

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Faculty Sections / How to Write a Case Study Analysis

« on: April 19, 2015, 11:44:15 PM »

When writing a case study analysis, you must first have a good understanding of the case study. Before you begin the steps below, read the case carefully, taking notes all the while. It may be necessary to read the case several times to get all of the details and fully grasp the issues facing the company or industry.

Once you are comfortable with the information, begin the step-by-step instructions
1.   Investigate and Analyze the Company’s History and Growth.

A company’s past can greatly affect the present and future state of the organization. To begin your case study analysis, investigate the company’s founding, critical incidents, structure, and growth.
2.   Identify Strengths and Weaknesses Within the Company

Using the information you gathered in step one, continue your case study analysis by examining and making a list of the value creation functions of the company. For example, the company may be weak in product development, but strong in marketing.
3.   Gather Information on the External Environment

The third step in a case study analysis involves identifying opportunities and threats within the company’s external environment. Special items to note include competition within the industry, bargaining powers, and the threat of substitute products.
4.   Analyze Your Findings

Using the information in steps two and three, you will need to create an evaluation for this portion of your case study analysis. Compare the strengths and weaknesses within the company to the external threats and opportunities. Determine if the company is in a strong competitive position and decide if it can continue at its current pace successfully.
1.   Identify Corporate Level Strategy

To identify a company’s corporate level strategy for your case study analysis, you will need to identify and evaluate the company’s mission, goals, and corporate strategy. Analyze the company’s line of business and its subsidiaries and acquisitions. You will also want to debate the pros and cons of the company strategy.
2.   Identify Business Level Strategy

Thus far, your case study analysis has identified the company’s corporate level strategy. To perform a complete analysis, you will need to identify the company’s business level strategy. (Note: if it is a single business, the corporate strategy and the business level strategy will be the same.) For this part of the case study analysis, you should identify and analyze each company’s competitive strategy, marketing strategy, costs, and general focus.
3.   Analyze Implementations

This portion of the case study analysis requires that you identify and analyze the structure and control systems that the company is using to implement its business strategies. Evaluate organizational change, levels of hierarchy, employee rewards, conflicts, and other issues that are important to the company you are analyzing.
4.   Make Recommendations

The final part of your case study analysis should include your recommendations for the company. Every recommendation you make should be based on and supported by the context of your case study analysis. Never share hunches or make a baseless recommendation.
5.   Review Your Case Study Analysis

Look over your analysis when you have finished writing. Critique your work to make sure every step has been covered. Look for grammatical errors, poor sentence structure, or other things that can be improved.
Tips:
1.   Know the case backwards and forwards before you begin your case study analysis.
2.   Give yourself enough time to write the case study analysis. You don't want to rush through it.
3.   Be honest in your evaluations. Don't let personal issues and opinions cloud your judgment.
4.   Be analytical, not descriptive.
5.   Proofread your work!

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Departments / What mistakes do candidates make on their CV?

« on: April 19, 2015, 11:30:32 PM »

One survey of employers found the following mistakes were most common
•   Spelling and grammar 56% of employers found this
•   Not tailored to the job 21%
•   Length not right & poor work history 16%
•   Poor format and no use of bullets 11%
•   No accomplishments 9%
•   Contact & email problems 8%
•   Objective/profile was too vague 5%
•   Lying 2%
•   Having a photo 1%
Choose a sensible email address!
One survey found that 76% of CVs with unprofessional email addresses are ignored. Here are some (modified) graduate email addresses that you should NOT emulate!
o   death_metal_kitty@hotmilk.com
o   demented_bovine@gnumail.com
o   so_kiss_me@hotmilk.com
o   platypus_mcdandruff@gnumail.com
o   busty-beth@gnumail.com
o   flockynockyhillipilification@gnumail.com
o   virgin_on_the_ridiculous@hotmilk.com
o   yourmywifenowgraham@gnumail.com
o   original_madcow_jane@gnumail.com
o   circle-of-despair@gnumail.com
o   rage_against_the_trolley_fish@mail.com
o   sexylikewoaaaah@hotmilk.com

•   Others 3% (listing all memberships, listing personal hobbies, using abbreviations)

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Departments / How to write a successful CV

« on: April 19, 2015, 11:28:10 PM »

Probably the first CV was written by Leonardo Da Vinci 500 years ago. You can view it here. Since then things have moved slightly on, and now it's essential to have a well presented professional CV, but still many graduates get this wrong. The following page will give you all the tips to make an impressive CV
What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae: an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications (L, lit.: the course of one's life). Another name for a CV is a résumé.
A CV is the most flexible and convenient way to make applications. It conveys your personal details in the way that presents you in the best possible light. A CV is a marketing document in which you are marketing something: yourself! You need to "sell" your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers. It can be used to make multiple applications to employers in a specific career area. For this reason, many large graduate recruiters will not accept CVs and instead use their own application form.
Often selectors read CVs outside working hours. They may have a pile of 50 CVs from which to select five interviewees. It's evening and they would rather be in the pub with friends. If your CV is hard work to read: unclear, badly laid out and containing irrelevant information, they will just just move on to the next CV.
Treat the selector like a child eating a meal. Chop your CV up into easily digestible morsels (bullets, short paragraphs and note form) and give it a clear logical layout, with just the relevant information to make it easy for the selector to read. If you do this, you will have a much greater chance of interview.
An application form is designed to bring out the essential information and personal qualities that the employer requires and does not allow you to gloss over your weaker points as a CV does. In addition, the time needed to fill out these forms is seen as a reflection of your commitment to the career.
There is no "one best way" to construct a CV; it is your document and can be structured as you wish within the basic framework below. It can be on paper or on-line or even on a T-shirt (a gimmicky approach that might work for "creative" jobs but not generally advised!).
What information should a CV include?
What are the most important aspects of CV that you look for?
One survey of employers found that the following aspects were most looked for
(From the brilliant 2010 Orange County Resume Survey by Eric Hilden)
45%   Previous related work experience
35%   Qualifications & skills
25%   Easy to read
16%   Accomplishments
14%    Spelling & grammar
9%    Education (these were not just graduate recruiters or this score would be much higher!)
9%   Intangibles: individuality/desire to succeed
3%    Clear objective
2%   Keywords added
1%    Contact information
1%   Personal experiences
1%   Computer skills
Personal details
Normally these would be your name, address, date of birth (although with age discrimination laws now in force this isn't essential), telephone number and email.
British CVs don't usually include a photograph unless you are an actor. In European countries such as France, Belgium and Germany it’s common for CVs to include a a passport-sized photograph in the top right-hand corner whereas in the UK and the USA photographs are frowned upon as this may contravene equal opportunity legislation - a photograph makes it easier to reject a candidate on grounds of ethnicity, sex or age. If you do include a photograph it should be a head and shoulders shot, you should be dressed suitably and smiling: it's not for a passport! See our Work Abroad page for more about international CVs
Education and qualifications
Your degree subject and university, plus A levels and GCSEs or equivalents. Mention grades unless poor!
Work experience
•   Use action words such as developed, planned and organized.
•   Even work in a shop, bar or restaurant will involve working in a team, providing a quality service to customers, and dealing tactfully with complaints. Don't mention the routine, non-people tasks (cleaning the tables) unless you are applying for a casual summer job in a restaurant or similar.
•   Try to relate the skills to the job. A finance job will involve numeracy, analytical and problem solving skills so focus on these whereas for a marketing role you would place a bit more more emphasis on persuading and negotiating skills.
•   All of my work experiences have involved working within a team-based culture. This involved planning, organisation, coordination and commitment e.g., in retail, this ensured daily sales targets were met, a fair distribution of tasks and effective communication amongst all staff members.
Interests and achievements
•   Keep this section short and to the point. As you grow older, your employment record will take precedence and interests will typically diminish greatly in length and importance.
•   Bullets can be used to separate interests into different types: sporting, creative etc.
•   Don't use the old boring cliches here: "socializing with friends".
•   Don't put many passive, solitary hobbies (reading, watching TV, stamp collecting) or you may be perceived as lacking people skills. If you do put these, then say what you read or watch: "I particularly enjoy Dickens, for the vivid insights you get into life in Victorian times".
•   Any interests relevant to the job are worth mentioning: current affairs if you wish to be a journalist; a fantasy share portfolio such as Bullbearings if you want to work in finance.
•   Any evidence of leadership is important to mention: captain or coach of a sports team, course representative, chair of a student society, scout leader: "As captain of the school cricket team, I had to set a positive example, motivate and coach players and think on my feet when making bowling and field position changes, often in tense situations"
•   Anything showing evidence of employability skills such as team working, organizing, planning, persuading, negotiating etc.
Skills
•   The usual ones to mention are languages (good conversational French, basic Spanish), computing (e.g. "good working knowledge of MS Access and Excel, plus basic web page design skills" and driving ("full current clean driving licence").
•   If you are a mature candidate or have lots of relevant skills to offer, a skills-based CV may work for you
References
•   Many employers don’t check references at the application stage so unless the vacancy specifically requests referees it's fine to omit this section completely if you are running short of space or to say "References are available on request."
•   Normally two referees are sufficient: one academic (perhaps your tutor or a project supervisor) and one from an employer (perhaps your last part-time or summer job). See our page on Choosing and Using Referees for more help with this.
The order and the emphasis will depend on what you are applying for and what you have to offer. For example, the example media CV lists the candidate's relevant work experience first.
A personal profile at the start of the CV can work for jobs in competitive industries such as the media or advertising, to help you to stand out from the crowd. If used, it needs to be original and well written. Don’t just use the usual hackneyed expressions: “I am an excellent communicator who works well in a team…… “
You will also need a Covering Letter to accompany your CV.

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Faculty Forum / Re: আপনার মনের বয়স কত? জেনে নিন একটি মজার কুইজ দিয়ে

« on: September 07, 2014, 02:32:21 PM »

Interesting... 

10

One in all PC tips / Re: 5 Laptop Maintenance Tips To Extend Its Life Expectancy

« on: August 12, 2014, 10:29:16 AM »

Thanks for sharing.

11

Internet / Re: চাঁদে ইন্টারনেটের গতি বেশি!

« on: August 12, 2014, 10:23:08 AM »

Interesting.....

12

Articles and Write up / Re: 7 Keys to Successful Negotiating

« on: August 10, 2014, 02:30:28 PM »

helpful post specially for me.

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Making a Business Plan / Re: The Eight Key Elements Of A Business Plan

« on: August 10, 2014, 02:21:38 PM »

nice post

14

Famous Speeches / 5 famous speeches by women about environment

« on: August 07, 2014, 12:18:06 PM »

    Rachel Carson's "A New Chapter to Silent Spring" was a 1963 speech to the Garden Club of America, taking her clarion call about the effects of pesticides on human health and the environment right to the people. Her conviction about her message helped her overcome her public speaking fears and changed our environment for the better.
    Severn Suzuki's 1992 UN Earth Summit speech was delivered when she was just 12 years old, and she wisely kept her message in the voice of a child. "If you don't know how to fix it, please stop breaking it!" she urged the delegates.
    Jane Goodall's "What separates us from the chimpanzees" uses unusual tactics, from sound "props" to Shakespearian influences, to put her message of wildlife conservation across. Another scared speaker, she learned from experience the value of speaking to live audiences to get her environmental message across.
    Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai's hummingbird fable was a simple tale she used to convince audiences ranging from poor women in Kenya to powerful world leaders that a small volunteer effort could do much to protect important ecosystems. In her case, a campaign to reforest Kenya led to the planting of 30 million trees--and a Nobel Prize.
    Christine Lagarde's speech on "dynamic resilience" led the World Economic Forum in 2013. Titled "A new global economy for a new generation," the International Monetary Fund's managing director put the assembled financial titans on notice that climate change and its effects had to be central to their efforts to reshape the world's economy.

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CSR / Re: DIU donated at Kidney Foundation Hospital and Research Institute

« on: August 05, 2014, 01:08:10 PM »

its really great...