10
big talk
52 linkedin story
in 26 Career Hacking
Technofirst www.technofirstonline.com
In conversation with the highest Entrepreneurial Authority LARRY FARRELL
Technology Entrepreneurship & Career Magazine Vol. 5 Issue. 12
December 2009 Rs.25
jobs through
social networking
these days smart headhunters have ensured to have a presence on networking sites, as they go about on their search for the right candidate. TF finds out how the whole scenario works
through networking sites
Network partner
TUC Review: IIT Kharagpur
technology The sixth sense
Job destination chennai
October
2009
TechnoFIRST
www.technofirstonline.com
Technology Entrepreneurship & Career Magazine
Hon. Chief Editor Prof. Jyothy John CEO Arun Balachandran Managing Editor Ajay Lal Editor in charge Abraham Tharakan Associate Editor Jayakrishnan.G.Pillai Senior Sub Editor Suchithra Pillai Sub Editors Lakshmi P. Menon Shibi Kiran Creative consultant M U Prajeesh Campus coordinator Mohammed Nijas Circulation Prijo Jose Marketing Jacob Pattara Subeesh Gopidas Web Coordination Anitha Reghunathan Event Coordination Jethic Bastian Administration Nileena Thomas Subscriptions - 09388833888 subscription@technofirstonline.com Advertisement JayKay (+91) 9020596524 Corp. Office mediafirst Publication A-44, Road No-2, NH-8, Mahipalpur New Delhi - 110037 Ph +91-9388833888 Admin Office mediafirst Publications C1, Alfa Towers, I.S. Press Road, Cochin-18 Ph - (+91 484) 2397533 Printed at S. T. Reddiar Press, Kochi
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editorial
T
his time, I would like to breach the precedent of my editorial, for a man who dares to ask a question like ‘What does India need- more jobs or more babies?’ Satirically, this human being is not amongst those whom you often meet at the ring road of Delhi, or a philanthropist who dislikes the Indian politics of unpopular policy glooms. He has nothing new to teach India by tossing this question in one of his recent lectures, but simply demanding us to open our intentionally closed eyes on the alarming birth rate in our country, and make remedy to bequeath space in the employment canopy for 10 million flock of job seekers- in- waiting. Unfortunately, he is not an Indian, but fortunately he has a noble soul to identify the ‘sprit of entrepreneurship’ in every Indian. The name LARRY FARREL is the saga and sagacity of the leading corporate conglomerates in the world, and a digestible physique to the theory of Marxism in a way of the representation he is having with Chinese IT Ministry on the one end, to the capitalistic calligraphy of COCA COLA on the other. After the Cold War, may be, he is the only man who could have successfully peddled the cycle of entrepreneurship on the highway sharing with Ownership and Socialism. His journey for a good cause, like a better world with the better job- baby ratio, would be venerable and that could change the disastrous outlook of an unemployment collision, which might be possible otherwise. On one of my editorials, I had applauded the heroic and celebrated doorway of Dhirubhai Ambani, into the world of family-dominated Indian business canvass without any traditional corporate costume or cosmetics. Since then, we have seen, this man has redrawn the business map of India from a small town of Gujarat, Jamnagar, to all the unreliable villages in the country through a reliable brand ‘Reliance’. I felt proud while Mr. Larry inked in his column, that the doyen of Vigin Airways, Sir Richard Branson has neither an identical camouflage of a branded business school nor a corporate family fabric. But now, his name and that of his company are the flaming realities of US and Europe. Larry says, “edify your minds, to produce the things that the world really wants to have’. It is the perfect school of thought what every entrepreneur embroider for his/her Dream Company waiting to blossom. I like to keep this editorial as my accolade to person who has linked west to east, socialism and capitalism, clan and colour of mankind with a compass of ENTREPRENEURSHIP. The word ‘social networking’ makes the headway to the job market and education through a blitzkrieg of communication, staring with a ‘Hi’ and ends with information of a dream career. Counting the cue and the upshot of these sites, our cover story illumines the density of interest among the GeNext. AJAYLAL
editor@technofirstonline.com
www.technofirstonline.com
LETTERS TO EDITOR
he cover story of November T (got the offer letter where is the job), just made me realize, I am in
a queue. Many a magazines have mentioned about the hiring being kicked on, but the truth is that they have started rehiring those who were given the pink slip. Those who were recently hired, have waited and waited long enough to realize that they are doomed. I have read a couple of news sections stating that the IT sector is charged up with hiring activity, but as you mentioned in your article the hiring is surely on for the BPO, and that too because of the attrition of the students who had joined the BPO prior to their MBA’s and CA’s. You magazine is indeed a true picture of the job and career sector. Great work, and a wonderful magazine. Rajiv Bhatt, via email
Verbal not just verbal
Point Noted
really appreciate your article- “Not Just he interview with Hexaware CPO Deependra ITrack, T Verbal“, published in TechnoFIRST (Job Chumble was interesting. He was very much to October 2009).I agree with Anjali the point and also gave out the right information Damodharan’s opinion regarding the first impression. There is a saying that the first impression is the best impression. I’m glad that you’ve given equal importance to verbal communication and non-verbal communication. I think, the latter also includes para verbal communication. I need to advise my students and now, after my retirement, my visitors, not to sit on the edge of the chair. Some of them still do it, no matter the environment. Dr.P.Selvaraj Retd.Prof.,Thirumurthi.
Facebook story acebook story was inspiring and at the F same time a startling revelation about how we end up being foolish on the networking
sites. But do we have such opportunities in our country to start- off something during the school days and make it a wonderful business idea. Hope such opportunities do exist in our country. Shweta Salvi, Mumbai.
required for an individual to understand the current job market scenario. Such interviews help us more than the celebrity stuff. I would say, your magazine has the content blend that would help someone who is just about to start his career. The Innovator of the Month was an interesting section to know, hope this section would be a regular one. The only thing that I missed on you magazine was the campus review which would give students an understanding of what to choose from the innumerable options he or she has. Would also be great to see some fun included in the magazine in terms of events and humour. Finally something on the stands for those who look forward to a career. Kaksha Desai, Mumbai
Dear Kaksha, Thank you for your suggestions. We will surely look forward to bring in all, that would assist some one kick starting his or her career. It is indeed great to know that our effort is being recognized and appreciated at the same time. The Editorial Team
TF December 2009 5
Contents
8 Start up story: elife
A mission to enhance people’s lifestyles, through the implementation of technology
32 Career plus: Get noticed at work
Ways and means to get noticed and become an approachable individual in the industry
34 Job track: Making of
an appraisal Appraisals are made regarding the performances of employees from time to time
14 Technology: Sixth sense
Here is a different version of augmented reality system, whose name is “Sixth Sense”
36 Yo campus: Life within the campus is something you will cherish for a lifetime. A look into the ways of the campus and the life within it.
jobs through social networking sites 16 Smart Techie 28 Group Discussion 56 Beta Q 66 Career Guru 60 Company Review 38 Website Review 35 Book Review 58 6 TF November 2009
44 TUC Review: The
Entrepreneurship Umbrella About how the TePP outreach centre came into existence under the entrepreneurship umbrella of IIT-Kharagpur
Today hiring a fresher is not simply about filling in a position. Companies want to ensure that the candidate will demonstrate high degree of performance and commitment Deepali singh
24
job destination chennai 54
Quote it
52
“Life is one of those races in nursery school, where you have to run with a marble in a spoon, kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same is with life, where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but will lack the spark. One thing about nurturing the spark don’t take life seriously. We are people, not programmed devices.�
LinkedIn is a businessoriented network site, allowing registered users to maintain a list of contact details of people they know and trust in business. The people in the list are called Connections
linkedin story
chethan bagath
I always believed that no corporation can indeed sustain its growth, sustain its vibrancy, without making a difference to society. NarayanaMurthy
20
Networking sites supplements the job process in the real world. With a decent profile in such sites, it furthur convinces the prospective employer of your employability
The network connection
STARTUP STORY
eLife
AUTOMATION AND DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT
on a mission to enhance people’s lifestyles through the implementation of technology, and entertainment solutions in an affordable manner. elife is a an entrepreneurial venture with an aim
e
Life Technology has pioneered the concept of Integrated System, which will simply transform your lifestyle to a more organized, productive, efficient and enjoyable one. The information and devices that are integrated into an easily controllable interface, can pertain to important aspects of a person’s life such as security, surveillance, lighting and entertainment (music, movies, video and photos). eLife Technology performs design and installation of a wide array of residential technology and entertainment solutions. Their mission is to enhance people’s lifestyles, through the implementation of technology
and entertainment solutions in an affordable manner. They offer high quality products and solutions to reputed manufacturers as well as design and technical support services, in the area of home technology and entertainment. TF in conversation with Hemali Desai, the employee turned entrepreneur, about her entrepreneurial venture with her colleagues and friends.
The Beginning Since I graduated in electronics engineering, I wanted to do something in electronics field, rather than joining some any software company, which was the trend then. Hence, I worked in an organization which was into manufacturing
Mr Kish, Hemali, Micheal and Mr Tsang
Hemali desai one of the partners
electrical and switch gear products for sometime. From there I realized that technology is changing worldwide, and people are shifting to more of electronic switches and products. With the support of like minded colleagues, we decided to venture into this field of technology, and bring the concept of total home automation and security control to masses in India.
The Steps Taken The major breakthrough for our company , was collaborating with various international manufacturers to bring home automation technology to Indian market, with us being their sole distributors. Second challenge was to create a network across India to achieve our targets and establish our company name. We then had to create demonstration rooms for our client to come and have a look and feel of the product, as well as to understand this new concept of automation, which required a lot of capital investment in the start, as this Company was a very important part. e life technologies
The Entrepreneurial Transition. Being an employee is easier then being an entrepreneur. Less of responsibility, smaller targets to achieve and even lesser room. But being an entrepreneur involves taking risk and brings in a lot of responsibilities. higher targets to achieve. But it also brings the satisfaction of doing something what you love. And when you do something you love even a tedious job is fun. For me, the transition was great. The change was from reporting to someone, to managing people working for me. The vision was very clear and we knew what we had set to achieve.
Your Strength My most valuable asset in this process was my family’s faith in me, that I can do it and I had to prove myself. My strength lied in my partners who inspired me to work even harder. Our main goal was to excel starting from scratch.
Challenges and You The biggest challenge has been to change the existing mind- sets of people to new technology. Making a product that is already existing in the market and selling it is easier, compared to getting something new and bringing a change. We created numerous demo rooms where client can see this new concept of digital homes, and this helped us in creating awareness. Interior designers and architects started innovating with electronic switches and Touchscreen to increase the premium value of the houses. This helped us in catering more clients and people started accepting this new trend.
Founded 2008 Head Quartered in Mumbai Industry Automation Digital Entertainment The Team We have our main
office in Mumbai and channel partners in Bangalore, Pune and Goa No. of employees 40 Achievements Since its founding , eLife Technology has completed numerous projects for large builders and home owners in India.
eLife Technologies F95, Prime Mall, Irla Lane, VileParle (West), Mumbai- 400056 Tel: +91-9820662366 www.elifetech.in
Vision for the Future As this technology is now limited to elite class, we want this luxury and comfort to be available to the masses and hence in the next coming years our main target is to cater this technology to the general masses and developing even better technology for Indian market
Words of Wisdom for the Future Entrepreneurs I don’t think, I am yet eligible to advice but I would definitely say that rewards are the returns from the risk we take. It’s the most difficult path to chose, but the end results are always more satisfying. TF December 2009 9
big talk
entrepreneurial authority Known as the highest authority on entrepreneurship, Larry Farrell, is indeed a man who knows the core and crust of entrepreneurship. TF in conversation with the man himself, sharing his wisdom and opinion.
F
or a man who has researched on ‘Entrepreneurship’ for over 20 years, the acclaim ‘world’s leading authority on Entrepreneurship’ is a fitting one. With deep interest to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship, he gives training programmes through his firm. The Farrell Company, established in 1983, with two offices in offices in Arizona and Virginia in US, has now over 20 affiliate offices around the world, and a growing base of clients and trainees. The company’s programs have been widely accalaimed and is very much in demand. The Companies clients include Coca Cola, American Express, Toyota and Nabisco amoung others. A graduate of Harward Business School, Larry was the former Vice Presidnt of American Express and former President of the worldwide consulting and training firm Kepner- Tregoe. He has authored three books: The Spirit of Enterprise (1994), The Entrepreneurial Age (2001), Getting Entrepreneurial! (2003), and the fourth one awaited. TechnoFIRST in conversation with Larry Farrel. How does it feel being called the International Authority for Entrepreneurship? Strange! I feel strange!, because you pick up a field and you work and you work..... and then pretty soon, someone says: Oh he must be the expert on this because, he keeps working on the same thing and I feel like I’m continuing to learn. How did your interest in Entrepreneurship develop? I was the President of a Management Consulting Company in the US. As General Management Consultants, we were going and helping companies with strategic planning, the processes, do this, do that. But most of what we did with the clients did seem to help too much. Their problem was that they were not growing, they were declining and they wanted to grow and I got discouraged with all that I learned at Harward Business School, which was not really helping them- big companies. Then I thought to myself who knows the most about growing business not managing them, creating the products and marketing them. I thought entrepreneurs know that and that is what they do. Then I began reading, talking to entrepreneurs; for the first time I began thinking about it, researching about entrepreneurs, interviewing them and it became interesting. I should say that Harward Business School has no single class on entrepreneurship. It became so interesting that I quit my job, started researching to give training by organizing seminars on what great entrepreneurs do to grow their business.
The most crucial factor is very simple, entrepreneurs have to know how to make a product, the world wants to have, So knowing how to make a product or deliver a service, to come up with a product- service idea, is the most important thing Who was your first client? My first client was IBM in December 2004. What is the most crucial factor of the decision, that an entrepreneur has to make? The most crucial factor is very simple, entrepreneurs have to know how to make a product, the world wants to have. So knowing how to make a product or deliver a service, to come up with a product- service idea, is the most important thing. It is not even finance, it is can you come up with a product or service that the market wants and most of the business schools around the world don’t teach that. How can you make something, how can you print a magazine, how can you make good food, these are all entrepreneurial products. So we teach our students, the first thing is, you should find a product or a service you think the market will want and you have to become expert at that. Later you can out worry about management. The first step is to go market with a good product, because most of the growing entrepreneurs like Richard Brandson or Mr Harnett in Japan, they never went to management school, they know how to make a product What really makes an entrepreneur? We define entrepreneurs by what they do, we don’t worry so much about their psychological profile, are they big risk takers or not. I am not that sure that’s so important. What we teach is that all entrepreneurs whether they are in China or India or Brazil or US. They more or less do the same things at work. They have the same entrepreneurial practices. And we think that these four important things that we teach: Sense of Mission, Customer/ product Vision, High speed innovation, Self inspired behaviour, are essential to make a great entrepreneur. There may be other things they do, but 99% of all the entrepreneurs we researched, had these four things. What is your opinion about first generation entrepreneurs, who don’t have a family TF December 2009 11
background in business? For we actually, they are the only entrepreneurs, If you take over your fathers business, you are not an entrepreneur, you are a manager. And I love what the Chinese say, I think you have this in India also. The Chinese say: “beware of the third generation”; the first generation, we create a business; the second generation, they spend all the money; and the third generation, destroys the business. So the second and third generations, they are not entrepreneurs they are taking their fathers idea and sometimes destroying it. So the true entrepreneur is the one who starts something completely new, on his own. His family may give him some money $ 10,000 or something to start with. People who inherit their fathers business, they say it to me, I am an entrepreneur, I am the owner of this business. I say no, you are not, Your father was an entrepreneur, you are just a manager. In your third book- ‘Getting Entrepreneurial’, it says that 70% of young people want to start up a business, to become an entrepreneur. Do you think too many entrepreneurs coming up, without any basic idea of entrepreneurship, can harm entrepreneurship? It could. Right now every three companies that try to start up, two fail. So the success rate is one out of three. My objective would be, if we could teach 12 TF December 2009
people enough so that, we can change that, may be two successes and one failure. That would be good. Of course, failures are part of entrepreneurship. Most of these entrepreneurs they are not afraid of really good failures. They always try to learn something, that they can try again. But of the 70% of people thinking about it, only 15% give it a try sometime in their life and 5 % are successful and this 5% may be it should become 10 or 20%. But of course entrepreneurs need to have employees. So I am not saying everybody has to be an entrepreneur. But the reason why India, or any other economy needs we know this, entrepreneurs create most of the jobs; may be 70 to 80% of all the jobs are created by small businesses, by entrepreneurs. So the economy of India desperately needs more of them, because we need more jobs and I have noticed in my speeches in India, which is very popular and they like it. I teach a formula, that’s called the Job-baby ratio. Creating jobs creating babies, your job creation rates have to exceed your birth rates or you are going to become poor. You cannot produce more people than jobs, it has to keep producing jobs. Do you thing the Indian mindset is apt for entrepreneurship? I do and I am the one who believes that people become entrepreneurs, when the cultural environment is positive, about entrepreneurship. So I see so many Indian’s living here, they may be a good employee or an upstart, they go to US and become entrepreneurs. So that’s amazing! So I think in Indians, there is a lot of entrepreneurial spirit, but perhaps the culture, perhaps the surroundings does not encourage it so much. But if you put an Indian in an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, Bang! Its amazing. But here in Kerala they don’t want to be entrepreneurs too much, when they go to New York, Washington or Silicon Valley, they want to start a company.
I teach a formula, that’s called the Job-baby ratio. Creating jobs creating babies, your job creation rates have to exceed your birth rates or you are going to become poor
technology
The Sixth Sense It seems, technology is moving out of movies, into the real world. Here is a different version of augmented reality system, whose name is “Sixth Sense”.
H
ave you ever imagined that one would be able to use a computer, by just wearing it on your neck, like a pendent. If not, you would have to. In the recent TED (“Technology, Entertainment, Design” is an academic organization owned by the Sapling Foundation, a non- profit organization, which conducts invitation- only conference called TED Talks) conference held in Mysore, from November 4- 7, the prototype was unveiled by the MIT Team. Pranav Mistry, who is a Research Assistant and PhD candidate at the MIT Media Lab, had developed the system in less than six months. His demonstration of the prototype for the second time, was received with a big round of applause, response and enthusiasm. The instrument, nicknamed “Sixth Sense” by the MIT Team, consists of few devices, which hangs like a pendent. I consists of a web- cam, a tiny LED projector, a web- enabled smart phone, a battery and coloured markers on finger tips, for the camera to identify hand gestures. This is hugely different from what we have seen Tom Cruise use in the movie Minority Report. Here the monitor and the keyboard could be any surface. The projector projects the display, and the camera captures the gestures, and turns it into commands, with help of the phone. Other than this it has many uses. What is significant is that, it significantly reduces the separateness between the real and the digital world, by using the former as interface. What makes this “augmented reality system”, different from others, is the inexpensiveness of the devices used. The whole device except the phone costs $350. What makes it more interesting is that, he has open- sourced the instrument, which could lead to many new uses. Pranav says: ‘I am trying to make this tech available to people, and I will provide all the open source software for Sixth sense starting next month’
14 TF December 2009
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The sharpest mind in India are coming together to lend support for the flagship campaign to change the face of the Indian Technology industry. From statesmen, to successful young entrepreneurs to pioneer I.T. giants, the “I am an Entrepreneur” Campaign is aimed at making change at the grass root level to the future of the country, namely the youth. The innovative ideas in young minds shall be crafted and applied from the shoulders of these people who have shown the world the value of independent thinking. The campaign focuses on evaluating the viable ideas in future entrepreneurs and providing help in making their campus dreams come true.
Log on to www.iamanentrepreneur.in Mail us: info@iamanentrepreneur.in
A Campaign To Make Your Campus Dreams Come True
Get ready
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Help Line: Sreejith (Technopark)
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October
2009
cover STORY
SOCIAL NETWORKING WILL GET YOU THE JOB anand mahadevan Jayakrishnan G pillai
uring my college days I was often accused of being an internet addict, and I wouldn’t dare to disagree, because you will find me connected almost throughout the day’, says Arvind Majhetia*. ‘I would be more often found on the networking sites particularly Facebook, Orkut and Twitter. I would go through various web sites, and find interesting content, and refer it on the networking sites’, he continues. ‘It was on twitter that I got a DM from Ashok Jalgoankar, (today Arvind’s boss) asking me to send across my Facebook link, and I was a bit baffled but still I did that. I was added onto his friends list, and three days later I got an offer letter to join a company as content analyst, and I was more surprised when I realized that the mail was from Ashok Jalgaonkar. I completed my graduation in media studies and joined the company. I still thank my addiction to the networking site that got me a job’. Not just him there are many others who got hired on the web 2.0. So how does it work or rather 16 TF December 2009
do they really hire because of a networking profile. TF looks into the strange fondness between the networking sites and your job opportunities. In a recent survey, it came across that students actively use social media to research companies, and confirm whether employers, and their brand messages, live up to reality and almost half of students use social media sites to chat with peers about recruitment process. In addition, about 30 percent of students chat with current employees to check if their expectations of a particular employer were met, after being taken on. The survey also mentioned that 42 percent of students feel social media is the ideal platform to communicate employer brand, and 56 percent agree social networking sites allow candidates to get a feel of company’s culture. But there is also another side to this survey. The companies also use the very same networking site to filter and choose the right candidate. A look into the who, what, and how about
How to get connected ocial networking S sites are turning as the latest tools
early 50 % of N students use social media sites to
etworking sites N like Facebook , Orkut, LinkedIn and
inkedIn with over L 14 million users, has over 200,000
for job tracking and recruitment process.
Ryze are engaged in this job process
chat with peers about recruitment process.
recruiters registered
mployment networking mainly requires E active participation, and the quality of your effort determines the return you get from your investment of time.
the social networking sites and their importance in your career building.
Social Networking and Your Career A lot has been said about how companies are using social networks sites like Facebook and MySpace to screen prospective candidates even before the interview process begins. The hottest development on
the internet in the last few years, has become a place for people to meet, make friends, share personal stories, exchange information, and get ahead in their careers. These include casual networking sites like Facebook, Orkut as well as professional ones like LinkedIn and Ryze. Realizing their potential, smart headhunters have ensured, to have a presence on these sites as they go about on their search
if you meet a probable employer on these sites, your chance of getting hired is quite high. Moreover, discussions among like- minded people with similar educational background can also help in guidance and getting the right job for the right candidate
for the right candidate. LinkedIn, by far the biggest professional networking site with over 14 million users, has over 200,000 recruiters registered. Scanning profiles of people registered on social media, these HR professionals are often able to find candidates who may otherwise have not been traceable. And these are only those who are actively looking for a change. Often, these sites throw up people, who are in the job market only passively, or waiting for a job they would love.
Social networking also Employment networking Social networking involves informal introductions and casual conversations in cyberspace. Think of it as a virtual “Truman Show�, where people eagerly and pleasantly meet and greet TF December 2009 17
Why social networking might work
Y
our boss will not be alerted: Floating your resume on job sites and boards, and among recruiters could mean , your boss might be getting alerted of your intent. Simply, direct recruiters to your social media profiles, and no one will be wiser. Get a better deal: When you get “discovered” by a recruiter, it is for the latter to sell you the job. Implication? You can always hold out for a better package since you are not the one seemingly on the lookout. one another online. There’s no Run a background check before committing: Social media obligation to participate, no allows you to find people, who can tell you more about downside to not doing so, and no companies, bosses and other colleagues you would be performance standard to meet if expected to work with. The feedback can help you take a you do participate. more informed decision. Employment networking, Join a new company, settle in quicker: Look up people on in contrast, requires active social media sites who work in the company you are planning participation, and the quality of to join, and chat with them. It helps to develop a better your effort determines the return understanding of the people and the company’s culture, and you get from your investment can help you settle in quicker. of time. Why? Because the key to success in employment networking (whether it’s done online or off), is giving as good as you get. You have to share your knowledge, information, and job contacts, if sites. Since the purpose of employement networking is to find a new or better job, you must do it where you want others to share theirs. No less important, is that sharing must be you’re most likely to connect with people who know done regularly, so that it builds familiarity and of or have access to employment opportunities. trust among those with whom you network. Their How to Grab Attention confidence (in you) reassures them, that they can Create accounts on select social media sites. It’s safely refer you to a business associate or colleague. best to choose a professional one (strongly recomThat reassurance is critical. Sharing friends on a social networking site isn’t particularly risky; but mend LinkedIn), and a casual one (choose between putting someone in touch with a business contact Orkut, Facebook and MySpace). Don’t spread youris. It can damage reputations or even jeopardize self thin by being on too many sites. employment, especially if the person you refer Let your profile make a statement turns out to be less than business- like. When you fill out details about yourself on your Employment networking takes place on different account, make it not only complete, but also 18 TF December 2009
social networking sites is one place where you can meet your potential employer and employee. And with the web 2.0 going big among the youth. SNS is a total yes Peter Thomas Award winning novelist
compelling enough for others to take note. Add all relevant information about your education, career so far, achievements, interests, hobbies, recommendations from others, photographs, links to your blogs, and more. Everything counts when it is your dream job you are after. It’s not only professional sites that matter: The belief, not unfounded, so far was to use professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Ryze for recruitments. No longer -- even other social media positioned more for personal exchanges, dating, posting photographs etc are being scanned by recruiters to identify people or to run background checks. You are being watched -- make sure you put your best face forward. Your network matters: Social sites are only as effective as your network of contacts. The right mix of quality, relevance and quantity ,can optimize the benefits to you. Recruiters might also be calling upon some of your contacts for a reference check . So having the right network, becomes all the more important. ‘I am at a stage where I am looking at new jobs and LinkedIn has been instrumental in getting me in touch with some people in the
industry. I cannot say that I have bagged the job of my dreams as yet, but I am pretty confident it won’t be long’, says Anjali Kartha *, who moved to the US a few years back to work in the fashion industry. Get discovered through active participation: Doing all of the above is fine, but lying dormant on these sites will not do much for your cause. Be an active participant on the various features offered here. The LinkedIn Q&A section is one where members exchange knowledge and expertise, and thus get to know others better, and improving ones chances of being discovered. “I met someone through the LinkedIn Q&A section, who asked a question regarding a technical topic of interest to me in hardware design. We started conversing via email, and it turned out that, he was the director of US operations for a European company designing EDA tools in the very area that I am interested in working. I was quasiinterviewed via email (including with one of the founders), and now I am awaiting a formal job offer,” says Matt Andrews, a US-based Hardware Engineer. Recommend and seek recommendations: Some of these sites allow members to recommend one another, for their professional capabilities. Seek someone for yourself, it will boost your profile. And don’t be stingy in doing so for others either. It’s all about give and take, fostering relationships in the process.
Depending on the type of industry each of these sites could be helpful but yes, Linked-in is definitely a more professional site and has become a ground for talent search Deependra Chumble CPO, Hexaware Technologies
Seek out the employer you want: These sites are not only about someone finding you; they give you an opportunity to network with people in the right companies when you are actively seeking a change. Normally you may not be able to just send an email to these people, but if you approach them through your network, the chances of response go up dramatically. Job seekers can also seek out and follow professional recruiters to get first information about job opportunities. So if you are getting ready to graduate or an alum looking for a new job, then stop focusing on the job boards and job sites, just polish your social networking profile and get yourself enlisted on various networking sites, because now they are hiring from there. TF December 2009 19
story line 23% more than they did previously to verify resumes, to fill their vacancies’. Thus, by having a decent profile in such sites, further convinces the prospective employer of your employability. Now, having said this certain things needs careful consideration.
Real or Virtual
The network connection Shibi kiran
T
hese days it seems, seeking jobs in the real world isn’t enough. With the coming up of the web, a virtual world has been opened and we’ve started using both worlds. Since, we don’t know how opportunity shows up, both worlds need to be used simultaneously. Many a people ask whether spending too much time on the web is a waste or not. They it seems doesn’t keep pace with the progress of time. If there is one phenomenon that specifically represents this time, apart from others, it is – virtual living. Then what is corollary, is to live in it. Networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Bebo, Facebook and many more have come up with a view to provide space for business people and professionals. These sites, apart from providing a socializing space for business people, is a place for finding jobs. ‘We generate over five million page reviews in a month and we have about half a million registered users on our websites’, said Yogesh Bansal, founder and CEO of ApnaCircle. com, a career-cum-social networking site, launched in the year 2006. Networking sites supplements the job process in the real world. In a study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in 2006, ‘recruiters use social networking sites 20 TF December 2009
It is found that only 5% of the jobs are found through networking and the number is definitely going to rise. That means 95% of the jobs are still found through real world process. What is to be done is the virtual option should be kept open, apart from from real world, but more focus should be given to the latter. The former option definitely complements one’s profile and prospects.
The slippery side
The networking option, apart from providing opportunities has its slippery side too. They provide an excellent way to background check ones credentials before hiring; it might harm ones prospects if contradictory information is provided on different sites. Likewise, the pictures uploaded and comments posted, can turn employers decision, either positively or negatively. So engaging in these facilities, is like an unofficial test, which can be viewed, at the prospective employers pleasure.
Taming ones emotion
Transparency might be an important phenomenon in politics, the same is destructive in the world of networking. Disgruntled employees who share their emotion with their friends, can get to the notice of the employer, and may lead to their dismissal. So the opportunity can be a source of misfortune as well. Clever users, knowing well the loopholes, will turn any opportunity into success.
Networking sites supplements the job process in the real world. With a decent profile in such sites, it furthur convinces the prospective employer of your employability
ABROAD
Social networking and things you learn
T
Be diligent in your following and in marking your favorites when on a networking site. else you may end- up with quite a lot of stuff that might rob your valuable time Dr.P.Selvaraj Retd. Prof.,Thirumurthi 22 TF December 2009
his write- up is based on my experience with some of the widely known Social Networking (Web) Sites. Let me try to be as objective as possible. Think twice or even beyond, before signing- up with any SNS. You cant afford to be carried away by what a particular site claims to be. I had to leave some of the sites sooner than expected for one reason or the other. You don’t have to waste your precious time before you begin to doubt the suitability of the site for you. I don’t know about poetry in languages other than Tamil and English. I may not be wrong in saying that the themes in most Tamil poems and to a lesser extent in English poems have been and continue to be love and valor. I’ve a point to make an a corollary. Social Networking Sites serve as a platform for friendship that too of an on- line nature. Generally, they are found wanting even in the area of fellowship. When a friend would surprise us anytime an online friends behavior may turn out to be bizarre. No wonder! Be diligent in your following and in marking your favorites. If you’re not keen you may end- up with quite a lot of stuff that not only may not be useful to you but might rob your valuable time as well. That’s why I’ve suggested at the beginning of this write- up that you define your purpose clearly and sharply as possible before joining any SNS. We join a site to participate in
the thread for forum or conversation, don’t we? But, there’s a problem too! You cant expect all the participants to confine to the topic or theme for discussion. Irrelevant and even inappropriate inputs are a common scenario. If you’ve a point to say but that point is not welcome on the discussion boards you would end up with remarks, some of them neat, some amusing, objectionable and even abusive. Some members have their own innovative ideas to ease os out of the board. At least they see our point but at the same time don’t want us to face the offence of many members. They first ask us to contact them outside the forum, mostly by e-mail Then gradually they ease out of contact with anybody concerned by any means. Cultural gaps add fuel to the fire. When I saw a beautiful photo on a primarily a photos site, I expressed my appreciation but just mentioned that the objectionable or indecent word printed around could have been avoided. I was ridiculed not only by the person who had posted the photo but by his/her friends. By insulting words, i would say, sex is not a objectionable subject. But when it’s out of place and is worded pornographically ..... I leave it to you to assess what I am trying to communicate with you. Hence my advise to you is: choose the right site, the right thread and the right contact. Then your experience with a SNS will be worthwhile for all.
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hr talk
Hiring freshers
Young & Bright
T
he freshers job market these days look annoyingly dynamic thus giving a picture of confusion. A lot is being said about hiring and the lack of it and even about the campus recruitment, placement and joining package compromise. TF finds out the real job market scenario from the people who really know the Job market and freshers job market as a part of their profession. This time around TF in discussion with Deepali Singh, Sr. Vice President, Firstnaukri.com. What is the job market scenario for the fresherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s today? There is cautious optimism across sectors, companies are hiring from campus, MBA and Graduate hiring has picked up but the number of offers at Engineering campuses is still low. How do you analyze the situation where in offer letters are given with an uncertain joining date? This is market driven approach, projects are in the pipeline organizations donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want people to be on bench any more, students are given joining dates as and when they have projects and they can be absorbed. What according to you could be the possible reason for the above stated situation? As I said just because the companies donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to have a bench strength when there are no ongoing projects. What are the major expectations of the major IT companies from a fresher in this crunching job scenario? Today hiring a fresher by a company is not simply about filling in a position or building a bench. Companies want to ensure that the candidate will demonstrate high degree of performance and commitment. 24 TF December 2009
Deepali Singh Sr. Vice President, New Businesses Deepali, in her current role, is setting up the business of firstnaukri.com She did her post graduation in Management from Institute of Productivity and Management. Deepali has over 12 Years of work experience in Corporate Sales, Product, Business, Alliances. She was formerly with Aptech Ltd. and has been a part of Info Edge for more than Seven years.
They expect people to stick with the company for long and not look at changing jobs every few months. What are the major issues faced by you while finding the right candidate for your clients? Quality of Skills. Most freshers in India have degrees but no skills. We are a platform which enable employers and the jobseeker to meet online . Do you think that the networking sites are helpful in finding the right candidate for the jobs? At campus hiring level itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little difficult however they do work at senior levels. It is said that networking sites are becoming one of the major sources of finding the right candidate. Your comments They are a good way to hire passive job seekers at Senior levels. Has recession affected the campus hiring according to you? Organisations are coming back to campuses slowly. Few sectors like Pharma , education, healthcare, telecom are hiring What is you opinion about the future scenario for
freshers in IT sector? With Indian economy clocking 6.7 % growth in 0809 and is expected to get back to its growth path of 9% . There will be a positive impact on hiring across sectors. IT hiring will pick up slowly as the growth in IT is more indexed to the US economy than the Indian Economy What is the best thing about campus recruitment? You get to hire lots of young, bright people quickly.
Today hiring a fresher is not simply about filling in a position. Companies want to ensure that the candidate will demonstrate high degree of performance and commitment
career track
Cyber Security & Ethical Hacking
W
hile in college you had successfully hacked your way into your friends orkut account, edited it and had fun. You were even involved in hacking your college website and added your ideas to your dean’s thoughts. If so then you may be a budding hacker. And let us inform you that Hacking is illegal! But what if you get paid for what you are good at and still be considered within the law. Surprising but yes, you can be an Ethical Hacker. When hacking began, it was believed to be used by teenaged computer geeks for show off. What at first began as pranks has now become a major crime that has left many a companies and organizations wondering on how to deal with it. A virus attack, initiated by Cyber criminals or hackers, may strike in such a way that it could erase your entire system; or someone can steal confidential information from your systems or even break into your systems and modify your files without your knowledge. The function of a cyber security professional is to protect the data and systems in the network that are connected to the internet. A hacker tries to find loopholes in a system and break
26 TF December 2009
Ethical Hacking into a company’s network and evaluate the target systems’ security and report back to the owners with the vulnerabilities they found. Creating security policy for an organisation 24 X 7 managing security products like firewall Compiling a report or auditing on a company’s security system to see if it matches standards Clinical investigation of computer crimes/frauds – Cyber forensics Training others about ethical hacking.
into it. The job of a cyber security professional is the same as of a typical hacker, albeit with a difference, i.e. to fix the loopholes in a system before it is exploited by the hackers.
Do you have it in you? Although, software engineers do have a preference, the basic requirement to be a cyber crime professional is a graduate in any discipline. Good knowledge of networks and understanding of hackers mind is essential apart from aptitude and keenness to learn. A course in cyber security will help you get acquainted with the hacking world. Although not too many institutes in India provide such courses, one needs to learn multiple languages and multiple systems starting from the simple TCP/IP – the basic language in which servers and PCs connected to the Internet talk to each other, to high end encrypted data packet transfer systems. Certifications like CISA (Certified Information System Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Management) and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals) would help a person to start a career in Cyber security. Other vendor specific certifications like CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional) and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) also help.
Future Scope in India and Abroad ‘Seeing the fact that India is one of the biggest IT hubs in the world, with the largest number of people working in it, Ethical Hacking has a very bright future. People working in IT today, know about technology and its uses, however, most of them are not aware of the security lapses, which exist in these technical systems. Sooner or Later, they will be exploited, and people will come to know about the consequences of not having proper IT security measures in place. This would lead to a gradual increase in demand for ethical hackers and security professionals’, says Ankit Oberoi of Innobuzz Knowledge
Solutions, New Delhi According to NASSCOM there would be a shortfall of 35,000 to 45,000 cyber security professionals in India in the year 2010. It estimates that the demand for Cyber security Professionals, at that time, would be around 90,000 in India. This figure is estimated to touch about 2, 00,000 worldwide. The industry estimates much higher demand in the local as well as overseas market. With more and more attacks on systems worldwide
Job Profile An Information Security Professional may have to work on one of the following job profiles. The job of a cyber security professional includes the following.
Career Path Entry Level-IS Executive Manager (correlate broad security guidelines of the organisation with security operations.) Middle Level-IS Manager (Security program management,
data security, policy creation/ maintenance, business continuity/ disaster recovery) Senior & Top Level-Chief IS Manager (Design and development of information security policy. Regulatory compliance, information security governance) Senior & Top Level-Security Advisors/Auditors (Advisory services for information security, policy design, risk assessment, compliance to global/industry standards) Senior & Top Level - Chief Information Officer (Justifying the cost of ongoing and future investments to mitigate information risks, aligning business objectives with a concise security strategy)
xpected Remuneration A person with a years experience can expect Rs.3 Lakh per annum. Those with 5 years can get up to 8-10 Lakhs. Those with certifications like CISM, CISSP and CISA can expect annual salaries of US $100,000 or more abroad.
T
he first recorded incident of cyber crime that took place was in the year 1820! That is not surprising considering the fact that the abacus, which is thought to be the earliest form of a computer, has been around since 3500 B.C. in India, Japan and China. The era of modern computers, however, began with the analytical engine of Charles Babbage. Cyber crime is an evil having its origin in the growing dependence on computers in modern life. In a day and age when everything is being run on computers, cyber crime has assumed rather disturbing repercussion. Nuclear power plants that are controlled by computers also hold the risk of being targeted. Major Cyber crimes in the recent past include the hacking of wireless networks by the terrorist organisation Indian Mujahedeen to send threats. A Russian hacker group led by Vladimir Kevin, a renowned hacker, perpetrated the attack on the Citibank account and siphoned off with $10 million. The group compromised the bank’s security systems. Vladimir was allegedly using his office computer at AO Saturn, a computer firm in St. Petersburg, Russia, to break into Citibank computers. He was finally arrested on Heathrow airport on his way to Switzerland. TF December 2009 27
SMART TECHIE Best Aspect of Your Job
Vineeth Mohan
SCM Yahoo India
Y
our Career progress
It was around my semester 7 that yahoo came to our college for recruitment. The first test was a tough one, which was followed by 2 technical interviews and 2 HR interviews. I was told, I was given an internship offer. Later, 6 days after my course viva, which was the last academic day of my college life, I joined yahoo as an intern. My initial work was in the operations/ support team. My team was new, thus the growing and learning opportunities were infinite. Due to recession, I could not get a FTE (full time employee) offer, which I got after 10 months of my internship in another team.
Initial Job Yahoo is my first company and I am still in Yahoo.
Current Role Currently I am working in SCM (Software Configuration Management), for one of the best teams in yahoo. My role is to provide support to various teams. It includes managing software builds, maintenance and support.
About Your Work As my job profile is SCM, I mainly work on shell, perl and sed scripting. But then coding is less comparative to all other team. It is more about managing and supporting other teams. The nature of my work demands my availability at most of the time. As there are 2 of us in my team, this is not much of a hurdle.
28 TF December 2009
Most of software configuration jobs have great prospect. Initially it would be tough and hectic to get along. But then once you understand the game and have set up everything you need, life gets a lot easier. Wider visibility and interaction with a large audience are amongst the commendable positive aspects.
On- site Experiences Not so far. Being in a product company means onsite-assignments would be null or very less. Even if I am to travel abroad, it would be for some kind of knowledge-transfer or to attend work-related conferences.
Work environment My usual work timing is from 9 to 8. As I don’t have anything much to do after coming to my room, I keep myself engaged in office with my work or team or friends, even of the gym.
Salary or Job Satisfaction At the end of the day it is the job satisfaction that counts. But then salary is important as well.
The best way a fresh-out-of-college employee can impress I remember what I did to impress when I was a fresher out of college. I was dedicated and diligent. Coming back to the question- what I expect from a fresher would be innovation, enthusiasm and great energy to learn and work.
One thing you wish you could have known since the Campus Days Just hard work or innovations alone won’t score much in a corporate world. Our presentation skill, partnering capability and soft-skills matters a lot. I hope I could have focused on those, right from campus days
Worst Career Advice Take the job that is the hottest around, rather than what you like the most.
Tips to Current Job Seekers Never lose hope. Keep trying and don’t compromise for a job that won’t fit you.
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Perk up your earnings through Adsense E K VINOD
I
n the history of communication, internet has been the most outstanding innovation so far. It was the product of humankind’s quest to organise life efficiently, and to make better instruments to achieve it. No one would have known decades ago, that a facility like internet existed or not. Now, it has become a reality, and has reached such a level that, most of our lives center around it, and cannot do without it. Internet is basically a network platform to connect to the world wide web, which is nothing but a web of computers. Like may other things, internet has several uses that reveal with time. It has come out of hidden spaces, to the wide world and has connected people in such a way that, it has become the intermediary between individuals at the touch of ones finger. Many still think that internet is all about e- mail, social networking, websites and search engines, what they don’t realize is the potential it holds out for transaction and business. One can use internet as a secondary option to earn extra money, for some it is the primary one. One of the best ways to make money online, is to create a website or blog which allows you to earn money from the display of advertisements or the sale of products and services. There are many different types of money making blogs which will help you to make money, and you’ll need to pick a model that suits your interests, schedule and skill levels. A simple no frills blog will allow you to easily pull in at least several thousand rupees in a month through the use of paid blogging websites alone. Google has recently become an advertising company, which provide unlimited space for advertisers to display their ads on Google search engine result page. Since it requires large amount of web space to place those kind of ads, one can participate by placing its ads on your site, such participation is called Adsense programme. It is the most popular programme launched by Google. Adsense program makes a thousand Adsense publishers become millionaires in a month. Google takes care of administering their ads, and generate revenue for the publishers on either a per-click or per-thousand-impressions basis. In simple words, the spectacular Adsense program
30 TF December 2009
is a money resource provided by Google, for those who have willingness and high self motivation in making money online with Adsense. On the other hand, Google Adsense program is contextual ads created by Google, which gives you lots of easy way to generate ads to your site, and makes it relevant to every single content of your web page, even beginners can setup Adsense There are a couple of reasons why you should use Adsense on your blog 1.Of course, it provides for a steady source of income, and this income can potentially grow for thousand of dollars even millions if you have a blog with a huge amount of traffic. 2.It is easy to setup. You just need to register an account, construct the ad blocks and enter the ad code in the desired location. If you have a blog at Blogger.com then you dont even have to construct the ad block. You can automatically link your Adsense account to your Blogger account, and set ads to how you would like them to appear on your blog. 3.Get your blog indexed faster. This is a small trick SEO’s are using to get their blogs into the Google Index faster. 4.One of the most important reasons why you should use Adsense is: It is the leading advertising program on the internet. You will never get the results you get from Adsense from any other CPA, CPC network. They pay the best. 5.Because it is a product of Google, you can be sure that you are working with a top notch make money online program. 6.Your earnings grow along with your blog. The more visitors your blog brings, the more money you will make. To become an effective online business entrepreneur, you must have lots of energy and a superior work ethic. View them as challenges and strive even harder. Your efforts will be rewarded once you see the profits rolling in. (E.K. Vinod is a motivator. He has an experience of more than two decades in world of academics and entrepreneurship)
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S.E.P initiative by Technopark-TBI along with the smartguruji.com. It is a power packed preparation kit to enhance the professional and Entrepreneurial skills of the young technocrats spread across the country. S.E.P is an opportunity for the students to bridge the gap between academic skills and the skills required to pioneer in the real Entrepreneurship & corporate scenarios. This innovative program will be implemented through the leading campuses across the nation. S.E.P Brings you • Industry oriented and futuristic curriculum/course plan • 24x7 study material and Live Tutor support from the best in the industry. • The best learning experience with the most user friendly and latest technology support ever. • An opportunity to get certified by Technopark NCIIE and other national bodies after completion of course S.E.P helps you by • Providing you the support from industrial experts and market leaders. • Enhancing your skills to compete with the best in the industry. • Polishing your communication and corporate management skills • Imbibing entrepreneurial and leadership qualities. For more details SMS “Ask<space>SEP to 56161 Media partner www.technofirstonline.com
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career plus
Quick notice ccept the leadership A of a mission to take up challenges and be ready with leadership attributes.
our performance Y should speak about your talent.
Y
ou should have the most recent knowledge of the affairs of the trade of the particular organization.
ou must have some Y time allotted for all the members. A warm approach and a few handshakes can bring surprising output.
sudeshna chatterji
T
he main aspect of the growth of a business depends on the level of relationships with customers and associates. Many business houses have failed miserably in this ground as they fall short of recognizing the importance of relationships. Here, we will discuss the ways and means to get noticed and become an approachable individual in the industry. It is to enjoy the confidence of others to have good relationship for the ultimate benefit of the industry.
Be with everyone An organization is the second house of an individual where he spends nearly half of a day with others. Every member of the organization has a specific responsibility to accomplish. The net result is the profits earned by the 32 TF December 2009
company. You must have some time allotted for all the members of the company. It may be a good morning session or during lunch breaks or you may find another way to make a regular slot to exchange the pleasantries with office employees. A warm approach and a few handshakes can bring surprising output.
Take active part
Pay importance to people
Be a member of the committee
It is always beneficial when you pay respect and importance to other employees of the same organization. Praising an employee to others and recognizing his effort in a specific event will help you earn respect and confidence of other employees of the concern. It can be through a farewell party or for any other noteworthy achievement of an employee. People like the idea of getting involved.
Contribute regularly to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newsletter, journal or website with your well thought articles on the subjects connected to your department. Senior management will surely mark your contributions and will be impressed. You will be a known figure within the organization. Most of the companies form committees for interacting with employees on certain matters from time to time. You should become a member of such a committee. This opens up the way for making new contacts when you interact with many people. This is a great opportunity to display your skill and aptitude to other employees. Accept the leadership of a mission to take up challenges and be ready with leadership attributes. Your
how to Get Noticed at Work sincere efforts will be recognized very soon and you will be rewarded as a true leader.
Arbitrator in differences Differences are bound to occur in workplaces. You have the chance to become the arbitrator and settle differences. This requires leadership talent and managing skills. While settling the disputes, be careful not to behave like a judge or a pleader in the courtroom. Instead, limit your task to see that the dispute is resolved amicably without hampering the interest of the organization or individual prestige. There is no room for emotions in these disputes, so do not give importance to emotions while settling a difference in the organization as a facilitator.
Be helpful
You acts of help will be returned
back to you manifold. This is the benefit of helping others. You must keep in mind that one helping attitude shown to others will create the future of several helpful attitudes for you. It does not cost you anything to refill the paper stock in the printer when you find it empty after your use. It hardly matters to pass on a few coffee cups when you are at the coffee counter. They are small things but have enough resource in it. Help a fresher with your experience so that he finds himself doing things in a better way. Small gestures help you to enjoy fine relationship and you become known to everyone, your acceptance grows in the organization.
Perform your best
Your performance should speak about your talent. The best way
to become known in the eyes of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top management is through performing very best and winning periodical awards regularly. You will be judged by the merit of your sincere efforts and the organizational benefit.
Be up-to-date You should have the most recent knowledge of the affairs of the trade of the particular organization. This is achievable when you are in touch with the periodicals, reports and so on regularly. You will be considered as a well-informed person and may be offered the leadership position in a team of the organization. All these steps will promote your picture to the company management in a positive way. Enjoy confidence of the organization and attain leadership. TF December 2009 33
job track
Making of an appraisal Appraisals are made regarding the performances of employees from time to time. The idea is to make sure you know the tricks to get the appraisal from the day you start your career. PRIYANKA NARAYANAN
T
his is the expectation of the company from you in the current year. Place you achievements of this year side by side and mark out the parts which have been attained by you. The portion which could not be attained and the problems therein should also be explained. In respect of a fresh employee where there is no possibility of a previous appraisal, you should look for the job description that was allotted to you. If it were about monthly sales targets, mention the periods where the targets were made and the months which you failed to do so.
Make notes of achievements
A
ppraisals are made regarding the performances of employees from time to time. These evaluations are of great help in securing promotion and higher management posts for able employees. The capabilities of particular employees are highlighted to be considered for placements in higher posts. It is very difficult to ex34 TF December 2009
plain the appraisal system in an article but certain factors do play major roles in creating a dominating picture of the employee which influences appraisal creation immensely. Here we discuss them in short.
Know your targets First, you should look into the targets that were fixed for you in the previous year when the last appraisal was made.
It is better to keep a regular record of achievements. It is not possible to recall all the achievements of the entire period at the completion of the year. Particularly the smaller ones are missed but they may be vital. It has been seen that even senior most people struggle with the appraisal reports in this same fashion. Hence you must maintain a regular appraisal record of your achievements so that you do not struggle at the last moment. It is simple to have a file where you retain all the mails, commendation letters and other certificates which you receive during the specific period. It is not too much doing. It will help you to produce the appraisal record when it is found to be missing due to several factors beyond
website review your control.
Create helpful references
You good relationship with other colleagues will speak of your positive nature and your plus points which can be given as references to substantiate your achievements and professional acumen. It is to be assured that the senior managers of the company recognize your strengths and ability to lead a team of co-workers. Impress your seniors with your records of achievements and relationship qualities so that you get remarkable ratings from them. Your individual image may sometime play the trick in your favor.
Klueless
K
State your preferences
You should examine the entire appraisal record when you have included the achievements, your strong points, your needs, your targets etc It is wise to make a note of your preferences covering all the matters regarding your job performance. You can speak them out in the discussion with your senior managers. They may like to hear your part of the story for better out put for the benefit of the company. It shows that you are sincerely interested in the development of the organization and have your own way of putting things. You may deal with job tasks, economical facilities, and other necessary resources and so on. You should be prepared with all your openness in discussing the issues.
Find out areas for upgrading You should have a practical approach about certain drawbacks that you may posses. It is beneficial to mark out those grey areas so that you can improve them to the best of your ability to score positive points. Get feedback which is clear and true and how you are expected to other colleagues and how you are placed in their consideration. If you are
able to know the truth, it will be easier for you to take corrective measures. Your overall reputation is the most important matter and you should make all possible improvements there so that you are well accepted in your team or among associates. The human resource department can be helpful to you to give proper details in this area. When identified, embark on a time bound action to place it before your senior manager.
Examine the appraisal document
You should examine the entire appraisal record when you have included the achievements, your strong points, your needs, your targets etc. Proofread the copy a few time to make it absolutely error free. Give the appraisal document its due prestige in fault free style because it is the final spokesman for you. You should be ready to appear at interviews for promotions for placement in higher cadres.
lueless is a brain-teaser game site with a series of puzzles and riddles that will have leave you pulling your locks. Consisting of about 30 levels, the game is best played in a team, for you will need the support of many minds to tackle this thought provoking and mind boggling puzzles. The fun lies in the fact that although this website is called klueless, it has more clues than you could ever find( you would surely not find the clues unless you have a team working along with you). Each level has a clue given in the page title, the URL, an image on the page, and in the source code of the page. To access the source code, all you have to do is right-click on any part of the page and choose ‘View Page Source’ from the shell menu. Scroll down and you will invariably find a further clue left there by the Klueless team. It’s difficult to describe what the clues are like, and it’s best to play the game to realise what it’s all about. Often, you will be completely stumped by a puzzle; but thankfully, the Klueless developers have created blogs to help out those who need some further hints and clues – a link to which is found at the main page of the Klueless puzzle. This website started a a group IIM Indore students has now become a rage among some of the puzzle lovers and have even started treating it as an annual event. Well if you have your grey cells working then this is the site you need to hit upon. http://ahvan.in/ahvan/klueless5/ TF December 2009 35
yo campus
Cinema Ticket on SMS
S
tanding in long queues and sweating for hours, how many times must you have one experienced such situations especially while booking movie tickets. With theatres in Kerala being so small, standing on the roads must have been an embarassing experience as well. Well, with such a lot of movie buffs in Kerala it must be a regular hassle faced by you. “Booking a movie ticket in Kerala is still a tiring experience. Standing in long queues and that too with the reservation counter being so narrow, it gives a creepy
Failing Exam’s with Diginity Have you ever wondered what to do when you walk in for exams with nothing in your head and being damn sure to fail the exams. Here are some funny tips to keep the situation tension free and yet exciting. Following them can really make you fail the exams with dignity, making your dream to fail come true!! <Run into the exam room just on time to avoid seeing other mugging up the whole textbook, which would rather give you goosebumps.
36 TF December 2009
<Pass comments to a friend at the other side of the room, provided your examiner is not strict. <Spread across a smile to all those who are busy memorising their books. <Play with your pen and draw imaginary diagrams in air, giving vent to your imagination. <On the answer sheet, rather than leaving them blank fill it with you favourite quote, story of a movie, there by giving your creativity a test during the time <Leave the exam room 30 minutes in advance with an expression of how easy the paper was for you, giving others a complex feeling
atmosphere to the entire scenario. People hanging on to those in front, it really is a nightmare to book a ticket especially when you arrive at the theatre on time,” says Rajesh, a regular movie goer. Amidst such turmoil, one must have always wished for an alternative. How about getting the movie tickets with just a single SMS, well it sounds itself amazing. But its true, Aircel has come up with this new scheme through which movie goers can book their tickets by sending just an SMS. It comes as a boon to the movie goers of Kerala while they face such disturbing experiences during the process of booking a ticket. Aircel has brought this service seeing the huge number of movie buffs spread across Kerala. Through this service, people can book upto 4 tickets in a single SMS. You have to just type in bookno(number of tickets)<space>t owncode+theatre<space>showcode<sp ace>date and send the SMS to 52627. For example: Book2 ekmsridar FS 26 to 52627. And you receive confirmation on your mobile with the booking number within seconds for just Rs 5/sms. One can claim the ticket at the theatre 30 minutes before the show to avoid cancellations of the tickets. With even phone booking turning as a matter of luck for people, they are left with no option. Most of the officials at the theatre give no ear to such calls which makes the phone either ringing with noone accepting the call or engaged all the time. “One of the situations in life, when one wishes to be born as a woman, is while standing at the never ending gent queues in the theatre.,” says Gokul Krishnan. This new scheme brought by Aircel will surely ease out the burden for the movie buffs. Simple and user friendly, it is going to create huge waves in the market with maximum users booking their ticket through this medium. Quick and easy, it is a highly secure system. With easy to use SMS format, it has a host of other related services as well like movie listing, seats availability check, help services, making it complete in itself
Life within the four walls
L
ife within the college campus is no doubt the most enjoyed one but there are some facts that we must know about the college days. A quick look at what really is the college all about. Deadlines are ALWAYS!.
made
to
be
extended...
The dumb geeks are the most pampered people during the internal exams. The lab assistants are the most respected people. The watchmen are the people
most bribed. The HOD is the most dynamic person.” OH, we love him, oh , we hate him”. Dropping subjects is ‘cool’. Night-out is the second most important tool to ace the exams. The most important tool... the bhramastra.... is the ‘chit’ in which the words can be understood only by the person who wrote them. The first three years are spent in cursing the college, the people , the system , the canteen and even oneself choosing the college
But towards the end of the fourth year ,people tend to feel nostalgic about the pure unadulterated fun they have had for 4 years. Now the very system they disliked, the very canteen they cursed, the time that they spent there, the b’day bumps they suffered… all these seem like heaven to them.
Voice.yocampus.in YoCampus.in brings you exciting opportunity to win great prizes . Send across your SMS to ASK<space> Followed by your SMS to 56161. Send across the funniest, weirdest, smartest and the dumbest of the SMS
Log on to voice.yocampus. in and share your opinion, discuss, chat and interact in this youth forum and have fun and the best comment would get published in this section every month. TF December 2009 37
company review
My work place UST Global
U
ST Global is a leading provider of endto-end IT services and solutions for Global 1000 companies. The companies use a client-centric Global Engagement Model that combines local, senior, on-site resources with the cost, scale, and quality advantages of off-shore operations.
Satisfaction with Salary, Hikes & Bonus : 2 Nature/Quality of work : 4 Onsite Opportunities : 3 Work Environment: 4 Job Security : 4
Skill/Technology used by this company Web Development
Major Industries or domains
Work life balance
Healthcare, Retail, Insurance etc.
Very good work life balance because the working environment is relaxed and
Company Website
Salary and Quality of work
www.ust-global.com
Brand Value CMMI Level 5 Company
Fresher Salary
Approx INR 3 Lakhs Per Annum
Career growth and onsite opportunities? Growth opportunity is performance and tenure based. And one will find a lot of onsite opportunities.
work environment and communication b/w teams Work environment is very attractive. Communication between departments is average.
Quality of work is good. Satisfaction with salary is below average.
Nature of Work 90% of work are services.
Job security Job security is very high
Co-workers competence That aspect depends on an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team spirit and communication skills.
Some positives and negatives of the company. The work environment is excellent and that is the most positive aspect for any company but the remuneration could be worked out rather increased a bit.
Do you recommend your company to others Yes, Work Culture and work life balance is very good here. And apart from that here you can be assured of not being handed a pink slip if you are a good performer.
Disclaimer:This is an individuals point of view about the company that he/she is employed in and as per the request the identity of that individual shall not be disclosed under any circumstances.
38 TF December 2009
I am an Entrepreneur Campaign Updates
T
he ‘I am an Entrepreneur’ campaign is back on its wheels. After Thiruvanthapuram, we stepped into Palakkad, where we covered Al Ameen College of Engg. And Tech. And Government Engineering College. Our next stop was Malappuram, there we covered MES College of Enginering, Kuttipuram and MEA Engg. College, Perinthalmanna. In Kollam, we covered Amritha Vishwa Vidhya Peetham and Baselious Mathews II College of Engineering. Next was Thrissur. Here we engaged METS Engineering college and Government Engineering College. Our next stop was Kozhikode where we covered Government Engineering College and KMCT Engineering College. Campaign activity is like an adventure for us, as we like to spread this entrepreneurial message. We got over 2000 students as audience, who showed enthusiastic response to our campaign. We have selected around 40 Campus Ambassadors from the colleges we had visited. They serve as excellent link between students, who have bright ideas and would like to develop
the prototype and a business out of it, and Technopark. Sreelakshmi K.T. Amritha Vishwa Vidhya Peetham opined: ‘It was an eye- opener to the concept of entreneurship and was very interesting’. Whereas Amrutha A. of MES College of Enginering, Kuttipuram said: “It was able to make us aware of the business side of technology”. The campaign trail stops here for now and will be back with more tales, soon! (Visit www.iamanentrepreneur.in for regular campaign updates)
TF December 2009 39
on job
Do the job you love and love the job you choose
I
n this era of global competition, the focus of education should be on enhancing employability of the students of professional courses rather than merely seeking employment. This is the only way to ensure sustainable employment.
What’s employability? When an employee adds value to the employer’s investment in the human resource by effectively performing intended functions, he or she is employable. It’s important that educational institutions focus on integrated development of knowledge, skills and attitudes of students for holistic personality development. Knowledge based on information and data should lead to understanding and wisdom. Skills in its multifaceted dimensions require the capability to use domain knowledge wisely for good of humanity. This calls for communication, interpersonal skills and personality predispositions like initiative, leadership, team playing, positive thinking, integrity, respect for self, others and the environment and of course time management.
to analyze as well as synthesize are some other attributes that will stand you in good stead. In today’s world of electronic revolution one must update one’s computer skills on a regular basis.
Learn to learn Learning to learn is the trait that enables us to update our knowledge fast and retain our
‘Total quality person’ A positive attitude comprising both time and work discipline is perhaps the most powerful attribute to enhance a person’s employability quotient. Every problem has a solution for anyone with a positive attitude. A negative attitude finds problems with every solution offered. A great mind and a greater mindset are essential for excellence. Integrity and trustworthiness are vital for success. In domains of technology, a set of good human values is a pre-requisite to ensure that technology contributes to progress and improved life quality. Hence, every engineer, scientist, professional or manager would succeed in life if he/she is also a good human being. It is an interesting coincidence that the weighted sum of the words ‘ATTITUDE’ and ‘DISCIPLINE’ in each case adds up to a perfect 100 by giving increasing weight to alphabets (A=1, B=2 etc.). They make you a ‘total quality person’. Patience, entrepreneurship, innovation, integral thinking, eye for details and capacity 40 TF December 2009
employability quotient. Knowledge is said to double every 72 hours and if we do not update, unlearn and re-learn, we are left behind. Today we have to run to remain at the same place!
Weakness to opportunity Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and choose a career where your strengths are leveraged and weakness minimized and converted to opportunities to improve. ‘Do the job you love and love the job you do’ is a mantra for success in life. Excellence and indifference can not coexist. If we nurture our young talent well, the demographic dividend that we have in India, can ensure that we lead the knowledge driven society and become a major supply source of globally employable Indian talent.
The Dreaming Spires of Oxford Magna Carta is a private College with high standards of student support and pastoral care. Not only will we provide you with a first-class education, you will also receive personal support from world-class academics, while enjoying the full Oxford life. Magna Carta College, Oxford offers • MBA in International Management
□ Taught in Oxford by World-Class Business School Faculty
• MBA in International Business Law
□ Validated by the University of Wales
• Pre-Masters Bridging Diploma
□ Accredited by the British Accreditation Council
Study a validated MBA in Oxford • Degrees are fully validated by University of Wales and accredited by British Accreditation Council • Lectures are held in the lecture theatres of Oxford University colleges • The Oxford Union has very kindly allowed Magna Carta College students to become Associate Members of the Union. This gives access not only to the libraries, but also to the world-renowned debates scheduled each term, and to all other social events as organised by the Union. • A state of the art Virtual Learning Environment is available to students Magna Carta College Linton Road, Oxford OX2 6UD, ENGLAND Ph: +44 (0)1865 274 234, Fax: +44 (0)208 840 9911 enquiry@magnacartacollege.com
October
2009
Regional Contact: EDEX International UK Ltd Oxford House, Chittoor Road, Kacherippady, Kochi -18, India Tel: +91 484 4074777, Fax: +91 484 4051477
www.magnacartacollege.com
Placement experince Suma Umesh Cordys Software India Pvt Ltd
my placement
experience
A
bout the Company
I’m working in Cordys Software India Pvt Ltd, Coimbatore is company that is working on cloud computing. The Cordys platform and its cutting-edge Cloud technology empower customers to dramatically improve the speed of change, fundamentally altering the way they innovate their Business Operations.
Various Hurdles Due to recession it was very difficult to get a placement in a good company. I was not able to get myself placed in a good company from campus. I got this placement through shreds. So building up confidence and hope was the major hurdle for me.
Recruitment Procedures There was a written test. Those who cleared the test where allowed to attend the interview. There were two interviews- Technical and HR. Those who cleared technical were allowed to attend the HR round. Candidates who cleared HR round were absorbed by the company.
Questions that You were Put Through The written test consisted of two sections aptitude and technical. Most of the questions were in the aptitude section. The technical questions were mainly from C, C++ etc. The aptitude section had negative marking. Technical section didn’t have any negative marking. For the technical interview I was asked to write some simple programs in c like programs involving recursion, to sort an array etc. Since I was from electronics branch 42 TF December 2009
they asked me about microprocessors, their architecture. I was asked to solve some puzzle questions too. For the Hr interview I was asked why I choose Cordys, about main project mini project.
Your Preparation For the aptitude part of written test I went through R S Aggarwal and for the technical part I just brushed up c, c++. For the interview I referred some c++ text.
Were You Nervous I was not nervous during the interview. Might be the people who interviewed me were very friendly. Hence I did not feel much of the mental pressure. Also the interview for Cordys was like my sixth interview. So I got used to the process as well. I used to get tensed when I was waiting for the interview. But once I was inside the room I was searching for answers and gradually forgot to get nervous.
Your Tips Go through standard books like R S Aggarwal. For technical prepare well the basics. Because that’s the part we’ll alwas forget to check. We might check complex programs, circuit designs and all and finally end up not answering the basic questions. For HR just be yourself and be frank. If you don’t know the answer for something just say so. And when the interviewer asks if you have any questions do ask atleast one question.
Advice to Future Job Seekers Be confident and never lose hope.
TUC REVIEW
IIT-Kharagpur
The Entrepreneurship Umbrella
T
he Regional TePP Outreach Center at IIT-Kharagpur has seen rapid rise in entrepreneurship and innovation related activities within a short period of time, since the programme was launched. The TUC initiative has been fully supported by the IIT academia, and the proof of support can be seen from the initiation of a dedicated School of engineering Entrepreneurship (SoEE) at the esteemed institute. The institute boasts of an entrepreneurship programme consisting of TePP Outreach Centre and having a Technology Business Incubator (VLSI) as well. Support for Entrepreneurship is channelized through TIETS funding support for Students and faculty members of IIT-KGP who wish to start up a company or develop a product for the purpose of commercialization. TIETS, TEPP and TBI support is rightly assisted by a chain of government grants and Loan support under the MSME, TREMAP and associated finding programs for Technology based entrepreneurship training programmes under DST. TEPP Outreach centre also benefits with the presence of an international interlinkage for providing Venture creation platform to stakeholders under the GVL (Global Venture Lab) propelled by Leading universities like University of Berkeley, CA, Jyvaskyla University and IIT-KGP. The need for creating a society which guarantees equally opportunities for all irrespective of the differences existing between the citizens and as enshrined in the Indian constitution, led us to adopt entrepreneurship as a fundamental cornerstone of the IIT-Kharagpur policy. The initiative had the support of the 44 TF December 2009
faculty and the students of the Institution who were already gearing up to take entrepreneurship at the next level of thought mainly based on techno-centric initiative. An urgent need was felt to guide the prospective entrepreneurs and innovators with some sort of innovation centric support for which TePP under DSIR promised to provide all out support in our initiative to create an innovation and knowledge based entrepreneurial society. The efforts took viable shape when the TePP outreach centre came into existence under the entrepreneurship umbrella of IIT-Kharagpur. Prof Dhrubes Biswas
Prof-in-Charge of Incubation and Entrepreneurship & Managing Director, Science and Technology Entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Park
W
hat is innovation according to you? An innovation could be referred to as a discovery of an unknown fact which is noble, is within the ambit of explanation as provided by the IP and patent laws of the nation or nations, which assists in the creation of economic value for an individual or group and which is based on facts figures and knowledge established by the scientific community.
What kind of support do you get from DSIR? Department of scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India has been providing active support for the creation of an innovation based society and which is in tune with the technology development with the rest of the world. IIT-Kharagpur RTUC under the TePP initiative has been constantly been supported in all respect both financially and morally to take innovation to all sections of the society inclusive of the grassroot society. We have been able to provide monetary support to Innovators under TePP to a considerable extent while engaging in other entrepreneurship related activities. DSIR has also supported us in organizing Conclaves, conferences, Innovation Awareness Camps (IAC) and student driven contests to promote innovation in the institutional level.
TBI support for innovation scale-up.
How do you spot the innovators and how could an innovator approach you for the support? Various means are used to advertise the presence of the funding programme at IIT 窶適GP through newspaper advertisements, meetings and programmes, competitions etc. prospective innovators come to the TUC with queries regarding the programme He/She is then mentored through a series of discussions with the faculty and staff members. Once the process of ideation is effectively over and the innovator has arrived at a concept, the innovator is asked to apply for funding support. Based on the application, a preliminary selection of proposals is done who fulfill the criteria and parameters of innovation laid and generally accepted by the TUC for forwarding to the DSIR for final selection. What kind of infrastructure support is The prospective innovators can directly call available at the TUC? or come to the RTUC at IITThe RTUC at IIT-KGP for any mentoring, query Regional TePP Outreach KGP assists the innovator through or support that they wish to Centre (RTUC) , direct mentorship support get. RTUC can also be reached IIT-Kharagpur Started in through E-mail. at the outreach centre while providing them with associated So far how many companies benefits of associated VC and have been provided with? networking connections. The a) MicroTEPP Funding - 10 presence of other grants and TUC Team/ Staff b) Phase 1 Funding - 20 loan programmes effectively c) Phase 2 Funding helps in taking the innovation Strength in progress of application from the concept to the commercialization level with How many TUC funded a greater degree of freedom. innovation have been The efforts are geared to assist so far completed and the innovators to leverage as much support as they can during the initial commercialized? Till date 3 proposals are in the advanced prototyping and company formation period and stages of completion out of a total of 30 proposals thus sustain their efforts. The TEPP innovators are also provided being monitored by RTUC. One proposal has also with wet incubation ie. STEP incubation facility been put to commercialization as of today and present at IIT-Kharagpur, once they qualify for is doing remarkably well in the midst of tight TEPP funding. This helps the TUC in constant competition in the market. monitoring of the prototype being developed by Do you have any kind of facility/tie ups the innovator. to incubate the innovations that you have funded? What kind of funding/ support do you The RTUC 窶的IT-Kharagpur boosts of provide to the innovators? Other then TEPP TUC innovation support, providing state of the start incubation facilities other support present at IIT-KGP ranges to its innovators who have gone or are going from MSME (Micro, Small and Medium through the process of innovation. The presence of science and Technology Enterprises) TREMAP (technology Refinement and Management Programme) and TIETS entrepreneurs Park (STEP) assists the (Technology Incubation and Entrepreneurship innovators to get the desired space to develop Training Society) funding for a range of the prototype under the mentoring and entrepreneurial and innovation related domains. monitoring of RTUC. Dry incubation support is We also provide them with WEBEL VC support also available to IIT-KGP students and faculties under the government of West Bengal as well as under the TIETS programme of IIT-KGP.
2007 3
TF December 2009 45
innovator of the month
Shwetank Jain (left) at his research lab
P2 Power The Power Innovation P2 Power Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is the venture of a group of IIT Kharagpur graduates, TF met up with Shwetank Jain and learnt about his innovation and his company.
W
hat according to you is innovation?
For me, innovation is a new way of achieving something. It may be something radical or revolutionary or just incremental in the existing way of thinking, products, processes, or organizations. Looking at common problems from a different perspective leads to innovation. Innovation is when we can monetize our ideas.
Tell us about your innovation and origin of the idea. The idea originated during the final year of my graduation at iit- kharagpur, as a 46 TF December 2009
part of my b tech project. I-con is an active power conditioner based on facts (flexible ac transmission systems) capable of handling all power quality related issues under a single unit. It is an igbt based technology controlled through a microprocessor with a response time of 100 micro seconds. It maintains instantaneous power factor of 0.99, A major concern for most industries. Along with the power factor there are other power quality like harmonics, load unbalance and high neutral current, which also affect the performance of the systems, but have never come to limelight, as very limited solutions were available for them. I-con is an all-in-one solution available at a very competitive price.
Delta The activeconditioner IGBT based Intelligent Current Conditioner Reduces current and voltage THD levels within international IEEE 519-92 standards Improves the True Power Factor Reduces circuit board failures in sensitive equipments Reduces energy bills
I-Con - The Revolutionary series It is our ground-breaking product that is customizable as per user requirements and caters to all Power Quality issues like Power factor, Harmonics, Unbalance and Neutral protection under a single unit.
What kind of efforts go into conceptualizing and realizing your innovation?
order to develop the prototype into an industrial product and launch it in the market.
Although the first step towards any innovation is problem identification and idea generation. The steps thereafter, the process to implement that idea into a prototype and ready to monetize the results achieved are the most difficult. We need to really focus on our idea, and understand the kind of resources that will be required in order to make your innovation a reality. We need to be very determined through its journey as it will have its ups and downs. We need to make sure that we are not fixed to what we think is best and always listen to all the ideas and feedbacks available to us through others.
What are your major strengths as an innovator?
What phase of tuc funding are you in? Successfully completed phase 1. Applied for phase 2
How did the tuc funding help you? It helped me in developing the innovation idea into a prototype, and getting successful results. This has brought me a step ahead in making my innovation a reality. Currently, looking forward to phase 2 funding from tuc, in
Ability to stay determined and focused through successive failure, which is a part of the development process for the innovation. Ability to foresee the issues that might come and take the requisite actions
What is one thing, according to you, that is mandatory to realize ones innovation? Belief in ones idea. Focus and determination to achieve it.
How will the society benefit from your innovation? And how much society oriented was your innovation? Our products are highly environmental friendly and are designed to reduce energy consumption and therefore reduce co2 emissions. Installation of icon - the universal power conditioner series, provides an easy and effective way to reduce your electrical failures, and trips and bring down your energy bills, thereby improving your overall efficiency of the system with enhanced power quality. The
enhanced power quality helps reduce energy losses both at the distribution level as well as the industrial level. What, according to you, are the major obstacles faced by an innovator? Advice to overcome these obstacles. We need to make sure that
We need to make sure that we are not fixed to what we think is best and always listen to all the ideas and feedbacks available to us through others
we are not fixed to what we think is best and always listen to all the ideas and feedbacks available to us through others. Sustainability is a major requirement for any innovation to sustain through the global cut throat competition. Always make sure that the innovation is backed by a good business plan making it sustainable. TF December 2009 47
t-tbi news
Logo, Brochure unveiled
TePP Training Program held@ SP Jain, Mumbai
T
H
BS has unveiled its new corporate identity, as part of the company’s brand building process. The launching function was held in a grand way, on October 8, 2009 at Hotel Mascot, Trivandrum, where the new identity and logo was released by the Hon.Chief Minister of Kerala Sri V.S.Achuthanandan. Esteemed people like Shri. Major Narayanaswamy (VP – IT, EID Parry India Limited), Sri Mervin Alexander (CEO, Technopark), other distinguished guests including their prestigious client representatives, HBS employees, and their families were present on the occasion. During the function, the new HBS website was launched by Major Narayanaswamy, and the HBS corporate brochure was released by Sri Mervin Alexander, CEO Technopark. Started as an incubatee in Technopark TBI, Hages Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd (HBS), is a total-technology solution provider currently specialized in SAP consulting with its registered office in Technopark, Trivandrum. HBS has made a platform in the last four years, and is planning to make further building blocks to reach in to the status of an established brand. ‘In our next phase of growth, we want to move from a Rs 10 crore organization to a Rs 100 crore organization in next four years’, says Sri K.G. Gopakumar, Managing Director, HBS. Other Directors of the company, Mr. Harishankar, Mr. Anandakuttan and Mr.Shajy Mathew were also present on the occasion.
Faculty Development Program
48 TF December 2009
N
he 2nd TePP Training Program for Innovators & Outreach Faculty, was organized at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, from October 21-25, 2009. The training topic was “From Working Prototype to Enterprise”. The programme started with the lighting of lamp by the Director, SPJIMR, and Prof M S Rao, and other participants. It strongly emphasised on value proposition, identifying the customer, how to capture him, and also how to commercialize a working prototype. The whole programme was highly interactive, with discussions regarding innovations, and the innovators were given activities to discuss and solve various puzzles. The same was very useful for budding entrepreneurs, as it discussed various ways of achieving success. 21 Participants and 2 DSIR officials attended the programme. From Technopark TUC, Ms. Annie Moses, and a team of innovators including Dr. PT. Ajith Kumar, Mr. Syamkumar, Mr. Chandu Sasidharan attended the training programme. Dr. A.S. Rao, former Advisor, TePPDSIR, and Professor from SPJIMR took a session and delivered the closing remarks.
ational Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (NCIIE), the training arm of Technopark TBI, in association with EDII Ahmedabad, with the support of Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt of India, is conducting a Faculty Development Program (FDP), designed to train and develop professionals in the area of Entrepreneurship Development.
The FDP will be held in Technopark, from December 8-19, 2009. The program is designed to train and develop professionals in the area of Entrepreneurship Development, so that they can act as ‘Resource Persons’, in guiding and motivating young students, particularly from science, engineering and technology stream, to take up entrepreneurship as their career.
Bhoomi Pooja of AMMAPS
T
he bhoomi pooja for starting the work of Automated Multilevel Modular System for Parking Vehicles, was held in Technopark on October 29, 2009. The project is funded under the TePP Phase I grant of DSIR. The innovators are Sri Joy Abraham and Mr. Aubin Joe.
Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander during Bhoomi Pooja
TMC Meeting Held from December 8-19 in Technopark
T
he third TePP Monitoring Committee (TMC) Meeting of Technopark TUC, was held at Park Centre, Technopark, on Novemeber 7, 2009. Three projects namely: Grid Power Monitoring System by Mr. Vipin G, Voltage Frequency Protector by Mr.Aneesh Benny, and Interface Device for Online Gadgets Servicing by Mr.Bijo Stephen and Mr. John were presented for Micro TePP Funding. TMC recommended projects of Mr. Aneesh Benny and Mr.Bijo Stephen to TSC, for granting Micro TePP Funding. The review of the project ‘Designing of Ball Press washer for cleaning and crushing biological raw materials’ of Mrs. Priya R, was also presented during the meeting. The project review committee expressed satisfaction on the progress after reviewing the project. Mr. N.T.Nair, Mr. Philip John, Mr. K.C. Chandrasekharan Nair, Ms. Annie Moses, Mr.Sreejith and Ms. Surya Thankam were also present in the meeting.
DSIR official visits Technopark TUC
S
ri Hari Dev, Scientist D, DSIR visited Technopark TUC during November 17 and 18. As a part of his visit, two PRC meetings for the TePP Phase I projects by Mr.Nelvin Joseph, and Dr. MSN Balasubramanian, were held on November 17. The PRC meeting of Phantom Power Eliminator was held at Park Centre, with review committee members including Mr. N.T.Nair, Mr. Philip John, CEO Accel Transmatics, Mr. Manoj Kumar S, Chief Engineer, AEGIS Power Engineers, Mr. Hari Dev, K.C Chandrasekharan Nair, TUC Co-ordinator Technopark, and other TTUC Officials. The innovator has demonstrated the project with the developed prototype. The committee members expressed satisfaction on the progress of the TePP project, and recommended for releasing the second installment of the project. The PRC meeting of the project “Innovations in Ultra Clean Electro Slag Refined Products for Critical Applications” by Dr. Balasubramanian, was held in the afternoon of november 17, 2009. The committee members visited the workshop of the innovator at Manvila, Trivandum and reviewed the progress of the project. The committee found the project satisfactory and recommended releasing the next installment of TePP fund. Dr. B.C. Pai, Dy. Director, NIIST, Dr. C. Arumugham, Former Director Grade Scientist and Head, NIIST, Mr. Hari Dev, Mr. Sreejith and Ms.Surya Thankam, Technopark, TUC Officials were present in the meeting.
TSECC workshop conducted in Mysore SJCE-STEP
A
workshop on “Software EngineeringBest Principles and Practices” was conducted at SJCE-STEP, Manasagangothri, Mysore, from october 29-30, 2009. The workshop was organized jointly by TSECC (Technopark Software Engineering Competency Center) and Technopark TBI, for business start-ups, students and academic research community. SE-Mentor provided consultancy for the initiative. The workshop was conducted as part of T-TBIs efforts in establishing strong networking relationship with other incubators. The programme was attended by 35 professionals from the incubation companies in SJCE-STEP Mysore. CEO Mervin Alexander handing over the cheque to Sanjay Vijay Kumar in the presence of Mr. KCC Nair TF December 2009 49
corporate news
Wipro Rehiring the Laid Off
A
An Expatriate could be the next Tata CEO
W
e are in the process of formalizing a successor to me. We have some outside consultants and a formal search process is on. There are no constraints,” Ratan Tata, the 71-year-old Chairman of Tata Group, who has steered the group for nearly two decades and his tenure ends in 2012 told Wall Street Journal “It would certainly be easier if that candidate was an Indian national. But now that 65 percent of our revenues come from overseas, there could also be an expatriate sitting in that position with justification.” So far all but one of the group’s past chairmen have been Tatas, although at the moment no family candidate has been publicly identified to take over the role. One of the contenders from within the family is Noel, son of Simone (the Founder of Lakme and Trent) and Naval Tata. Noel Tata is credited with building Trent into a profitable retail player with the Westside apparel chain and Star Bazaar hypermarkets. At 53, Noel Tata is now one of the more senior Chief Executive Officers in the Group. “The successor, I would hope, would have integrity and our value systems in the forefront and would carry on the path that we have tried to set for the company’s growth,” added Tata.
50 TF December 2009
ll those employees sacked by Wipro have some news to cheer, as the company plans to rehire some of the employees it laid off last year. The tech major’s involuntary attrition rate has gone up by two percentage points in the last 16 months. Wipro Infotech said it would also resume campus hiring from January next year, reports The Economic Times. “We are looking at hiring over 1,000 laterals during the fiscal and 1,000 freshers from campuses in January,” s a i d John. The division, which recruited 1,000 people in the first six months of the fiscal, expects hiring numbers in the second half of the year to be more than double of that. The additional people requirement comes with Wipro winning a slew of large projects in India and the Middle-East, and also to cater to the growing requirements of existing accounts. Wipro is also hiring for its Global Service Management Centre in Mysore with almost five percent jobs earmarked for differently-abled people.
NASSCOM Assures Quick Job For the Techies
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oftware industry body, Nasscom expects at least 70,000-80,000 engineering graduates who passed out in June 2009 and were offered jobs in their 5th and 6th semesters by TCS, Infosys and Accenture, among others, to get absorbed by March 2010. Not too long ago, there were apprehensions that the appointments of these tech grads could get deferred till 2011 in the aftermath of the global slowdown. However, the perception appears to have changed. Nasscom VicePresident Sangeeta Gupta said, “There’s some amount of pick-up in IT spending and clients have become active in the decision-making process. This augurs well for the IT industry and is likely to result in hiring by IT companies. Companies like TCS, Infosys and Accenture, among others, are expected to start honouring the offers they made. As a result, at least 70k-80k engineering graduates, who were issued offer letters, are expected to get absorbed by March 2010.”
Engineering outsourcing market to touch $55 Billion
W India onto the 2 trillion Mark
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ndia will be a $2-trillion economy in the next five years, as its GDP growth is likely to average at 12 percent in nominal terms, powered by a huge consumption demand. This growth will be led by the huge consumption demand in sectors like FMCG, power, auto (small car hub), IT and pharma. A recent survey said that insurance companies, financial services and equity markets will flourish as the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual savings pool grows to $700 billion from $400 billion at present. More than half of this ($700 billion) could flow into financial savings. With favourable demographics and average seven percent real growth, India can sustain more than 30 percent savings rate akin to the Asian tigers, or China and Japan. This will transform the domestic financial services space. Well million, billions or even trillions, everything seems to be going good with the country.
Satyam still Owes
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ome firms are claiming that they had paid money to Mahindra Satyam in advance when it was headed by its controversial Founder Ramalinga Raju. So, these firms have sent legal notice to Satyam demanding Rs. 1230 crore back. Mahindra Satyam has termed the claims to be legally untenable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The notices claim the money back, to allegedly repay their creditors, some of whom include Maytas Properties and Maytas Infra,â&#x20AC;? Mahindra Satyam said in the filing. Sources close to the development said that there was nothing in the books of Satyam that revealed any money having come to the company from the firms which have sent the notices.
ith newer customers, including automakers Renault, Volkswagen and Harley Davidson, seeking to outsource their complex design engineering projects to India, the engineering services outsourcing (ESO) industry in the country is set to achieve $55 billion in revenues by 2020. New outsourcers are seeking to reduce their costs by up to 30-40 percent and also shorten their lengthy design cycles. Traditionally, aviation and defence companies, such as Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier, have leveraged Indian suppliers, including TCS, Mahindra Satyam, Infosys and QuEST Global so far for outsourcing of design services, makingit around $7-9 billion businessfor India currently. Also,for existing Indian suppliers, new customers offer an opportunity to move beyond aviation and defence projects. Mid-tier aviation and defence service companies, such as QuEST and Infotech Enterprises, have started diversifying, in order to address these opportunities.
reid hoffman ceo LinkedIn
The LinkedIn Story Networking sites are in plenty, for different groups and purposes. If one is asked which is the top- ranked site for business networking
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rofessionalism and socialization has taken on a new level and LinkedIn is a pioneer in it. This business networking site has grown quickly in a short while and is a must in professional circles. Networking sites are in plenty, for different groups and purposes. If one is asked which is the top- ranked site for business networking, the answer goes to LinkedIn. Founded in December 2002 and launched in May 2003, with around 50 million registered users, spread across 200 countries, it is definitely one
52 TF December 2009
of web’s success stories. Reid Hoffman, born in Stanford, California, graduated from Stanford University and took a Masters degree in Philosophy from Oxford. After realizing that the continuing in academics wont help him in creating the greater ‘impact’, he shifted to an entrepreneurial career, which he thought would provide the larger platform. After working with Apple Computer and Fujitsu, he founded his first company- SocialNet.com. It is only later did he start LinkedIn. “I started LinkedIn because changing people’s professional
lives is a massive transformation. In 2003 we got financing from Sequoia Capital and we started to get more and more people into our service. Everyone began to realize the value. That’s when I was, like, ‘This could work’ ”, said Hoffman. Currently he is the CEO, after Dan Nye resigned. LinkedIn is a businessoriented network site, allowing registered users to maintain a list of contact details of people they know and trust in business. The people in the list are called Connections. Users can invite anyone (whether a site user or not) to become a connection.
These connections can then be used to find a job, find out more about potential employers including which of you contacts might be able to refer you, and fill your own job vacancies through the social network. Among its features, apart from maintaining connections, are: LinkedIn Answers and LinkedIn Groups, which allows users to come together in particular groups. The newest featureLinkedIn Polls is still in alpha stage. And taking a cue from Facebook, it came out with its own Intelligent Applications, in short InApps. They include Amazon, Box.net, Google, Huddle, Six Apart, SlideShare, Tripit, and WordPress as well a Company Buzz application developed by LinkedIn.
TF TIPS FOR LinkedIn
option should’nt be misused, by adding fake employees names. Since verifying details is quite eazy now-a-days, make sure that the information you provide is true. Many new site have come up supplementing and of a similar nature. Yet, the charm of LinkedIn stands and continues to attract new users at the rate of one per second.
LinkedIn Facts Founded on 5th May 2003, it is headquatered in LinkedIn is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in Omaha, Chicago, New York, and London. LinkedIn has more than 50 million users worldwide, of which approximately half are in the United States. 11 million are from Europe. With 3 million users, India is the fastest-growing country as of 2009. The Netherlands has the highest adoption rate per capita, outside of the United States, at 30%. Professionals representing all five hundred of the Fortune 500 companies, and many more in different fields are registered with it.
For the professional connection In these days of virtual living, a professional having an account in LinkedIn or other networking sites is a necessity. With it, one can get in touch with ones colleagues and other people working in various profiles. It can also be LinkedIn is a business-oriented network the site for employees site, allowing registered users to and employers coming together and a potential maintain a list of contact details of recruitment ground for people they know and trust in business. talented professionals.
The importance of
updating
The people in the list are called Connections
For those who want to progess on their career scale, the importance of updating one account needs scant mention. Updating ones account gives a healthy picture of ones experience, which can catch the attention of potential employers. If one has account in other networking sites, make sure that the profile you present is a consistent suggestive and attractive one, as prospective employers may browse through other sites to get full details.
Being social and sociable Social relationships are take to the virtual level. Apart from having professional relationships, developing a healthy social one is required. So one has to be social and sociable while online. Since maintaining good office relations is the key to making efficient and productive the company, sites such as this can be helpful in promoting it.
Things to be careful about The profile should be kept trimmed, as it makes skimming eazy. The ‘find colleagues’
LinkedIn is backed by world-class investors including Sequoia Capital, Greylock Partners, the European Founders Fund, Bessemer Venture Partners, Bain Capital Ventures, Goldman Sachs, The McGraw-Hill Companies, and SAP Ventures. On June 17, 2008, Sequoia Capital, Greylock Partners, and other venture capital firms purchased a 5% stake in the company for $53 million, giving the company a post-money valuation of approximately $1 billion. In February 2008, a mobile version of the site was launched, which gives access to a reduced feature set over a mobile phone. The mobile service is available in six languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. - In October 2008, it enabled an ‘applications platform’, which can be added onto members page.- LinkedIn CEO is Reid Hoffman. Dan Nye resigned after less than two years at the helm, on 18 December 2008. Hoffman remains the Chairman of the Board. TF December 2009 53
job destination
Job Destination Chennai
Chennaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s merits
Advantages as an education center and producing a producing a vast pool of IT professionals makes it a preferred hunting- ground for companies. It is one of the top three states, which produces a large number of students graduating in the disciplines of electronics (60,000 graduates) and IT related related disciplines (33,000) and growing by the year. Amoung other merits are: the connectivity cost is less than 10%; non virtual connectivity like roads, infrastructure and power amoung the best in India; the power supply interruption rate is 3 in 1000 days and in law and order, it
stands second in India. Moreover it is a pioneer state in IT, it was the first state to introduce an IT policy, and stands second in e-ready states to implement e-governance after Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. All these factors make Chennai a suitable place for IT growth.
Present Projects The IT corridor on Rajiv Gandhi Salai, is one of the emerging areas of IT. The IT Corridor Project is being implemented in two phases â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phase-I between Madhya Kailash Temple Junction and Siruseri, and Phase-II between Siruseri and Mahabalipuram. As per current reports, PhaseI is still incomplete. Many infrastructure and apartments are coming up to house IT companies and its professionals. The land prices have shot up due to the hectic pace of constructions. Tidal Park developed by TIDEL Park Ltd, is one of the prestigious IT centre, on the corridor, which hosts several software,
Victoria Public Hall
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hennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, which did not figure in the radar of IT companies till recently is fast becoming their preferred choice. In a study conducted by NASSCOM, Chennai scored the highest rating of 3.20 on 0-4 scale and emerged as preferred IT location. The Government of Tamil Nadu in its IT Policy 2002, stated its formost objective of establishing Tamil Nadu as a Destination of Choice for IT investments.
“Chennai is a place for everyone: the less educated, unskilled workforce and also those who have expertise in specialised fields with near-home living experience. The work culture in Chennai has always been non-intrusive, with all its short comings, and always make you feel at home. The cost of living in Chennai has escalated manifold, especially following the realty boom post 2000. Still, it provides very economical lodging facilities for the bachelors. Places like Triplicane offer comparitively cheaper but decent lodging. However, for married couple, a two bed room apartment in a decent locality can be anywhere above Rs. 10,000 per month” Praveen Kumar, Special Correspondent, The Times of India, Chennai.
telecommunication and BPO firms. Some of them are Tata Consultancy Services, Computer Associates, iNautix, Sify, Cognizant Technology Solutions and HCL Technologies. Tamil Nadu’s IT Policy vision aims to: “To put the smile of prosperity on the face of every citizen in Tamil Nadu by leveraging IT to create value and wealth for a knowledge-based state”. Initiatives in e- governance in troduced in government departments will benefit professionals general public immensely. Software firms are given several incentives to extablish themselves.
Major IT Companies Almost all major IT/ITES companies like Satyam Computer Services, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Accenture India,TECCI Park, Wipro Technologies, Cognizant Technology Solutions,Scope International, Photon Infotech, Polaris Software Lab have set- up their bases here.
Living in Chennai The cost of living is low compared to other IT cities. Roads and transport is well developed. As far as heat is concerned, it is not as pretty much moderate
Entertainment The city is quite traditional and is slowly catching- up in terms of entertainment. It has the second longest beach in the world, amusement parks, evening clubs, golf clubs, a race course, bowling centres, billiards centres, retail chains and restaurants.
Techie’s day out
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oaded with work, the weekends are the only time when an IT professional can catch his breath. To relax with the nature, the best preferred destinations in Chennai are: 1)Amusement park-Kishkinta: One of the best the best theme parks in India, it offers complete fun. Situated at Tambaram, the park is a complete package of ultimate entertainment. 2)Marina beach: If you want to stroll around in free time, then the beach lying at a stretch of 13 km, bordering by gardens near the South of the War memorial is the best option. 3)Beyond city: If you want to explore and have fun while giving a religious touch to it, then you have tonnes of option around. Right from Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Mamallapuram, Palani to Kanchipuram can easily be reached with most of them being just 50-80 Kms from the city. If its food that catches your eye and you want to try out new stuffs, then there many outlets waiting for you. <For excellent vegetarian meals try, the Saravanaa Bhavan Chain is available. <The restaurant, Gallopin’Gooseberry, serves American and Italian cuisine with exotic range of juices. <New Woodlands Hotel, near the stations is popular for dosas, tandoori and milk sweets. <Roomallee at Mylapore provides an outdoor barbecue with Hyderabadi dishes. <Kabul located at TTK Road specializes in Northwestern frontier food like biryanis, tandoori items and kebabs. TF December 2009 55
Discuss it
What recession taught you? Recession has taken a toll on one and all, in some way or the other. Some have learnt their hard lesson as an outcome and some have learnt for the better. A time when companies were being doomed and an equal number of startups growing every other minute. Everyone learnt some thing or the other. TF discussion on what we really learnt post recession.
We have seen a new calamity called recession in the last few months, it did not give us a warning on our weather forecast nor we can estimate the damage done. People in all parts of the world were caught unaware and were left questioning what went wrong. The one obvious lesson we learn from this is “We should only spend when we have enough to spend”. Tamanna, Mumbai
what recession taught you? My college fee was hiked and the reason was the recession. There weren’t a lot of amenities because it was cost cutting. So either way the consumer bears the burnt. I never understood how did recession affect my institution. The number of the students remained the same. The fees structure was increased and the infrastructure was badly hurt and moreover some of the best teachers(the reason must have been their salary) resigned. So if its recession education is the best business. Abbas Lokhandwala, Mumbai
56 TF December 2009
Recession taught me to be productive and efficient not just because that would helped in the increase in productivity but it was more or less concerned with saving my job. Every other day I would find one or the other colleague was handed over the pink slip. It was like a poultry farm you never knew who the next victim was. So with time and pink slip I learnt that during recession you get fired and post it you get hired. Lesson learnt. Anjali Kartha, Baroda
Post recession- I am still unemployed because the companies are waiting to hire. I am a graduate with an years experience in waiting for a job. I believe the Indian companies are more or less on the saving mode rather than the suffering mode. So its just a phase that is imaginary, over hyped and devastating for people like me who have spent enough to get a job. Chintan Patel, Ahmedabad
Recession was like a wake up call for everyone in my generation. None of the freshers were getting opportunities in the major firms. Te recruitment of freshers was reduced tremendously. Even the ones who were employed were sent back. 2 years ago i never thought market will be taking such a downturn. I was under the assumption that just passing out of a college will be more than enough for a person to get a job. But now the whole scenario has changed for me. Now I am pursuing MBA and I am not taking my studies for granted anymore. Sharath Mohanan, Cochin Well I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how many learnt but everyone suffered a lot during this recession. The time has come for us to realize that history repeats itself. Riding high in the success of the stock market everyone seemed to be rich. The moment the correction dropped in and everyone was a pauper. It was evident that Indian market wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much affected but well we are a crowd which follows the masses. US suffered so we started acting like a loser. Hari, Chennai
To participate in the Discuss It. Log on to www.technofirstonline.com. The selected comments would be published in every edition of the TF magazine.
TF December 2009 57
Data collection, now at fingertips
book review
suchithra pillai
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overing over age-old maps to collate data, that too when you have hundreds of projects to submit in a short period of time, sounds itself tiring. Well, this is the situation which nearly every organization has to face especially Government organizations. For the first time in India, the Integrated Rural Technology Centre (IRTC) and CUSAT came up with an open source initiative to ease out their efforts with the help of technology. Using the platform of Geographical Information System (GIS) software, the experts have found this as the solution for this laborious t a s k . Commonly referred to as Geog raphic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS), the free GIS software can be used for geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphical map production. “GRASS is one of the major tools which can be used by the organizations to collate data easily. Earlier officials had to slog over the maps for all the details, for example, for each and every minute detail they have to check it with different maps,” says Satheesh, who handles the software since two years, IRTC, Palakkad. The IRTC and CUSAT jointly took the initiative to spread the awareness of this software by organizing workshop on free GIS for local self planning and development in Kochi. Inviting people from local panchayats, the workshop was well accepted 58 TF December 2009
by the officials. The resource maps of the panchayats are the only data available which acts as the base for the officials. Lack of regular updation and efforts makes the entire row of projects as useless. “The resource maps of the panchayats are a treasure for them but there are only few of them who still preserve it. The data were earlier taken after conducting manual field studies unlike these days,” says Chandramohan, registrar, CUSAT. Akathethara grama
panchayat of Palakkad is the first panchayat which has successfully implemented this software for their applications. “In case of fast developing cities, this software is a must since changes occur within seconds in these areas. Updating them manually is near to impossible, GRASS makes it all easy and up to date,” added Satheesh. Originally developed by the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, the applications of this internationally developed software are still unknown to the people. Spreading it to other panchayats, the IRTC is planning to organize workshops in other districts as well. “The youth should be made as our messengers,” concludes V G Gopinath, Registrar, IRTC.
2 States Chetan Bhagat Rupa & Co INR 95
O
NE night at call center, FIVE point someone, the THREE mistakes of my life and now the latest TWO states. There is surely something about Chetan Bhagat and numbers. Well this time around his book shows how the so called “Unity in diversity” tagged nation has so much diversity when it comes to inter cultural matrimony and love. Well a perfect setup with love, drama, hatred, confusion and the most Masala and that’s the book for you. If you are an ardent fan of the Indian RomCom Movies this book will work in your favours. The story is subtle and as always in the flicks with a happy ending. The story is about how the two protagonists Krish Malhotra from Delhi and Ananya Swaminathan from Chennai actually get at a B School. It actually kicks-off when things turn sour at their IIM convocation ceremony. Their parents meet for the first time and disapprove of the relationship. The rest of the story is about how they try to win back their respective to-be in-laws after a series of futile attempts. Like all love stories do, this one also has a happy ending. Well written and with the right amount of twist and turns, Chetan Bhagat is rightfully tagged as the “BEST” selling Indian author of the times.
career guru
College Cricket 20-20
A
recent joke regarding the IPL was that â&#x20AC;&#x153;kerala would have a team at IPL and would be called KCTC which was an abbreviation for Kerala Coconut Tree Climbersâ&#x20AC;?, indeed funny but lets get serious. This time around its a lot of money involved. AIRCEL is promoting the first Inter- Collegiate cricket Tournament in Kerala for promotion of Kerala Cricket and with an aim to find talents at the grass root level. With about 16 teams participating with a 20-20 version and a league and a knock-out format this is surely going to be a rage in sporting world. Well if all this excites you, the prize money would startle to a state of surprise. The winners prize is two lakhs and the runner up takes home a lakh Rs and with a lot of ranji players participating this would a sure shot entertainment zone. Well not sure if KCTC would come into existence but this series is on because its AIRCEL 20-20
Q: I would like to know the future of game testing in India? Vinay Mishra Chennai A: Gaming is expected to be the next big thing in the entertainment industry. As per the NASSCOM report, Animation and Gaming in India 2007, the Indian gaming industry for the year 2006 was nearly Rs. 48 crore, and by 2010, it is expected to surpass Rs. 424 crore. Gaming firms like Electronic Arts, Gameloft, and FXLabs, along with the Indian players like Jump Games, Dhruva Interactive, Exigent Game Art Pvt. Ltd., ISHIR Infotech, India games, Trine Game Studios, Lakshya Digital, Game Shastra, Hungama, Zapak and others have been active in the game business in India. Q: I have just completed MBA in Finance and I also have 3 yrs of experience in IT. I have graduated in B.E, ECE. What are my future job prospects? Please suggest a solution. Hariharan Subramaniam Hyderabad A: With your qualifications, you can choose from jobs in Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, Audit, Financial Accountancy & Analysis and Taxation, Corporate Finance, Broking or Stock Analysis. The choice really depends on what you want to do. I am in B.tech 3rd year, what to do after completing it? what are the best carier options to choose after B .tech? Rubin Ray, Cochin There are many options available. You can either have a Masters in Technology, or take a course in specific area in technology (like embedded system in electronics). Also you can take an MBA or do a MS programme, which will help you deal with the business side. This will make your future bright. Careerq@technofirstonline.com
60 TF December 2009
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hot jobs
Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited
(A State Government Undertaking) Recruitment of Assistant Engineer (Electrical/ Environment)/ Assistant Officer (Rural Engineering) 1. Assistant Engineer (Electrical) Qualification: B.Tech/B.E. (Electrical) with atleast 60% marks Vacancy: 10 2. Assistant Engineer (Environment) Qualification: B.Tech/B.E. (Environment Engineering/ Environment Science) or BE(any subject) with 1 year PG Diploma in Environment engg./ Science Vacancy: 2 3. A.O (R&R) Qualification: BE in Rural Engineering or Equivalent Vacancy: 1 Age: Between 18 to 45 years as on 14th December, 2009 with relaxation to reserved categories as per State Govt. rules. Application Fee: Demand Draft of Rs. 100/- for General Category and Rs. 25/- for Reserved Categories made in favour of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited payable at any scheduled bank at Shimla. Candidates shortlisted on the basis of their applications will be called for test/Interview. No TA/DA will be paid to attend the test/interview. Candidates expecting their final results may also apply subject to the obtaining of final result and prescribed percentage of marks as on 14th December, 2009 Candidates who have qualified from recognized institutions/ universities in India will only be considered/eligible. How to apply: Interested candidates can send their Bio-Data in the prescribed Proforma to to Executive Director (Personnel), Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, Himfed Bhawan, Panjri, (Below Old M.L.A Quarters), Shimla-17005. 62 TF December 2009
Last date: 14th December, 2009 For more details: http:// www.hppcl.gov.in/ Requisition_11_11_09.pdf To download application form: http://www.hppcl.gov.in/App_ frm_11_11_09.pdf
SJVN Limited SJVN is looking for energetic professionals to join as Jr. Engineer (Trainee) / Jr. Officer (Trainee) in the following areas: 1.Civil Vacancy: 45 Qualification: Full time Diploma in Civil Engineering 2. Electrical Vacancy: 36 Qualification: Full time Diploma in Electrical Engineering 3. Mechnical Vacancy: 9 Qualification: Full time Diploma in Mechanical Engineering 4. Architecture Vacancy: 1 Qualification: Three years full time Diploma in Architecture 5. Human Resources Vacancy: 4 Qualification: Graduate with one year Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management / Social Works / Labour Welfare / Business Management / Office Management / Public Administration 6. Finance & Accounts Vacancy: 4 Qualification: Inter-CA or InterICWA (Simple Pass) or full time M.Com. Allowance : The selected candidates will be paid consolidated Stipend of Rs. 7300/- plus DA per month during the training period of one year. On successful completion
of training, they will be placed at S1 level in the Pay Scale of Rs. 7300-3.5%-12660/-. Selection Process : The eligible candidates will be required to undergo a Written Test at Shimla. The test will be in two parts, Part-I will consist of multiple-choice questions of the relevant technical discipline and Part-II will consist of multiple-choice questions on Aptitude Test, except for Official Language, for which the Test will include both Objectives and Descriptive Type Questions. Based on the requirement the qualifying candidates will be informed separately to appear for Personal Interview before the Company’s Central Selection Board. How to Apply: Applications in the prescribed format along with attested copies of testimonials and Demand Draft of Rs. 50/- (SC/ ST and PH exempted) drawn in favour of SJVN Limited payable at Shimla, should be sent only by ordinary post to the Senior Manager (P&A), Recruitment Cell, SJVN Limited, Himfed Building, New Shimla – 171 009 (HP). The ‘Advt. No.’ ‘Category’ and the ‘Post Applied For’ should be mentioned on the envelope so as to reach on or before 15th December, 2009 For more details and the application form: http://www.sjvn.nic.in/recdata/Advt. JO & JE-detailed (Nov,09).pdf
Staff Selection Commission Recruitment of Sr. Technical Assistant (Cultural / Physical)/ Metrological Assistant/ Intelligence officer Applications in the prescribed proforma are invited from eligible candidates for the following group ‘C’ gazetted posts for various Ministers/ Officers of the Government of India. Post: Metrological Assistant in
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs, New Delhi. Pay Scale: PB-2 Rs. 9300-34800 with G.P. 4200/Vacancy: 02 SC The post is identified suitable for OH & HH candidates. Age : Not exceeding 30 years Educational Qualification : Master’s Degree in Physics or in Mechanical/Electrical/ Electronics/ Computer/ Instrumentation Engineering of a recognized. How to Apply : The application, complete in all respects, should reach the Regional Director concerned (as per list below) by 07.12.2009. Address for sending Applications: * For Cat. ER(B)-1 & ER(B)-2 : Shri Subrat Das, Regional Director (ER), Staff Selection Commission, 1st MSO Building (Floor), Nizam Palace, 234/4, A.J.C. Road, Kolkata – 700 020. * For Cat. No. NR-(B)-2 and NR(B)-3 : Regional Director(NR), Staff Selection Commission, Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003. For more details and the application form: http://ssc.nic.in/notice/ examnotice/Gr-B_ NonGaztdSelPost-09.pdf The Indian Navy Recruitment of Officers in Logistics Cadre Applications are invited for the post of Officer in SSC Logistics Cadre Name of the Post: Officer (Logistic Cadre) Qualification: B.Sc (Phy/ Maths/ IT), CA/ ICWA,BCA/ MCA, or B.E/ B.Tech in Mech/ Marine/ Electrical/ Electronics/ Civil/ Computers/ IT/ Architecture with minimum 60% marks Age Limit: 19½ - 25 Physical Standards: (a) Height
and Weight : Minimum height 157 cms ( for women: 152 cm) with correlated weight. (b) Eye Sight : 6/36, 6/36 correctable to 6/6, 6/12 with glasses and should not be color/ night blind. How to apply: Applications in the prescribed format should be sent to Post Bag No.05, GPO, New Delhi-110001 along with the attested copies of certificates showing date of birth, qualification etc. A passport size color photo should be pasted on the application form. The envelop containing the application form should be super scribed with SSC Logistics cadreJUL 2010 Course, Educational Qualification Aggregate percentage......%. Last date for the submission of application form is on 12th December 2009 For more details: http://www.nausena-bharti.nic. in/modules.php?name=Content& pa=showpage&pid=37 To download application form: http://www.nausena-bharti.nic. in/DownLoads/officer/SSCLOGF. pdf Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
Requirement of Assistant Professors 1.Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering (Metallurgy and Material Science, Industrial Engineering and Management, Flight Mechanics) 2.Assistant Professor in Avionics (Microwave Components and Circuits; Computer Networks, Protocols; Power Electronics; Inertial Systems and Instrumentation; Image Processing / Pattern Recognition / Computer Vision) 3. Assistant Professor in Mathematics (Cryptography, Computational Mathematics; Partial Differential Equations / Numerical Methods)
4. Assistant Professor in Earth and Space Sciences (Physical Oceanography; Solid Earth Studies, Experimental Atmospheric Science; Astrophysics / Astronomy) 5. Assistant Professor in Physics (Theoretical Physics; Atomic and Molecular Physics; Adaptive Optics) 6. Assistant Professor in Chemistry (Chemical Engineering) 7. Assistant Professor in Humanities (Social Sciences, Sociology) Qualification: Should possess Ph.D degree in relevant area of specialization. Should possess first class in B.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./ B.A and M.Sc. /M.E. /M. Tech/ M.A. Only Indian Nationals need apply. Indian Nationals staying abroad can also apply. Pay Scale: Rs.15,600-39,100/with Grade Pay of Rs.7,600/Age Limit: 40 years. How to Apply : Applications in the prescribed format should be submitted on or before 25/11/2009 electronically to ao@iist.ac.in or by post to: Administrative Officer, IIST, ATF Area, VSSC Campus, ISRO P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695022. Applications should be superscribed as “Application for the post of, code -”. The code should be prominently filled in the space provided in the Application form also. Last Date: 25 December 2009 For more details: http://www. iist.ac.in/IIST/compRepository/ mediagallery/recruitment/advt_ prof_asst_prof_asso%20prof.pdf To download application form: http://www.iist.ac.in/IIST/ compRepository/mediagallery/ recruitment/biodata5.doc
For more jobs logon to www.technofirstonline.com TF December 2009 63
Gadgets
Samsung Star S5233 3-inch WQVGA full Touchscreen display
Samsung TouchWiz User Interface with Mobile Widgets Stylus for greater convenience. Gesture Control feature that allows the user to unlock the Touch Screen or run an application by giving a gesture command. Accelerometer sensor Photo Contact feature to make a call by touching the image of the person. 3 megapixel camera with smile recognition Multi-format playback and Samsung’s DNSe sound engine Recognition using Shazam’s “Find Music” service 50MB Internal memory, a microSD memory card slot with support for up to 8GB Google applications like Google Search, Gmail, Google maps Online widgets and photo blogging 1,000mAh with Talk time Up to 13 hours
Seagate FreeAgent External Hard Drive Available in
500GB, 640GB, 1TB, 1.5TB and 2TB
Back-Up, Easy Setup Cache Buffer 32MB USB 2.0 With Power Adapter, USB Cable Length: 6.77 “; Width: 1.33 “; Depth: 6.89 “2.2 Lb. Around Rs 5000 INR for 1 TB.
HP Mini 1.06-kilos
one-inch thick 10.1-inch mercury-free LED display and 92% full-size keyboard. 6-cell Lithiumion battery & 8 hours Price: Rs 23,500 including taxes.
64 TF December 2009
Dell Vostro 320 All in One Desktop PC
Intel Pentium Processor E5300 Intel GMA X4500 Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 2GB (2×1GB) NECC DDR2 800MHz SDRAM Memory 17″LCD Display 160 GB SATA Hard Disk 8X DVD Writer Integrated 2 x 2W Speaker 3-Years Warranty Approx. 26,000 INR
techstrology
Abhishek Dhawan www.askganesha.com Aries (March 21-April 19)
Better earnings would be there this month and will resolve many of your problems. Your will get more financial benefit but an unexpected expense could put a dent in your pocket. Your family will be standing with you in your decision. Your knowledge will be heightened with your continuous efforts in exploring new areas. Try not to over indulge in social gatherings. Lucky Color: Silver. Lucky Number: 6
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Your complete dedication & loyalty at work would bring desired results. Cooperation from seniors is likely to make a big difference in your career. Those who are seeking job, would get a chance to prove their caliber. Sound financial position would enable to execute important plans, paving the way for earning profits. Nurturing love life will not only bring unlimited joy but also cement the bond. Lucky Color: White. Lucky Number: 4 Gemini (May 21-June 21) This month would prove to be full of opportunities. Make sure you do have plans to start something such as a new project. By the effects of Jupiter brilliant ideas will pave the way for financial gains. You are likely to make a conscious effort to improve yourself in every possible way to give something to family. Your skills could be put to test too. Lucky Color: Red. Lucky Number: 1 Cancer (June 22-July 22) It is time to gauge whether you are on the right track on career front. At work place, you are likely to renew old connections. Success in controlling unnecessary expenses will enable to save a lot. Provide an open atmosphere to staff to achieve desired professional success. Monetary position will get better especially later in the month. Try not to expose your plans in front of subordinates.
Leo ( July 23-Aug. 22) This month would require extra efforts from your side. You need to maximize your self-confidence to succeed in your work. Try to be careful while handling big financial transactions. A big investment may lead to financial tightness. Try sticking with your current position and avoid going for a job change. The good news is that your associates would be very supportive of your assessments. Lucky Color: Denim. Lucky Number: 4 Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) It is time to look at the means and not only at ends to achieve professional success. You can show how gifted you are as you command attention and present the wonderful goals you are working toward. You are likely to excel in teamwork provided you make yourself open to suggestions. At home, encouraging news is likely to lift spirits. Monetary gains are also on the way. Lucky Color: Yellow. Lucky Number: 7
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) During this month you would get ample opportunities to make wise financial decisions. A healthy attitude would bring in cheerfulness and would provide the desired tonic and confidence in staff members. You could make new contacts which will prove to be an asset to your wellbeing and career advancement. Widening of your skills would get you the extra benefit which you have been looking for.Lucky Color: Black. Lucky Number: 3 Scorpio
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You are likely to face some tense moments at professional front, if possible put a special thrust on the plans about which you are confident. Avoid taking unnecessary risks and giving importance to minor issues. Keep aware of any kind of big investment. Believe in yourself and put in the extra effort as by this you are sure to get out of any tricky situation. Lucky Color: Green. Lucky Number: 11
Sagittarius
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Good things will happen if you put your time and effort into what really counts. People might try to take advantage of your open nature. Believe in transparency but bring it to practical use at professional front. If possible, help in boosting the morale of subordinates to benefit all at work. Better to remain calm and tension-free to enhance mental toughness. Lucky Color: Light Yellow. Lucky Number: 8
Capricorn
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Your lucky steak would continue this month. Responding positively & quickly to new ideas in business will go in your favour.Try not to be negligent in financial matters. New sources of work/financial gains could crop up during the mid of the month. A trip that is unconventional and adventurous will be favorable enjoy every minute of it. Lucky Color: Sky Blue. Lucky Number: 10
Aquarius
( Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This month is going to be supportive of the efforts you put in. Timely help of associates, will not only pass difficult times at work but also help in regaining professional edge. Calculated risks at professional front will be rewarded with success. Enhancing your skills would add another feather in your cap. Lucky Color: Orange. Lucky Number: 6
Pisces
(Feb. 19-March 20) You will get success in regaining your professional touch. Your foreign connections would bring in new works and source of income. New offers for business might also come in front of you. Last minute changes in plans could bring unexpected travel. Make sure you avoid unnecessary expenses. Lucky Color: Brown. Lucky Number: 12
TF December 2009 65
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66 TF December 2009
1. What is a B2E site? 2. Which cyber giant’s global initiative to provide solutions is called `iForce’? 3. Pure trivia. After the recent disinvestment, what is the Government’s holding in VSNL? 4. Who recently unveiled the smallest portable video player, measuring just 102 x 99 x 53mm? 5. Who is the new Chief Executive Officer of Lucent Technologies? 6. What is Afilias? 7. Talking of domain names, what is the approximate number of Internet domain names registered? 8. The founders of Yahoo!, Jerry Yang and David Filo were students of... ? 9. Papa, Syndicate and Mad Cow were copycat viruses of which legendary virus? 10. In wireless Internet lingo, what is UMTS an abbreviation of?
Answers 1. Business to Employee 2. Sun Microsystems 3. 27.97 per cent 4. Sharp 5. Patricia Russo 6. It’s a consortium of 18 domain name retailers. 7. About 35 million, of which about 22.5 is .com 8. Stanford University 9. Melissa 10. Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems.
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