“The unemployment rate will increase to 37 percent and the poverty headcount will amplify to 45 percent due to weak performance in the job-related sectors, low labour absorption of the service sectors that will drive growth, and population growth estimated at 3.2 percent will lead to a decline in real per capita income.” NESG 2023 Macroeconomic Outlook, Nigeria in Transition: Recipes for Shared Prosperity”

Should organizations be concerned about the grim economic outlook made by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group for the year 2023? What does this portend for the labour market and employment in general? What are the risk factors? And, what should human resource management and labour relations experts take as priorities in order to manage the fallout of a low real gross domestic product (GDP) that is projected to moderate at 2.98 percent in 2023?

 What consideration should HR professionals give to the first quarter of the year 2023 going by the fact that elections will hold during this period in Nigeria? It is expected that disruption that would likely be associated with the February 2023 election will affect some businesses and slow down policymaking primarily as they affect the economy.

According to Fitch in its national forecast for 2023, it predicted that the economy will be weaker at an average of 1.1 percent, just the same as in 2015 and during the 2019 general election. Holiday extension especially if there is a run-off. Election-related violence, litigations, and protest are possible factors that may affect HR processes in 2023.

In his submission, Bismarck Rewane emphasized that “global economic recession will trigger layoffs, fall in income, and a decline in consumption, investment demand and spending.”  Careful consideration of Rewane’s prediction point to the dire implication of recession on employment in general and investment in the real sectors in particular. Investment is needed for economic activities to thrive and a decline in economic activities will strain disposable income and the likelihood of layoffs in 2023.

WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL RISKS FACTORS FOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN 2023?

 At the heart of HR is human capital- the skills, competence, time, and labour committed to the realization of the organization’s corporate objectives. Human resources will continue to remain the most important asset of the organization. Where its availability, sourcing, and “peace of mind” is threatened, the business objective is also threatened.

This year inflation is expected to average 20.5 percent and this could be attributed to the high cost of food, the impact of the 2022 flooding, high production cost due to the high cost of credit / low access to credit facilities by businesses, insecurity, and election-related panic are compounded factors that will likely threaten labour peace of minds in 2023.

The critical risk factors are:

• Shortage of skilled manpower ( White and Blue Collar)

The Nigerian Labour market over time has presented a disequilibrium curve where labour demand in terms of hours worked and the number available for hire has been in low supply. This has suddenly been worsened due to the unattractiveness of pay for some categories of employees and the skill shortage that is needed to meet the available jobs in the market.

The greatest fear for employers of labour is the “unemployability” of some new entrants into the labour market and the high cost of investment in them.

While some are willing to train, the fear of sudden and unplanned resignation is another challenge that must be grappled with.

• The exodus of human resources from the critical sector such as IT, manufacturing /Production, healthcare, Finance et cetera, et cetera.

Skilled labour flight and brain drain from the country is a critical risk that employers of labour must make adequate provision for in 2023 so as to guide against sudden disruption in their operations. I know of an organization where eight people “left” a critical department for Canada and the UK just within a span of two weeks. I intentionally put the word left in an inverted coma to stress the fact that they exited the organization without giving any notice of resignation.

While the employment relationships recognize free entry and free exit we must, however, take seriously the high incidence of human capital flight which is likely to increase in the year 2023.

• Corporate mortality

A citation from a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers gives credence to why we should be concerned about the risk of business failure and corporate mortality in Nigeria in 2023.

It read “SMEs account for 48 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product, 96 percent of businesses, and 84 percent of employment in the country” The report went further to state that “Since 2017, at least 1.9 million SMEs have been lost.”

Would this trend stop in 2023 my research findings do not support any positive change in direction? The high cost of doing business, high-interest rate, high rate of labour turnover, unstable and multiple exchange rates, and so on, are potential risk factors that could lead to higher business mortality in 2023. 

• Non-performing staff loans.

We have seen employees resign without notice, we have seen those who traveled out of the country without any trace and we have equally been faced with employees who simply move houses without informing their employer. Advancing loan facilities to employees is good but an unchecked and improperly documented one could constitute a huge loss to the business.

It has been noticed that more and more workers are facing financial pressure due to the high cost of living and in most cases ran back to the company for support. While organizations are expected to serve as cushions they must exercise a lot of precautions in 2023.

• Strained and over-burdened workforce

The unemployment rate in the country in 2022 was about 33 percent, the number of those living in poverty rose to 35 million in the same year, and the country’s inflation rate climbed to 21 percent in 2022. Without mincing words, these statistics would definitely put much burden and strain on the workforce that has to cater to high dependents thereby creating a huge hole in their disposable income.

This is a big risk that often causes some workers to compromise their integrity and in some cases work against the interest of their organization.

• High turnover rate

Labour turnover is likely to be on the upward in the year 2023 except if the new government is ready to address pertinent questions that address the minimum wage, cost of living expenses, transportation cost, and the cost of doing business in the country.

• Disruption in business operations due to the “Japa” syndrome.

Japa is a new word that has unofficially entered the Nigerian lexicon. This is a situation where skilled, semi-skilled, and sometimes unskilled workers leave to seek citizenship and a career in other countries at the slightest opportunity without sometimes giving attention to their employment contract.

“Japaism” will increase in 2023 given the window of opportunity created in Europe and especially Canada and the UK. The implication for this will be the continued depletion of the Nigerian labour force, especially for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS AT SIGHT AND WHAT SHOULD HR DO TO MITIGATE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT RISK IN 2023?

Having highlighted some of the likely human resource management risks in 2023; an attempt will be made to proffer solutions to prevent their occurrences. It is important to state that the scope of this article covers HRM risks and their implications on the organization and not employee risk assessment as it relates to workplace hazards which I had written about previously.

WHAT TO DO

• CONDUCT AN ORGANIZATIONAL-WIDE RISK ASSESSMENT AND SITUATE THEIR LIKELY IMPACT SHOULD THEY HAPPEN.

An organization is a structured system of human and material interaction for the production or rendering of services. The departmentalization of human activities will help promote easy tracking and assessment of employees’ performances and their likely impact on the overall well-being of the organization.

When properly constructed along the five human resources risks assessment module the business is more likely to notice the risks and their impact

1. Look out for the risk ( See preceding pages)
2. Assess the likely harm that the risk might cause
3. Evaluate the risk in terms of its impact whether high, medium or low
4. Document your finding
5. Act and review your action

• PUT IN PLACE A PROACTIVE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

In a similar vein, when the human resources requirement is well planned and structured it will create room for a proper evaluation thereby guiding against over and understaffing as the case may be. I have written an extensive article on Human management planning, please click on the link to access the report.

• CREATE A SYSTEM OF INTERNAL LEARNING THAT PROMOTE MULTI-TASKING

An internal learning system such as attaching junior personnel to work with a much more experienced person in the same organization could provide a buffer when there is sudden resignation of a staff. Such experience will become handy when a replacement or promotion is made into the vacant role.

• BE COMMITTED TO CREATING AN ORGANIZATION THAT EMPLOYEES ARE PROUD TO WORK IN

A toxic work environment, a careless boss or supervisor, or a less compassionate workplace would experience more human flight and exit without proper documentation or notices. It is in the care of the management and especially HR to set such a framework for a peaceful work environment.

• HAVE A LABOUR TRANSITION PROGRAMME IN PLACE

The employment contract permits free entry and free exit, so it is a given fact that at one point or the other the employment relationship would be severed it, therefore, become pertinent that as part of the HR planning, we must also have in place a transition programme to ensure that vacuum is closed when they occurred.

• BE PREPARE

In summary, 2023 does not look exceptional from the last ten years which witnessed high human resources management risks. This is an election year that will usher in a new government and likely policy changes that may affect businesses in general.

While the identified risks are noted I will also say that the right controls must be put in place to guard against the hazardous consequences of the risks to businesses and especially as they may affect the human assets of the organization.

Like the motto of the Boys Scouts, I say “Be Prepared”

Thank you for reading.

You may want to contact me for your staff training services or HR planning, please connect via my email: kayodemicah@darachassociate.com or call (+234) 8033356911, (+234)7088172236.

For a certification that is recognized globally please visit www.darachassociate.com we are the sole alliance partner to the American Certification Institute (ACI) and the authorized partner to the Professional Certification Board (PECB)

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Cloud security is a set of strategies and practices used to secure cloud environments, applications, and data. Cloud security ensures the preservation of confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy of information hosted in a private, public, community, or hybrid cloud deployment model. It provides multiple levels of security controls in the cloud infrastructure that ensure data protection and business continuity.

Why is Cloud Security important for you?

As the use of cloud computing grows constantly, so does the need to ensure cloud security. Data breaches and other forms of attacks happen mainly as a result of poor security practices, complicated controls, and misconfigurations. This makes cloud security essential to the effective operation of cloud services.

Organizations adopting cloud technology must ensure that the level of security of their cloud systems meets their requirements and complies with the applicable laws and regulations.

Implementing the guidelines of ISO/IEC 27017 helps cloud service providers and customers to establish, implement, and maintain information security controls related to cloud services. ISO/IEC 27017 provides additional guidance in selecting information security controls applicable to cloud services based on risk assessment and other cloud-specific information security requirements.

In addition, cloud service providers that process personally identifiable information (PII) in the cloud can implement the guidelines of ISO/IEC 27018 to meet the requirements of applicable regulations and legislation related to the

protection of PII.

Learning Objectives

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, approaches, methods, and techniques used for the implementation and effective management of a cloud security program
• Acknowledge the correlation between ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018, and other standards and regulatory frameworks
• Gain the ability to interpret the guidelines of ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27018 in the specific context of an organization
• Develop the necessary knowledge and competence to support an organization in effectively planning, implementing, managing, monitoring, and maintaining a cloud security program
•  Acquire the practical knowledge to advise an organization in managing a cloud security program by following best practices

The Benefits of Cloud Security Certification

A PECB Cloud Security certificate demonstrates that you possess:

• A comprehensive understanding of cloud security concepts and principles
• The ability to identify and assess cloud-specific vulnerabilities and threats
• Practical knowledge to advise an organization in managing a cloud security program
• Knowledge of the tools and best practices needed to migrate to the cloud
• Knowledge needed to respond to and recover from a cloud security incident
• Skills needed to maintain and improve cloud security

The following are the results of a survey conducted with organizations that use cloud solutions:

How do I get started with Cloud Security Training?

We aim to help you expand your professional knowledge and advance your skills in cloud security. PECB experts are willing to help you with the certification process and with obtaining your PECB Certified Cloud Security Manager credentials.

Learning delivery

1. On-site (Addressed to your organizational requirements and needs)
2. eLearning (Online)

Certification Credentials

1. PECB Certified Provisional Cloud Security Manager
2. PECB Certified Cloud Security Manager
3. PECB Certified Lead Cloud Security Manager
4. PECB Certified Senior Lead Cloud Security Manager

Course fee

The fee varies depending on the stage of joining and if you met the Prerequisites.

Please contact us for details

Method of registration

Send an email request to info@darachassociate.com or simply fill out the booking form at www.darachassociate.com

Contact us

Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria Limited

Topaz Plaza, Suite C 11, Km 18, Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria.

Tel: (234) 80333656911, (234) 7088172236.

The post CLOUD SECURITY TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION (ISO/IEC 27017) appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the Information Security standards and Information Security Management practices used to implement and manage Information Security Controls
• Understand the controls necessary to manage Information Security risks

KEY EMPHASIS

1. Identify Evolving Security Threats in Organizations
2. Reduce Information Security Threats
3. Achieve Better Information Security Awareness
4. Continually Enhance Information Security

WHAT IS ISO/IEC 27002?

ISO/IEC 27002 is an international standard that provides guidelines for selecting and implementing information security controls and for implementing information security standards and practices. It is applicable to organizations of all industries or sizes. ISO/IEC 27002 can be used to develop information security management guidelines tailored to the specific context of an organization.

Originally published in 2005 and then updated in 2013, ISO/IEC 27002 was again revised and published in 2022. This new version provides a list of information security controls generally practiced in the information security industry, along with guidelines for their implementation. ISO/IEC 27002 offers four categories of information security controls: organizational (clause 5), people (clause 6), physical (clause 7), and technological (clause 8).

WHY IS ISO/IEC 27002 IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

An ISO/IEC 27002 training course provides guidelines for implementing, managing, and continually improving information security management in an organization.

Different organizations have different information security needs and capabilities. With that in mind, the controls of ISO/IEC 27002 are designed to be generic and flexible. The PECB ISO/IEC 27002 training courses equip participants with the necessary knowledge for selecting, implementing, and managing such controls.

A PECB certification demonstrates the holder’s knowledge and ability to manage information security risks by applying relevant information security controls. It is also proof of their ability to help organizations preserve information confidentiality, integrity, and availability, protect against threats and vulnerabilities and reduce information security risks. Certified ISO/IEC 27002 individuals can be crucial members of an ISMS implementation team.

PECB ISO/IEC 27002 certification benefits

A PECB ISO/IEC 27002 certificate will prove that you have:

• Understood the implementation of information security controls and control policies based on ISO/IEC 27002 guidelines
• Obtained practical knowledge of the approaches and techniques used for the implementation and effective management of information security controls
• Obtained the necessary expertise to support an organization in planning, implementing, and managing information security controls
• Understood risk management and its importance in determining appropriate information security controls
• Gained the ability to support organizations in continually improving their information security management system

WHY CHOOSE PECB FOR ISO/IEC 27002 CERTIFICATION?

• Certification is one of the key methods of demonstrating your competence and abilities. PECB certifications in information security are internationally recognized and accredited by top relevant authorities. PECB ISO/IEC 27002 certifications are a combination of extensive training and a comprehensive certification process, providing you with professional credibility and boosting your opportunities for a successful career in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most in-demand industries.

• PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27002 training courses available

Learn more about information security controls by attending the PECB ISO/IEC 27002 training courses. Below you can find the training that best suits you.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Individuals interested in Information Security Management and Information Security Controls
• Individuals seeking to gain knowledge about the main processes of Information Security Management Systems and Information Security Controls
• IT professionals and consultants seeking to enhance their knowledge of information security

LEARNING DELIVERY

1. On-site (Addressed to your organizational information management threats)
2. eLearning (Online)

CERTIFICATION STAGES

1. ISO/IEC 27002 INTRODUCTION
2. ISO/IEC 27002 FOUNDATION
3. ISO /IEC 27002 MANAGER
4. ISO /IEC 27002 LEAD MANAGER

COURSE FEE

The fee varies depending on the stage of joining with Prerequisites met.

METHOD OF REGISTRATION

Send an email request to info@darachassociate.com or simply fill out the booking form at www.darachassociate.com

The post ISO/IEC 27002 INFORMATION SECURITY CONTROLS appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

Globalization and the advent of the internet nailed and buried trade barriers among the nations of the world and except where the limitation is organizational, governmental, and personal you can operate or practice your trade anywhere in the world.

With the plausible benefits of globalization, the need for consistency in production and the requirements for quality across industries and management practices becomes an issue that attention must be given to. It is expected that an item produced or service rendered in one country must follow a globally prescribed standard, statutory and regulatory requirement to be acceptable in another country.

Corporate leaders want to build solid and sustainable businesses that consistently meet their objectives and produce or render services at optimal capacity. To achieve this organizations are open to ideas and learning. The International Organization for Standardization is globally recognized as a standard bearer in this regard.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION

International Organization for Standardization is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. ISO was founded on the 23^rd of February 1947 and has published over 24,609 international standards covering almost all aspects of technology, manufacturing, service, and quality assurance. ISO has 810 technical committees and sub-committees to take care of research and standards development.   

Through its over 1 million members in 167 countries, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant international standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

ISO / IEC

The International Association for Standardization does not set standards for organizations in the telecommunication and electronics industries. The requirements for information management systems and electronics are exclusive to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

IEC works with other regulators including the International Telecommunication Union and ISO to establish common standards identified by the prefix “ISO/IEC”.

THE BENEFITS OF ISO/IEC CERTIFICATION TO ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

When trained and certified by an accredited partner of ISO or IEC you enjoy some rare privileges and benefits exclusive to training certification that is structured in line with such professional requirements. Equipping yourself or your organization with an internationally acceptable standard of practice will not only boost your confidence but save you the associated cost which comes with trial and error.

ü Certification is known to confirm the credibility of an organization, especially with its trade partners and those doing business with them

ü To individual certification holders, the same amount of credibility is conferred on them as people that understand the full details and nitty-gritty of their job.

ü According to Corbett, et al., 2002 Does ISO Certification Pay? They were able to prove that “Certification appears to lead to improved financial performance measured by return on assets.

ü Firms that are certified see the absolute performance in their processes and substantial improvement in their customer retention rate.

ü for consultants, trainers, and other professionals, third-party certification provides independent confirmation that they are skilled and can deliver on the job.

ü ISO/IEC develops tested tools that serve as benchmarks for operational efficiency both for organizations and individuals. This benchmark provides the framework for certification holders to operate with.

ü A recent survey shows that more industrialized countries are ISO 9001 certified compared to their peers where certification is not well embraced.

ISO 9001 Certificates by Country, 2020

WHY YOU SHOULD BE CERTIFIED BY THE PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION AND CERTIFICATION BOARD (PECB) AND THE AMERICAN CERTIFICATE INSTITUTE (ACI).

It is important to note that Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria Limited is the legal and authorized partner of PECB and ACI in Nigeria. Darach has the authority of PECB and ACI to resell its ISO certification and training programs in Nigeria. Read more at www.darachassociate.com.

PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION AND CERTIFICATION BOARD

PECB is an authorized distributor of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to market, and sell ISO and IEC standards. It has accreditation or third-party recognition and operates around the world through its partners, of which Darach Associate is one and represents the group in Nigeria.

PECB provides education, training, and certificate programs for individuals in a wide range of disciplines.

PECB helps professionals and organizations show commitment and competence by providing them with valuable education, evaluation, certification, and certificate programs against rigorous internationally recognized standards.

PECB certifications are validated by the International Accreditation Service (IAS – PECB 111), the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS – NO 21923), and the Korea Accreditation Board (KAB-PC-08) under ISO 17024.

Furthermore, PECB certificate programs are certified by the National Accreditation Board (ANAB – Accreditation ID 1003) and under ANSI / ASTM E 2659 – 1B).

PECB blazes a trail by continuously researching and initiating training courses that provide business solutions and standards in various endeavors.  As an Associate member of The Independent Association of Accredited Registrars (IAAR) and a full member of the International Personnel Certification Association, it ensures that certification holders enjoy global career advantages and are rated higher than their peers.

AMERICAN CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

ACI, the American Certification Institute, is a premier professional certification institute well-known in the United States and about 70 Nations of the world. It was founded in the USA in 1999. Its Corporate Headquarters is in Lewes, Delaware, USA and it has numerous alliance partners in China, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Poland, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Romania, and other countries. These alliance partners represent ACI in their respective countries and conduct ACI programs in collaboration with the Institute. ACI is dedicated to helping train the leaders of tomorrow for personal and professional success.

ISO 9001

The Certification programs of the American Certification Institute (ACI) of Lewes, Delaware have been verified and determined to meet all the Quality Management System (QMS) requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 9001, including the Quality Management requirements, requirements for Quality Systems Administration, requirements for Process/Product Operations, and requirements for Quality Control

CAN A COMPANY OR INDIVIDUAL BECOME A DIRECT MEMBER OF ISO/IEC?

The answer is an emphatic no. It is important to note that ISO members are a network of accredited standards bodies representing different countries. A country can only be represented by one member. For example, The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the Standardization Administration of the P.R.C (SAC – China), The British Standards Institute (BSI), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), etc. individually represent their respective countries.

CAREER BENEFITS OF ISO/IEC CERTIFICATION

The adoption of ISO requirements and standards requires expert knowledge and training. So, Nations through their representative established accreditation bodies to facilitate this. For Instance, the United States has The American National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for a body corporate your company can be accredited to support businesses in meeting the ISO requirements.

It is a known fact that individuals with ISO / IEC training and certifications are in high demand either by accredited organizations or those that aspire to have such certifications both in Nigeria and abroad.

And, because of the paucity of ISO certification holders, the few with such certifications are the toast of their industries and professions.

WHAT DARACH ASSOCIATE BRINGS TO THE TABLE

We partnered and represent two leading training and certification bodies; The Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB) and The American Certification Institute (ACI) to provide you with training and certifications that will ensure compliant ISO requirements for your organization and give the individuals global career opportunities.

HOW TO REGISTER

1)    Visit www.darachassociate.com and look up the courses in your field

2)    Send an email request to info@darachassociate.com requesting details of the program of your interest

3)    Or simply fill out the online request form.

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It is noted that new ways of delivering services are springing up using science and digital technology as its harbinger. Automobiles are being designed to run on electricity instead of gas, cars are designed to be smart, factory and assembly lines are automated, robots are taking over regular activities while customers want more for less at the speed of light.

Future-work will depend largely on tech and tech-adaptability. Competition for the patronage of the customers will largely be fought in cyberspace; a borderless space with little or no regular. The new-normal, remote working, e-commerce, and offshoring / on-line facilitated transaction among nations will play a major role in the jobs that will be relevant in the future and remain sustainable.

WHAT ARE THE 10 FUTURE WORK TO LOOK OUT FOR?

We have listed the most sought after and highly paid jobs-in-demand based on analysis from job sites and requests made by employers for recruitment and placement. Also, we have observed that these skills are short in supply thereby necessitating businesses having to seek them outside their internal pools and sometimes outside the shores of Africa.

1. MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SCIENCES: This is rated as number one and the following specializations are highly placed

• Anesthesiologists (Cardiac or heart surgery anesthesiologists)
• Surgeons
• Physicians
• Orthodontists
• Psychiatrists
• Radiologists
• Pharmacologists
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Expert
• IT / System Engineer / FinTech ( Software engineers, Data Manager or scientists, Java Developers,)
• Supply Chain Management / E-procurement expert
• Product, Sales, Marketing, or business development Manager
• Corporate Lawyer and attorney – Alternative / Commercial Dispute resolution lawyers
• Researchers and creative writers
• Construction and building engineer
• Investment Managers and real estate developers
• Agriculture and agribusiness consultants (Farm Managers)

 In conclusion, it is apparent that work, as we presently know it, is undergoing enormous transformation and redesign. Technology and digital innovations have altered task delivery; skills that are relevant and highly-priced some decade ago are suddenly becoming obsolete. The 5^th generation network will completely change the ways things are done.

To be relevant in the future that technology and science are driving we must as a matter of urgency change our perception to work and hone our skills to fit into the new-normal and workplace new reality.

True to prediction without embracing technology and ICT some careers and works will be pushed out of existence and such job-holders will become totally irrelevant in the future that beacon on us.

Click on the link to read

THE FUTURE OF WORK AND FUTURE WORK

UNDERSTANDING CAREERS THAT WILL BE IN HIGH DEMAND IN THE

NEXT TEN YEARS

Thank you for reading and sharing

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It is also expected that organizations will have no choice but to embrace scientific innovation as a basis for shaping the future of their businesses. Governments and agencies will be pressured to adopting tech in the search for sustainability, increase in revenue sources, global competitiveness, and infrastructural development.

Good to note that the #ENDSAR protests in Nigeria have created a new vista for youth involvement in politics and this will also impact the look of work and how the economy will run in the next decade. With their great sense of creativity and reliance on tech, I hereby welcome you to the new world of work and what will count as a future career.

 WHAT ARE THE DETERMINANTS FOR FUTURE WORK?

 What are the factors that will determine future works or jobs that will be in high demand? What should we look out for globally to know that certain skills would be in high demand and what should we do as career-minded people to position ourselves for this great future and remain relevant.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

One of the key determinants of the direction of employment activities in an economy is the knowledge of the result of research and development by government, institution, and business enterprises or private persons. In career planning, besides the individual propensity, we also pay attention to the need of businesses and the direction in which society is headed.

It has been noted that leading economies are deploying investment in the direction of science and technology and digitalization. China, Israel, the USA, South Africa, and some developing Nations are spending so much on ICT, agriculture, and medicine. This knowledge should give an insight into the direction of the jobs that would count for the future.

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT DIRECTION

It will be noted that in Nigeria, the ex-president Goodluck Jonathan and the present administration of President Mohammadu Buhari has paid much attention to agriculture and infrastructural development especially in areas of food production, support for the agriculture sector, and a modernized railway system in the country. Hindsight will show that opportunity will abound in these two directions with the Central bank of Nigeria pushing commercial banks to invest in these sectors of the economy. With the level of investment seen so far, it shows that experts in modern agricultural practices and engineers will be in high demand.

Early acquisition of knowledge in modern farming practices, agribusiness, and automotive engineering will be advantageous for someone pursuing a career in these fields.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)

According to the World Investment Report by UNCTAD, in 2018 foreign direct investment flow into Nigeria was $ 6.4 billion which dropped to $ 3.3 billion in 2019. The total stock of FDI in 2019 was estimated at $ 98.6 billion. The USA, China, UK, and the Netherlands took the lead in FDI flow to the country. The question should be asked in what sectors are these investments made because the answer to this question will tell us where manpower will be much needed. For example, we could see investment in internet security, housing and construction, and healthcare. We now see Nigerians abroad setting up standard healthcare facilities in Nigeria and investing so much into properties for personal and commercial purposes.

CHANGE IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Age, demography, income level, style, and taste are known to influence consumer behavior and the pattern of their purchases decision. In recent times, however, the internet and the digital revolution have been critical factors that affect consumer behavior. For example, the Y Generation (Millennial) is mostly concern with speed, creativity, and convenience of service. To capture this large population investors and businesses will necessarily tailor their investment pattern in such a manner that caters to them. The creative, fashion, and entertainment (music and sport) industry will require individuals with millennial mindsets and creativity to thrive.

GLOBAL INVESTMENT AND PARTNERS CONCERNS

The search for alternative energy sources away from fossil fuel, the need to protect national investment, and concern for global peace are known factors that determine the direction of future employment. For example, the ability to speak and translate mandarin or Putonghua the official language of the Chinese will provide a good job for an individual with an interest in cross-national-trade between Nigeria and China. Likewise are jobs with NGOs and foreign missions with interest in healthcare, protection for the environment, and security.

Click on the link to continue reading WHAT ARE THE FUTURE WORK THAT WILL BE HIGH-PRIZED AND BE IN DEMAND IN THE NEXT DECADE?

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Today we live in a fast-paced, high-speed, scientific, and technology propelled world; a world whose future will be shaped by cloud technology, Artificial Intelligence, future 5G starting from 2021 with a promise of a single-digit millisecond latency.

It is interesting to note, that what we prized today as skill and ability will likely become obsolete some few decades away from now except they are ICT and technologically compliant. That some skills, jobs, and work will become totally un-useful to the new enterprise, and customers’ demand should not contemplate doubt to our minds.

In this article, I will take a futuristic look into the future of work as we presently have it, bring out the changes that we are likely going to see and what we should do to fit in into the future requirements of business enterprises, change in customer’s need and the career or job that will play a significant role in the future.

WHAT IS WORK?

Simply define; work is the exertion of energy or effort and the commitment of skills and abilities to achieve a pre-determined purpose. Work has a utilitarian value in the sense that such an effort must be value-based and create an outcome that serves society or meet the needs of others.

Work is the first assignment given to man at creation and serves usefulness both to man, the business interest as well as the society at large. Work in its present state requires over 80 percent of effort or energy, this holds true especially in the developing and third world nations of the world. However, with technology, this is changing and will move in the direction of 85 percent knowledge and 15 percent of energy or physical strength in about a decade and a half from today.

It is worthy of note that if your work requires 80 percent of your energy or physical strength please mark my words that without you embracing technology and investing in self-improvement, tech-enhanced capability such skill will become irrelevant in another 15 years from now. I am not a prophet of doom but a writer and researcher on the side of reality, someone who would rather look at global business trends and the requirements of the future enterprise.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF WORK?

The NeXtGeneration5G, disruptive technological innovations, and digital networks that guarantee ultra-high-speed internet capacity are the forerunner of future work. Opportunities generated by technology will create and reshape work in such a way and manner that will determine the directions of businesses, government, consumer behavior, and job requirements.

Careful consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on businesses around the world which resulted in a lockdown and social distancing has brought about flexible work processes, remote working, tech-enhanced processes that create opportunities such as drone-delivery, which is likely going to impact traditional logistics and cut down on person-to-home delivery. Today, scientific innovation in robotics has made it possible for robots to perform surgery, classes being taught via remote platforms such as GoogleClass, Whiteboard, and Zoom.

The world is now moving in the direction of digitalization, living in smart cities; cities that will be powered by high-tech innovation such as smart transportation without traffic officers, digital courtrooms and session, reliable payment platform, driverless cars, automated production lines, and robot-body-guards.

WHAT CHANGES ARE TO BE EXPECTED IN WORK?

1. Blue-collar or high energy-consuming works will be taken over by robots with a high level of reliability and precision.
2. Manual work will gradually give way to automated platforms such as automated fuel-dispensing, self-serving air-port procedures; digital controlled traffic lights, and automated production management, etc.
3. Lean management, lean production, and automated production lines that minimize downtime, material wastages with emphasis on just-in-time and electronics material planning.
4. Downsizing, right-sizing, collapsed structures and delayering thereby, reducing headcount and manpower requirements for businesses
5. Flexible employment, part-time job, and off-shoring. Organizations will go lean and prefer people that could work from remote locations at a reduced cost.
6. Life-long employment will gradually be phased out except in public sectors, job security will only depend on productivity, it will be knowledge-based, and value creation.
7. Some courses in our universities and colleges will become obsolete and irrelevant to future businesses and societal needs. 

Clink on the link to continue reading FUTURE WORK

The post THE FUTURE OF WORK AND FUTURE WORK: appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

Suffice to say that Part 1 of the Nigerian Labour Act, Chapter 198 of 1990 makes general provision as to the protection of wages, contract of employment, terms, and conditions of workers’ employment.

This provisions of the Acts rest on section 17 (1) that states thus: Except where a collective agreement provides otherwise, every employer shall, unless a worker has broken his contract provide work suitable to the worker’s capacity on every day ( except rest days and public holidays) on which the worker presents himself and is fit for work as aforesaid, he shall pay to the worker in respect of each day on which he has so failed wages at the same rate as would be payable if the worker had performed a day work.

It could be seen from the above, two key criteria that guarantee worker’s income during a period like this are:

1. Provision of work by the employer, and,
2. The ability of the worker to present herself for work.

Note, however, that with COVID-19 and the compulsory lockdown by the government, these provisions could not be realized, why, because the employer could not provide work and the worker could not present himself for work.

However, section 17 (1) (b) made provision for temporary emergency or other circumstances beyond the employer’s control and clearly states that (the period of which shall not exceed one week or such longer period as an authorized labour officer may allow in any particular case), the employer is unable to provide work, the worker shall be entitled to those wages only on the first day of the period in question). Here there is a restrictive clause that makes the payment of wage in case of emergency to the first day of the emergency or lockdown as the case may be.

It is clear from the foregoing that job security and income assurance can only be implemented based on the ability of the company to engage in regular day-to-day business activities and the assurance of the worker to work and earn income. If the lockdown situation is prolonged, companies will run out of operational and production capacity and the workers would lose their jobs.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SALVAGE THE SITUATION

As we expect and hope that there will be a scientific breakthrough in the search for a vaccine or cure for the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be noted that the government has a herculean role to play in ensuring job security and some level of income protection especially for workers in the private sector.

The government needs to support the private sector employers by rolling out palliatives and measures that will assure them of government understanding of their plights. Business owners need government support to enable them to make a strong commitment to workers retention and some level of wage security; A glean into what countries with the highest rate of job security do will help us in this regard. The countries are Switzerland, Japan, Norway, South Korea, and Germany; these countries took decisive and critical steps to prevent massive job loss during a period of emergencies. What can be done, will or may include the following:

1. Tax relief for businesses. Value Added Tax, Company Income Tax, and Personal Income Tax should be written off for a period of time.
2. Provision of free healthcare thereby taking off the burden of an organization contributing to the health insurance scheme or taking up healthcare bills for their workers in isolation or that are affected with the coronavirus.
3. Bailout funds should be provided for companies whose operations have been obstructed by the lockdown
4. A pledge that companies will retain their workers especially those in self-isolation
5. Reimbursement of paid sick leave for workers on self-isolation or confinement by the government.

It should be noted that the private sector’s employers cannot be compelled or forced to retain their staff at a moment of emergency, such an arrangement can only be achieved based on negotiation and the ability of the government to carry business owners along using NECA, TUC, and NLC.

Also see: STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING INCOME GUARANTEE DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

The post NIGERIAN LABOUR LAW AND WORKERS’ INCOME GUARANTEE DURING AN EMERGENCY: COVID-19 appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

The economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic would long live with us as a people. It is hoped that a quick solution would be found and mainstream economic activities kick-started once again. With a projected $ 220 billion income loss in developing countries, falls in oil price and by implications government revenue, therefore it won’t be inappropriate to say that job security and income guarantee would be threatened in the immediate and foreseeable future.

However, for a proactive worker, it should not be blurry and threatening as others would want to view the situation. Job security and income guarantees are absolutely possible even in the face of the Nigerian and global economic lockdown.

STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING JOB SECURITY AND INCOME GUARANTEE

1. STAY POSITIVE.

The human mind is powerful, its steers us in the direction of our most pressing desires. At a time like this, we must cultivate a positive attitude and believe that the COVID-19 pandemic will pass and work-life will be back to normal. Never entertain doubt or lose focus. Staying positive will enable you to overcome whatever decision may be taken by your organization and give you the alibi to press on.  Note that a positive mind is like a moving vehicle that cannot be stopped; negativity kills before time and causes depression. To overcome the COVID-19 challenges and get back to work in a good state, you must stay positive and be optimistic.

• MAINTAINING GOOD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.

To remain on your job and get the assurances of earning an income requires good mental and physical health. A sit at home order, cutting out interaction with colleagues at work, taking added responsibility of caring for the kids at home, having to incur more expenses and the fear of possible job loss can result in mental health challenges when it is not properly managed.

To enable you to stay fit and be mentally prepared for the world of work after the COVID -19 episode you must be in a state of mental alertness and physical wellness. And, to achieve this, avoid mental idleness, read books, listen to inspiring messages and exercise your body to prevent obesity and other health issues.

• SEEK KNOWLEDGE AND EQUIP YOURSELF

One of the likely fallouts of this global economic crisis is downsizing of the workforce by most businesses and where this occur, only valuable, indispensable and the knowledge-driven workers would be retained. To fit into the post-COVID-19 workforce you must equip yourself, read and seek better ways of delivering your task, put yourself above your colleagues in terms of skill set and knowledge.

It is time to pick up those books and works of literature that have been on your mind.  You may want to get certified or take online courses.

For your world-class professional certification courses in management, human resource management, customer relationship management and so on, you may want to check www.darachassociate.com

LOOK AROUND AND FIND PROBLEM THAT YOU CAN SOLVE

This period of lockdown is not a time for idleness, it is the time to sit up and solve problems especially those that have to do with your work and organization at large. It should be a time for personal work appraisal and performance evaluation. The questions should be asked:

1. What are my area career or performance deficiencies?
2. What level of improvement is required?
3. What can I do differently?
4. How can I improve?
5. What can I do now to improve my work performance?

A forward-looking worker who is determined to retain his job would constantly look for innovative ways of solving problems.

• PUT YOUR IDEAS TOGETHER

Having done a work process appraisal, you should then come up with an execution plan upon your return to work. You may share your work plan with your supervisor even before you return to work. It creates the feeling of your bond with the organization and placed you as an employee that should be taken seriously. Having said this be sensitive and relate with your superiors with knowledge during this period.

• WORK REMOTELY.

Imagine a bank employee that got in new accounts for her bank during this period or an accountant that worked from home and submit a management account to the chief executive officer or a salesman that struck business and closed a deal for his company during the lockdown. 

An employee can achieve much during this period, attend to the uncompleted task and relate this to their immediate supervisors or bosses via the internet or have a conversation on the phone. Ensure that you keep the momentum and continue to seek the interest of your organization even while at home.

• PRIORITIZE YOUR SPENDING AND SEEK FOR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Lastly, at a time like this when avenue for extra income may be limited, maintain a level of frugality and prioritize your spending. Who knows you may stay a little bit longer at home until the Coronavirus pandemic is completely eliminated.

You may want to read: JOB SECURITY DURING A PERIOD OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY: COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

The post STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING INCOME GUARANTEE DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

The World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. As at today the 8^th of April, 2020 the virus had spread to 209 countries and territories with a total recorded cases of 1,498,013 and 87,731 deaths globally. Today, in Nigeria we have 254 confirmed cases with most parts of the country on lock-down and economic activities halted.

The focal point of this article shall be the economic impacts of COVID-19 on employment relationship as it affects job security and income guarantee. In this article, an attempt will be made to look at the provision of the Nigerian Labour laws, global best practices and the measures open to both the organizations as well as the workers.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has projected a 25 million job loss globally depending on the time-frame and for how long the COVID-19 would last. African Nations could be the worst hit due to her lack of preparedness to tackle the pandemic outbreak and the huge population of workers in the informal sector. It has been estimated that Nigeria could loss between $14 billion and $19 billion in oil export revenue in 2020 (The Economic Commission for Africa). The Nigerian stock market has continued on a downward trend with investors losing N399 billion. The Nigerian Airline industry is projected to lose 3.5 million passengers that is about $760 million and a total of 91,380 aviation jobs (IATA).

It is no gain-saying the fact that Nigeria is in a precarious and delicate balance owing largely to its mono-economy status and dependent mostly on oil revenue which has now plummeted in the International market. As we speak the price of oil has fallen to an all-time low of $ 24.21 (WTI) now forcing the Nation to cut her budget benchmark from $ 57 to $ 30 per barrel and slashes capital budget by 20%.

The resultant effects of this would cascade into poor and redundant economic outlook and negative consequences on the well-being of the workers and the citizens at large.

The questions would then be, how would this bleak economic situation affect job security and the income of workers? Does the law in Nigeria provides for income guarantee and job security?

WHAT IS JOB SECURITY?

Job Security is the assurance or probability that an employee will retain his or her job and continue in gainful employment as provided by the employment contract. These assurances are guaranteed by different factors which include companies’ ability to pay, productivity, the contract of employment, collective bargaining agreement, legislation and general economic-condition in a geographical space or country.

Job security would range from very secured, secured, moderately secured and unsecured employment. It will be noted that in Nigeria, the public sector and government institutions and agencies would appear to provide “very secured employment”. Also, organizations with strong union presence provide some moderate security for jobs while businesses with challenges, those that could not continue in production or those that have lost customer-goodwill will be classified as unsecured.

It is important to state here that COVID-19 presents novel challenges for our economy and it will grossly affect both the formal and informal sectors. It should be noted, also, that China is our major economic block supplying over 25% of the country’s import in 2019 in the sum of N 4.3 trillion. Today, China is being affected by COVID-19 in fact COVID -19 originated in Wuhan, China.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) projected a $ 220 billion in income loss in developing countries. As we speak the United States of America’s unemployment rate has risen to 4.4% meaning that 701,000 jobs have been a loss. If we juxtapose this with Nigeria that has a 23.1% unemployment rate in 2019 with an estimated 87million people living on less than $ 2 per day then the answer should not be far-fetched. To make matters worst it has been projected that an additional 25 million people are likely to join the unemployment market post-COVID-19.

From the foregoing, it will not be immoderate to say that during a period of national emergency and economic turmoil there is “nothing” in absolute terms like job security except the Nation takes a very decisive and proactive measure to curb the fallout and its impact on productivity and the economy as a whole.

Also read: NIGERIAN LABOUR LAW AND WORKERS’INCOME GUARANTEE DURING AN EMERGENCY: COVID-19

The post JOB SECURITY DURING A PERIOD OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY- COVID-19 LOCKDOWN appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

ACI, the American Certification Institute, is a premier professional certification institute well-known in the United States and about 70 Nations of the world. It was founded in the USA in 1999. Its Corporate Headquarters is in Lewes, Delaware, USA and it has numerous alliance partners in China, Nigeria, South African, Ghana, Poland, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Romania, and other countries. These alliance partners represent ACI in their respective countries and conduct ACI programs in collaboration with the Institute. ACI is dedicated to helping train the leaders of tomorrow for personal and professional success.

ISO 9001

The Certification programs of the American Certification Institute (ACI) of Lewes, Delaware

have been verified and determined to meet all the Quality Management System (QMS) requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 9001, to include the Quality Management requirements, requirements for Quality Systems Administration, requirements for Process/Product Operations, and requirements for Quality Control

OVERVIEW OF THE CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL (CICSP)

In today’s highly competitive business environment, managing customer relationships and effectively interacting with your customers are critical to an organization’s success. By enhancing the customer experience, organizations can develop a strong relationship between the customer and the organization. If sustained over time, organizations would strengthen their competitive position and as a result increase profitability.

This program examines customer service and customer relationship management (CRM) as a key strategic process within all organizations. CRM is defined as the overall process of building and maintaining profitable customer relationships by delivering value and satisfaction to the customer. Focusing on process, strategy, and technology, this program leads students from understanding the fundamentals of customer service and CRM through the implementation of CRM systems and analysis of customer data. It discusses customer service and CRM philosophy as well as the systems in place that incorporate and integrate information from sales, marketing, and service.

The theory of CRM is being exalted to a new status because of today’s severe competition and nearly saturated market.  Wal-Mart, Southwest Airline with great reputation highly listed in Fortune magazine make management ability of customer service as their core competitiveness.  The essence of competition between corporations is customer satisfaction; customer service department is no longer a dispensable department but the edge tool of corporate development.

The program is designed to bring students to speed in both customer service skills and CRM fundamentals and in managing all customers’ experience touchpoints.  The curriculum will introduce students to concepts and functionality for all customer service professionals.  This Certification Program is a core certification program of the American Certification Institute. This program offers the designation of CICSP (Certified International Customer Service Professional) to candidates who demonstrate their understanding of the fundamentals of the profession through the successful completion of rigorous professional certification examinations based upon the CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE (CSMBOK). The CSMBOK is supported by 2 modules of study material for the CICSP.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Customer service practitioners, marketing, sales, and related managerial personnel
• Excellent customer relationship management service personnel
• Anyone wishing to become a customer service professional
• Anyone who desired to have a world-class certification in Customer and customer relationship management

ADMISSION CRITERIA

1. Applicant must be a degree holder ( or its equivalent) from any recognized institution
2. Applicant must have a minimum of two years of work experience to warrant interest in Customer service / Customer Relationship Management
3. To be awarded the certification student must pass an online multiple-choice examination

MODULES/ COURSE OUTLINE

The certification program consists of two modules and an 80 question multiple-choice examination prepared from the CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE (CSMBOK). Candidates may complete the modules in any order. However, the suggested sequence is spelled out below:

Module 1 (Customer Service Skills)

1) Achieving high customer satisfaction

2) Developing strong listening and communication skills

3) Winning Telephone skills

4) Technical writing skills for support professionals

5) Handling a difficult customer situation

6) Solving and preventing problems

7) Teams and team players in a help desk setting

8) Minimizing stress and avoiding burnout

Module 2 (Customer Relationship Management)

1) CRM Overview, Types, Strategy and Implementation

2) The Theoretical Framework of CRM

3) CRM Project Organization in the Financial Industry

4) The Evolution of Customer Relationships and Customer Value

5) Main Benefits and Organizational Impacts of CRM within the Bank

6) Data Mining Systems Supporting the Marketing Function

7) CRM Conclusion

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATIONNEB

 OF CERTIFICATION

Professional certification offers individuals a wide range of important benefits. The certification designation demonstrates to current and potential employers that the employee possesses a solid foundation of experience and education in a field of endeavor that can have a positive impact on bottom-line results. Certification symbolizes knowledge and accomplishment and is highly regarded by colleagues and employers. As a certified professional, the employee can proudly join a successful group of professionals who are enriching and advancing their careers and their chosen professions. Specific benefits include the following:

• Professionalism — Certification indicates a high level of professionalism to both coworkers and customers, increasing one’s value in the market place.
• Leadership — Certification signifies an employee as dedicated to the continuous improvement of himself/herself.
• Recognition — Only a small fraction of professionals ever achieve certification, indicating that they are a leading professional in their fields.
• Knowledge — Certification will improve one’s understanding of the most current processes and trends in one’s profession.
• Ethical Behavior—Individuals who become certified must subscribe to a rigorous code of ethics appropriate to the specific profession.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

This is essentially a self-study certification program where students are expected to study having a maximum of 3 to 5 months of study time before taking the online examination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on registration please contact

Email: info@darachassociate.com

Tel: +2347088172236, +2348033356911

Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria Limited

Topaz Plaza, Suite C 11, km 18, New Round bus stop, before Chevron roundabout

Lekki Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos

www. darachassociate.com

Email: info@darachassociate.com

 www.facebook.com/darachassociate

The post CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL (CICSP) appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ANALYST PROFESSIONAL (CIBAP)

CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT (CIEA)

A Job assessment report shows that the demands for skilled workers are upwelling both in Nigeria and other countries. In fact, countries such as Canada, Australia, and other western economies are creating opportunities for professional-migrant-workers to move to their countries.

We discover a surge in the demand for professional business administrators, managers, and business analysts. To this end, the American Certification Institute, Lewes Delaware, USA has designed certification programs that will give advantages to their certification holders aimed at securing top business management and administration jobs in major countries of the world.

The Institute course contents are in agreement with the International Body of Knowledge and it provides professionals a dynamic perspective that does not see business as “the strange bloodless creature” but a living and cognitive organism with the capacity for survival in a dynamic open system.

AVAILABLE CERTIFICATION COURSES

1. CERTIFIED BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR (CBA)
2. CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ANALYST PROFESSIONAL ( CIBAP)
3. CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ( CIEA)

ADMISSION CRITERIA

1. Applicants must have a minimum of B.sc, HND or equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution of learning
2. Applicants must have worked for a period not less than three years
3. Admitted students must be able to pass an online multiple-choice examination set by the board of examination to obtain the certification.

BENEFITS OF HAVING A TRAINING CERTIFICATION

• Mark of excellence
• Professionalism and attestation by the American Certification Institute
• Knowledge and continuous learning
• Issuance of transcripts for higher learning in Institutions in the US and some European countries.
• Affixation of professional designation to your name, complementary cards and other documents
• You will command attention and respect amongst professional colleagues.

WHAT YOU WILL GET

•  A certification that is recognized in over 70 countries and by top employers in Nigeria.
• Online listing of your name on the website of ACI

MODE OF APPLICATION

Kindly send an email request to info@darachassociate.com indicating your preferred certification. You may call Kayode on 07088172236, 08033356911, Femi 08066492890.

For more information, please visit www.darachassociate.com

Best regards

The post CERTIFIED BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MANAGER ( CIPTM LEVEL 2)

CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING CONSULTANT (CIPTC LEVEL)

Knowledge and experienced-based trainers, facilitators and resource persons are among those projected to be in high demand and earn fat pay in this decade. Opportunities in the learning industry are on the rise. Interestingly too, most organizations are moving away from their traditional approaches to doing business to accommodate digital/technological disruptions and changes in consumers’ preferences. The shift in the strategic adaptation would place a huge demand on trainers’ experiences, knowledge of modern learning facilitation and approaches.

To fit into these requirements trainers must hone their skills, understands their new roles as strategic business partners, and adopt global best practices in content development and learning delivery.

To prepare and equip professional trainers who will like to distinguish themselves, the American Certification Institute, Lewes, Delaware USA has obtained licenses to offer globally acceptable professional certifications for trainers. The training synopses are in conformance with the International Professional Learning Body of Knowledge and their certifications carry the common seal of the Institute.

AVAILABLE CERTIFICATIONS

Certified International Professional Trainer (CIPT Level 1)

Certified International Professional Training Manager (CIPTM Level 2)

Certified International Professional Training Consultant (CIPTC Level 3)

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENROLMENT

CIPT Level 1

1. Students must hold a first degree / HND from a recognized Institution
2. A minimum of two years of post-graduate work experience
3. The ability to pass a 3-hour multiple-choice qualifying examination for the award of the certification.

CIPTM Level 2

1. A holder of CIPT Level 1 or
2. Post-Graduate degree ( MBA or M.SC)
3. A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience
4. Ability to pass a 3-hour multiple-choice qualifying examination for the award of the certification

CIPTC LEVEL 3

1. A holder of CIPTM LEVEL 2 ( Compulsory)
2. Above 5 years of professional work experience
3. Submission of a written project to ACI board of examination

BENEFITS OF HAVING A TRAINING CERTIFICATION

• Mark of excellence
• Professionalism and attestation by the American Certification Institute
• Knowledge and continuous learning
• Issuance of transcripts for higher learning in Institutions in the US and some European countries.
• Affixation of professional designation to your name, complementary cards and other documents
• You will command attention and respect amongst professional colleagues.

WHAT YOU WILL GET

•  A certification that is recognized in over 70 countries and by top employers in Nigeria.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Kindly send an email request to info@darachassociate.com indicating your preferred certification. You may call Kayode on 07088172236, 08033356911, Femi 08066492890.

For more information, please visit www.darachassociate.com

Best regards

The post CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MANAGER ( CIPTM) appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

Get an Internationally Acclaimed certification and career opportunity in major countries of the world

ABOUT THE AMERICAN CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

ACI, the American Certification Institute, is a premier professional certification institute well-known in the United States and about 70 Nations of the world. It was founded in the USA in 1999. Its Corporate Headquarters is in Lewes, Delaware, USA and it has numerous alliance partners in China, Nigeria, South African, Ghana, Poland, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Romania, and other countries. These alliance partners represent ACI in their respective countries and conduct ACI programs in collaboration with the Institute. ACI is dedicated to helping train the leaders of tomorrow for personal and professional success.

ISO 9001

The Certification programs of the American Certification Institute (ACI) of Lewes, Delaware

have been verified and determined to meet all the Quality Management System (QMS) requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 9001, to include the Quality Management requirements, requirements for Quality Systems Administration, requirements for Process/Product Operations, and requirements for Quality Control

OVERVIEW OF THE CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

( CICSP)

In today’s highly competitive business environment, managing customer relationships and effectively interacting with your customers are critical to business success. By enhancing the customer’s experience, businesses can develop a strong relationship between their customer and the organization. If sustained over time, organizations can strengthen their competitive position and as a result increase profitability.

This program examines customer service and customer relationship management (CRM) as a key strategic process within the organization. CRM is defined as the overall process of building and maintaining profitable customer relationships by delivering value and satisfaction to the customer. By focusing on process, strategy, and technology, this program leads students from understanding the fundamentals of customer service and CRM through the implementation of CRM systems and analysis of customer data. It discusses customer service and CRM philosophy as well as the systems in place that incorporate and integrate information from sales, marketing, and service.

The theory of CRM is being exalted to a new status because of today’s severe competition and nearly saturated products.  Wal-Mart, Southwest Airline with great reputation highly listed in Fortune magazine make management ability of customer service as their core competitiveness.  The essence of competition between corporations is customer satisfaction; customer service department is no longer a dispensable department but the edge tool of corporate development.

The program is designed to bring students to speed on both customer service skills and CRM fundamentals and in managing all customers’ experience touchpoints.  The curriculum will introduce students to concepts and functionality for all customer service professionals.  This Certification Program is a core certification program of the American Certification Institute. It offers the designation of CICSP (Certified International Customer Service Professional) to candidates who demonstrate their understanding of the fundamentals of the profession through the successful completion of rigorous professional certification examinations based upon the CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE (CSMBOK). The CSMBOK is supported by 2 modules of study material for the CICSP.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Customer service practitioners, marketing, sales, and related managerial personnel
• Excellent customer relationship management service personnel
• Anyone wishing to become a customer service professional
• Anyone who desired to have a world-class certification in Customer and customer relationship management

ADMISSION CRITERIA

1. Applicant must be a degree holder ( or its equivalent) from any recognized institution
2. Applicant must have a minimum of two years of work experience to warrant interest in Customer service / Customer Relationship Management
3. To be awarded the certification student must pass an online multiple-choice examination

MODULES/ COURSE OUTLINE

The certification program consists of two modules and an 80 question multiple-choice examination prepared from the CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE (CSMBOK). Candidates may complete the modules in any order. However, the suggested sequence is spelled out below:

Module 1 (Customer Service Skills)

1) Achieving high customer satisfaction

2) Developing strong listening and communication skills

3) Winning Telephone skills

4) Technical writing skills for support professionals

5) Handling a difficult customer situation

6) Solving and preventing problems

7) Teams and team players in a help desk setting

8) Minimizing stress and avoiding burnout

Module 2 (Customer Relationship Management)

1) CRM Overview, Types, Strategy and Implementation

2) The Theoretical Framework of CRM

3) CRM Project Organization in the Financial Industry

4) The Evolution of Customer Relationships and Customer Value

5) Main Benefits and Organizational Impacts of CRM within the Bank

6) Data Mining Systems Supporting the Marketing Function

7) CRM Conclusion

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

Professional certification offers individuals a wide range of important benefits. The certification designation demonstrates to current and potential employers that the employee possesses a solid foundation of experience and education in a field of endeavor that can have a positive impact on bottom-line results. Certification symbolizes knowledge and accomplishment and is highly regarded by colleagues and employers. As a certified professional, the employee can proudly join a successful group of professionals who are enriching and advancing their careers and their chosen professions. Specific benefits include the following:

• Professionalism — Certification indicates a high level of professionalism to both coworkers and customers, increasing one’s value in the market place.
• Leadership — Certification signifies an employee as dedicated to the continuous improvement of himself/herself.
• Recognition — Only a small fraction of professionals ever achieve certification, indicating that they are a leading professional in their fields.
• Knowledge — Certification will improve one’s understanding of the most current processes and trends in one’s profession.
• Ethical Behavior—Individuals who become certified must subscribe to a rigorous code of ethics appropriate to the specific profession.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

This is essentially a self-study certification program where students are expected to study having a maximum of 4 to 5 months of study time before taking the online examination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on registration please contact

info@darachassociate.com

Tel: +2347088172236, +2348033356911

Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria Limited

Topaz Plaza, Suite C 11, km 18, New Round bus stop, before Chevron roundabout

Lekki Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos

www. darachassociate.com

Email: info@darachassociate.com

www.facebook.com/darachassociate

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With the plethora of sales channels and increased competition for marketing and sales, it is now obvious that mere academic qualification will no longer determine who gets the next available job but certified skill sets and practical abilities.

To equip professionals to take up the marketing and sales roles of leading organizations across the world the American Certification Institute, USA presents recognized and acceptable

certifications in the following areas:

1. Certified International Sales Manager ( CISM)
2. Certified Marketing Professional ( CMP 1)
3. Certified Marketing Manager ( CMM 2)
4. Certified Marketing Executive ( CME 3)

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

American Certification Institute, is a premier professional certification institute well-known in the United States and the world. It was founded in the USA in 1999. Its Corporate Headquarters is in Lewes, Delaware, USA and it has numerous alliance partners around the world. These alliance partners represent ACI in their respective countries and conduct ACI programs in collaboration with ACI. ACI is dedicated to helping train the leaders of today and tomorrow to attain proficiency and professionalism.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

The Institute’s training is designed and taught in modules. All materials are available in digital format. Where space and time do not permit candidates could take the self-study option and take the online examination at a later date which the students are expected to pass.

All certifications are issued in the United States of American and carried the seal of ACI. Certifications will become due for recertification after 5 years.

ISSUANCE OF TRANSCRIPTS

It should be noted that the Institute issue transcript on behalf of certification holders to Institutes across the United States, Canada, Europe, and other countries. Transcripts requests are made through alliance partners in the country where the candidate was originally certified.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Students are required to visit www.darachassociate.com or simply send an email request to info@darachassociate.com for details of the courses. Your application should specify your certification course of interest and your present academic qualification.

BASIC QUALIFICATION

Kindly note that the base qualifications for all ACI certification courses are B.sc, HND or other equivalent qualifications. Students applying for the foundational program must have completed his or her academic course and probably awaiting the NYSC program.

EXEMPTION

Those with post-graduate qualifications and significant work experience may be exempted from the level 1 program and be admitted to begin at level 2.

FEE

Details of the fee are available at www.darachassociate.com and the same can be made available upon request.

SUPPORT DESK

For more information kindly send an email to info@darachassociate.com or call Kayode on 08088172236, Femi: 08066492890.

OFFICE

Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria Limited

Suite C 11, Topaz Plaza, Km 18, Lekki Epe Expressway, Lekki

Lagos.

The post CERTIFICATIONS IN SALES AND MARKETING appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

To this end, the American Certification Institute, Lewes, Delaware, USA has gone milestone ahead in equipping the human resource with innovative ideas and capability to prepare them for the challenges ahead. The Institute offers certifications that are acceptable in most countries of the world. Her training modules are in conformance with human resources management international body of knowledge.

AVAILABLE HR CERTIFICATION COURSES

1) Certified Human Resource Management Associate ( Foundation)
2) Certified Human Resource Professional ( CHRMP Level 1)
3) Certified Human Resource Manager ( CHRM Level 2)
4) Certified Human Resource Management Executive ( CHRME Level 3)
5) Human Resources Management International Certificate ( HRMIC)

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

American Certification Institute, is a premier professional certification institute well-known in the United States and the world. It was founded in the USA in 1999. Its Corporate Headquarters is in Lewes, Delaware, USA and it has numerous alliance partners around the world. These alliance partners represent ACI in their respective countries and conduct ACI programs in collaboration with ACI. ACI is dedicated to helping train the leaders of tomorrow for personal professional certification.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

The Institute’s training is designed and taught in modules. All materials are available in digital format. Where space and time do not permit candidates could take the self-study option and take the online examination at a later date which the students are expected to pass.

All certifications are issued in the United States of American and carried the seal of ACI. Certifications will become due for re-certification after 5 years.

ISSUANCE OF TRANSCRIPTS

It should be noted that the Institute issue transcript on behalf of certification holders to Institutes across the United States, Canada, Europe, and other countries. Transcripts requests are made through alliance partners in the country where the candidate was originally certified.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Students are required to visit www.darachassociate.com or simply send an email request to info@darachassociate.com for details of the courses. Your application should specify your certification course of interest and your present academic qualification.

BASIC QUALIFICATION

Kindly note that the base qualifications for all ACI certification courses are B.sc, HND or other equivalent qualifications. Students applying for the foundation program must have completed his or her academic course and probably awaiting the NYSC program.

EXEMPTION

Those with post-graduate qualifications and significant work experience may be exempted from the level 1 program and be admitted to begin at level 2.

FEE

Details of the fee are available at www.darachassociate.com and the same can be made available upon request.

SUPPORT DESK

For more information kindly send an email to info@darachassociate.com or call Kayode on 08088172236, Femi: 08066492890.

OFFICE

Darach Associate and Marketing Consulting Nigeria Limited
Suite C 11, Topaz Plaza, Km 18, Lekki Epe Expressway, Lekki
Lagos.

The post INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT appeared first on Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah's Blog.

The human resource department has an enormous task of putting in place policy guidelines concerning the organization’s anti- HIV and AIDS compliance measures. HR must also ensure that occupational health issues are properly highlighted. HR should work in conjunction with retainers’ healthcare providers to ensure compliance especially when it comes to disclosure and other related matters that have to do with the company’s employee.

A professional HR practitioner understands the role of a good working relationship with the employee and their place in organizational health. It will be noted that a professional HR practitioner would create an atmosphere of reconciliation, dispute resolution, and education in the organization and these have solved problems that could have resulted in protracted litigation.

My advice to HR practitioners is to be professional, seeks knowledge and handles every matter not only from the point of law but also with diplomacy, tact, and empathy.

CONCLUSION

It has been estimated that about 1.9 Million Nigerians are living with HIV and people within the age bracket of 15-49 are about 1.5% of this figure means that the Nation’s active population is affected. In the year 2018, it was gathered that we had 53,000 deaths related to AIDS.

However, it would be realized that with access to anti-retroviral drugs, better awareness, and treatment the rate of infection dropped between 2015 and 2017 which gives the impression that the Anti-Discrimination Act plays a positive role in curbing the incident of new infection and AIDS-related death.

It should be of note that HIV  is classified as incurable today just like we have had other diseases in time past which were tagged incurable but were later declassified and completely eliminated. It is in the same spirit that efforts and research works are ongoing to find a permanent cure to HIV, while this is being done people living with the virus must be accommodated, not discriminated against and be treated as human.

It has been proven that countries like Argentina and Demark that have significantly reduced AIDS-related death due to universal free access to treatment and antiretroviral drugs. According to a World Bank study Argentine allocates 80% of total HIV and AIDS spending to care and treatment.

A recent report indicates that Denmark could become the first HIV-free country in the world. It is hoped that one day Nigeria will become HIV-Free.

Click to begin reading from understanding

UNDERSTANDING THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS IN NIGERIA

Thank you

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Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution prescribes some inalienable fundamental rights for citizens. Some of the rights that have implications on employment include the right to personal liberty, the right to private and family life and the right to freedom from discrimination.

However, with specific reference to discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS, it is a special enactment gazetted and signed into law on the 28th of November, 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, titled “HIV AND AIDS (ANTI-DISCRIMINATION) ACT, 2014.  Part 1, subsection “f” listed one of the objectives of the Act as giving effect to the fundamental human rights of citizens as listed in Chapter  4 of the Constitution.

Part 3 (1) of the HIV AND AIDS (ANTI-DISCRIMINATION) ACT states specifically that “People living with or affected by HIV or AIDS have a right to freedom from discrimination on the basis of their real or perceived HIV status concerning access to and continued employment, employment benefits, comprehensive health services, education, use of public facilities and other social services, provided by the employer, individual, community, government or any other establishment.”

Section 9 (1) of the Act prohibits and makes it an offense to use an HIV test as a pre-condition for employment.

The Act further stated in Section 14 sub-section 5, that real or perceived HIV status shall not be a cause for termination of employment.

From the above citations, it would be seen that Nigerian Law provides protection for people living with HIV and AIDS, in fact, it is an offense to discriminate against them in employment matters, entitlement to benefits and such knowledge real or perceived should not be a basis for the termination of their employment.

WHAT SHOULD AN ORGANIZATION DO WHEN AN EMPLOYEE IS DISCOVERED TO BE HIV POSITIVE?

It is important to state from the start that as an employer or HR practitioner it is not in your place to tag or ask an employee for his or her HIV status it is against the law and punishable with dire consequences. Section 8 (1) made this clear.

However, where an employee chooses to voluntarily disclose his or her HIV status such knowledge or information shall not be disclosed to a third party except with the written consent of the person making the disclosure or when such information is at the instance of the law court.  

Section 4 (1) gives the employer a duty of care at ensuring that he or she protects an employee living with HIV or AIDS from and against any form of discrimination.

In the case of the earlier questions asked by the reader, we should settle the matter by now that discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS is against international and local laws that attract huge fine as well as prison sentences or both.

In the duty of care, section 15 specifically states that “every employer has a duty, as far as it is practicable, to provide a safe workplace and this shall include ensuring that the risk of occupational exposure to HIV is minimized” at the workplace. And, this will include protection of the person living with HIV, protection of fellow employees from contracting HIV and the protection of customers that come in contact with the organization.

Click to continue to WHAT IS THE ROLE OF HR WITH RESPECT TO HIV AND EMPLOYMENT?

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One of the followers of this blog page had asked that I address the right of people living with HIV/AIDS in the workplace. His specific question was that “If an employee is diagnosed to be HIV positive, should his or her employment be determined on the basis of risk to other employees, the psychological effects of such discovery on the employee himself and the effect of such knowledge to the customers?” On probing further, he said his company operates in the hospitality and catering sub-sector and the staff in question works in the kitchen as a Kitchen Assistant. Her duties involve supporting the chefs with menu preparation and sometimes with the cooking. According to him, the employee in most cases works with knives, graters and cooking utensils.

The fear expressed by this reader is understandable especially if we consider the sensitive nature of the job handled by the employee in question. However, without being sentimental I want us to examine the position of law, employment processes and some basic regulations that are needed in the workplace to protect the organization, its employees and the customers at large.

It is important to state here that International laws, conventions, and Acts of parliaments prohibit discrimination against people living with HIV in the workplace. This simply implies that an organization will be acting contrary to law if they denied employment to an applicant on the ground that such a person is HIV positive or sacked an employee on the notion that he or she is HIV positive.

You would realize my deliberate use of the word HIV as against AIDS in the presiding paragraph; this is intentional because of the sensitive nature of this topic and also an attempt not to send a wrong signal to readers and HR practitioners in particular.

The question here is, could an employee be sacked based on the report or proven case of HIV, the answer is no. Could the same be said of a case of an employee with AIDS? We may have to probe further by making a distinction between HIV and AIDS.

HIV AND AIDS, WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES OR SIMILARITIES?

WHAT IS HIV?

By simple definition, HIV means “Human Immunodeficiency Virus” HIV is a virus that attacks and has the capacity to damage the human immune system. The immune system helps the body fight off infection; however, untreated HIV could lead to a breakdown in the ability of the body to defend itself against opportunistic infections.

It should be noted that HIV does not kills, however, because of its ability to attack and reduce the capacity of vital body cells such as the “helper T Cells” macrophages and dendritic cells it could degrade the victim’s immune system and progress to AIDS that ultimately create rooms for opportunistic infections that kill if not properly treated and managed.

WHAT IS AIDS?

AIDS or TYPE-3-HIV means Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. And, according to Wikipedia, “AIDS is a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive.” AIDS is seen as an advanced stage of HIV. It should also be noted that not all HIV cases are likely to develop or result in AIDS. However, medical research has shown that an HIV positive person with a CD4 count below 200 per cubic millimeter will be diagnosed with AIDS.

The risk factor to the victim is huge at this stage because of the absence of a cure for AIDS and with damages to the human immune system, opportunistic infections as common as pneumonia, malaria or other common diseases could kill the victim.

Click to continue to WHAT LEVEL OF RISK IS ASSOCIATED WITH A VICTIM OF HIV OR AIDS?

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A thought or its combination gives birth to an idea or ideas. The distinction between thought and idea lies in the fact that thoughts are suggestions that caught the fancy of the human mind while ideas are the purpose and intent-driven processed thought.

Findings have shown that business ideas don’t originate in a vacuum, and in most cases, they are formed from the deliberate and intentional thought process, brainstorming session, attention to needs in an environment or during a discussion with people of like minds.

In the words of Earl Nightingale “Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality”

WHAT IS A BUSINESS IDEA?

It is important to state from the onset that business idea is not a cast in the shadow or an out of the blue generating concept. The distinguishing elements of a business idea are its intentionality; driven by the value proposition and the goal to make financial gain by offering products or services to the consumers for money.

IS A BUSINESS DIFFERENT FROM A COMPANY?

It is pertinent to make it clear that a business is not the same thing as a company. Though used interchangeably, however, it is erroneous because their purposes are a pole apart and opposites.

Let’s start with a company, it is an incorporated body registered and regulated by law. A company is formed to serve the interest of its owners, investors and its directors and deliver a good return on their investment.

I am sure that you would have heard of companies that were incorporated and had never been in business. That is the truth and examples are varied.

On the other hand, a business is defined by its customers and the ability of the company to meet their needs.

It should be clear also, according to Peter Drucker, the purpose of a business is to create customers, constantly innovative and adapt to their changing tastes and values.

A business without customers would naturally cease to exist and become a liability to its owners.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD BUSINESS IDEA?

1. IDENTIFY AND SOLVE A PROBLEM.

The viable start point for a promising business is to look around its environment for a problem that it can meet and solve. A Customer pays for a solution and not a product or service. If you have a product that does not solve a problem nobody will be willing to pay for such. Look at Uber transportation innovative solution that makes it easier for commuters to book tax online using an application. The same is being copied today simply because it solves a problem.

• THE IDEA MUST BE COMPELLING ENOUGH TO MOTIVATE THE ORIGINATOR (S) TO MOVE INTO TAKING AN ACTION

Any idea that does not move you into taking positive action at ensuring its realization is still at the level of mere though. Actions here would include putting the idea in writing (Business plan), studying its viability and marketing approach (feasibility Study), considering the sources of raising fund (personal, joint or through co-funding or co-founding with the like of FasterCapital) and considering the product launch (Viable Market Product).

• IT MUST BE CUSTOMER-FOCUSED

The reason why a business exists is to meet the needs of its customers, hence, businesses focus and activities should be customer-centric and customer-driven. Today businesses are paying attention to the feedback of their customers and indeed, customer-focused businesses do wait for feedback but they make their customer co-creator and partners in product design.

• PROFIT ORIENTED

It has been my opinion that profit is not the primary objective of a business; however, it is a reward for a job well done. Unless the customers are satisfied and pleased with your products and services you cannot make a profit. While a business should pay attention to profitability as a measurement for its acceptance in the market, the fundamental should be a satisfied customer. Make him happy, he will come for more.

• UNIQUE (UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION)

GOKADA, OPAY, MAX-G, etc. are businesses with unique approaches to transportation using motor-bikes in Nigeria, Africa. It would be realized that hitherto some Federating States had banned the use of motorbikes as means of transportation, however, their business model using a mobile application and internet facilitation prompted their acceptance into the mainstream of public transportation as we speak today.

Any business that would attract the attention of financiers and the customers must be unique and stand out from competitors their selling points must be quality, creativity, first to market advantage and sometimes pricing.

• INNOVATIVE

According to Wikipedia, innovation is defined as “ a new idea, creative thoughts, new imaginations in the form of device or methods”. It went further to say, that Innovation is seen also like the application of BETTER SOLUTIONS that meet NEW REQUIREMENTS, unarticulated needs or EXISTING MARKET NEEDS”.

Attention should be drawn to the fact that innovation is a combination of idea, thoughts, imagination and the offering of better solutions to meet a non-existing or an existing need.”

Innovation is the soul of business and if a business must continue to remain relevant, it must be creative and constantly innovate.

Innovation should be seen essentially as the process or method of “translating an idea into a good or service that creates value” for the customer

• MARKETING

An idea should ultimately be translated into goods and services that the customers are willing to pay for. To achieve this product and service must be designed and taken to the market. The market does not necessarily translate to the physical market it could be virtual or online. Marketing decisions must be properly evaluated and considered crucial in generating a prosperous business idea.

• FUNDING

I have deliberately listed funding as the least criterion in generating a good business idea. It is in actual fact the least because the good idea would sell if the steps highlighted above are diligently followed.

However, for the purpose of this write-up, funding of business idea could be done personally through savings, divestment from an existing investment, raising money from family, friends or financial institutions, sourcing for the fund through angel investors, venture capitalist or through virtual incubators that provide co-founding and, or co-funding.

CO-FOUNDING AND CO-FUNDING THE FASTERCAPITAL APPROACH.

FasterCapital offers unique support for startups and entrepreneurs with outstanding business ideas. Using her network of investors, mentors, and representatives in major cities of the world, the organization goes into partnership arrangement that recognized the original creator (s) of the idea as the rightful owner of the business.

FasterCapital gives expert counsel and technical backing as a stakeholder in the new business through investment of up to 50% and sometimes giving multiple rounds of funding to ensure that the startup products and services are solidly launched the market.

FasterCapital operates a no CASH POLICY meaning that in place of the organization’s investment in the startup EQUITY is held while the entrepreneur is expected to raised or have raised 50% of the remaining capital for the business.

CONDITION OF ACCEPTANCE

1. Bring your idea
2. Your business plan
3. Forecasts
4. Raise 50% of the seed fund
5. Work with a dedicated team

ACCEPTANCE

• Validation of potential business idea
• A thorough study of the business plan
• Evaluation of the Financial forecast
• Validation of the founders
• Receive six votes out of nine from the board of evaluators.
• All done within 7 to 14 days
• Visit to submit your application www.fastercapital.com/entrepreneur/joinus.html and reference Kayode Ibukunoluwa Micah

ACTION TO TAKE: We only accept startups in information technology, software development, Internet and mobile-related businesses.

Contact Kayode Ibukunoluwa-Micah ( Representative) and push your idea farther.

Email: kayodemicah@darachassociate.com

Tel.: +2348033356911

Twitter: @kayodemicah

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