Mobile Learning – A Vibrant Technology for the New Age Workforce

Well, who knew mobile phones one day would play key roles to initiate workplace learning besides letting people communicate with each other? Yes, it’s true that many academicians have started believing that mobile learning is the future of workplace learning since it will not be a choice anymore but rather a compulsive learning mode that will keep one stay miles ahead of others. It’s going to be a predominant learning strategy for new age learners who would find it easier to keep progressing with the passage of time.

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/zA9GY

The so-called ‘Mobile World’ has been created for 3 vital factors:

• The exorbitant growth of mobile sharing leading to a massive web traffic in the last 2 years
• The increasing addiction to adopting mobiles at workplaces
• The soaring sales figures of the mobile devices

The Mobile world to smash records

• As per researches, mobile phones in the human history are highly predicted to outnumber the total number of human beings surviving on this planet.
• The sales figures of tablets and smart phones have exceeded those of computers. From the year 2010 with 3.81%, the sales figures went sky-high to 10.01% in 2012.
• 25% of the population in the United States have been found to access Internet on mobile devices, which will possibly rise to 50% by 2015.
• In the United Kingdom, just 22% reported for the rare use of desktop for accessing internet.
• Over 50% of the people in Asia have been found not to use internet on their PCs. In Africa, the percentage was same as that of Asia.

The Mobile scenario in today’s organisations 

Plenty of organisations are now planning to adopt mobiles to enhance their productivity rates. In the year 2007, the percentage of companies willing to initiate M-learning was 38.5% that reached 51% in 2011. Big companies falling under big industries like Finance and Healthcare will now be supporting the BYOD concept, while retail has low chances to do so, at least for now.

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/9IxXb

Predictions are high that about 62% of the individuals would be bringing their own smartphones to their workplaces by 2014. In fact, it has been estimated that 350 million workers will be using smartphones by 2016.

At present, the mobile workforce using smartphones from a global perspective says:

• 46% use their own smartphones
• 33% use smartphones given by their employers
• 16% use 2 smartphones – one is his/her own and the other given by the employer
• 5% doesn’t own a smartphone

For tablets, the reports said:

• In 2011, 70% of the workforce aged between 22 and 34 used a tablet
• In 2012, about 64% of the mobile workers carried tablets
• The year 2013 is surely going to do well since the total tablets to be shipped at enterprises throughout the world are predicted to have shipment figures of around 96.3 million units by 2016, which was only 13.6 million in 2011

Work & Study from Home – says Mobile Learning

Mobile learning will be a splendid option for all those who are willing to work or study from home. Cisco conducted a workplace study on a global basis that said BYOD flexibility is in high demand and work from home is a new and emerging trend. Those who have plans for studying online or distance learning can do wonders with mobile devices. Studies said:

• 60% of the workforce believed that they are not required to stay in office for work

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/0b679

• 66% working in the IT firms had expectations that their employers would allow them to use any device for accessing applications, networks as well as information anywhere.
• Another 66% said that they would prefer to take up jobs with more flexibility in using devices and accessing social media than getting high-paid jobs offering no such flexibilities.

So, it’s crystal clear why and how mobile learning can be a bright and brilliant learning mode for the new age workforce. Now, a time is about to come when individuals won’t be compelled to enter full-time courses after completing school. By joining work in an organisation and enrolling in an online university at the same time, they would take the opportunity to make extensive use of mobile learning to complete their respective courses with ease and flexibility.

Networking is an Integral Part of an Online MBA Course – Some Tips to Consider

If you have decided to pursue an MBA course online, the first question that might probably put you into a pool of worries is “how will I network with my virtual classmates?” Well, you will always want all the perks of an online degree by availing the chance to keep working and studying at the same time, isn’t it?

It’s very important for every online MBA pursuer to start building relationships with his/her classmates. Reports prepared on a global perspective said that a huge percentage of individuals in 2012 have been successful in getting their MBAs online by building connections through social networking sites applicable in professional occupations. In fact, the majority of the successful candidates expressed enthusiasm in saying that it was networking that made it easier for them to succeed in their professional mission.

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/1IZVu

Both online and on-campus students have moreover agreed as how crucial is networking for an MBA programme. Experts too opined that student connections are so effective that they can consequently generate future job leads and might even help an individual gain insight, thereby making him/her excel in the world of business. In other words, networking is one of the biggest secrets to bring success to an individual pursuing MBA online.

So, let’s take a look at some networking tips which will surely help you in pursuing an online MBA programme:

• Attend face-to-face meetings – The sooner you introduce yourself to your classmates, the stronger are your connections. In fact, this is essential especially if you are pursuing an MBA course online. By putting a face to a name, it will be easier for you to remember the classmate throughout the entire period of the course which will consequently help you establish a long-lasting relationship.

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/pf7CB

• Be an efficient team player – What online MBA programmes usually do is feature team projects where individuals coordinate closely with their fellow mates. The coordination is executed by making use of conference calls, emails, electronic forums and discussion boards. While handling group projects, it’s wiser to place your best foot forward, that is, produce quality work and be friendly at the same time which will consequently leave a lasting impression. 

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/eGY6J

•  Log in a social networking site – Talking to teachers or fellow mates, and preparing your lessons will never let you completely achieve success. According to experts, electronic communication is the ultimate trend, and in this respect a social networking site can be the key component of your involvement strategy for not only your social connections but your business contacts. So, participating in discussions, joining official groups and keeping one’s profile updated and professional through a social networking site are the most necessary strategies for an online MBA candidate.

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/8Ufwz

• Network with the alumni – Students pursuing MBA through distance learning must consider it necessary to network with former students and faculties. If your university or the business school is accredited, it must have an alumni association through which you can get in touch with ex-faculties and administrators.

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/tmZb2

 So, while pursuing an online MBA programme, if you are determined to make full use of the networking tips mentioned above, look for an accredited UK university which will surely meet your purpose. UK universities are globally recognised in terms of academic excellence and commendable teaching support. So, if you study distance learning MBA programmes from UK, success will all be yours.

Innovation Is the Key to Success

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/TeSDE

We, human beings are blessed with creativity and innovativeness in some way or the other. May be we are not aware of the talent hidden within us. But to be honest every individual has different kind of innovativeness which if unfold and implemented impeccably might create a milestone. Technology is the greatest bane of this century which gives our creativity a desired shape and it contributes in any sector, say, government, business, medical, science, education, bank and finance, etc. Nowadays, banking sectors are also making productive use of information and computer technology, facilitating businesses to get innovate, increase competitiveness and reach new heights in markets.

With the advancement in technology, consumers don’t need to visit a bank branch frequently to resolve their queries. Recently, banking sectors are adopting advanced technology to upgrade customer service, incorporating four major changes in ATM banking.

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/QyrtJ

1. Receive Receipts via E-mail: Customers very often visit ATM counters to have a quick look at the receipt to know their bank balance or take a receipt as a part of transaction using ATM and ultimately tear the receipt after a brief glance. To resolve this problem, banks has come up with the idea of ATM e-receipts, i.e., digital ATM receipts by omitting the unnecessary usage of paper.

Image Courtesy:goo.gl/tVoN0

 2.Multiple Bill Denominations: Previously, most ATMs bestowed cash in the form of $20 bills but now banks recognized customers want for small denomination bills. For instance, Chase and PNS introduced ATMs that are enabling to spit out $1 and $5 bills despite of $20.

 

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/l3mQ0

 

3. ATM enabled Smartphones: Many mobile phone manufacturers are installing smartphones with near field communication (NFC) technology which enables smartphones to access the ATM. It is not too far that smartphones will replace the use of ATM and debit cards.

 

 

 

 

 

Image Courtesy: goo.gl/7QVuT


4. Introduction of Live Teller Video Conferencing: The main notion of introduction of an ATM was to eliminate the necessity of human teller to serve a customer. Nevertheless, banks are now in the process to introduce live teller video conferencing by making ATMs less automated.

 

Therefore, innovation in technology paves way for other career opportunities. Like innovation of technology in changing ATM banking has opened many possibilities for aspirants who are looking for career in finance as well as technology. As implementing and executing the changes in ATM banking, banks need many skilled employees from finance background to computing background. So if you are one of them who possess the creativity to change the dimension of financing or technology, you can opt for a degree in finance or degree in computing and media from an accredited UK university that is globally recognized. It will sharpen your skills and give a boost to your career.

Technology has changed the whole work scenario in every sector. It is the technology that keeps you connected and simplifies your life. However, if it’s a problem for you to do a regular degree course as you are already working, you can enrol for online distance learning course which has become a very popular trend these days.

It is not only about any particular field that can help you to achieve success. It is your own creativity and innovation that can lead you to the pinnacle of success. So find out your unique inner-ability that is hidden within you and work on it.

Old is Gold and So is an Older Worker

Realising economic potential of older generation is boon to business houses. The main purpose of hiring older people is utilising sheer experience, intelligence and knowledge gleaned through an adequate number of working years. Not that they have garnered profound experiences, but have the resilience of compromising with deterrent situations as might crop at various junctures of working life.

How older people are befitting to Organisations? 

 

An organisation can always rely strongly on intuitions of older people and take drastic decisions with effective results. Older workers have invested considerable amount of time in industries and so they are able to draw concrete experiences as required for adapting with changes in techniques and internal processes. Their lifelong experience in tackling interpersonal relationships renders them opportunity in efficient and capable handling of various crisis situations like controlling disgruntling customers or conflicts between employees. It is likely because of their confidence in managing various circumstances that would otherwise have flummoxed employees.

Image courtesy: goo.gl/UpkyV

With older and experienced workers comes reliability. In many cases, they have been found by many employers for exhibiting conscientious flexibility and time-keeping skills for meeting deadlines or scheduled working hours to keep in sync with the nature of working environment of an organisation. Besides, older workers put a great deal of care and pride in deliverance of work with minimum distraction from the surrounding environment. They are known to evoke a ‘vicious circle’ that is intended to inspire and affect junior workers in positive light.

The World and its outlook on employing Older Workers

“Older people are the main untapped source of labour in this country “was stated by Steve Webb, the Pension Minister of Britain. He also added that, “Britain is in a global economic race and we’re moving towards a landscape where there will be a set of jobs that employers cannot fill with anyone but experienced older workers. A firm that doesn’t make use of the talent pool on offer amongst the over fifties will be left behind.” In this light, Britain is one of the most advanced countries and it has its eyes on filling about 13.5 million job vacancies with both old and new workers for tapping in vital resources for businesses.

Though Britain is in the highlight of manifesting necessity of utilising resources of older workers, every country is gearing up to the reality of not just hiring but retaining older workers for building multi-generational workforce. Suggestively, offering work experience and apprenticeship opportunities to people irrespective of age can only explore untapped human resources for better implication of the same.

The discussion so far is indeed convincing, but a look at this real-life personality will validate my views, even more.

Example 1

 

Mr. Richard Branson is a legendary philanthropist and entrepreneur. At age 15, a school dropout, Mr. Branson went on to become a business tycoon. He dabbled in the business field for quite some time and earned credit for Student Magazine, Virgin Records; until he entered into the aviation business. At the initial stage it was difficult to keep alive his aviation business and so he sold Virgin Records to EMI. As his sale helped in meeting loans his aviation business survived to huge success. Today, he owns 300 companies, of which a few are his own; a few are sold out on lease and rest are sold to other partners. His flamboyance of dealing with multiple ventures with dexterity would not have been possible if he had not imbibed so much experience through his life.

Image courtesy: goo.gl/qiXAC

Starting out on a mere note and exploring the complicated facets of a corporate domain with experience is feasible to great extent. Experience not just helps but it sets standards for immense success. In this context, we can suggest that knowledge earned from books is also an added advantage. Being old and possessing experience is an excellent combination, but pursuing higher studies will only add to one’s credibility. Education knows no age, so an experienced person can expand his horizon of knowledge by earning an online masters degree from an accredited UK university that are designed to add credibility to one’s career at any given point in life.

So, make use of this golden opportunity by acquiring an online masters degree and blend it with your skills and precious experiences to take your company to the pinnacle of success.