Ravisangam's Weblog

Top Ten Universities In The World

ravisangam — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:38:00 +0000

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD

Rank University
1- Harvard University, USA
2- University of Cambridge, UK
3- Yale University, USA
4- University College London, UK
5- Imperial College London, UK
5- University of Oxford, UK
7- The University of Chicago, USA
8- Princeton University, USA
9- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
10- California Institute of Technology, USA

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES IN ASIA

Rank University
1- The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
3- The University of Tokyo, Japan
4- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
5- Kyoto University, Japan
6- Osaka University, Japan
7- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea
8- Seoul National University, South Korea
9- Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
10- National University of Singapore, Singapore
11- Peking University, China

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES IN CHINA

Rank University
1- The University of Hong Kong
2- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
3- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
4- Tsinghua University
5- Peking University
6- Fudan University
7- City University of Hong Kong
8- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
9- University of Science and Technology of China
10- Nanjing University

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES IN THE MAINLAND OF CHINA

Rank University
1- Tsinghua University
2- Peking University
3- Zhejiang University
4- University of Science and Technology of China
5- Nanjing University
6- Fudan University
7- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
8- Beijing Normal University
9- Harbin Insititue of Technology
10- Nan’kai University
11 Renmin University of China

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES IN USA

Rank University
1- Harvard University
2- Princeton University
3- Yale University
4- California Institute of Technology
5- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6- Stanford University
7- University of Pennsylvania
8- Columbia University
9- The University of Chicago
10- Duke University

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES IN UK

Rank University
1- University of Oxford
2- University of Cambridge
3- Imperial College London
4- University of St. Andrews
5- University College London
6- University of Warwick
7- London School of Economics
8- Durham University
9- University of Exeter
10- Bristol University

TOP NINE UNIVERSITIES IN AUSTRALIA

Rank University
1- Australian National University
2- The University of Melbourne
3- The University of Sydney
4- The University of Queensland
5- Monash University
6- The University of New South Wales
7- The University of Adelaide
8- The University of Western Australia
9- Macquarie University

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES IN CANADA

Rank University
1- University of Toronto
2- University of Alberta
3- The University of British Columbia
4- Université de Montréal
5- McGill University
6- McMaster University
7- Université Laval
8- University of Ottawa
9- University of Calgary
10- The University of Western Ontario

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Interview Tips – 6Ps to approach your Interview

ravisangam — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:34:00 +0000

By
Sakshi Education

It is extremely essential that you are well prepared for an interview. We have defined six easy pointers to a successful interview in ‘6 Ps’. These are broadly identified for simple recollection and are not exhaustive.

However, every interview is a step towards getting closer to the ultimate goal, which is the offer letter. So do keep in mind the following while you are gearing up for an interview.

Punctuality

Presentation

Preface

Preparation

Proficiency

Phraseology

Punctuality is the first perception the interviewer gets about

the candidate.

Come to the venue a good fifteen minutes before the

scheduled time.

Take sometime off to go through your resume once again and

also the company profile.

Presentation of oneself is of prime importance though many may

not be aware.

As you may not be aware of the company’s dress code, wear

smart formals in which you are comfortable.

Do not use too strong a deodorant or perfume.

Be well groomed. Look at yourself from head to toe and step

out only if you feel totally satisfied.

Stand straight, relaxed and with a slight smile.

Preface is crucial. So do be cordial while introducing yourself.

Firstly, introduce yourself with your name and make sure your

eyes meet that of the interviewer. This reflects your confidence.

Shake a hand with the interviewer and be sure to be firm while

doing so.

Preparation by equipping yourself with relevant information about the company in which you are attending the interview is crucial.

Be specific, interviewers are generally looking out for statistics and

revenue numbers.

Make sure you are also well aware of your current company’s

specifics as well.

Having competitor information is a definite plus point and shows

that your knowledge of the industry as a whole is well aligned.

Don’t sound brash while showcasing your knowledge.

Proficiency at an interview is derived from practice or rehearsals before the interview.

Try mock interviews with a friend or you could also use the mirror

as a substitute.

These rehearsals help instill a good amount of confidence and

dramatically reduce the chances of you being nervous.

Always know your strengths and weaknesses and be sure to back

it up with adequate instances.

Never bring out a situation where you have failed. Always speak of

challenges for which creative solutions were found.

Be aware that your interviewer will be very interested to know

about how well your action/reactions would have induced a

situation or the outcome itself.

Do not make up scenarios; you could be against a wall with a

small slip.

Phraseology of the body or more commonly ‘body language’

plays an important role while facing interviews as much as verbal

communication if not more. One’s body language must communicate

attentiveness, enthusiasm and confidence.

Make eye contact and periodically break away. Do not look at

the floor.

While sitting in your chair sit straight, leaning might convey

lethargy. An upright posture exudes confidence.

Always be positive about the way you deliver and the content of

your conversation.

Avoid using movements that takes the interviewer’s attention

away from your face.

Do not move your hands wildly or keep them behind your head or

reclining on your chair.

The above mentioned ‘Ps’ are just a few pointers on how you could

make better the interview experience better for yourself. It helps you

proactively prepare yourself to make a positive impression upon your

interviewer. However, there is no substitute for relevant experience,

expertise and domain knowledge. So equip yourself for questions on

these spheres which will ultimately determine the outcome of

the interview.

Wishing you all the very best.

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Civil Engineering in Practice

ravisangam — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 04:03:00 +0000

Civil Engineering in Practice

By
Sakshi Education

Educational Institutes followed and developed curriculum that existed for the purpose of instructing persons, who may choose to apply themselves, in the application of science to the common purposes of life. Applying science to everyday life requires both theory and hands-on practicum. While some institutes lend itself to classroom learning, others emphasized learning with practice in the physical laboratory. Designing a laboratory experience without clear instructional objectives is like designing a product without a clear set of design specifications.

Strength of Materials Lab:
To demonstrate the basic principles in the area of strength and mechanics of materials such as steel and concrete and determining stresses and strains in structural members, such as beams, columns etc., and illustrate the theory in structural analysis. Tests such as the tension tests of steel, torsion tests and bending of a steel bar are in the lab.

Concrete Technology Lab:
It deals with the Investigating of the basic properties and performance of Concrete and its component materials (cement, aggregate, admixtures, etc.) in plastic and hardened state through various experiments. It provides an environment for students to have hands on experience in proportion of concrete mix design for different exposure conditions, mixing, transporting, placing, compacting, finishing and curing of concrete.

Geotechnical Engg Lab:
Importance of soil investigations and soil testing in designing geotechnical engineering structures. Students will learn standard laboratory tests and field tests to determine soil properties and appropriate design parameters.

Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Lab:
To learn concepts of essential fluid mechanics principles, laws, observations, and models of fluids at rest and in motion and provide basis for understanding fluid behavior for engineering design and control of fluid systems.

Survey Lab:
To gain basic knowledge on various surveying and leveling instruments and their working. The available instruments include Electronic Total Station,Theodolite, Dumpy level, Automatic level, leveling staff, Plane table and its accessories, Prismatic compass, cross staff, chains, ranging rods, offset rods etc.

Environmental Engg Lab:
To teach students on how to analyze the major water and waste water quality parameters of physical, chemical and biological nature and also teaches about methods used for planning and sampling of ground and surface waters, etc and to learn how to design and do performance analysis of pipelines, hydraulic structures, drainage and sewer systems, water and waste water treatment systems.

Geology Lab:
To analyze the physical properties of minerals and rocks using some simple physical and chemical tests and identify hand samples of igneous, sedimentary rocks by their mineralogy and texture, and relate these rocks to magma composition, cooling rates, and their environment of deposition. This lab also explains volcano’s throughout the world and their relationship to plate tectonics and helps to locate and identify various features on topographic maps.

Transportation and Highway Engg Lab:
To provide an opportunity for the students to understand about Urban Transportation Planning, Pavement Engineering, Airport Planning and Design, Traffic Engineering and Management and Geometric Design of Highways. The laboratory also enables students to learn about the measurement of spot speed, traffic counts, and other traffic & transport studies.

Computer Lab:
The objective of this laboratory is to teach students the skills to create 2D and 3D AutoCAD civil engineering drawings and to provide state-of-the-art training in drafting, designing, modeling and analysis packages like STAAD Pro, ETABS, ANSYS etc. and. The lab also gives training on programming languages like C, C++ and Java.

Geo-Environmental Lab:
To impart students practical knowledge about geo environmental aspects such as landfills, impoundments, waste recycling and reuse, groundwater flow and contaminant transport, and contaminated site assessment and remediation.

Structural Engg Lab:
To demonstrate and investigate experimentally the behavior of structural elements, to illustrate the structural behavior and conducting tests of structural members to destruction.

Modeling Lab:
The main objective of the GIS and RS model laboratory is that students will develop spatial reasoning skills necessary in flowcharting and implementing GIS solutions. Understanding grid-based analytical operations and fundamental approaches used in descriptive, predictive and prescriptive mapping extends existing courses in data encoding, management and software usage.

Soil Dynamic and Rock Mechanics Laboratory:
Soil Dynamics lab objective is to provide students with the basic principles of electrodynamics. Wave propagation in piles and wave propagation in layers due to earthquakes in the underlying layers are demonstrated here explaining the dynamic behavior of soil. Rock mechanics laboratory objective is to illustrate mechanical behavior of rock and rock masses and about Rock coring and grinding machines.

This article is exclusively for Sakshi Education readers. If you like this, say thanks to sakshieducation.info by writing comments.

Importance of Internships

ravisangam — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Importance of Internships

By
Sakshi Education

intern is someone who works in a temporary position with an emphasis on on-the-job training rather than merely employment making it similar to an apprenticeship. Interns are usually college or university students seeking skills for a new career. Student internships provide opportunities for students to gain experience in their field, furthering their interests in a particular career and create a network of contacts of people interested in that field. Internships are generally work-based learning experiences involving students who have attended extensive college-based preparation relating to a career objective.

An internship is an agreement between a student and a company or an organization for a fixed period of time, such as a semester or a quarter. A student, normally, agrees to work for them on a specific activity and they agree to mentor and teach him; internships also offer valuable insight into a particular field or career. Although there are few companies which offer some fixed amount as stipend, of late many of the internships are unpaid. In this process many internships are organized through colleges and many companies go on to hire their successful interns full time. The students also will be willing to join as an intern because they may be absorbed into that company. India has become an important destination for international internship from several western developed countries since early 2000. Infosys is an example of quality international internship programs in India in the corporate sector for international students and youth.

Unlike most other countries, very few students in India pursue internships during their college. This is due to the fact that the education system in India is focused more on theory and on marks than on students gaining practical exposure. As a result, even companies in India do not use internships as a recruitment model, in contrast with more developed countries where internships are extensively used as a tool to recruit talent. However, this trend seems to be changing in the recent years because the students and the educational institutions seem to understand that internships provide an opportunity to work alongside professionals and learn from them, see how the theory that has been taught in the class rooms is being applied in real-life situations. In today’s competitive job market it is not sufficient if a student is good enough in his subject or chosen field; he must be able to apply his knowledge and skill whenever the situation demands. This natura-lly requires more experience in the industry. This is exa-ctly where an internship is useful and makes a differ-ence. College internships are a great way to address both of those issues at the same time. Further college internships allow them to beef up their resume and make valuable industry contacts that can be essential to land in the ideal job upon completion of the course.

There are many companies offering internships. IT industry is one of the prominent one offering internships. For example, TCS had recruited 4,000 professionals in Hyderabad in 2007 and is looking at the same number this year too. 5% of its total intake comprises interns. Similarly, other software giants like IBM, WIPRO etc. are also offering internships. The details can be had from their respective websites.

Many departments in the state and central government organizations and industries are providing internship for the students to familiarize the students with the overall process and the structure of the department. Students should look into their various websites and information sources. Many companies belonging to different areas provide internship to market their products which gives the opportunity to know the current market trend.

Tips to find an internship:
There are many internship opportunities available for college students and a wide variety of resources available for the best places to find them. Here we list some possible ways and sources for finding them.

One of the best places to begin to search for internships is with the Career Services/Placement Office at your college. Career counselors can offer college students a variety of tips on places to find internships, especially if students are looking to work in a specific location or career field.

This article is exclusively for Sakshi Education readers. If you like this, say thanks to sakshieducation.info by writing comments.

Distance Education – Science and Technical courses(distance mode)

ravisangam — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 04:12:00 +0000

Science and Technical courses(distance mode)

By
Sakshi Education

Vinaayaka Missions University, Directorate of Distance Education, Salem offers B.Sc in Industrial electronics in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is +2 or equivalent. For details, log on to www.vmrf.edu.in

Acharya Nagarjuna University, Centre for Distance Education offers M.Sc Applied Mathematics and Informatics and M.Sc Applied Statistics and Informatics. The eligibility criterion is bachelor’s degree with mathematics or statistics or computer science or computer applications as a subject of study either at intermediate or degree level. For details, log on to www.anucde.com

Andhra University, School of Distance Education, Vishakapatnam offers B.Tech Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The eligibility criterion is diploma in relevant subject. For details, log on to www.andhrauniversity.info

Bharathiyar University, School of Distance Education offers MCA in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is pass in any degree with Mathematics at higher secondary level or any degree with at least one paper in Mathematics or Statistics at degree level. For details, log on to www.b-u.ac.in/sde

Annamalai University, Directorate of Distance Education offers diploma in Industrial Safety in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main or ancillary subjects or any Diploma in Engineering or Technology. For details, log on to http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in

Institute of Management Technology, Center for Distance Learning, Ghaziabad offers one-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security. The eligibility criterion is graduation in any discipline. For details, log on to www.imtcdl.ac.in

Acharya Nagarjuna University, Centre for Distance Education, Andhra Pradesh offers B.Tech in Mechanical engineering in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is Diploma in Engineering, in relevant branch of engineering or section A of AMIE in respective branch or B.Sc with Mathematics either at Degree or Intermediate level as one of the subjects. Employees in public or private sector who have completed Intermediate with Mathematics and Physics as optional subjects (or any equivalent examinations recognised by the ANU), with two years of work experience can also apply. For details, log on to www.anucde.com

Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi offers Diploma in Mechanical engineering in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is pass in class X with at least 55 per cent marks/ ITI certificate/ Certificate in Motorcycle Service and Repair of IGNOU. Also, the candidate should be employed in a manufacturing or allied organisation. For details, log on towww.ignou.ac.in

Pondicherry University, Directorate of Distance Education, Pondicherry offers Postgraduate Diploma in Operational Research in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is graduation in any discipline. For details, log on to www.pondiuni.edu.in

Madurai Kamaraj University, Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai offers M.Sc Chemistry. The eligibility criterion is B.Sc Chemistry. For details, log on towww.mkudde.org

Vinayaka Missions University, Directorate of Distance Education, Salem offers B.Sc Visual Communication or B.Sc IT in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is twelfth standard or its equivalent. For details, log on to www.vmrf.edu.in

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education, Tirunelveli offers M.Sc Environmental Studies. The eligibility criterion is any science or engineering degree. For details, log on to http://www.msuniversitytvl.net/distance.asp

Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi offers Diploma in Dairy Technology. The candidates who finished 10+2 and Bachelor Preparatory Programme (BPP) from IGNOU are eligible for the course. Candidates who passed 10th class can enroll for BPP and the Diploma programme simultaneously. For details, log on to www.ignou.ac.in

Bharathiyar University, School of Distance Education offers M.Sc in Electronic Media (Education) and MA in journalism and mass communications. The eligibility criterion for M.Sc is any degree including engineering. Preference will be given to BA/ B.Sc. Visual Communication / Mass Communication, B.Sc. Electronics / B.Sc. Computer Science / B.Ed. degree holders. For MA, The eligibility criterion is graduation in any discipline. For details, log on to www.b-u.ac.in/sde

Madurai Kamaraj University, Directorate of Distance Education offers one-year postgraduate diploma in multimedia technology and two-year MA in journalism and mass communication. The eligibility criterion is graduation in any discipline. For details, log on towww.mkudde.org

Bharathiyar University, School of Distance Education, offers M.Sc Chemistry in distance mode. The eligibility criterion is B.Sc. Chemistry with Physics/ Mathematics/ Zoology/ Botany as allied subjects. For details, log on to www.b-u.ac.in/sde

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Role of Internal Evaluation in Engineering

ravisangam — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 03:59:00 +0000

Role of Internal Evaluation in Engineering

By
Sakshi Education

Technical education plays a vital role in transforming the socio economic development of our nation and it contributes a major share to the overall education system. In India, technical education is imparted at various levels such as: craftsmanship, diploma, and degree, post-graduate and research in specialized fields, catering to various aspects of technological development and economic progress. Engineering practice today has changed dramatically and irreversibly, due to: growing global competition, and the subsequent restructuring of industry; shift from defense work to private enterprise as the major source of engineering employment; explosion of information; developments in IT. Engineering success today requires more than up-to-the-minute technical capability: ability to communicate; ability to work in teams; ability to think creatively; ability to learn quickly; ability to value diversity. We need a new instructional paradigm with new standards, and new ways of assessing those standards.

It is widely reported that graduates from an accredited course should have the following attributes:

Ability to apply knowledge of basic sciences and engineering fundamentals
Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large
In depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline.
Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution.
Ability to utilize a systems approach to design and operational performance.
Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member.
Understanding of the social, cultural, global, environmental and business responsibilities (including an understanding of entrepreneurship and the process of innovation) of the professional engineer, and the need for and principles of sustainable development.
Understanding of and a commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities.
Capacity to undertake lifelong learning.

While quality assurance has always been a matter of concern and significance in education, in general, and in professional education such as technical education in particular, the recent quantitative expansion of an unprecedented nature, in India, has caused educators to devote careful attention to the quality aspect. There already exist several regulatory mechanisms for ensuring minimum standards before an institution is started. However quality assurance entails an assessment of the performance of the institution in delivering Education of the prescribed quality.

Improve quality in existing colleges through:

Governance reforms
Mechanism for frequent curricula revisions
Greater reliance on internal assessment
Shift to a course credit system
Encouraging research
Up gradation of infrastructure
Salary differentials to attract and retain talented faculty
Peer evaluation of faculty

The universities have recognized the ever changing scenario of the industrial needs and corresponding attributes of engineering graduates so as to suit to the corporate and professional demands. Most of the universities have introduced choice based credit system which envisages wide range of choice of the subjects to the student in order to acquire prescribed number of credits stipulated to be qualified to obtain the engineering degree, as per the aptitude of the students in selecting the elective courses from across different specializations. The curriculum and syllabi are frequently reviewed and updated as per the needs that arise from time to time.

The educationalists are of the opinion that the fear of examination should be removed from the minds of students so that real talent of the student can be extracted with sense of innovation. The examination should be considered as a part of the teaching process and that should be entirely left to the teachers. Internal evaluation should be continuous and comprehensive and it will reduce the burden of rote-memory. Accordingly, the universities have introduced internal examination system to facilitate continuous assessment of the student during the course of the study. The internal evaluation system should take in to account performance of the students in assignments, quiz programs, seminars, viva-voce and written examinations involving objective and subjective questions. The internal evaluation system has the advantages of bringing out the inherent talent on continuous basis giving the student a chance to obtain marks incessantly without having the burden of being dependent on one time performance. Further it provides a chance to students to improve their writing and communication skills. However, the internal evaluation system coupled with a petite component of external evaluation would surpass some of the obvious weaknesses of total internal evaluation. This approach would comprehensively bring out the innate talent of the students in project preparation, communication and the technical aspects needed for overall development of the personality.

This article is exclusively for Sakshi Education readers. If you like this, say thanks to sakshieducation.info by writing comments.

Banking Interview Quetions

ravisangam — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 05:03:00 +0000

1. What is a Repo Rate?

A: Repo rate is the rate at which our banks borrow rupees from RBI. Whenever the banks have any shortage of funds they can borrow it from RBI. A reduction in the repo rate will help banks to get money at a cheaper rate. When the repo rate increases, borrowing from RBI becomes more expensive.

2. What is Reverse Repo Rate?

A: This is exact opposite of Repo rate. Reverse Repo rate is the rate at which Reserve Bank of India (RBI) borrows money from banks. RBI uses this tool when it feels there is too much money floating in the banking system. Banks are always happy to lend money to RBI since their money is in safe hands with a good interest. An increase in Reverse repo rate can cause the banks to transfer more funds to RBI due to this attractive interest rates.

3. What is CRR Rate?

A: Cash reserve Ratio (CRR) is the amount of funds that the banks have to keep with RBI. If RBI decides to increase the percent of this, the available amount with the banks comes down. RBI is using this method (increase of CRR rate), to drain out the excessive money from the banks.3

4. What is SLR Rate?

A: SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) is the amount a commercial bank needs to maintain in the form of cash, or gold or govt. approved securities (Bonds) before providing credit to its customers.

SLR rate is determined and maintained by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) in order to control the expansion of bank credit. SLR is determined as the percentage of total demand and percentage of time liabilities. Time Liabilities are the liabilities a commercial bank liable to pay to the customers on their anytime demand. SLR is used to control inflation and propel growth. Through SLR rate tuning the money supply in the system can be controlled efficiently.

5. What is Bank Rate?

A: Bank rate, also referred to as the discount rate, is the rate of interest which a central bank charges on the loans and advances that it extends to commercial banks and other financial intermediaries. Changes in the bank rate are often used by central banks to control the money supply.

6. What is Inflation?

A: Inflation is as an increase in the price of bunch of Goods and services that projects the Indian economy. An increase in inflation figures occurs when there is an increase in the average level of prices in Goods and services. Inflation happens when there are fewer Goods and more buyers; this will result in increase in the price of Goods, since there is more demand and less supply of the goods.

7. What is Deflation?

A: Deflation is the continuous decrease in prices of goods and services. Deflation occurs when the inflation rate becomes negative (below zero) and stays there for a longer period.

8. What is PLR?

A: The Prime Interest Rate is the interest rate charged by banks to their most creditworthy customers (usually the most prominent and stable business customers). The rate is almost always the same amongst major banks. Adjustments to the prime rate are made by banks at the same time; although, the prime rate does not adjust on any regular basis. The Prime Rate is usually adjusted at the same time and in correlation to the adjustments of the Fed Funds Rate. The rates reported below are based upon the prime rates on the first day of each respective month. Some banks use the name “Reference Rate” or “Base Lending Rate” to refer to their Prime Lending Rate.

9. What is Deposit Rate?

A: Interest Rates paid by a depository institution on the cash on deposit.

Policy Rates:

· Bank Rate: 6.00%

· Repo Rate: 5.25%

· Reverse Repo Rate: 3.75%

Reserve Ratios:

· CRR: 6.00%

· SLR: 25.0%

Lending/Deposit Rates:

· PLR: 11.00%-12.00%.

· Deposit Rate: 6.00%-7.50%.

. Savings Bank rate: 3.5%.

Note: Rates as on 14-05-10.

10. What is FII?

A: FII (Foreign Institutional Investor) used to denote an investor, mostly in the form of an institution. An institution established outside India, which proposes to invest in Indian market, in other words buying Indian stocks. FII’s generally buy in large volumes which has an impact on the stock markets. Institutional Investors includes pension funds, mutual funds, Insurance Companies, Banks, etc.

11. What is FDI?

A: FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) occurs with the purchase of the “physical assets or a significant amount of ownership (stock) of a company in another country in order to gain a measure of management control” (Or) A foreign company having a stake in a Indian Company.

12. What is IPO?

A: IPO is Initial Public Offering. This is the first offering of shares to the general public from a company wishes to list on the stock exchanges.

13. What is Disinvestment?

A: The Selling of the government stake in public sector undertakings.

14. What is Fiscal Deficit?

A: It is the difference between the government’s total receipts (excluding borrowings) and total expenditure. Fiscal deficit in 2009-10 is proposed at 6.8% of GDP.

15. What is Revenue deficit?

A: It defines that, where the net amount received (by taxes & other forms) fails to meet the predicted net amount to be received by the government. Revenue deficit in 2009-10 is proposed at 4.8% of GDP.

16. What is GDP?

A: The Gross Domestic Product or GDP is a measure of all of the services and goods produced in a country over a specific period; classically a year. GDP during 2008-09 is 6.7%.

17. What is GNP?

A: Gross National Product is measured as GDP plus income of residents from investments made abroad minus income earned by foreigners in domestic market.

18. What is National Income?

A: National Income is the money value of all goods and services produced in a country during the year.

19. What is Per Capita Income?

A: The national income of a country, or region, divided by its population. Per capita income is often used to measure a country’s standard of living.Per capita income during 2008-09 estimated by CSO: Rs.25, 494.

20. What is Vote on Account?

A: A vote-on account is basically a statement ,where the government presents an estimate of a sum required to meet the expenditure that it incurs during the first three to four months of an election financial year until a new government is in place, to keep the machinery running.

21. Difference between Vote on Account and Interim Budget?

A: Vote-on-account deals only with the expenditure side of the government’s budget, an interim Budget is a complete set of accounts, including both expenditure and receipts.

22. What is SDR?

A: The SDR (Special Drawing Rights) is an artificial currency created by the IMF in 1969. SDRs are allocated to member countries and can be fully converted into international currencies so they serve as a supplement to the official foreign reserves of member countries. Its value is based on a basket of key international currencies (U.S. dollar, euro, yen and pound sterling).

23. What is SEZ?

A: SEZ means Special Economic Zone is the one of the part of government’s policies in India. A special Economic zone is a geographical region that economic laws which are more liberal than the usual economic laws in the country. The basic motto behind this is to increase foreign investment, development of infrastructure, job opportunities and increase the income level of the people.

· What is corporate governance? (For more click here)

The way in which a company is governed and how it deals with the various interests of its customers, shareholders, employees and society at large. Corporate governance is the set of processes, customs, policies, laws, and institutions affecting the way a corporation (or company) is directed, administered or controlled.Is defined as the general set of customs, regulations, habits, and laws that determine to what end a firm should be run.

· Functions of RBI?

The Reserve Bank of India is the central bank of India, was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Reserve Bank of India was set up on the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission. The commission submitted its report in the year 1926, though the bank was not set up for nine years.To regulate the issue of Bank Notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in India and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage.” Banker to the Government: performs merchant banking function for the central and the state governments; also acts as their banker.Banker to banks: maintains banking accounts of all scheduled banks.

· What is monetary policy?

A Monetary policy is the process by which the government, central bank, of a country controls (i) the supply of money, (ii) availability of money, and (iii) cost of money or rate of interest, in order to attain a set of objectives oriented towards the growth and stability of the economy.

· What is Fiscal Policy?

Fiscal policy is the use of government spending and revenue collection to influence the economy. These policies affect tax rates, interest rates and government spending, in an effort to control the economy. Fiscal policy is an additional method to determine public revenue and public expenditure.

· What is Core Banking Solutions?

Core banking is a general term used to describe the services provided by a group of networked bank branches. Bank customers may access their funds and other simple transactions from any of the member branch offices. It will cut down time, working simultaneously on different issues and increasing efficiency. The platform where communication technology and information technology are merged to suit core needs of banking is known as Core Banking Solutions.

· What is bank and its features and types?

A bank is a financial organization where people deposit their money to keep it safe.Banks play an important role in the financial system and the economy. As a key component of the financial system, banks allocate funds from savers to borrowers in an efficient manner.

Regional Rural Banks were established with an objective to ensure sufficient

institutional credit for agriculture and other rural sectors. The RRBs mobilize

financial resources from rural / semi-urban areas and grant loans and advances

mostly to small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers and rural artisans.

The area of operation of RRBs is limited to the area as notified by GoI covering

one or more districts in the State.

ii. Banking services for individual customers is known as retail banking.

iii. A bank that deals mostly in but international finance, long-term loans for

companies and underwriting. Merchant banks do not provide regular banking

services to the general public

iv. Online banking (or Internet banking) allows customers to conduct financial

transactions on a secure website operated by their retail or virtual bank.

v. Mobile Banking is a service that allows you to do banking transactions on your

mobile phone without making a call , using the SMS facility. Is a term used for

performing balance checks, account transactions, payments etc. via a mobile

device such as a mobile phone.

vi. Traditional banking is the normal bank accounts we have. Like, put your money in the bank and they act as a security and you will get only the normal interests (decided by RBI in our case, FED bank in US).

vii. Investment banking is entirely different. Here, people who are having so much

money (money in excess which will yield only less interest if in Banks) will invest

their money and get higher returns. For example, If i have more money instead of

taking the pain of investing in share market, buying properties etc. I will give to

investment banks and they will do the money management and give me higher

returns when compared to traditional banks.

· What is E-Governance?

E-Governance is the public sector’s use of information and communication technologies with the aim of improving information and service delivery, encouraging citizen participation in the decision-making process and making government more accountable,transparent and effective.

· What is Right to information Act?

The Right to Information act is a law enacted by the Parliament of India giving citizens of India access to records of the Central Government and State overnments.The Act applies to all States and Union Territories of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir – which is covered under a State-level law. This law was passed by Parliament on 15 June 2005 and came fully into force on 13 October 2005.

· Credit Rating Agencies in India?

The credit rating agencies in India mainly include ICRA and CRISIL. ICRA wasformerly referred to the Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited. Their main function is to grade the different sector and companies in terms of performance and offer solutions for up gradation. The credit rating agencies in India mainly include ICRA and CRISIL(Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited)

· What is Cheque?

Cheque is a negotiable instrument instructing a Bank to pay a specific amount from a specified account held in the maker/depositor’s name with that Bank.A bill of exchange drawn on a specified banker and payable on demand.“Written order directing a bank to pay money”.

· What is demand Draft?

A demand draft is an instrument used for effecting transfer of money. It is a Negotiable Instrument. Cheque and Demand-Draft both are used for Transfer of money. You can 100% trust a DD. It is a banker’s check. A check may be dishonored for lack of funds a DD can not. Cheque is written by an individual and Demand draft is issued by a bank. People believe banks more than individuals.

· What is a NBFC?

A non-banking financial company (NBFC) is a company registered under the

Companies Act, 1956 and is engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stock/bonds/debentures/securities issued by government, but does not include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, sale/purchase/construction of immovable property.

NBFCs are doing functions akin to that of banks; however there are a few differences:

(i)A NBFC cannot accept demand deposits (demand deposits are funds deposited at a depository institution that are payable on demand — immediately or within a very short period — like your current or savings accounts.)

(ii) it is not a part of the payment and settlement system and as such cannot issue cheques to its customers; and

(iii) Deposit insurance facility of DICGC is not available for NBFC depositors unlike in case of banks.

· Diff between banking & Finance?

Finance is generally related to all types of financial, this could be accounting, insurances and policies. Whereas banking is everything that happens in a bank only.The term Banking and Finance are two very different terms but are often associated together. These two terms are often used to denote services that a bank and other financial institutions provide to its customers.

· What is NASSCOM ?

The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), the Indian chamber of commerce is a consortium that serves as an interface to the Indian software industry and Indian BPO industry. Maintaining close interaction with the Government of India in formulating National IT policies with specific focus on IT software and services maintaining a state of the art information database of IT software and services related activities for use of both the software developers as well as interested companies overseas. Mr. Som Mittal – President. Chairman-Pramod Bhasin

· What is ASSOCHAM?

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), India’s premier apex chamber covers a membership of over 2 lakh companies and professionals across the country. It was established in 1920 by promoter chambers, representing all regions of India. As an apex industry body, ASSOCHAM represents the interests of industry and trade, interfaces with Government on policy issues and interacts with counterpart international organizations to promote bilateral economic issues. President-Swati Piramal

· What is NABARD?

NABARD was established by an act of Parliament on 12 July 1982 to implement the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1981. It replaced the Agricultural Credit Department (ACD) and Rural Planning and Credit Cell (RPCC) of Reserve Bank of India, and Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC). It is one of the premiere agency to provide credit in rural areas. NABARD is set up as an apex Development Bank with a mandate for facilitating credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts.

· What is SIDBI?

The Small Industries Development Bank of India is a state-run bank aimed to aid the growth and development of micro, small and medium scale industries in India. Set up in 1990 through an act of parliament, it was incorporated initially as a wholly owned subsidiary of Industrial Development Bank of India.

· What is SENSEX and NIFTY?

SENSEX is the short term for the words “Sensitive Index” and is associated with the Bombay (Mumbai) Stock Exchange (BSE). The SENSEX was first formed on 1-1-1986 and used the market capitalization of the 30 most traded stocks of BSE. Where as NSE has 50 most traded stocks of NSE.SENSEX IS THE INDEX OF BSE. AND NIFTY IS THE INDEX OF NSE.BOTH WILL SHOW DAILY TRADING MARKS. Sensex and Nifty both are an “index”. An index is basically an indicator it indicates whether most of the stocks have gone up or most of the stocks have gone down.

· What is SEBI?

SEBI is the regulator for the Securities Market in India. Originally set up by the

Government of India in 1988, it acquired statutory form in 1992 with SEBI Act 1992 being passed by the Indian Parliament. Chaired by C B Bhave.

· What is Mutual funds?

Mutual funds are investment companies that pool money from investors at large and offer to sell and buy back its shares on a continuous basis and use the capital thus raised to invest in securities of different companies. The mutual fund will have a fund manager that trades the pooled money on a regular basis. The net proceeds or losses are then typically distributed to the investors annually.

· What is Asset Management Companies?

A company that invests its clients’ pooled fund into securities that match its declared financial objectives. Asset management companies provide investors with more diversification and investing options than they would have by themselves. Mutual funds, hedge funds and pension plans are all run by asset management companies. These companies earn income by charging service fees to their clients.

· What are non-perfoming assets?

Non-performing assets, also called non-performing loans, are loans,made by a bank or finance company, on which repayments or interest payments are not being made on time. A debt obligation where the borrower has not paid any previously agreed upon interest and principal repayments to the designated lender for an extended period of time. The nonperforming asset is therefore not yielding any income to the lender in the form of principal and interest payments.

· What is Recession?

A true economic recession can only be confirmed if GDP (Gross Domestic Product)growth is negative for a period of two or more consecutive quarters.

· What is foreign exchange reservers?

Foreign exchange reserves (also called Forex reserves) in a strict sense are only the foreign currency deposits and bonds held by central banks and monetary authorities.However, the term in popular usage commonly includes foreign exchange and gold,SDRs and IMF reserve positions.

Networking- Courses, Institutes and Job opportunities

ravisangam — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 04:11:00 +0000

Networking- Courses, Institutes and Job opportunities

By
Sakshi Education

The best course for network professionals is CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) which gives you in depth knowledge in – Components of WAN, Functions of WAN components. OSI layers, TCP/IP-Addressing & Subnetting, Cisco Hierarchical Model.
Interfaces & components. Modes and basic commands, Navigation commands. IOS:Routing concepts, Standard Access List, Extended Access List, Switching, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), VLAN & VTP, WAN Protocols, Leased line, circuit & Pocket switching, PPP & HDLC, Authentication protocols PAP & CHAP, ISDN & Leased Line, Concepts of Frame Relay and Password Recovery. Several institutes in Hyderabad provide training for this course.
For more information visit www.sourceone-it.net

Also you can explore to do some basic courses for a start like Hardware & Networking – Assembling & troubleshooting PC components. This is a 6 days course with theory and practical. Ethical Hacking - One week course with theory and practical. These courses are offered by ZOOM TECHNOLOGIES, Hyderabad. They also offer training for CCNA.
For details visit www.zoomgroup.com

You can also join any of the courses offered by several universities like

1. Kalasalingam University, Tamil Nadu offers M.Tech in Network Engineering and Information Assurance and Security. The eligibility criterion for Network Engineering is BE/ B.Tech in EEE/ ECE/ EI/ IC/ IT/ CSE or Electronics. For Information Assurance and Security, it is BE/ B.Tech in EEE/ ECE/ EI/ IC/ IT/ CSE/ Electronics or MCA. The admission is based on performance at entrance examination conducted by the university.
For details, log on to www.kalasalingam.ac.in

2. R.V College of Engineering, Bangalore, affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University offers M.Tech in Computer Networking. The admission is based on performance at entrance examination.
For details, log on to www.rvce.ac.in

3. Devi Ahalya Vishwa Vidyalaya, School of Computer Science and Information Technology, Indore, offers M.Tech Computer Science with Network Management and Information Security as a specialisation. The eligibility criterion is GATE in CSE/ECE with four years BE/ B.Tech (CSE/ IT/ Computer related subjects)/ MCA/ M.Sc (CS/ IT) with minimum 55 per cent marks. For non-GATE candidates the admission is through written test and interview.
For details, log on to http://www.dauniv.ac.in

Common questions about Campus Jobs and Off Campus Jobs

ravisangam — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 03:33:00 +0000

What are On Campus and off Campus Jobs

Sakshieducation

Q. What do the companies look for in the candidates while recruiting?
A. Most of the students are coming out only with bookish knowledge but not with the basic knowledge of skills required to work in industrial sectors. The first thing the companies look for in the candidate is technical skills. For example, if you want to get into software field, companies expect the candidates to possess good knowledge in programming languages like Java, Dot net, embedded systems etc. And to get a testing job you require the knowledge of testing tools. But, in case of campus selections companies look for only the basic knowledge of C, C++ etc The companies also look for soft skills like good presentation skills, good understanding skills, and also confidence in speaking English. A candidate must be bold enough to express and share his views with co-workers.
Companies also look for teamwork skills which are very essential in the corporate sector and this is where the students are generally lacking. As colleges generally don’t provide an opportunity to work in team, I suggest that the students to take an initiative to work in a team during their college days itself by sharing their assignments, projects etc.

Q. Why do companies conduct aptitude tests?
A. The problem in India is that the supply is unlimited. Suppose 100 jobs are offered by a company, there will be thousands who apply. And, directly taking the interviews of the candidates consumes huge time. So, aptitude tests are conducted to filter. And this filter also assesses certain skills like Basic English knowledge, Quantitative skills, Logical reasoning etc.

Q. How to get a job in this present competitive world?
A. According to me there are only two good models. One way is of course to come out of college with a campus job through “on-campus” placements. This is actually a very good model. But, only 20 per cent of the graduates are able to get this advantage and remaining 80 per cent come out of the colleges without finding a suitable job. For them, I think there is no other choice but to join some certification Programs. This is one of the best ways which will provide right skills within a very short time. If the candidate selects this model, he/she must definitely ensure to join the right institutes which will give them good industrial knowledge, good soft skills, bagged up by placements and taught by people who have industrial experience. Students should definitely try for a campus job. If they are not able to succeed in this model, it is then that they should go for off campus model.

Q. What’s your opinion on the education system in India especially engineering education. Is there any need to improve the Quality of Education?
A. As a result of the present education system the students are lacking a lot in the practical exposure. The industries and colleges are not linked up. So, the students are able to gain knowledge only in the theoretical concepts but not practical. In order to solve this problem partially, industrial tours must be encouraged. And students must be encouraged to take up some real time mini projects.

Q. On what aspects, do companies give importance – aptitude, attitude or communication skills?
A. All three. There is no other choice. Students need to develop all the three to get a job. And one more thing is that now- a days preference is being given to candidates who have real time experience.

A couple of years ago, people used to have an idea that if at all I have a bachelor’s degree, then companies will hire me. Now, the companies are looking for certain technical skills to hire you. Say unless you attain certain amount of skills, they will not hire you. This is because companies need to invest a lot in training the graduates.

So, students should work very hard in the college; develop technical as well as soft skills.

Q. Is communication skills important to work in the corporate sectors?
A. Yes, it is. Will you go to a doctor who can’t communicate? Or will you go to a lawyer who cannot communicate in front of the judge? Obviously No! You cannot actually function well without good communication skills. In a lot of IT companies you need to work with people from all parts of India, You have to work with managers who are from different parts of India, and especially you have to work with customers who are from different parts of the world. You also have to travel to do certain kind of projects. Industry is about impressing people. It’s a people industry. So, it’s very important to share your ideas, work with your customers, colleagues, managers etc. So, Engineering graduates have to definitely learn to communicate in English. Even though you have talent you will not be recognized unless you.

Q. How to improve communications skills?
A. I think this is a big challenge because nowadays people are not reading a lot. Reading habits are one of the best ways to improve communication skills. And the other way is to watch good English movies which have good dialogues, good scripts. Especially English movies which came out in the period of 1970′s are very good. Candidates should try to catch up the words and understand the language and then try to communicate. Many students feel that they don’t have good command on grammar and so they never dare to speak with a fear that they may make mistakes while communicating. Though you don’t know grammar, you can communicate in an understandable manner. So, students should take an initiative to communicate irrespective of what they speak is right or wrong.

This article is exclusively for Sakshi Education readers. If you like this, say thanks to sakshieducation.info by writing comments.

Project Based Learning

ravisangam — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 03:32:00 +0000

Project Based Learning

Sakshieducation

Acquiring Technical knowledge broadly falls in two categories. Theoretical based learning or project based learning. Project works play a crucial role in obtaining technical knowledge in any professional or technical courses. Project-based learning goes beyond generating student interest. Well-designed projects encourage higher-level thinking. Projects bring out challenging questions that cannot be answered by rote learning. Projects allow students to solve the problems, make decisions, investigate new ideas, and helps in preparing new documentation.

Technical platform:
Engineering is one broad course where students learn theoretical subjects till the Third year and take up MINI and MAJOR projects in the final year 2nd semester, of course 2nd year for M.Tech students and 3rd year for MCA students. Students nowadays are not paying much attention in doing projects, rather they are purchasing these projects from various outside institutions where each project costs around Rs 5,000- 10,000. And these students are provided with the PPTs and the executable code where exactly 85 % of the students lack in understanding these projects and they blindly present their viva where finally they gain nothing.
Many of them feel that submitting a project is a formality in the Educational institutions, but these six months (final semester) is really crucial period for acquiring practical knowledge from your experience.

How to find a project:
This is really a big question in the mind of every student. There are several routes to setting up a project. Refer to various reputed national and international conference papers, IEEE papers and ACM computing surveys, Journals which really help in understanding the latest updates of works done. Study and understand what was contributed in the papers, from where you can generate new ideas, develop your own new algorithms, or can enhance existing algorithms.

Basic steps in the project:
Main steps in the development of project work are

Problem definition
Requirement analysis
Design phase
Identify the model (algorithm)
Implementation of the algorithm
Identify the dataset
Experimental results
Analyze the results
Conclusions (our observations)

Several ways to proceed:
For Example, select a real time data set, study the behavior of the data set, apply an algorithm on the dataset Implement the algorithm using any language like C, C++, JAVA, DOTNET and so, generate the results, and analyse the results and make your observations from these results.

Compare your generated results with the existing algorithms and make your conclusions. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of your work. And the extensions works that can be done from your work. Else approach faculty who has a project in mind. Or otherwise, with some ideas of the kind of project work you might like to do.
Then you need to find someone (faculty or teachers) with research experience in your desired field to speak to about it and guide you further.

Broad Areas in computer science:
Projects can be done in many broad areas in computer science like…

Data mining
Data structures and Algorithms
Compiler construction
Natural language processing
Image processing
Network security l Computer Networks
operating systems l software Engineering,
sensor Networks l mobile computing

Workshops:
Students have to attend the various short term courses and the workshops which are taking place in various educational institutions, R&D cells, CDAC, which really helps them in updating with latest technical trends. You can refer to websites of IITs, IIITs, NITs and university where tremendous number of workshops are going to be conducted through out the year. Finally, Engineering is to be learnt, not to be taught.

This article is exclusively for Sakshi Education readers. If you like this, say thanks to sakshieducation.info by writing comments.