This company has 8 - 15% pay cut

This is a Singapore listed electronic company. They are contract manufacture. And here is the pay cut effective from 1st Jan 2009:

If your salary is lower than 2.3k then no pay cut
If your salary is between 2.3k to 4k: 8% pay cut
If your salary is higher than 4k: 15% pay cut.

Not sure the arrangement for those at borderline.

And there will be no AWS, that is no 13 month bonus, for 2008.

A 2003 NTU engineering degree EEE graduate with 2nd class lower. Now the salary is closed to 4k.

So lets not forget to take the poll on the right hand side for your bonus this year end!

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Effective Project Management Course

Several recent independent research studies have concluded that around two thirds of the failure of projects has been attributed to human factor.

This course provides Project Managers and Project Leaders with the key building blocks required to maximise project successes from initiation right through to completion. It focuses on the critical 'people management' skills and behaviours that many traditional project management courses fail to address.

The key feature of the workshop covers a unique blend of traditional "process" related project management topics and NLP based "people" related topics, thus equipping participants with a powerful "toolkit" to ensure project success. Participants will be taken through a journey of self-discovery of their own preferred interpersonal styles and acquire skills that will enable them to dramatically improve their communication and influencing abilities.

Course Objectives
• Align your people and process skills to achieve project success
• Equip with a "toolkit" that enables you to successfully manage projects throughout their lifecycles
• Utilise effective project methodologies
• Know yours and your team members' preferred behavioural styles and know how to use this knowledge to enhance your leadership style
• Improve your sphere of influence within your project team
• Able to communicate effectively with team members and key stakeholders

(1) 5 to 6 February 2009 ► Register for this run
(2) 21 to 22 May 2009 ► Register for this run
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: NTU@one-north campus, Executive Centre
Fee: Standard: SGD$590.00 NTU Alumni: SGD$472.00 Group (3 & above): SGD$531.00


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Is a Degree Worth the Debt?

No doubt that if you are going back to school, the tuition fee will cost you a bomb. Lets not forget about the living expenses and the opportunity cost (as you are not working). So is the debt worth for a degree? I think many of us have the same question, and in fact, there is no exact answer, as greatly depend on your study area, timing, and most importantly, your luck too. However, some data will help us to understand better:

Average US College Costs for 2007-2008 (in USD):
Private four year $23,712 (up 6.3 % from last year)
Public four-year $6,185 (up 6.6 %from last year)
Public two-year $2,361 (up 4.2% from last year)

So are the financial way to help you get your degree?

Financial Aid – loans
A college loan works just like any other type of loan and are made by banks, the government and even colleges themselves. You can mix and match various loans to pay for school.

Scholarships
In general, scholarships are awards that do not have to be paid back.

Grants
Grants are monetary awards offered to students that meet certain criteria that do not have to be repaid.

So is it worth?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, for each year between 1980 and 2005, earnings for young adults increased when education level increased. During the same period, earnings fluctuated among those with at least a bachelor’s degree and decreased among those with less education, thus contributing to the growth in the median income gap.

The 2007 College Board Study, Education Pays, reports that individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn over 60 percent more than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a B.A. is more than $800,000. In other words, whatever sacrifices you make to pay for your college tuition in the short term are more than repaid in the long term since having some college training or a college degree leads to making more money down the road.


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Get an EMBA with the University at Buffalo at SIM

You can now get Executive MBA - Part-time awarded by University at Buffalo, The State University of New York at SIM!

* The first AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) fully accredited American EMBA programme in Singapore
* Ranked by Business Week as one of the 'best business school' in the US. The School of Management's EMBA programme is cited as a 'top programme' as well
* Fully taught by senior faculty from the university's School of Management

The EMBA is designed to propel mid-career managers ahead by providing:

* Practical knowledge of the latest management decision-making techniques;
* A thorough understanding of the key functional areas of business;
* Opportunities to acquire and refine leadership and executive problem-solving skills; and
* Superior instruction by a highly qualified, experienced faculty.

Admission Criteria

* Five to ten years' management or professional experience
* A degree or an equivalent from a recognized institution
* Good communication skills in written and spoken English.

For more info: SIM website


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What is your year end BONUS this year?

If you are lucky enough, still have a job, what is your year end bonus? Some cases that I know are as follows:

One government financial related institute:
12 (usually no 13 month) + 2.5 (budget allocated from last year) + performance bonus (to be announced next year)

Some companies:
13 (regular 13 months) + performance bonus (to be announced next year)

One property related company:
Pay cut 15% (with some retrenchment)

Many semiconductor and electronic companies:
13 (still) + Force shut down and clear annual leave

So what is yours? A poll is on the right hand side.... key in yours and see what about others!


Click here for more Salary & Increment information

8 useful Tips for Going Back to School

Are you going back to school after many years of working? If you have been laid off, returning to school can help to explain gaps in your employment history. It also shows that there is a genuine interest on your part to improve your knowledge base and become a better employee.

Continuing education doesn’t just mean earning an MBA. It can include:
* Bachelor’s or master’s programs
* Professional certification programs
* Personal development opportunities

If you have decided back to school, then these tips from Salary.com may help you:

1. What Should I Study?
No matter what degree you have, you will be most successful if you enjoy what you are doing. Every downturn is followed by an upturn. It makes sense to arm yourself with knowledge, but be wise and choose something that truly interests you.

2. Finding the Right School
Your goal should be to find a school that is affordable, has a good reputation, offers programs appropriate to your needs, and is conveniently located to minimize your commute time.

3. Evaluate Affordability
Be sure to research any and all financial aid available to help you finance your academic endeavors. Also consider what programs your employer has in place.

4. Understand Where You Are Coming From
Adult learning is truly "learning with a purpose". Returning to the classroom is a way to navigate the path to a desired end result. Adult learners also bring with them a wealth of "real world" experience that they should eagerly share in the classroom.

5. Sharpen Study Skills and Maintain Focus
You will need to manage your time efficiently and effectively especially if you will be working full or part-time and pursuing your studies simultaneously.

6. Don’t Over Extend
It is important to remember that your health needs to be your first priority.

7. Meet with an Academic Advisor
An academic advisor is specially trained to help you stay focused on your academic path.

8. Consider Volunteer Work
If after researching how to bankroll a return to school you determine that it just isn’t affordable right now, consider volunteering for community programs in your local area. You can offer to help out in areas of your current expertise and potentially learn new skills. This can also help you to expand your network, giving you increased professional exposure and potential leads for new career opportunities.


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How can a family man with RM3k salary survive? How about Singapore?

If you are earning RM3k in Malaysia, and you have a family and you are the only source of income, do you think you can survive? This guy make a very interesting and yet accurate budget, you will be surprise that for a family to survive, RM3k per month is not enough.

Utility RM 100, SGD 100
Telephone + Broadband RM 100, SGD 50
Food (cooking) RM 775, SGD 500
Food (outside) RM 155, SGD 90
Car installment RM 400, take bus lah...
Petorl RM 300, SGD 100 (bus, MRT)
Insurance RM 600, SGD 300
House installment RM 750, Use CPF
Tution RM 80, SGD 100?
Children pocket money RM 20, SGD 100?
Children books etc RM 130, SGD 50?
Milk powder RM 50, SGD 50? (dont get a kid lah...)
Misc RM 100, SGD 100.

Click the image to enlarge.

So Singapore version is about SGD 1540 (based on my calculation above).
I wonder is there any other Singapore version? Or you have any comments?

So if you drive and have kids in Singapore, I think really got to suffer. And those above are all basic stuffs, exclude some "luxury" like travel, facial, etc....... Also that is based on you use CPF for your housing installment.


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Managing Effective Corporate Insurance Programs

A global market place presents both opportunities and uncertainties for business organizations. However, business organizations competing in the global market are no longer insulated from the risk pervasiveness business landscape with lurking dangers of natural perils, terrorist attacks and bird flu pandemic.

This two day workshop provides insight of the prevalence of organizational risks and global exposures of business organizations as well as the understanding of the workings of the corporate risk management and insurance in the global context. The workshop is highly interactive with many active learning activities comprising of discussions, case studies and self-evaluation exercises.

Course Outline
Principles of Risk Management
• What is Risk
• The Evolution of Risk Management
• Purpose of Risk Management
• A Risk Management Process
• Contemporary Risk Management Concepts
• The Cost of Risk

Scope & Limitations of Corporate Insurance
• Insurance Market: Choice of Insurers & Intermediaries
• The Insurance Transaction: Coverage to Claims Settlement
• Financial Aspects of Insurance Companies and Reinsurance Mechanism
• Legal Fundamentals of Insurance and Insurance Policy Content
• Casualty and Liability Exposures and Insurance
• Automobile Liability Exposures and Insurance
• Workers Injury Compensation Insurance
• Commercial Property Insurance
• Business Interruption Insurance
• Marine Insurance
• Crime Insurance
• Miscellaneous Insurance

(1) 7 to 8 January 2009 ► Register for this run
(2) 4 to 5 June 2009 ► Register for this run
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: NTU@one-north campus, Executive Centre
Fee: Standard: SGD$590.00 NTU Alumni: SGD$472.00 Group (3 & above): SGD$531.00


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Kaplan Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program Preview

The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) program is the professional qualification administered and awarded by the CFA Institute, based in the United States.

The program is enjoying dramatic growth worldwide, which the CFA Institute attributes to the relevance of the syllabus, the rigour of the examination and the high standards of professionalism that it demands. In short, it is becoming the accepted benchmark for technical excellence in the financial markets.

Candidates must pass three levels of examinations sequentially. Each level is based on the same ‘body of knowledge’ and candidates face six hours of examination, a three-hour morning session and a three-hour afternoon session. Sittings for CFA® Level 1 take place twice a year (3 June and 2 December 2007). CFA® Levels 2 and 3 examinations are held once a year (3 June 2007).

While taking the CFA® program with Kaplan Financial will enhance your understanding of the material, it is important not to underestimate your commitment to self study when preparing for the CFA® exams.

Click here for the Preview Session Registration Form.


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Did your boss ask for good, cheap and fast?

If your boss ever ask you to be good and fast, and pay you low salary, or your boss ask you to find a supplier that is good, cheap and fast, then show this to him. I am sure he will keep quiet after that.

Look at this shop, they provide 3 kinds of services. Good Cheap and Fast. But, don't be too happy too early. Because you can only pick ANY two. So either good and cheap (but it won't be fast), good and fast (it wont be cheap), or cheap and fast (it won't be good). What a great poster!

So next time if your boss ask you to do the good and fast work, then you can only tell him, the salary must be higher, if not wiill not be good or fast.


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The Manchester MBA - Preview Seminar

Manchester Business School's Worldwide MBA programmes are delivered using a unique blend of self study and face-to-face residential workshops, fully supported via innovative e-learning, our online student community site and international centres. At the leading edge of dynamic business performance, our global management development programmes offer a hands-on approach to management education and career development. This will enable you to reap immediate practical benefits by applying experiential learning to practical real world business challenges.

To register: http://mbs.replyhub.com/info/register.php

The details are as follow:
MBA for Financial Managers and Finance Professionals
MBA for Financial Managers and Professionals Financial Managers and Finance Professionals or those seeking to move into a more finance orientated role from many sectors could benefit greatly from this long established, internationally renowned programme. Exemptions are available for those with certain finance qualifications i.e. ACA, ACCA, CIMA etc.

MBA for Engineering Business Managers
MBA for Engineering Business ManagersThis is the only top-flight international programme specifically designed to appeal to engineering business managers, whilst retaining the general management nature which defines an MBA.

MBA for Construction Executives
MBA for Construction ExecutivesThis world-class MBA is delivered by internationally renowned specialists in the field of construction management and has been designed in consultation with the leading industry professional bodies and companies.



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Implementing Hassle Free Budgeting with Excel

With the ever changing business environment, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep track of the development in the different business areas. Every functional head has his/her own feel and perception of the market based on his/her own experience and encounter on ground. It is so critical for functional heads to keep abreast of the latest business development so that they can confidently steer the company towards a specific goal with an optimal amount of resources.

Budgeting is an excellent way of finding out the optimism of the market as the business function heads put down their estimates for the new year. Although the number may not materialize as the business environment changes, the budgeted numbers serve as a valuable benchmark for the company to navigate itself through good times and bad times.

Course Outline
1. How to align the headers and sub-headers with the data input using existing formulas in Excel.
2. Transform the data input into a Data Cluster
3. Analyze the business units numbers using the data cluster and pivot table, a powerful analytic tool in Excel
4. Combine the Data Clusters into a Data Hub so that company’s budget can be presented in minutes without spending more money on new programs and hardware
5. Analyze the budget at all levels. Participants will learn how to use the report to drill down to the most level easily.
6. Prepare Dashboard, summary reports and charts using the Data Hub, the only single source of data for all.

(1) 15 to 16 January 2009 ► Register for this run
(2) 16 to 17 April 2009 ► Register for this run
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: NTU@one-north campus, Executive Centre
Fee: Standard: SGD$1,000.00 NTU Alumni: SGD$800.00 Group (3 & above): SGD$900.00


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What to Prepare for an Emergency Job Search

If you are really unlucky and requires an emergency job search, would you find yourself loss direction? So why not prepare for that, always prepare for the worst case, no harm right?

Here got some tips:

1. Network everywhere you go, all the time.
2. Check in with your "affinity groups."
3. Keep your resume current all the time.
4. Research the value of your skills.
5. Consider working with a headhunter.
6. Dust off your references.
7. Put things in order at work. <-- I not so agree... 8. Contemplate your next move. 9. Go for your dream job. Check out full article . Anyway, I think we all jsut prepare what is good for your own. And pray for the best.


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Corporate Risk Management Workshop for Global Business

In spite of the increasing global competition faced by business organizations, business is now also required to come to terms with the realities of the risk pervasive business environment. It is critical for business manage a spectrum of business risk ranging from natural and man made perils to catastrophes such as terrorist attacks or bird flu pandemic.

The workshop focuses on the key issues of understanding and analysis of critical risk exposures in Risk Management with the help of various business scenarios including case studies. These selected business scenarios and case studies highlight the risk pervasive business environment faced by companies in their quest for new global markets.

A special feature of the workshop involves action learning with a “Risk Management Simulation” game. Participants will gain insight into how the prioritization of risks and systematic planning of improvement projects can reduce property loss.

The objective of this workshop is two-fold:
(1) To acquaint participants with the complexities and realities of managing business risk, and
(2) To equip participants with strategies adopted by world class companies in their selection and implementation of risk management and insurance programs.

(1) 15 to 16 January 2009 1 January 2009 ► Register for this run
(2) 11 to 12 June 200928 May 2009 ► Register for this run
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: NTU@one-north campus, Executive Centre
Fee: Standard: SGD$590.00 NTU Alumni: SGD$472.00 Group (3 & above): SGD$531.00


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Ten Tips to make your job Recession-Proof

Once again, another "common sense" article from Salary.com to tell you how you can make your career water-proof.... just kidding..... recession-proof. In other words, how to keep yourself in the job. Some points, though is very "common sense", I think we need to keep remind ourself. So pay attention to those I highlighted in bold.

1. Stay where you are – if you can : even if you are unhappy
2. Keep your skills current
3. Don't pull a vanishing act : show your face at all events
4. Make yourself indispensible : make sure that your boss is aware of recent contributions
5. Keep your attitude in check : even if you are unhappy where you are, try to keep smiling
6. Start networking now
7. Update your resume
8. Finish your degree
9. Broaden, rather than deepen your skills
10. Consider learning a trade or specific skills

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Delivering First-class Business Presentations

If you want to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment, you need to communicate well and present yourself successfully. The ability to deliver an effective business presentation to customers, peers, and corporations is an asset that everyone should strive to add to their portfolio in developing their careers.

For first time presenters as well as those more seasoned, delivering a presentation can be a make or break situation. It can accelerate careers or put the brakes on it depending how well you articulate your points. For many, we’ll think of a hundred-and-one reason’s to get out of it until the day comes when you just have to go up and get on with it.

The aim of this course is to take participants through the entire presentation process from a modern context in delivering business presentations. The course is very practical and loaded with examples and role-plays to get participants involved, and deliver an impressive presentation.

Course Outline
Understand who you’re presenting to
Focus the participants on understanding who they must deliver to and what the audience wants to hear.

Know how you’re going to present it and what they want to hear
Adopting a business style approach to particular material and understanding what your sudience really wants to hear from you.

How to build engaging content
Gain insight how to develop content in a compelling way for different presentation types and learn what should go in and what shouldn’t.

Using great business language to sell your message
Whilst emphasis is placed on volume, in business, it’s the business language we use that compels, captivates, motivates and sells rather than how loud we become. How we choose our words can leave lasting impressions on audience members and great care and awareness must be used in our choice of words.

Business Slide and Visual Design
Know the mechanics to developing fantastic visuals, cutting down text and delivery a great visual value-add to your delivery.

Presentation Logistics & Venue
Often overlooked by presenters, but too often becomes the main reason why some presentations come off badly, fail or look unprepared.

Dealing with Nerves
Understand the techniques to reduce nervous and enhance preparation.

Confident use of Body language
Strong confident language (non-verbal) says just as much as your spoken word and by carrying and delivering your presentation using choreographed movements greatly adds weight to your delivery.

Questions and Answer Sessions
How to tackle, rebut and bring successful closure during Q&A sessions and knowing how to structure it properly and remain in control.


(1) 13 to 14 January 2009 ► Register for this run
(2) 24 to 25 June 2009 ► Register for this run
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: NTU@one-north campus, Executive Centre
Fee: Standard: SGD$590.00 NTU Alumni: SGD$472.00 Group (3 & above): SGD$531.00


Click here for more NTU Course information