Boost your career with the best online courses

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is the most prestigious and elite set of management institutes in India and are recognized and valued around the globe by employers and aspirants alike. IIMs always ensure that their courses are world-class. They are structured to deliver a cross-sectional perspective to the participants which will mould them into ethical and innovative global leaders. The course curriculum is holistic in nature, incorporates the needs of the industry and is at par with the global standards.

IIM offers a range of short-term and long-term courses in online and on-campus modes. While most of their management and management specialization courses are long-term and offered in the on-campus mode, there is an array of short-term online courses specially designed for working professionals.

These short-term online certification courses aim to equip working professionals with a more nuanced understanding of concepts, refresh their theoretical foundation, enhance/develop skills, and learn the latest tools, techniques and methodology in their field or in a field they aspire to enter through a selection of hands-on pedagogical tools. By doing so, these online certificate courses help working professionals to forge ahead in their career while continuing to work and not having to uproot themselves to study.

We have compiled a list of 4 of the best IIM certificate courses that will help you boost your career.

Executive Development Program in Business Analytics and Big Data: This 5-month IIM certificate course helps participants to understand core concepts of both big data and business analytics such as data visualization, predictive analytics, machine learning, social network analytics, sentiment analytics, market segmentation, etc. It aids them to make better business decision-making by training them to leverage the latest analytics tools and technology, statistical methods and programming languages like R, Hadoop, Python, etc. in the big data and business analytics ecosystem.

Advanced Program in Leadership for Business Excellence: This 6-month course enables professionals with over 8 years’ experience to lead their organizations to success and growth in the dynamic and globalizing business world. This IIM certificate course enables both personal and professional growth for participants. It includes a 3-day on-campus module to have face-to-face interactions with the eminent faculty and network with peers, and leadership seminars to engage with global leaders.

Executive Development Program in Applied Financial Risk Management: This 5-month program is best-suited for professionals working in banking, finance and business management with basic mathematical/statistical skills and working knowledge in any statistical package. This course provides a hands-on, in-depth and integrated understanding of financial risk management with a fine balance between theoretical grounding and practical application. Participants will be taught hands-on application of important tools, techniques and methods.

Executive Professional Development Program in Entrepreneurship: This is a 4-month course that provides a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of entrepreneurship management for working professionals and budding entrepreneurs. Through the sessions with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts and the investor community, the learners will gain valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the business world. They will also have mentoring sessions and opportunities to present their business plan to members of the investor community.

Enroll yourself in one of these online certification courses to boost your career.

How an MBA course Helps Fuel Startup Success?

Your dream to start a venture of your own can turn into a success or a failure depending on the actions you take after you have actually set it up. Your desire or passion to have your own business is not reason enough for it to succeed. The reason for its success will be your ability to manage your enterprise and chart its future course. An Executive MBA in India is the best way to become aware of management methods and techniques to fuel your startup’s success.

Here is how it will help.

1.       Gives you a comprehensive understanding of all functions – When you set up and run an organization, you need to understand how each function operates. You might not need to be a specialist in each area, but your knowledge of each corporate department will hold you in good stead when you hire those who will head these functions and give them direction on how to be aligned with the company’s vision.

2.       Gives you the ability to apply – Apart from the knowledge, application of the knowledge is a core advantage that an MBA course provides. You know the ways in which you can apply the management concepts which can enable your venture to focus on process efficiencies and people related best practices right from the start.  This is a crucial quality to possess since it gives you an edge over your competitors when you can drive the right kind of strategies for your venture.

3.       Gives you the credibility – There are many individuals who do not have an MBA degree and have their ventures. While many of them might be successful, several are not too successful. A lot of venture capitalists and funding organizations look at the background and educational qualification of the Founders. The right set of degrees can give you an extra level of credibility and make you a more viable venture to invest in.

4.       Gives you the networks – You get to meet like-minded people who are coming for the MBA with the same or at least similar purposes. They form a part of your network as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey. Some of them might have excellent ideas or suggestions for your venture. Others can probably connect you further to someone who can guide or mentor or even invest in your startup.

These are the major ways in which the MBA will help your startup to truly succeed and scale up to the next level of exponential  growth.

What is Syllabus of Cyber Security Course?

With the ever-increasing number of data thefts, cyber-attacks, cybersecurity threats, data breaches, etc. organizations of today feel a strong need for a solid cybersecurity strategy that will both detect a wide range of cyber-adversaries and effectively tackle them and incorporate incidence response/contingency plans to effectively deal with unforeseen attacks and minimize the loss. In other words, organizations also understand that data, networks and digital infrastructure are important assets and need to be protected from malicious cyber-adversaries in order to protect the company, client and other stakeholder information/ assets, minimize losses in case of attacks and keep their reputation intact. It has been seen in the various major data breaches of the 21^st century how even big companies suffered in terms of loss of reputation and market trust. So, organizations of today are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their cybersecurity strategies and systems are solid.

This increase in attention and investment in cybersecurity has translated into more demand for professionals with expertise in different aspects of cybersecurity and a subsequent rise in salaries in the industry, making the profession lucrative. Both these trends have resulted in the increase in the number of seekers for the cybersecurity courses across the globe with more and more security and IT professionals, managers, engineers and even freshers taking up cybersecurity courses.

What do cyber security courses provide?

The best cybersecurity courses equip participants with an in-depth understanding of the core concepts, contemporary tools, best practices, relevant laws and latest technology in the field. The best cybersecurity course syllabus is holistic in nature and covers not just the foundational concepts of cybersecurity but delve deep into the subject providing participants an insight into a range of topics like cyber/IT laws, contemporary concepts like bitcoins, cryptography, block chain, IoT device security, penetration testing etc., The best courses will enable participants to effectively detect potential threats and vulnerabilities in the systems and networks and develop sound and resilient prevention strategies and comprehensive incidence response and contingency plans. The best cyber security course syllabus also includes hands-on learning opportunities and practical exercises.

The best cyber security course syllabus

Here is an insight into the cyber security course syllabus of one the best courses in India offered by International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bangalore in association with Forensics Intelligence Surveillance and Security Technologies (FISST) and ed-tech firm, Talentedge. It is an online course of 6-months duration with an intensive 2-day bootcamp-style on-campus workshop, the successful completion of which will result in the receipt of a Certificate of Completion from the Institute.

• Core concepts of cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity threats, risks, vulnerabilities, etc.
• Cyber adversaries
• Network security
• Cyber and IT Laws
• Best Practices and recommended cybersecurity practices
• Design, Plan and Strategy for effective cybersecurity
• Contemporary issues like bitcoins, blockchain, cryptography, IoT, etc.
• Critical Security Components  

Take up the best cybersecurity course and boost your career as a cybersecurity professional.

Best Data Analytics Certification Available In India

We are all well aware of how technology and the internet are revolutionizing our lives and the world with mobile phones and smart devices reaching remote locations. The major result of this kind of penetration has been the generation of voluminous amounts of data and leveraging data analytics to make sense of such data. Data analytics enables organizations in effective problem-solving and data-driven decision-making in a large variety of ways and areas (sales, marketing, finance, processes, customer engagement, product design and quality, etc.) by unearthing patterns, trends, correlations and other valuable insights from the data. More fields and organizations are embracing analytics. This a has translated into rapidly growing opportunities for professionals with skills and expertise in the various aspects of analytics in organizations as well as in agencies/ consultancies and as freelancers providing analytics-as-a-service.

The growing opportunities have had two implications- sky-rocketing pay packages for skilled professionals due to the skill gap and supply deficit and the flooding of the educational space with an array of data analytics certification programs and courses of varying kinds (paid/free, online/on-campus/blended, etc.) and duration. For the benefit of working professionals looking to equip themselves with the necessary skills and tools to incorporate in their work, a number of prestigious institutions are providing online data analytics certification programs. Out of this clutter of data analytics course, it could be difficult to find the best. So, here we present the best data analytics certification that is available in India.

PG Certificate Program in Market Research and Data Analytics from MICA, Ahmedabad

This 12-month online course aims to provide entry-level and mid-level working professionals with a strong foundation in market research and data analytics. It is best suited for working professionals, managers, business heads and executives either working in marketing and who wish to use analytics for data-driven planning and decision-making or who wish to make a career in market research and data analytics. Even freshers who wish to enter either of the fields will benefit from this course.  

Why is it the best data analytics certification available in India?

• It is offered by MICA, one of the top-ranked B-schools in India.
• By successfully completing the course requirements, obtain a certificate from MICA and the be recognized as MICA alumni.
• Taught by eminent and experienced faculty, the hands-on teaching methodology used enables learners to practically apply analytics tools in strategizing and data-driven decision-making.
• Course curriculum, designed in consultation with industry experts, includes core concepts in analytics and marketing, forecasting, and data analytics tools, statistical methods and sophisticated software used to gain valuable insights into various aspects of the business.
• A project component and a 3-day on-campus component are included.

Enroll yourself in this best data analytics certification and embark upon a flourishing career in analytics.  

Why is Finance Management Important to the Organization?

While everyone knows that finances breathe life into organizations, it is surprising many organizations fail to manage it effectively. Any business can stay in the pink of its health only when it pays close attention to the financial management.

Finance management is more than a balance sheet or a profit and loss account. A lot is at stake for organizations in the market, and hence it is important that finance management is taken seriously for the following reasons:

Financial Planning

Let’s say; you are bidding for a construction project. If you win the tender, it could send your profits soaring. But, before you bid, you need to analyse whether your business has the financial capability to execute it. You would need money to procure raw materials, hire labour and other personnel, incur transportation costs, and so on. The financial planning will help you to determine all these aspects.

If you are a finance manager dealing with project management for the first time, it would be a good idea to enhance your knowledge and pick up important tips through short-term online finance courses for working professionals.

Return on Investment (ROI)

How do businesses measure their growth and profitability? By a simple metric called ROI! The more the returns on investment, more positive the growth is. The financial management ensures that all funds are effectively utilized to generate maximum returns. If you don’t manage money, it would be difficult to arrive at the profitability figures.

 Cost Management

The cost management refers to the process of planning and controlling the budget of an organization. It requires evaluating various cost drivers which can not only reduce costs but also show the way to optimize the financial performance of the business. Irrespective of their size, all organizations of every nature strive to achieve cost efficiency.

Operating Cash Management

The fixed capital is akin to the corpus of a business. It is deployed to meet major capital expenditures such as the purchase of machinery or buying land. But, it is the operating cash which keeps the day-to-day business running seamlessly. Ideally, the organization should be able to generate operating cash flow from within the company revenues. If it depends on external credit, it is a red flag. If the financial management of the company is in strong hands, such a situation can be deftly avoided.

Distribution of Profits

When companies generate surplus profits, it is their onus to distribute it to the stakeholders such as employees or shareholders. The surplus distribution is an indication that the organization is financially strong. Unless finance management is done right, this may not happen.

In order to get a deeper insight on this subject, you can enroll in financial management course online.

Human Resource Certification Matters

Every time you open your email, you notice the mails about certifications that are suitable for you. As you browse through an expert’s profile, you review the kind of certifications he or she has acquired. This leads you to check on the human resource management courses  and you explore their importance to your career growth. Why do you think that an HR practitioner needs to be certified? 

There are many reasons as to why HR certification matters. Here are a few of the most important ones:

Demonstrates a Committed Focus towards Self-Learning

When an HR professional seeks to undergo a certification, it shows his or her committed towards their career and the desire to learn about what is new in their expertise area. It indicates that they want to be aware of the latest HR trends so that their knowledge base is always superior to their competitors.

Adds Credibility  

It adds more credibility to the professional’s claim of being an expert in their area of work. Organizations perceive them to be more competent and qualified for the role they are performing. It refreshes previous knowledge and adds new aspects of learning to your skill set. That makes you an even more valuable resource for your firm. 

Adds Confidence

As an HR professional, you will feel more confident in your own knowledge and technical expertise, when there is external validation of that. That can happen only through a good certification program. It gives you a better sense of what your strengths are and how to leverage those. It also gives you the chance to close any existing knowledge gaps, and ensure that you remain employable with the right set of skills in your arsenal.

Opens Up New Opportunities

Many of the HR certifications are either global or relevant in multiple markets. So undergoing the same will give you the option of receiving better opportunities, working in other countries and also looking at higher salary. You are in a position to look at a wider horizon even in terms of the roles you apply for, or want to work in. 

The job market is becoming extremely competitive. People with the same set of skills will be vying for the same jobs. The only way to have an advantage is through remaining relevant and ensuring that you are a step ahead when it comes to knowledge. Some jobs have certifications has a prerequisite. So for both these reasons, having an HR certification programs matters.  

Basic Business Finance Management Approach

Business finance management deals with that part of business which controls and manages the acquisition and conservation of funds for business activities necessary to attain the business objectives. Financial management would ascertain the speed and scope of business growth in short, mid and long term. It would therefore also determine financial goals of the business and what should compose the assets of the firm. The financial mix is also determined by the business finance management. The team also determines how to fix, control and manage the financial activities of the business. There are different approaches to attain this. These are discussed below:

Traditional Approach

This approach was popular during the early stages of business. This approach was limiting and it limited the scope of financial management to accessing and managing funds for business activities. It included activities like arranging funds from financial institutions or through instruments like bonds, shares etc.and managing the legal and accounting aspects of the firm with respect to its corporate relationships. Even though limiting, the success or failure of a firm often depended on the financial decisions taken. The discerning and efficient management of funds is crucial to attaining the business objectives. One of the most important objectives is to increase the wealth for the shareholders. Also, in this approach, the responsibility of the team includes maintaining liquidity or profitability or both for the firm. 

Modern Approach

As per the modern approach, the scope of financial management broadens to become a part of the entire management process as a whole. This approach provides the conceptual and analytical framework  to help aid the financial management and decision-making process. This approach has become common due to the globalization and liberalization of economies. With the use of information technology several financial reforms have been created.  The major decisions made as per this approach are:

• The Investment Decision: These decisions pertain to the allocation of resources for different projects. Projects may include purchase of movable or immovable assets, equipment, machinery as well as acquisition of or merger with another company. The investment must be made only when the ROI is expected to be greater than the hurdle rate.

• The Financing Decision: These decisions ensure that the mix of debt and equity which is used for financing a decision, enhances the value of the asset or purchase.The mix must be such that it minimizes the hurdle rate and allows the organization to make more investment decisions as well as enhance the value of the investments already made.

• The Dividend Policy Decision: These relate to the amount of profits that must be distributed among the owners or shareholders of a company as well as the frequency with which these profits are distributed. There are two ways in which the dividend decisions effect:

The amount of money that is paid and the impact it has on the share price.

 
The amount of money that is held back in order to make future investments as well as other internal investments such that the value of the firm increases. 

Liquidity & Profitability

The financial manager must balance the liquidity and profitability of a firm. This is one of the most frequent dilemmas faced by a finance manager. Liquidity is the amount of cash available which can help the firm to take care of its short term requirements. Whereas profitability requires the finance manager to allocate resources in a way that enhances returns. Offline or online finance courses cover these topics in far more detail and students aspiring to be financial managers must go through such a course.