GMAT [Graduate Management Admission Test] is a competitive online test conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council [GMAC] which is taken by management aspirants mainly for procuring admission in a management program like an MBA or Masters in Management. However, it is interesting to note that the GMAT score validity is limited up to 5 years only. Candidates who have taken the exam in 2018 can use the score until the year 2023 for seeking admission to a B-School or university of their choice. Having said that, we cannot ignore the fact that B-Schools always prefer candidates having a solid academic background clubbed with some professional experience and of course a high GMAT score which provides them a better insight of the candidates’ capabilities.

Image Source

For candidates who have attempted the GMAT exam more than a decade ago, their scores do not hold good anymore. Applicants need to be cautious about the GMAT score validity while sending out the business applications to the chosen B-Schools and ensure that their scores meet the eligibility criteria. Majority of B-Schools have a target cut-off of five years prevenient to the Application deadline. For example, top tier B-Schools like MIT Sloan of Management Class of 2019 had invited Round 1 Application deadline on September 25, 2013, Round 2 on January 22, 2014, and Round 3 on April 8, 2014.

Top B-Schools always stress on the GMAT score as one of the key selection criteria for providing admission to students across the several management programs. As it is obvious from the format of the GMAT exam that it measures the mathematical, logical reasoning, verbal skills and analytical writing competency of candidates aspiring to pursue an MBA program from a B-School of repute.

GMAC provides the flexibility to the applicants to take the GMAT exam on any listed dates per their convenience. In a 12-month calendar year, a candidate can take the test up to 5 times and 8 times as the lifetime limit. For candidates who’ve not fared well in the first attempt can retake the exam with a gap of 16 days from the previous attempt. Always remember, renowned business universities always consider the candidates’ best GMAT score as it is the ultimate reliable reflection of their respective academic performances.

Looking for inspiration to score well and record a seat to a reputed B-School? You can enroll with BYJU’S and directly talk to our GMAT trainers for complete guidance.  You can subscribe to BYJU’S GMAT YouTube channel and check out the solution below

We all go through some awkward situations in our personal and professional life. Irrespective of how cool or composed you may be, if you do not know how to manage a situation properly, you could land up in a tough spot. Well, you need not worry. You can use some jugaads to get out of tricky situations that are listed below.

Image Source
  1. When you talk to someone, you know but forget his name

This must have happened to you at least once in your life. Do not put yourself or anyone in the awkward spot and save the day by asking for his business card. It will allow you to recall their name and give you an opportunity to exchange cards. If you have already collected the card and misplaced it, simply admit that and ask for another one.

  1. When you need to get out of a boring conversation

In this situation, you will have to politely apologize and tell them that you need to catch up with someone before they leave. You can also simply excuse yourself to use the restroom and get out of the awkward situation.

  1. When there is a silence after you introduce yourself

The best way to get out of this situation is to start with questions. You could be an amazing communicator; however, the other person might struggle here. In order to avoid silence, take charge of the situation by asking questions.

  1. When you need to provide financial security to your family

This is something that is very important and the best jugaad you can do is to invest in a term plan online. Life is uncertain and you do not want your family to go through a difficult situation in your absence. You need to understand the term insurance meaning and invest in a plan that fits your needs. Do not wait for life to put you in an awkward situation; instead, buy a term plan and save the day!

  1. When you feel cornered by somebody

If you are ever stuck in this situation, you need to introduce someone else in the conversation. Many people do not realize that they are making you very uncomfortable in a conversation, and if they do not pick up the body language, you should try to include someone else in the chat.

  1. When your fist bump is met with a handshake

This is a bad choice but a sticky situation nevertheless. Always greet people with a handshake, unless they come with a fist bump or a high five. Handle the situation with confidence and meet people with a handshake immediately.

There will always be an awkward situation in public, as well as, your personal life but such jugaads can help you get out of the situation within minutes. If you handle a situation with confidence, you will be fine. Simply be prepared for your next professional event and handle any embarrassing situation smartly.

Looking at the upcoming trends globally and across industry ‘Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning [AI/ML]’ tops the charts. Generally, first thing which comes to mind is machine/cyborg taking over human elements and this has been depicted to various degree in many sci-fi movies. While, the reality is far away from that, it will be unjust to ignore how healthcare is evolving and adopting AI in real life to reduce cost and improve patient outcomes.

Image Source

In current context, AI means simulation of human elements by machines/computers, where they acquire information [learning], process it to reach reasonable conclusions [action] and adapt themselves to situations [course corrections]. AI leverages various technologies like Machine/Deep learning, Vision, NLP, Robots, or autonomous machines etc.

As per Gartner, most organizations are in early stage of AI adoption. Only around 6% have it in use and more than 60% organizations are still trying to understand it. It will take a while before real benefits of AI can be leveraged. Below are areas where AI has already made its way or can bring in difference in future.

  1. Leveraging vision, deep learning on sensor based vital data, physicians will be better equipped to diagnose ailments. Medical imaging can be taken to new levels where AI on top can accurately diagnose and in some cases even predict diseases. Blood smears will use vision to count cells and anomalies. ECG & cardio data can pass through AI to predict outcomes and assist physicians in accurate diagnosis.
  2. Hospital re-admission has been a grave concern and millions wasted due to lack of post operation care. AI can help predict situation like this and can assist providers take extra precautions.
  3. Based on the patient case and required procedures, AI can help in planning surgery, help doctors in accurate measurements, and assist during surgery by tracking vital and other data. AI can help surgeons understand surgery outcomes better based on correlations from similar cases.
  4. Using NLP and vision, AI can assist doctors with diagnosis, running pharmacy correlations with other drugs, allergy, food etc. AI can help physicians with transcripts and voice assisted case management. All these integrated with EHR system will bring in the best of the best values.
  5. Virtual health assistants are tools like chat bots or a conversational service using smart speakers helping customer answer health related quires, symptoms checker or assist them with appointments etc.
  6. AI can assist hospitals in better management of assets, emergency management and better planning of the hospital processes and functions.
  7. In the field of telemedicine, AI can bring wonders by enabling accurate remote health monitoring, predictive diagnosis leading to cheaper & effective remote/rural health management.

If we flip to other side of healthcare, i.e., ‘insurance’, AI can bring many value added services together with care side to bring down the overall healthcare spending globally.

  1. Outcome, risk and cost comparison for similar cases in different hospitals/cities will help insurance companies compare cost and better optimize the plans offered and their premiums.
  2. Predictive element of care can assist providers in better reach out to patients and proactive care management, which can save significant amounts for both sides.
  3. Predictive AI for care, claims and other information can also help providers come up with health plans, which are cheaper and more effective.
  4. AI systems can sift through clinical and claims data to highlight errors in diagnosis, payments, frauds and workflow issues, thus providing a true value based care system.

The real test for AI system will depend on solutions’ ability to integrate with the hospital or doctors’ workflow. AI systems should not be perceived as extra process, as that will reduce the value such systems can potentially bring. Adoption of AI in healthcare, both clinical and insurance will be slow and will face some challenges like:

  1. Ethical concerns due to reduction in Hu element – who takes the liability for a negative event?
  2. Regulation & compliance will play a big role in adaption of AI as they will govern the process and procedures that are followed.
  3. Initial adoption both by physicians and patients will see hiccups mostly related to trust factors, till the time both parties build confidence in such systems.
  4. Lack of requisite skill – sets for technology adoption, followed by trainings of end users.

Finally, AI or any new age technology adaption will face ‘Iron Triangle’ of healthcare [access, quality, and cost] test to prove its worth. For an industry which has always lacked skilled manpower to manage everyone’s health, AI can do wonders in times to come.

About the author

Sanjay Pathak is the head of Insurance & Healthcare Solutions at 3i Infotech. You can more about him here.

India’s startup ecosystem has the potential to innovate, excel and grow at a global scale by adopting technologies such as Artificial Intelligence [AI] and Software as a Service [SaaS] models in their operations. At the recently concluded India Internet Day, Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India spoke about the Indian startup ecosystem – opportunities, challenges and the road ahead; in a fireside chat with Rajan Anandan, President, TiE which revolved around how emerging technologies such as SaaS and AI are the necessary enablers for the ecosystem.

Highlighting the role of emerging technologies in the growth of startup ecosystem, Anant stated that to further scale up, companies must constantly work towards bringing together people, data and processes to gain competitive advantage. Listing out opportunities that Indian market presents, the dialogue exchanged views on the importance of having a trusted partner who can match the tech intensity of a startup and give them freedom to innovate with confidence.

Underlying opportunities

  • Diversity in workforce and increasing digital presence to benefit the ecosystem
  • Besides funding, young startups can benefit from the experience and knowledge of Angel Investors
  • India’s true value is in the bottom of the pyramid of small and medium enterprises [SMEs]
  • AI’s role in driving growth: AI is real now – In the past 2~3 years, AI has become a big thing where ABC – Analytics, Big Data and Cloud have come together. The first wave is already happening in healthcare and fintech domains.

Challenges

  • Taxes and biases impacting the ecosystem
  • Lack of a conducive policy environment

Road Ahead

  • Corporates are significantly investing in SMBs due to their potential
  • Growth of startups is not in the consumer models but is in the SaaS models
  • US, China and India are the 3 countries that have advance talent for the startup ecosystem

With SaaS holding the largest segment of the cloud market and its revenue expected to hit USD 85.1 billion worldwide in 2019, growing at 17.8% compared to 2019 according to Gartner, Indian SaaS landscape is expected to evolve much faster. Therefore, enterprises today must look at creating a robust product at an affordable price-point and must continuously take customer feedback to make it better.

Tech partners on the other hand must handhold the startups and help them – Prepare – as per market conditions to align with customer needs, Market – driving awareness for your solutions to Sell – last phase, selling to end-user in association with the team, their solutions.

Indian market offers immense opportunities as sectors including healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, logistics can benefit immensely if AI is used in a right manner. With the entire country moving towards a becoming a digital economy, the e-governance and citizen services are also implementing emerging technologies to help benefit the society.

Microsoft has been working with various state and central governments as well as companies across sectors to help leverage new technologies for the benefit of all. We are enabling startups to evolve through initiatives such as ScaleUp and M12.  Several startups are already reaping benefits in the country, as the initiative helps provide cutting edge technology to startups and GTM strategies within Microsoft channels and outside.

Anant Maheshwari’s keynote at TiE is below

In order to build a huge sum of money for your future, what do you need? Apart from the allocation of funds, you obviously require the right type of investment plan to keep you covered throughout. One such plan that has been making headlines after the reintroduction of Long term Capital Gains Tax [LCGT] is the Unit Linked Insurance Plan [ULIP]. Due to its investment and insurance offerings under a single plan is what has made it a go-to option.

Image Source

There is never a right or wrong time to invest in ULIPs. It is advisable to invest in this plan at an early stage of life due to numerous factors and benefits. When you invest early, see to it that you have positive cash flow with all the past debts cleared as well as emergency funds for security purpose. Once these two factors are covered only then move forward to the investment procedure as it is a safety net for all your unplanned costs.

Take a look at these reasons that will make you invest in a ULIP Insurance at an early phase of life

What is a ULIP Plan?

Being a new-age product, ULIPs attract a majority of investors due to its high returns and low costs. These newly reformed ULIP Policies allow its investors to attain all their long term financial goals by offering them with the right balance of investment discipline, tax benefits, and so forth. Unlike mutual funds, the expenses that are incurred on ULIPs are much lower.

Investment in ULIPs is definitely worth all your hard earned money. But there are certain things that you should consider before opting for a ULIP Policy. A right ULIP Plan will ensure maximum benefits once you have all the factors in place. Hence, go through these factors before making an investment decision:

  1. Lock-in period
  2. Tax benefits
  3. Multiple funds option
  4. Charges
  5. Death & maturity benefits

Reasons to invest in a ULIP Insurance

1. Online ULIPs

Unlike offline ULIPs, it is an affordable means of investment which implies to lower costs as well. When you invest in online ULIPs, it might provide you with zero cost since it does not include any distribution as well as commission charge. Additionally, a majority of companies are reversing on the mortality rates of online ULIPs as well. This ensures that you not only save yourself some money but also time as you won’t be chasing insurance companies for help.

2. Rupee Cost Averaging

Typically, a ULIP Policy works on a concept termed as ‘Rupee Cost Averaging’. Under rupee cost averaging, the investor buys specified units of funds which are averaged. This in turn tones down the guessing game as the investor lets him invest in a fixed sum regardless of the market scenario. With the help of rupee cost averaging, investor purchases more unit when the market is low and vice versa.

3. High-Value Life Cover

When you invest in a ULIP, you are keen to receive a life cover which might be of high value. A life cover provides you with either a sum assured or a fund value, whichever is higher. Under ULIPs, a life cover might be 10 times of the premium that you invest in. The higher the premium you pay, the higher is the value of your life cover.

4. Tax Benefits

Avail the tax saving benefits on your ULIP Plan by paying the premiums. ULIP tax benefits are valid under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 wherein the investor can avail tax benefits on investments up to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs. Additionally, the capital which you earn is also exempted from the payment of taxes.

5. Switching policy

Investing in ULIPs simply means availability of switching from one fund to another. A ULIP Policy allows you to invest in only those funds based on your risk appetite. Even if you’re a risk-averse investor, ULIPs offers switching funds. As an investor, you can opt to switch funds to enhance your fund value.

Now that you know the significance of investing in a ULIP, when do you plan to invest in one? Whatever you decide, see to it that you invest in it to the soonest in order to enjoy the benefits of a low-cost ULIP. A ULIP investment is best optimized when you keep the current market scenarios in mind. In the end, it is better to invest in something at the right time than not do it all!

Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy. Based on research, there are 28 million small businesses and 18,500 large companies in the US. Of the 28 million, 22 million are operated by sole proprietors. That means the business has no employees. For businesses with employees, payroll is a vital task. If the process is not streamlined, it can slow down operations.

In large companies, business processes are automated. This helps companies remain relevant in the competitive environment. To do so, they have adopted cutting edge technology to gain an upper hand.

For small businesses to remain competitive, they need to optimize payroll process. Want to make payroll processing less time-consuming? Consider these 5 ways to streamline your payroll process.

1. Invest in Payroll Software with Cloud Management Capability

A lot of business owners put off investing in payroll software due to costs. Payroll software with cloud management capabilities is not cheap. Costs aside, such software can calculate taxes based on the employees’ zip code.

It can capture your employees’ data and information. Also, it can split costs between different departments and prevent duplicate entries. The same information can be shared with relevant departments in your business.

Want your business to run faster, and simpler? Invest in payroll software.

2. Pay Employees Less Frequently

A lot of small businesses adopt the hourly, daily or weekly payment scheme. Doing this takes more time to process payroll. To streamline your payroll process, pay your employees less frequently.

Instead of hourly, daily or weekly wages, opt for bi-weekly or monthly wages. This will cut your system service payroll advance. To make this a reality, you need to carry out some coaching on budgeting and personal finances.

3. On-board Your Employees Online

It is common to find new employees filling out a stack of forms on their first day at work. For a business seeking a competitive edge, this is not the best way to use company time. To streamline your payroll process, onboard your employees online.

Modern payroll software comes with cloud and web apps. As such, the system can be integrated with your website. Now, new employees can complete forms online. They include I-9, direct deposit authorization, and W-4 forms.

This saves time and creates an efficient atmosphere at the office.

4. Go Green with Paperless Payroll

Paperless payroll not only saves money but eliminates the need for time sheets, and physical paychecks. To integrate paperless payroll, invest in software with an online portal. With an online portal, your employees can sign up and check their pay information. No more physical checks or wasting paper.

You can streamline your pay stubs with PaystubCreator.net. As an online stub maker, not only does it ensure accurate calculations but error-free entries.

5. Offer Continual Training

Changes in technology and policies require your employees to be up to speed. This is one of the ways to stay ahead of your competition. Continual training and education equip your employees with skills and knowledge. This goes a long way in streamlining the payroll process.

To ensure your employees receive the best training, partner up with a training institution. Not only will they carry out training on site but online too.

Streamline Your Payroll Process to Stay Ahead of Your Competition

When you streamline your payroll process, it translates to several benefits. They include time-saving, cost-saving, and increased efficiency. Not only that. You will reduce errors and duplicate entries.

Looking for more tips on how to optimize your payroll processes? We can help. Check out our blog.

Once you become parents, what’s the one thing that is constantly on the top of your mind? Of course, the well-being and protection of your kid. Having said that, a child’s education holds a lot of significance in the life of every parent. This is because every parent wants only the best for their kids which makes them save more for their future goals and aspirations.

Image Source

The best way to ensure your child’s secure and safe future is by investing in a Unit Linked Insurance Plan [ULIP]. A ULIP plan not only ensures protection of your family but also seals the deal with financial security. It may also turn out as the safest option if you follow these 5 steps in order to fund your child’s future education

Estimate your budget

Estimating your budget is the most crucial step as it lays the foundation of the future of your kid. Moreover, your entire corpus acts as the basis of his future education hence see to it that you generate enough income that not only fulfills your needs but also your kid’s. In order to estimate your budget consider factors like the list of universities, the stay, fees and additional charges of the university, and so forth.

Decide an investment amount

Once you decide the required amount of corpus for your child’s future education, break down the investment amount into a monthly figure. The best way to do so is by taking the help of a ULIP calculator which will give you the estimates of your final investment goal. If you start investing with a small sum of amount, then you can further benefit with the help of a compounding effect.

Consider your risk appetite

Investing in your child’s future education with the help of a ULIP ensures that your risk appetite is in check. ULIP insurance ensures that your encashment in funds is humongous. If you want the same, then see to it that you invest in equity funds. However, if you are someone who doesn’t wish to take risks, you can easily switch to debt funds.

Choose the best ULIP plan

With a plethora of available child policies in the market, there is a possibility to get confused due to too many options. In order to avoid confusion, invest in a plan based on the past performance of the ULIPs as well as your final goals of investment. Moreover, select a plan that not only offers child policies but also a lump-sum amount on the date of maturity. The best ULIP plan will waive off the premium during the death of the policyholder.

Opt for ULIP insurance

For child policies, it is advisable to invest in ULIPs. Investing in ULIPs not only ensures the protection of your kids with a provision of a life cover but also with the benefits of the higher returns. For instance, a ULIP Policy combines the advantages of insurance and investment together in order to earn higher market returns. Regardless of the scenario, your kid needs a better life and with the help of a ULIP, you ensure the best one.

As parents, we can go to any extent in order to provide our child with the best. That’s when ULIPs come into the picture. Make ULIP Insurance your one-stop destination for your kids as it will not only protect them in times of financial exigencies but also allow them to soar higher, at the same time.

Now that you know how to map your child’s future education with ease, when are you planning to make an investment? Start today with the help of ULIPs as it not only offers the benefits of protection but also growth. Since the needs of your child will be in check, the question of his/her future would no longer be an issue to you.

Microsoft has released a new widget on its Microsoft Launcher for Android devices to enable live cricket action on the phone home screen. This widget updates scores automatically and gets live cricket scores whenever a user unlocks the phone.

Cricket widget launched exclusively for Android users in India is available with Microsoft Launcher. Cricket enthusiasts can now stay top of all action without having to open sports apps or search various websites for latest scores. This widget also supports multiple matches by enabling a user to follow two matches simultaneously. Users can customize the widget by choosing their favorite team.

Existing Microsoft Launcher users can add this widget by clicking on ‘Add Widgets’ page at the bottom of ‘Feed Settings’ or pinch on the home screen and select the cricket widget. Launched in October 2017, Microsoft Launcher enables users to personalize their home page with wallpapers, exciting themes from Bing. The users can also get a personalized news experience in all major Indian languages. Microsoft Launcher works seamlessly with all Microsoft apps, and enables quick access to calendar, to-do lists, sticky notes and timeline.

Download Microsoft Launcher for Android from here.