How Augmented Analytics Is Helping Business Analysts Build Prediction Models

Gartner, a popular IT Research company, recently released their universally accepted Hype Cycle. In this Gartner Hype Cycle 2018, the augmented analytics is predicted to be the hottest topic in business intelligence. This article will shed light on what augmented analytics is and how is it helping businesses.

What is Augmented Analytics?
Augmented analysis or Agile business analysis can simply be explained as a fusion between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Intelligence (BI). On a more technical note, Augmented Analytics is an approach that uses machine learning and natural language generation to automate the insights. With this technology, the traditional hectic process of converting raw data to insights will be automated and improved.

Augmented Analytics isn’t exactly a brand new technology. It had been growing at a slower pace over the past years. But with the recent advancement in AI technology, Augmented Analytics also found new heights of evolution.

The Impact of Augmented Analytics
Analytics Automation is a largely desired capability among new-gen enterprises. The current system primarily relies on manual methods to process raw data. The current automation of the change management processes is limited to simple forecasting and visualization of data using analytics tools. The Augmented Analytics delves deeper and provides actionable predictive and prescriptive guidance along with the historical reports and dashboards.

Elimination of human biasing is another critical aspect of this technology. Since Augmented Analytics can be free of any particular research question, it gives the organizations the flexibility to explore hidden layers of insights. Eventually, it will result in executives of enterprises concentrating more on strategies rather than the daily routine manual tasks.

Some experts compare Augmented Analytics to the evolution of automobiles. Both systems are very complex and have thousands of parts to make them function properly. But a user does not have to know all these parts to use a vehicle. Similarly, Augmented Analytics enables its users to carry out complex analyses without the need for coding skills. The technology abstracts the complexity away.

So, non-technical analysts will be capable of running complex analyses. According to Gartner, the hardest tasks of analytics are expected to be automated within the next two years. Hence making machine learning and data science more open and accessible.

Is Augmented Analytics the Future?
Currently, enterprises are relying on data scientists to carry out data analysis. The scarcity and the high cost for a good data scientist are preventing medium and small-scale businesses from effectively using their data. But with the aid of Augmented Analytics, the data analysis will be cheaper, easier and better – enabling more businesses of all sizes to benefit from analytics.

Augmented Analytics is not yet mature enough to implement in the industry. But, reports suggest that the growth rate in this technology is immense enough to disrupt the business intelligence and analytics market shortly. Right now the lack of good data scientists is causing major trouble for the industry and Augmented Analytics is expected to resolve all these troubles. In short, Augmented Analytics is indeed the future of business analytics.

What Processes Do You Use To Create Financial Analysis Reports?

It is imperative for any financial professional to know the basics of effectively analyzing the financial statements of a company. This requires a thorough understanding of 3 important areas:

  1. The structure of the financial statements
  2. The characteristics, trends, and patterns of the economy of the industry which the firm belongs to
  3. Strategies of the company to differentiate itself from competitors.

A finance professional with financial analyst courses will be able to work his way through analyzing financial reports with effortless ease. However, the following six-step approach could help in developing an effective analysis of financial statements.

  1. Identify the economic traits of the industry

It is integral to undermine the value chain analysis of the industry- the chain of activities involved in creating, manufacturing and distribution of the products or services. Michael Porter’s Theory of Five Forces- Threat of New Entrants, Threat of substitutes, Bargaining power of Buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Competition could be used to analyze the economic climate of the industry.

  1. Identify and analyze the strategies of the company

It is important to look at the nature of the product/service being offered by the company. One should look at the uniqueness, exclusivity, level of profit margins, customer base, customer loyalty, and cost control measure. It is also important to look at the supply chain, logistics and geographic and industry diversification of the company.

  1. Measure and assess the quality of the firm’s financial statements

The financial statements of the company must be reviewed in accordance with the relevant accounting standards and the current economic climate of the country. Balance sheets must be assessed on the basis of valuation, classification, and recognition to get a proper evaluation. The balance sheet must represent the true and complete position of the company’s financial scenario. The income statement must be a complete representation of the company’s economic performance. The cash flow statements will reveal the impact of the firm’s liquidity position from the operation, investments and financial activities angle over a period of time. In a nutshell. The cash flow details where the funds came from, where they were spent and how the liquidity of the company was affected.  With a financial analyst certification, an experienced finance professional will be able to make a successful evaluation of these factors.

  1. Analyze the profitability and risk situation.

This is where a financial professional with a Financial Analyst certification can add value. With respect to profitability, two questions need to ask:

  • How profitable are the operations in relation to the assets
  • How profitable are the operations in relation to the equity shareholders?

It is important to identify potential risks, measure and assess their impact on profitability with the help of financial statement ratios relating to assets, debts, liquidity, etc. These ratios must be compared to earlier periods and also to the industry trends.

  1. Forecast financial statements

It is challenging, however, it is important to forecast with reasonable assumptions about the future of the firm. This should include the indicative figures of cash flows and income to the company in the coming financial year.

  1. Valuation of the company

The last step involves the valuation of the company. Although there are several methods, the discounted cash flow methodology is the most commonly used technique. Investments must be valued based on their future cash flows at a discounted rate. Methods such as relative valuation or accounting based measures could also be used. 

Once the analysis is complete and the financial statement made, there is one pertinent question to be answered- “Can these figures be trusted”. Several firms have faced accounting irregularities and it is up to a finance professional to understand these types of manipulation to perpetuate into the causes and find effective solutions. Financial Analysis courses train professionals who wish to specialize in analyzing financial reports to help companies make the right investments towards healthy growth. These courses will help Financial Controllers who are closely involved in the financial aspects of the organization.

For more information regarding this piece, you can also contact us on – info@imarticus.com or 1-800-267-7679 or can enquire us online through the Live Chat Support system or can visit our various training locations based in – Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Ahmedabad

How Do You Become a Financial Controller?

Are you great with number crunching and have excellent organizational skills, then this job should be what you are aiming at! A financial controller makes the most important decisions in the business with regard to the finances of the company. A trustworthy job as you will be handed the financial reins of the control of inflow and outflow of cash, you will definitely see the positive impact that your hard work will make on the company’s turnover and growth.

Some previous experience as an accountant or in a similar role of managing finance is a prerequisite to be considered for the job of a financial controller. The job demands a high level of knowledge, skill, dexterity, confidence, responsibility, and accountability. If this sounds like the path, you want to take read on to find out more about the roles and responsibilities, prerequisites, salary, hours of work and more.

What does a Financial Controller’s job entail? Are you cut out to embark on a career in that domain. Well as a financial controller you will be responsible for the accounting operations of the company and reporting to the Finance Director. Preparing financial reports, documenting accounts, corporate accounting, budgeting, forecasting- you will be involved in every aspect of the organization that remotely requires money.

You will be managing the financial transactions of a company right from accounts payable to payroll. Irrespective of which industry you work in- every company needs a Mathematics wizard to manage their finances and with an interest and a financial analyst course you could be on the right path to becoming a Financial Controller.

You could complete a finance or accounting degree for e.g., Bachelors in Commerce or Bachelors in Business Management with a specialization in finance which would take you about years. You could also earn a Master’s degree to have an added advantage. If you do not want to take the university route, you can learn by enrolling in a Financial Analyst certification course offered online.

Your employer may fund this for you while you train to become an accountant, and then you can work your way up the ladder. Financial Analysis courses in Hyderabad offer great study options for those who want to move progressively towards becoming a Financial Controller.

There is good news for those aiming to be Financial Controllers- it is a typical 9-5 job with weekends and bank holidays to yourself depending on the organization. Qualified financial controllers can earn anywhere between Rs 15,00,000 – Rs 35,00,000. The range could be higher depending on the size of the company and the experience of the candidate.

Once you gain a degree or even experience in accounting or a financial position, it is important to leverage your expertise and build your supervisory skills to become a Financial Controller. Being in control of finance means solving complex issues, dealing with pressurizing situations with an analytical mind. It is important to be exceptionally organised to meet deadlines and comply with regulations. Your primary responsibility will be to see the “bigger picture” and the financial health of the organization rather than just day-to-day numbers.

If you have your sights set on this role, then just get yourself a role in accounting or finance, get certified with a qualification, work hard and learn the ropes to prove yourself worthy of single-handedly managing the funds of a company.

10 best skills required to become a Java Developer!

Skills required to become Java Developer?

While there are must-know technologies for Java Developer, the technology of choice may differ from developer to developer. According to a survey that was recently conducted by Java Tutorial Network, the most wanted technology/framework among Java developers this year is Java 9, followed by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Blockchain takes third place, after which comes Microservices. Spring Framework also seems to be highly favored among developers.

As you can see, not all of these are Java frameworks and technologies. You can see some front-end frameworks along with trending technologies that have emerged in the IT sector. These are some frameworks and technologies that Java developers seem to hold in high regard as it provides them with the ability to provide better solutions on a larger scale.

At the same time, Java developers are required to have extensive knowledge of the basics at all costs. This would include programming using Java and working on Unix OS. Additionally, you would also be required to familiarize yourself with essentials such as the RDBMS program, JEE architecture, framework, etc. To learn more join this course.

What are various Technologies used in learning Java?

You can’t possibly know all the Java technologies out there because no company will give you a chance to. One company will swear by the Spring framework while other companies like LinkedIn have moved on and are into the PlayFramework.

However, let me give you a list of 10 technologies that will always pitch you ahead of your competition regardless of the company.

10 Skills that will make you a great Java Developer:

  1. At least one MVC framework like JSF, Playframework, Struts, or Spring framework
  2. Hibernate or JPA for databases
  3. Dependency Injection (@Resource)
  4. SOAP-based Web Services (JAX-WS)
  5. Some build tools (AntMaven, etc.)
  6. JUnit (or other Unit Testing framework)
  7. Version Control mostly Git. Get comfortable writing Java code using the latest API changes. If you are already good at Java, it is suggested to learn the latest packages/API changes. You may come to know that an older version of 10 lines of code can be simplified by just 1 or 2 lines using the latest classes/methods.
  8. JSTL
  9. The application server/container configuration management and application deployment (whether it is WebSphereTomcatJBoss, etc. you need to know where your application runs and how to improve its execution)
  10. AJAX

If one wants to be a web developer, one should know

  • JSP
  • Markup Languages like HTML, XML and JSON.
  • Servlets
  • JNDI
  • MVC
  • Frameworks like Struts / Spring
  • Services
  • Web Technologies like CSS, Javascript, and JQuery

If one wants to be a UI developer, one should know

  • Applets
  • Frameworks like Swing, SWT, AWT

How to Prepare for a Data Scientist Interview?

Appearing for any sort of interviews could increase your adrenaline level. Cracking interviews need massive amounts of preparation and research. More so in the given scenario of appearing for a data scientists position, as only appropriate preparation and practice will get you cracking and performing well on the big day.

If you are an aspiring data scientist, you are expected to have a working knowledge, or understanding, or the capability to perform over multiple firms, with a bag full of skills.

Continue reading to understand a quick step-by-step approach on specific areas of Aptitude, Technical know-how, and skill sets required to not only clear the interview but to also excel in the field of Big Data and Machine Learning.

The thing about data science is that its application, and hence expectation across industries varies to a large degree. The role is interpreted differently across companies, some might call a PhD Statistician as a data scientist, to others, it means proficiency in excel, while to some it may mean a generalist in Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning.

  • Step #1: read the Job Profile, specifically for Skills, Tools, and Techniques. If the job description is not self-explanatory or in detail, then some research on the company is non-negotiable. Be clear as to what type of a data scientist position you are applying for. The interview is usually a combination of an Aptitude Analysis, Technical Knowledge, Attitude Analysis. Most organizations in recent times test the applicant on fundamental topics to gauge their fit in the company, attributes like Language Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, etc…, can be easily cleared by reading up on the same to brush your skills.
  • Step #2 –Brush up on important and relevant concepts like these before the interview. To test your technical understanding on the subject, most probably there will either be a technical round or an assessment, case study, which will essentially gauge your knowledge in statistics, programming, machine learning etc…, ensure you are fluent in relevant languages like R, Python, SQL, Scala and Tableau.
  • Step #3: will be to brush up on elementary topics like….
  • Probability – Random variables, Bayes Theorem, the Probability distribution
  • Statistical Models – Algorithms, Linear Regression, Non- Parametric Models, Time Series 
  • Machine Learning, Neural Networks.

So here, essentially you will be tested by the medium of a case study or discussion, on your problem-solving capabilities. It will help if you are able to define the problem for them on the presented scenario, and link the same to the suggested solution and its impact on business. While doing so, cite examples of case studies, or research papers for supporting the suggested solution.

  • Step #4: while you may come with the required skill sets and qualities, ensure through-out the interview you show the willingness to learn and flexibility in adapting to the current organisation, as Data Science and its applications are unique.
  • Step #5: to have a tight resume and pre-empt on ways you will link your experience with the given position during the course of the interview.
  • Step #6: is to carry out data science projects specifically if you are a fresher, there are many public domains available for the same. In addition, it is also advisable to take up MOOCs – Massive Open Online Courses to gain exposure to different as well as focused applications.

Remember, in recent times the role of a data scientist is viewed as someone who can bridge the gap between multiple features of a business. So it is not expected or required of you to be a specialist in all the aspects, but you should be able to link the features, idea and provide solutions across domains. To stand apart in an interview you should not only show your individual strength and domain expertise but come across as a person with enough management skills, along with good communication and technical skills who can blend and get to the crux of a problem.

What Job Opportunities Are Available For Apache Hadoop Experts?

Everyone talks about Apache Hadoop but no one talks about the scope of employment in the field. As you must have already learned, Hadoop as an application software aids a variety of processes across business sectors in the world. Its development tools are primarily used to store and process Big Data.

In that regard, there are several different types of job roles you can take up. As an Apache Hadoop expert, you can either join a software company that develops the tools or an application company that takes advantage of those tools.

The following are some of the most common types of jobs you can do once you learn Hadoop and master it.

Job Opportunities for Apache Hadoop Experts

A quick look at some of the career paths available in the field.

Apache Hadoop Developer

This is the most common job you can get once you finish your Hadoop training and gain some experience. Your role will basically entail the building of data storage and processing infrastructures. Since different companies follow different processes and have different products and services to sell, building a unique one for each of them is important.

For example, a Hadoop developer working at a bank will need to focus on extra security. Hadoop Spark and Hive are some of the technologies you will need to be skilled at.

Data Analyst

If you are going to deal with Big Data, you might as well be an analyst. Don’t see this role as an entry-level job. Data analysts with Hadoop training are in high demand these days as they can oversee the architecture and its output.

You have to be proficient in SQL. Huge to be able to work on SQL engines like Hive. If you are still studying, make sure you carve out a specialization as part of your Hadoop training.

Tester

Most software application jobs have this role of a tester who detects bugs in systems and helps developers with solutions. Testers are important in a Hadoop environment too as they can help detect issues in a newly built infrastructure. Some companies even have an entire team of expert testers who provide continuous suggestions and testing results to better an ongoing infrastructure build.

The good part about being a Hadoop System Tester is that you can switch to this role from any field. Are you a software tester at TCS? Learn Hadoop, get trained, and become a Hadoop tester.

Data Modeller

In this job, you will be a supporting member of the Hadoop development team in a company. A modeler’s responsibilities include system architecture and network designing so that a company’s processes align with the newly created infrastructure for Big Data.

Years of experience in this field can open gates for employment in large corporations. Here you can participate in decision-making rounds.

Senior IT Professionals

The Hadoop environment doesn’t just need people with technical Hadoop skills. It also needs innovators and world analyzers who can provide wise suggestions in the entire process involving a Hadoop setup. It could be in the development phase, processing phase, or output phase.

These professionals have decades of experience in research and development as well as a fair understanding of Apache Hadoop. If you are a senior IT professional who realizes the significance and relevance of the field in the modern world, you can learn Hadoop and slightly shift your career path.

Apart from these five job opportunities, there are several roles that you can take up if you have some qualifications in the field. So, start your Hadoop training and get a job today!

How COVID-19 is Revolutionizing the Online Education Industry!

When the initial cases of COVID-19 were documented in the Indian subcontinent in late January, few could have anticipated its impending course and impact on every aspect of human life over the following months. Yet here we are more than five months later, and our world has been transformed dramatically. Everything from board meetings to grocery shopping is now being conducted online via laptops or smartphones, exposing our heavy dependency on stable internet availability like never before.

Business Analyst Certification course in IndiaConsidering these massive shifts in the status quo, it is clear that technology—especially the Internet—has been central to our evolution and adaptability in the COVID-19 era. However, it is common knowledge that a tech-driven transformation was underway long before the pandemic hit us.

Take the online education industry for instance. The online education sector in India was not only valued at an all-time high of INR 19,300 crore in 2018 but it was also poised to reach INR 36,030 crore by 2024. Fuelling this growth was the rising Internet penetration, as well as simplified access to innovative technology.

More than anything else though, the online education industry was witnessing growth at a breakneck pace due to professionals and students looking to upskill themselves in order to thrive in the new-age business landscape, while balancing their careers with their learning endeavors. Simultaneously, students who attended classes regularly still leveraged online learning to augment their education.

The COVID-19 Impact: Causing Ripples in the e-Learning Ecosphere

While we have established that the online education sector was rapidly growing even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safe to say that the contagion has accelerated this growth at an unimaginable rate. Through online learning, being physically present in classrooms has given way to innovative new methods of education.

As students refrain from being physically present in the same room as their teachers and classmates, online education is inevitably the only way of learning during this age of quarantines and social distancing.

As a result, the scope of online learning has also expanded during this challenging period. From preschools to top-tier universities, most institutes of learning now offer online education to varying degrees. Schools and colleges are closed indefinitely, which means millions of students are now dependent on online learning platforms to further their education and make the most of this unprecedented situation. The e-learning space, therefore, is bound to skyrocket over the next few months.