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What is the meaning of financial statement analysis and explain its methods?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Financial statement analysis examines a company’s financial statements to understand its performance. Understanding a company’s financial health requires using a technique like financial statement analysis. In essence, it is examining the financial documents of a firm and determining what they reveal about its operations and prospects for the future. 

This is looking at the figures and connections between earnings, assets, and liabilities to understand how the business is doing and how well it could do in the future. We can decide whether or not to invest in a firm more effectively by conducting this examination.

These records can help evaluate the company’s past, present, and future performance. Understanding financial statement analysis can help you assess a company’s financial health and make informed investment decisions. Keep reading to know more! 

What is financial statement analysis?

The financial report analysis reviews and interprets a company’s financial statements to gain insights.

This analysis uses three critical financial statements: 

  • Income statements: Gross profit margin, operating profit margin, net profit margin, tax ratio effectiveness, and interest coverage 
  • Balance sheets: Receivables turnover, quick ratio, debt to assets, days to sales, and debt to equity
  • Cash flow statements: This is the amount of money available and profits before taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). These figures might be shown on a per-share basis.

What are the objectives of financial statement analysis?

It helps investors and creditors evaluate a company’s financial health and make informed investment or lending decisions. 

Financial analyst

Financial statement analysis helps company management to identify areas of strength and weakness within their operations. 

Financial statement analysis is essential for regulatory authorities and tax agencies to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

A financial statement evaluation provides information about a company’s economic performance. This information can help people make better decisions about lending money to the company. It helps identify the risks and opportunities associated with working with the company.

Benefits of financial statement analysis

  • Financial statement analysis is essential for investors, creditors, and management to understand a company’s financial health. 
  • It has many benefits and can help these stakeholders make informed decisions.
  • Corporate financial analysis lets stakeholders gain insight into a company’s financial performance. 
  • Assessment of accounting statements can be helpful for people interested in a company’s performance. 
  • It can help them spot patterns, unusual things, and places where they should pay attention. 
  • For instance, if a company’s profits keep decreasing, it could mean that its expenses are increasing or its prices are being pressured.

How to analyze financial statements effectively?

To understand a company’s financial situation, you should get its financial statements. But before you start analyzing them, it’s essential to check that the reports are accurate and have all the necessary information.

After verifying the statements, you can start calculating ratios and metrics to evaluate the company’s financial performance. These ratios can help you understand how well the company makes profits, manages its resources, and meets its financial responsibilities.

What are the different methods of financial statement analysis? 

Financial statement analysis helps assess a company’s financial health and performance by looking at its financial statements. There are various methods to determine the performance and efficiency of a company.

  • Ratio Analysis: Ratio analysis in finance is a way to evaluate a company’s financial health. These ratios can include profitability, liquidity, and solvency ratios.
  • Common-Size Analysis: Common-size analysis involves converting financial statements into a standardized format. Therefore, it allows for easy comparison between companies over time. Each line item is a percentage of a common base, such as total assets or revenue.
  • Vertical Analysis: Vertical analysis analyses a company’s financial statements by looking at the percentage of each line item at a specific point, such as revenue or total assets.
  • Horizontal Analysis: Horizontal analysis involves comparing financial statements from different periods to identify trends and changes in a company’s economic performance.
  • DuPont Analysis: DuPont analysis breaks down a company’s return on equity (ROE) into three components. It includes net profit margin, asset turnover, and financial leverage.
  • Cash Flow Analysis: It involves analyzing a company’s cash flows to evaluate its ability to generate cash and meet its obligations.

Conclusion: 

Examination of Financial documents helps to evaluate a company’s financial health. Therefore it is crucial for making smart investments and business decisions. Different ways to study financial statements show a unique company performance perspective. To fully understand a company’s finances, combining these methods is essential.

Imarticus Learning provides the best financial analysis courses.  In partnership with KPMG in India, the Financial Analysis Prodegree was created. This 120-hour program develops competence across various fundamental financial activities. This course also gives participants the professional knowledge they need to change or restart their careers.

Cryptographic Technologies in Blockchains: Data Consistency, Transparency and Privacy

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

With the potential to incorporate distributed data storage, peer-to-peer communication, digital encryption technology, consensus processes, and other computer technologies, blockchain has become very popular. 

A cloud computing service might include blockchain technology and blockchain networks. 

Fintech course

Better security of information, simple traceability, increased system interoperability, decentralisation, quicker system discovery, and many other benefits are made possible by using blockchain in cloud computing.

For blockchain to gain popularity, the assurance of user identity and transaction data security is very important. In this article, we will talk in detail about the role of cryptography in blockchain technology. 

Importance of Security in Blockchain

Blockchain will need to store and manage a lot of data because it is intended to be a decentralised distributed database. 

Data privacy and security are becoming more commonplace as data theft rises and the general population realises how sensitive large organisations may misuse data.

Blockchain ensures reliable, trustworthy, and secure data storage in digital databases that are not under any authority’s control. 

These databases also provide the option for trackability, and this openness enables anyone to verify the blockchain’s immutability. Cryptography, which protects user transaction information and privacy, provides this security.

What is Cryptography in Blockchain?

Security of data using cryptography prevents unauthorised access. Cryptography is used in blockchain for safeguarding transactions taking place between two nodes in a blockchain network. 

In any P2P network, the messages are protected using cryptography, and a blockchain’s link blocks and block information are secured with hashing. 

Cryptography’s main goals are securing transactions and participants while protecting against double-spending. 

It aids in protecting various blockchain network transactions. It makes sure that only those people may acquire, read, and handle the transaction intended for them. 

Types of Cryptography

The different types of cryptography are as follows:

Symmetric Cryptography: 

This cryptography employs an encrypted code, key, or cypher to convert inputted information into a cypher. 

The sender and receiver use the same key for encryption and decryption, making it the first instance of cryptography. This method is well renowned for being simple to use and having a fast data processing speed. 

The other sort of cryptography enters the picture, as will be further discussed, to guarantee the integrity of the keys used for encryption. 

Function:

  • Another name for it is secret-key cryptography.
  • The secret can be kept by both parties using the same key.
  • It is right for encryption in bulk.
  • It transfers data faster and with less computing power.

Asymmetric Cryptography: 

As the name signifies, asymmetric cryptography encrypts and decrypts the information using separate keys between the sender and recipient. With this method, the information is transmitted using two keys—the public and private keys. 

The communication is encrypted and decrypted while being sent using the public key and is unlocked using the private key. 

Anyone online can decrypt it via their public key, even when someone adds a set of digital signatures that use private keys.  

Function:

  • It is known as public key cryptography.
  • It is frequently employed for secret key sharing in symmetric cryptography.
  • It takes a while to process something.
  • In determining the reliability of the web server, it is crucial.

Hashing Cryptographically: 

The third kind of cryptography is “Hashing,” which involves employing cryptographic methods to transform any plain text collection into a cryptographic hash (a distinctive data string). 

In contrast to the previous two cryptography techniques, putting data through cryptographic hashing makes it impossible to reverse it. 

A substantial quantity of data can be reduced using the hashing method to compress the data into a short text string.  

A cryptographic hash’s characteristics are:

  • The hash function stays constant for each message.
  • The hash value will significantly alter with a slight modification in the contents.
  • The output hash algorithm cannot predict the input value.
  • They rely largely on bitwise operations, making them quick and effective.

Role of Cryptography in Blockchain 

The fundamentals of cryptography were used to develop blockchain technology. The benefits of cryptography in the following ways:

Security

Cryptography is necessary for the security of the blockchain ledger. The primary objectives of cryptography are to safeguard transactional data, user privacy, and data consistency. 

Every transaction is kept a record of using encrypted data on the blockchain. Users can buy and sell bitcoins and secure access to their data using their public and private keys.

Blockchains maintain the root hashes which securely encrypt each transaction using cryptographic hashing. If someone tries to modify any kind of data in the blockchain, a completely different hash will be produced at the root hash. 

Other users are able to find out whether the data has been hacked by checking the root hash to the one on their machine.

Scalability

With cryptographic hashing, infinite transactions could be safely stored in the network. As a result of integrating multiple transactions into one hash, blockchains can continue to grow at scale.

Reliability

Cryptographic hashing is irreversible, therefore transactions cannot be reverted. Since they are protected from any hostile behavior, all users may rely on the veracity of the digital ledger.

Encryption 

Asymmetric encryption is used in cryptography to safeguard data and communications against unauthorised disclosure and access on their network.

Immutability 

This characteristic of cryptography makes it crucial for blockchain. It enables blocks to be securely linked by other blocks and ensures the data’s reliability. 

It also ensures that no attacker can create a valid signature for hypothetical queries using the signatures of previous queries.

Non-repudiation

The non-repudiation work offered by the digital signature protects against any denial of a communication sent by the sender. 

This benefit is related to collision resistance, or the ability to easily distinguish one message from another since each input value has its hash function, preventing clashes between delivered messages.

Conclusion 

Thanks to cryptography, we can safely send Bitcoin, encrypt data, and preserve a record of previous transactions. 

Without a centralised authority, it ensures that blocks will keep getting added to the chain indefinitely and allows us to exchange cryptocurrencies safely.

Blockchains can store a huge number of transactions while using cryptographic hashing to protect those transactions from hackers. Online transactions are scaled, validated, and made secure.

If you want to build a career in fintech, check out Imarticus Learning’s Professional Certificate in Fintech. This fintech certification course has been designed to provide an in-depth understanding of different concepts of fintech. 

Imarticu’s fintech certification course will help you get a headstart in your fintech career. 

Visit Imarticus Learning to know more. 

What is Incident Handling in Cybersecurity?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Cybersecurity threats are a major challenge for organisations. The present-day technology that organisations are using has increased convenience, but they have also given vent to a number of risks such as cyber-attacks. Therefore, organisations have to be prepared in a way that they can respond to attacks, even the ones that might not have taken place before.

cybersecurity courses

Incident handling is a cybersecurity technique through which organisations can develop a robust strategy to ensure cybersecurity. It refers to the process of detecting a threat, responding to it, and finally recovering from it. Incident handling helps to mitigate the damage that is caused by any cyber threat and helps to restore the system to the state it was in prior to the accident. 

This article deals with the different aspects related to incident handling. Read on to find out.

Situations Where Incident Handling Can Help 

Incident handling does not lead to a permanent solution, but it definitely helps to quick-fix a problem and make sure that the work is not hindered. Incident handling helps to detect an incident, respond to it, and nip the problem in the bud. 

Some of the situations where incident handling can help are:

  • WiFi connectivity issues
  • Malware bug or virus
  • Navigation errors or website lags
  • Email malfunctions
  • Security breaches

However, the purpose of incident handling is not only to eradicate a certain problematic incident but also to derive learning from it. Incident handling takes place in a number of steps, which are discussed in the next part of the article. 

Steps Involved in Incident Handling

Some incidents may be critical to deal with. For instance, attackers may perform operations like advanced persistent threats to steal data from a source. These threats are not easy to eradicate and may also remain undetected for a long time. 

Dealing with such incidents may be difficult. Cybersecurity analysts and incident handlers have to detect all the tools and malware the attackers have installed. They also have to look if the attacker has created any new user accounts in the Active Directory and track the data that has been exfiltrated. 

To perform incident handling in the best way, incident handlers have to follow a number of steps, which are mentioned below. 

Preparation

This is the first step of the process, which does not require the occurrence of any prior incident. It is important to invest considerable time in the preparation phase so that companies remain prepared for any kind of unprecedented situation. The complexity of the preparatory process depends on the company’s size and infrastructure. 

This process includes defining the rules and regulations and policies that will guide the security process of an organisation and safeguard it against cybersecurity threats. During this phase, organisations plan how to respond to incidents that might target the organisation. 

During the preparation phase, organisations also develop a plan for communication, that determines who to reach and how to reach them during the incidents. This holds true for professionals both within and outside the organisation. There are mock sessions and simulated incidents through which the members can remain prepared on how to react to the incidents. 

Identification

In the identification phase, the incident that has been discovered is reported. This phase includes checking the actuality of the incident and making sure that it is not a false detection. The scope of the incident is then defined. Cybersecurity analysts and incident handlers then start investigating the incident. 

For the detection of the incidents, they correlate and try to analyse the data from endpoints. The case is then documented for further perusal. 

Containment

This phase of incident handling helps to curb any further damage. In this phase, the incident handler has to first prevent any further communication between the attacker and the compromised network. To ensure this, the network segments or the affected devices need to be isolated.

Next, backups need to be created. Analysts and incident handlers also need to preserve evidence so that the incident can be investigated further. Once all of this is done, the next step is to fix the affected devices and systems so that they can continue their normal functioning. For this, the vulnerabilities have to be patched and any fraudulent access has to be eliminated.

Eradication 

Once the incident has been tracked to the root, it is time to eradicate it. Although changing the passwords, deleting the discovered malware, and applying security fixes may seem like a convenient way to get away with the incident, all of this still leaves a chance for the attacker to come back. 

Therefore, the best possible way to resolve this is by fully reinstalling the affected systems.

Once all of this has been done, it is time to get the system back to work again. Prior to the recovery, make sure that the system has been hardened and patched wherever required. Sometimes, the recovery process may require a complete reinstallation of the Active Directory, and also a change in the passwords of all the employees. This will prevent the occurrence of the same incident. 

After everything has been restored to normal, the teams and the professionals involved in the process should meet and discuss the incident and derive the learnings. Such incidents prepare organisations for the worst.

Conclusion 

Hope this gives you a clear idea about incident handling. To learn more about cybersecurity, incident handling, and other related topics, you can pursue an online course in cybersecurity from Imarticus Learning. 

The course curriculum has been designed by industry experts and will prepare you for the roles of cybersecurity analyst, Incident Handler, Penetration Tester, and many more. Once you invest dedicated six months in this course, it is sure to open up new opportunities. 

The course does not only teach the learners the subject, but also ensures their holistic development through mock interviews, resume-building sessions, and personality development classes. The placement assurance is the cherry on top!

Therefore, enrol now to give your career a boost.

What are Artificial Neural Networks?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

This is the age of supercomputers, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning where computing power has gone much beyond our imagination. With such scientific and technological advancements, it has become possible to process huge volumes of data within a fraction of a second for getting valuable insights. 

become a Data Analyst

A common term, which is extensively used when we talk about AI or ML is Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Artificial Neural Network is a model which imitates the way in which various nerve cells function in the human brain. There are many aspects and interesting layers in this network. Read on to learn more about Artificial Neural Networks, how they work, their advantages and other related things. 

What Are Artificial Neural Networks?

Artificial Neural Networks refer to a subfield of Artificial Intelligence, modelled after the human brain. These are algorithms which are based on brain functions for forecasting issues and modelling complicated patterns. The Deep Learning method emanates from the concept of biological neural networks. 

The main aim of developing Artificial Neural Networks was attempting to replicate the functioning of the human brain. If you study closely, you will find that the functioning of ANN is similar to that of biological neural networks. ANN algorithms work on structured and numeric data. 

The learning algorithms that ANNs use can make adjustments independently. Precisely, they can learn as they receive any kind of new input. This is the reason they are highly effective for non-linear statistical data modelling. 

The Architecture of Artificial Neural Networks

To understand Artificial Neural Networks, you must have knowledge about the architecture of ANNs.

Layers in the Artificial Neural Network

There are three or more layers in an Artificial Neural Network, which are interconnected to one another, namely the input layer, hidden layer and output layer. Because of multiple layers, ANNs are often called Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP).

The first layer has input neurons. These neurons send data to the other deeper layers in the network. After the data is processed through these layers, the final output data is sent to the last output layer. 

In the ANN, all inner layers are hidden. These layers are made of units which adaptively alter the data received from one layer to another through a long series of transformations. The hidden layer is also referred to as the ‘distillation’ layer as the most relevant and useful pattern is extracted from the inputs and sent for further analysis to the next level. Redundant information gets discarded in the process. 

Each layer in the ANN functions as both an input and output layer for understanding complex subjects well. Collectively, all the inner layers are called neural layers. 

Using backpropagation

Using backpropagation is an essential part of Artificial Neural Networks. Backpropagation is a process in which the ANN adjusts the output results by considering the errors in the account. 

During the supervised training phase, every time output is labelled as an error, it is sent backwards through the process of backpropagation. Every single weight is updated to understand how it contributed to the error. 

The error recalibrates the weight of the ANNs unit connections for understanding the difference between the actual outcome and the desired outcome. The ANN will gradually learn to minimise the chances of unwanted results and reduce the number of errors as well. 

Practical Applications of Artificial Neural Networks

Artificial Neural Networks have unique properties and therefore they are used in various applications. Some of the practical applications of Artificial Neural Networks are as follows:

  • Forecasting

Artificial Neural Networks help in making forecasts which impact business decisions greatly. Regular business decisions include capacity utilisation, the financial allocation between goods, sales, etc. 

Apart from these ANNs also help in making forecasts on the stock market, monetary and economic policy, finance and other subjects. Forecasting is quite a complex thing as there are many underlying variables concerned, some of which are known and some are unknown. 

There are things that could be improved in traditional forecasting models. On the other hand, ANNs can extract previously known correlations and unknown characteristics, thus providing accurate forecasts with minimal errors. 

  • Image Processing and Character Recognition

Artificial Neural Networks have a significant role in character and picture recognition. This is because these networks can take in innumerable inputs, process them and derive complicated and hidden, non-linear correlations. 

For instance, handwriting recognition is an integral part of character recognition and is used extensively in various applications like fraud detection and national-level security assessments. 

Apart from character recognition, image recognition is a fast-evolving discipline. Image recognition is now used in various applications right from cancer detection in medical science to facial identification in social media, from defence purposes to satellite image processing, agricultural purposes and so on. 

Deep Learning includes deep neural networks, which have opened up transformative and new advances in natural language processing, speech recognition and computer vision. One of the best examples in this regard is self-driving vehicles. 

Advantages of Artificial Neural Networks

Some of the most prominent advantages of Artificial Neural Networks are as follows:

  • Data storage on the entire network

Data used in traditional programming is not stored on a database; but rather on the whole network. When a few pieces of data disappear in one place, it does not prevent the network from functioning. 

  • Parallel processing capability 

Artificial Neural Networks have the capability of performing more than one task simultaneously. This is possible because ANNs have a numerical value. 

  • ANNs can function with incomplete knowledge 

Post-ANN training, the output will be produced from the given information even with inadequate data. The loss of performance depends upon the significance of missing information. 

Summing it up

Artificial Neural Networks have myriad applications and are being extensively used in natural language processing, spam email detection, predictive analysis in business intelligence, chatbots and so on. 

A course in Data Science and Analytics helps you know more about Artificial Neural Networks. Imarticus Learning offers a Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Analytics for building a career in analytics and data science. The programme offers guaranteed job assurance. The 6 Months programme has almost 300+ learning hours with 25+ projects and 10+ tools. Give your tech career the needed boost with this course. 

Handling Investments: Effective Portfolio Management

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Portfolio management is crucial for making the most of one’s investments. It helps investors to deal with the risks of the derivatives market. The best results are achieved when investors are actively involved in portfolio management. Portfolio management cushions the risks of the money market and successfully increases the returns on investment. 

Investment Banking Training

Portfolio management mainly functions as a SWOT analysis of various investment areas, considering the objectives and risk tolerance capacity of the investors. Hence, it aids in generating significant profits and protecting the earnings from the dangers of financial markets. A good investment banking certification program can assist one to learn all essentials about the subject.

What is Portfolio Management?

Portfolio management is the idea and technique of choosing and overseeing the various areas of investments. It is mainly concerned with long-term investments and financial objectives keeping in mind the ability of rest tolerance of every company or investor. In other words, portfolio management is the process of dealing with the funds and investments of an investor for a specific period of time.

Portfolio management is essential to protect the funds of the investors from the potential market risks in the money market. The basis of portfolio management is to make better decisions regarding the funds of the clients. Portfolio management not only yields better profits for the investors but also protects their funds from the dangers of the financial markets.

Objectives of Portfolio Management

The main objective and purpose of portfolio management are to assist in selecting the best investment option for an investor. It should be decided to keep in mind the age, earnings, time period and ability to tolerate the risk of the investor. 

The major goals of portfolio management can be enumerated as follows:

  • Increasing the value of the invested capital. 
  • Escalating the returns on investment.
  • Improving the overall quality of the portfolio.
  • Minimising the risks of the financial market.
  • Properly allocating the resources.
  • Expanding the reach of the portfolio.
  • Safeguarding the earnings against the risks of the money market.

Essential Elements of Portfolio Management

The success of portfolio management depends upon the long-term assets of the investors. The assets include cash and cash equivalents, securities deposits etc. by understanding the basics of stock, borrow and lending, one can have a better grip on effective portfolio management. 

The following are the important elements of portfolio management: 

Asset allocation

Asset allocation is all about understanding the nature of different assets and how distinct they are from each other. It means that some assets are less volatile whereas some are highly volatile. Good portfolio management involves investing in different types of assets which will give a good balance and mix of investments to the investors.

Asset allocation helps investors to protect their funds from the risks of the money market. More assertive investors concentrate on investing their funds in volatile areas such as growth companies. whereas investors with a cautious investment portfolio tend to invest more in reliable assets such as equity, Government bonds etc.

Diversification

It is impossible for individuals to accurately predict which investment areas are more profitable and which areas can bear losses. A judicious course of action is to gather a portfolio of investments that provide wide and diversified exposure to certain classes of assets. Sticking to any particular investment area all the time is not an intelligent approach.

Diversification involves laying out the risks and rewards of the investments across or within various asset classes. Diversification aims to identify the returns on investment of all the sectors over a period of time tracking the degree of volatility of each asset. Any individual cannot be totally sure about which security will perform the best and which will surpass the other. 

Rebalancing

Rebalancing is a way of returning the portfolio to its original form. It can be done by realigning the weights of assets in a portfolio. Rebalancing involves regularly selling and buying assets to maintain the degree of asset allocation and risks that was the original intention of the investor.

Rebalancing is mostly done by selling high-value securities and investing that amount in lower-value securities. The rebalancing process allows investors to understand the gains and increase the growth potential in high-value sectors. However, it also maintains the alignment of the portfolio with the initial risk and return profile.

Tax efficiency

An important parameter of portfolio management is how it reduces taxes over a longer period. This relates to the use of various retirement accounts, the period for which different securities are held and the various types of securities maintained. 

For instance, certain Government bonds are exempted from tax. Investing in such securities is an advantage for investors. It implies that any dividend earned through such securities does not come under the purview of taxes. Considering tax efficiency and making smart investments is an essential feature of portfolio management.

Types of Portfolio Management

Portfolio management can be classified into four broad categories that are stated as follows:

  • Active portfolio management: This type of portfolio management mainly focuses on increasing the return on investments by buying undervalued stocks and selling them when the prices rise.
  • Passive portfolio management: This category of portfolio management tries to maintain a fixed type of portfolio by following the present market pattern. Here, the returns are comparatively low but the investment area is less volatile.
  • Discretionary portfolio management: In this type of portfolio management the investor gives complete authority to the portfolio manager to make wise investments on the investor’s behalf.
  • Non-discretionary portfolio management: In this category of portfolio management the portfolio manager can only make suggestions regarding the investment options. It is upon the investor whether one wants to accept or reject the advice.

Conclusion

Effective portfolio management is essential as it allows investors to select the best area and strategy for investing their funds, especially for a longer duration. Making investments is however based on multiple parameters such as rest tolerance, age of the investor and earning capacity. Good portfolio management invests the funds considering all the parameters and still making profits out of it.

If you are interested in becoming an investment management expert and learning the roots of portfolio management then the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional course by Imarticus is the best pick for you. This course is appropriate for finance graduates with little or no experience. You can learn the insightful features by attending the classroom or online training. You can Ace the world of portfolio Management and investment banking by gaining deep knowledge with the help of the course.

UAE – The Future Of Campus to Corporate Training: Trends And Predictions

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Introduction

School – the campus to be well-rounded with basic literacy and numeracy. Plus a range of subjects, sports and good social values.

College – the campus to gain specialized knowledge and skills to pursue careers of choice.

Future Of Corporate Training

The school and college campus seems ideal for children growing up into adults. A great launchpad for the campus to corporate journey. What more can one ask for? It seems there is!

Education in school and college is vital for knowledge, values, attitude and skills. But it is not enough. Want to know why? Read on.

The challenges

Change – the only constant known to the world, is now churning fast and furious. In contrast, the steady pace and standardized pieces of campus education are lagging.

It is causing a gap in skills acquired from campus to those needed by corporate. For example, 50% of UAE businesses face a skills shortage. And 90% fail to find the candidates they need!

Globally, it only seems to get worse, fast. Here’s why:

  • The nature of jobs is getting volatile. The prediction is that over 42% will churn in all industries!
  • There is growing uncertainty. Technological. Economic. Climate. More!
  • The skills gap is a complex issue. Over 87% of companies are facing it globally.
  • The ambiguity of risks and business insights. From the speed and size of data overload.

VUCA has disrupted the campus to corporate Bazooka!

Is there a way out? Sure, there is. All it takes is onboarding the ‘right train to upskill’. Let’s catch up on some waves of campus-to-corporate trends of in-demand skills to ride on.

Trending skills to ride on

The future of campus-to-corporate training depends on its harmony with in-demand skills. Here are some predictable campus-to-corporate trends to train right.

Trending skills by categories

Studies reveal that technological, social and higher cognitive skills are trending.

No wonder training programs in data analytics, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence/machine learning are popular.

Also, the future of campus-to-corporate training must include trending skills in categories of:

  • Higher-cognitive skills such as adaptability and problem-solving, and
  • Social skills such as coping with uncertainty and collaboration.

Why?

  • These are usually not taught or measured in school or college.
  • As per a study, these include two of the top three skills likely to get employment!
  • As per research, they are among three critical skills to train students for future jobs.
  • Remember the VUCA challenge? They happen to address two of them!

Trending skills by function

A study showcased the top 20 in-demand skills for 2023. It had hard skills like software development with soft skills like communication.

It would be wise for the future of campus-to-corporate training to have them included. Training programs can weave them in to deliver flavours of business functions like:

Trending skills delivery tools and methods

The campus-to-corporate training programs must use these trending delivery tools and methods:

  • Tools such as learning management systems (LMS). Or gamification, virtual/augmented reality, video conferencing and social media.
  • Methodologies such as online learning. Or microlearning, blended learning, personalized and above all – experiential learning.

To sum it up

Many corporations are struggling to stay afloat amidst the constant disruptions. This in turn is leading to the emergence of a ‘skills gap’. The future of campus-to-corporate training programs lies in bridging them. Training must upskill students to be working professionals for gainful employability.

Imarticus can be a trusted campus-to-corporate training partner to upskill. Be it for trending skills by categories or business functions or skills delivered using trending tools and methods. In partnership with institutions and corporates, Imarticus has achieved several milestones. 56000+ placements. 45000+ career transitions. 20+ courses and programs.

That makes Imarticus everyone’s trending choice to upskill for the future. Visit Imarticus today!

Tips on how to choose the right BBA program?

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Know about BBA

The Bachelor in Business Administration or BBA is a 3-year undergraduate program for students who have their minds set on a management career just after completing school. The BBA program revolves around the administration of business and business operations management. Students learn about entrepreneurship and management roles in the program.

The best part of BBA is that it offers the course to students from every stream. Students of Humanities, Commerce, and Science can apply for any BBA program.

bba in business analytics

BBA promises you a great future in Management. Many universities across India provides BBA program in various modes. However, before jumping to a long-term program, you must consider the impact a BBA program will have on your job opportunities.

A good BBA program comes with great exposure to the industry before you complete your course. Selecting the right college is a tedious task just because of the number of options available offering near-similar benefits. Here are few

Tips on how to choose the right BBA program?

1. Make a list

Make a list of what your desired universities have to offer. It could include specializations, fees, mode of learning, placement, faculty, and more. It will help you to narrow down to BBA programs that are best for you. Lists are critical since they help you to make informed decisions. They also save a lot of time and can be useful in cases where there are plentiful options.

2. Research

It is important to research before you jump into a BBA program. Research can help you find loopholes and eliminate the programs that are not helpful for you. It also helps to set goals and cut the additional costs you might incur without proper research.

3. Find pros and cons

Check out the pros and cons of a particular BBA program so that you can clear idea of options.

What do you need to consider in a BBA program?

You have to follow a few parameters and look for certain specific things while choosing the best BBA program for you.

1. Offered Specialization

There are multiple specializations offered in the BBA program. This includes:

Business administration

International Business

Computer application

Marketing

Finance

Sports management

The specializations will depend on what you are good at and have an interest in. You can also research what curriculums cater to what you want to study and are beneficial in the future.

2. Faculty

Faculty is one of the biggest USPs of any BBA program and you must ensure that you are benefitted from it. Check the number of faculties depending on whether they are full-time or part-time. Faculties that have industry experience are a plus sign you should look out for. It helps the learners to engage with the industry even before they start their internships.

3. Curriculum

A highly text-based curriculum might not be the best choice when it comes to choosing a BBA program. Management courses are rarely about taking notes. It must include case studies, real-world projects, skill development sessions, opportunities for internships, and more.

4. Placement opportunities

Placement is the single most important criterion that should be included in your research list. Make sure that you check out the information on the partners and collaborations of the university beforehand. partnerships with companies ensure maximum placement. You might also want to check out the median salary, the number of people placed, offered positions, etc for the same.

Why choose Imarticus Learning?

Imarticus Learning brings BBA in business analytics in collaboration with Geeta University.

The curriculum curated by Imarticus Learning in association with Geeta University has been deemed as new-age and industry aligned by industry leaders. It includes topics like:

Fundamental of business analytics

Fundamentals of business intelligence

Design thinking

Critical thinking and decision making

Data visualisation

Statistical analysis using SAS &R

Marketing analysis

Financial analytics

Supply chain analytics

You will also be familiarised with tools such as Microsoft Excel, SQL, Power BI, SAS, R and more. You will also get to work on capstone projects that enable the students to link their projects to issues of community and utilise their learning experience. You will also get the skill enhancement certifications and benefits of a digitally-enabled campus.

Along with this, the BBA program offers summer internships in top companies. After the completion of the program, you will also get career support that includes placement. Career support also includes mock interview sessions, resume-building classes, and more.

Imarticus Learning has worked to get more than 56000 students placed and enable 45,000+ career transitions. That is not all. To provide the best assistance in the competitive job market for our learners, we have collaborated with more than 500 industry leaders as our partners for maximum placement opportunities.

Our alumni work at:

Deloitte

Genpact

Accenture

Infosys

KPMG

IBM

Capgemini

Goldman Sachs

Cognizant

Standard Chartered

Wipro

Moody’s analytics

Check out more about the BBA course here.

The Different Types of Cyber Threats: Cyber Attacks, Internal Threats, Social Engineering, Malware, Spyware Etc.

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Cyber threats are security breaches that are caused with the intent of stealing data or tampering with computer systems. Such attacks can grant hackers access to personal user information. Cybercriminals with malicious intent can use such data to commit identity theft or even cripple the entire organisation’s network. 

cybersecurity courses

Some of the most common categories of cyber threats are social engineering attacks, malware attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, supply chain attacks, injection attacks, and denial of service (DoS) attacks. You can learn more about these cyber attacks and the possible ways to safeguard your organisation against them in an IIT Roorkee cybersecurity course.

This article discusses in detail the different types of cyber threats that can pose considerable damage to an organisation. Read on to learn more. 

Malware Attacks – The Most Common of All

Malware is the shortened form of “malicious software.” Malware refers to cyber threats that are caused due to viruses, spyware, trojans, ransomware, etc. This kind of threat usually finds its way into the system when users click an email or link or download software from an untrusted source. 

Once malware gets installed in your system, it can cause considerable damage by blocking access to the network’s critical components, gathering sensitive confidential data, or damaging the system on the whole. Some common variations of malware attacks apart from viruses and worms are listed below. 

  • Spyware: You can figure out from the name that this kind of malware spies on your activities. The data thus gathered is then sent to the hacker. Spyware can access a user’s confidential data such as passwords, payment details, logins, and so on.
  • Ransomware: This kind of attack encrypts your data in such a way that you will not be able to access your own system. Users will be asked to pay a ransom after which the access will be restored. However, there is still no assurance that you will gain full access to the functionality after you have paid the ransom. 
  • Trojan: This kind of malware hides inside software that is legitimate. Once you download such software, your system goes for a toss as the trojan gains full control of the device. 
  • Keyloggers: This kind of malware is most commonly used for identity theft and blackmail. As Spyware spies on your activities, Keyloggers track all your activities, including what you type and the site you use. The information is then passed on to hackers, which they then use to satisfy their own malicious intent. 

Social Engineering Attacks Practised through Deception 

This can be compared to a kind of manipulation in which hackers pose as trusted sources or individuals and then trick them into providing them with the entry point. These malicious activities are accomplished through human interaction. 

This is a slow process and takes a considerable amount of research. Hackers first need to gather enough background information about the individual or organisation that they are planning to target and identify the entry points. Once this is done, the hackers then try to gain the trust of the victims and proceed with the attack. 

Some variations of social engineering attacks are mentioned below. 

  • Phishing: In this kind of cyber attack, the hacker sends deceptive emails as though they are coming from a trusted source. The users are then duped into clicking the emails and accessing the malicious content. This way, the threat is installed into the computer and the hacker gains access to sensitive confidential information such as user data, bank details, login credentials, and so on. 

Like phishing, there are also concepts like vishing and smishing, which use phone calls and text messages respectively to dupe the users into believing the hackers masquerading as legitimate sources.

  • Baiting: In baiting, users are lured into attractive things such as gift cards and offers. As soon as the user clicks on them, the attacker gains access to all kinds of sensitive information. 
  • Scareware: In this kind of cyber attack, victims are given false threats and alarms and are tricked into believing that their system is malware infected. They are shown pop-ups that persuade them to install software that can safeguard their device but is a perpetrator instead. The real trouble begins when they click on the pop-up.

Injection Attacks that Disrupt the Network Security 

Not securing your network can prove to be grievous because hackers are equipped with smart ways to slide into your system. Of all the techniques they use, injections are a common tactic that helps them execute their task neatly. 

Injection attacks are the kind of cyber attack in which attackers infect web applications with malicious content that can retrieve personal information and disrupt the working of the system. Some of the main injection attacks are stated below. 

  • SQL Injection: In an SQL injection, a command is used to insert malicious code into the SQL statements in order to gain control over the data. The code is injected through a web page input. 
  • Cross-Site Scripting: In this kind of cyber attack, malicious JavaScripts are injected into legitimate websites. Through this kind of web security attack, attackers take control over the interactions between the users and the vulnerable applications. 
  • OS Command Injection: In this kind of cyber attack, the attacker uses the operating system as an instrument to execute his malicious intent. Command injections are used to insert vulnerabilities that are to be executed by the operating system. 

Some Other Kinds of Cyber Threats

Alongside the attack types mentioned above, there are also other kinds of cyber attacks such as the Man-in-the-Middle attack and Denial-of-Service attack. 

In a Man-in-the-Middle attack, attackers intervene the communication between users and applications and steal confidential information. Attackers can pose as legitimate Wi-Fi connections, connecting to which may cause havoc to a user’s network security. 

Denial-of-service is a kind of attack in which a target system is overloaded with humongous amounts of traffic, which hinders the system’s ability to function. One can also not oversee the risk of internal threats posed by insiders who might have immoral intent.  

Conclusion

Since hackers and attackers are getting smart, organisations need to make their security systems smarter. It takes skilled IT professionals to come up with measures that can fortify an organisation’s network security system.

If you are looking forward to building your career in this field, you can opt for an IIT Roorkee cybersecurity course brought to you by Imarticus Learning, which will teach you more about these cyber threats and other aspects related to it such as ethical hacking, cloud computing and ensuring cloud security, incident handling, etc. 

This course does not only offer you the privilege to learn from expert faculties from IIT Roorkee but also equips you with market-relevant skills like cloud security, ethical hacking, application security, etc. that can help you future-proof your career. The 3-day campus immersion program also helps you network better and open up new opportunities. 

Enrol now for a brighter IT career!

Interactive Dashboards with Microsoft Power BI

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Are you struggling to generate meaningful insights from the wide datasets of your enterprise for creating a business dashboard? Without the right insights, your decision-making will become vulnerable. 

Implementing Microsoft Power BI is the best solution to this issue. The drag-and-drop options, simple user interface and not requiring coding make Power BI a favourite tool for building business dashboards and data visualisation. 

Building an excellent dashboard with Power BI

Big data is a massive asset, which businesses leverage for transforming business operations, enhancing decision making and increasing the overall productivity of the organisation. Power BI helps in analysing data effectively along with providing interactive insights for creating visually immersive visualisations and interactive dashboards. 

Building a dashboard with Power BI has become a favourite for businesses. In a Power BI dashboard, you can assemble all crucial data elements on a single page. The dashboard acts as a gateway to the underlying reports and datasets so that you can reach the reports from the dashboards whenever needed. 

By using Power BI dashboards, you can visualise your data and share insights across the organisation. You have the benefit of embedding the dashboard into your app or website. 

How to create dashboards in Power BI?

A powerful visualisation tool, Microsoft Power BI transforms raw data into actionable insights. Create custom dashboards for displaying crucial metrics and giving complete visibility to your business for informed decision-making. 

Let us look at the various steps to follow for creating dashboards in Power BI:

  • Data Import 

The first step towards creating dashboards in Power BI is data import. You have to move data to Power BI first. 

  • Click on the ‘Get Data’ button at the left corner bottom of the screen.
  • Choose the source from where you want to import data – OneDrive, Excel, Azure SQL database or SharePoint. 
  • After importing the data, Power BI generates a blank canvas with a menu where you can select visuals which represent the metrics best on the dashboard.

  • Selecting the visuals

You must choose proper visuals for the reports and the data so that the important pointers are highlighted. Here are some common Power BI visualisations you can choose from:

  • Bar charts – These are ideal for showcasing the comparison between various data categories. They are great for analysing monthly expenses and sales product performance. 
  • Scatter plots – These represent a relationship between two attributes. 
  • Pie charts – Great for representing customer demographics, pie charts represent the composition of a whole in terms of percentage. 
  • Stacked charts – With these charts, you can present multiple data types within a single bar. They are useful for highlighting monthly budget breakdowns. 
  • Line graphs – These are useful for tracking changes over time. They are mainly used for plotting annual revenue. 

  • Attaching visuals to the dashboard

While customising the Power BI dashboard, you have to pin the most valid and suitable visual or chart. 

Click on ‘Add Title’ > ‘Create a Visual’ > Pin Icon to attach the icon to the custom dashboard. With the drag-and-drop feature, you can arrange the tiles as you feel. 

  • Dashboard themes

There are options for changing the dashboard themes in Power BI so that your dashboard has a new look. With every Power BI subscription, you have some inbuilt basic themes. You also have the option of downloading custom themes from the Microsoft Themes Library. With themes, you can work on the organisation’s branding. Themes also help in differentiating the dashboards on various parameters. 

  • Targeting the audience

With Microsoft Power BI, you can create effective dashboards for specific users. You can target your audience specifically for better results. For instance, if you are creating an accounting dashboard, you can highlight things like product performance, monthly expenses, revenue generation and other things. To capture the attention of your audience, Power BI lets you expand the charts and drill into the reports. Refrain from cluttering your dashboard with unnecessary information and data. 

  • Sharing the dashboard

The best thing about Microsoft Power BI is that you can share the dashboard with colleagues, peers and major decision-making professionals in the organisation. You can edit the imported databases by adding or modifying content in the datasets. The visuals and charts in the Power BI update automatically with the edits. As a result, users can see the updated data, which helps in boosting the transparency and productivity of the organisation. 

Items that are customisable in the Power BI dashboards

The drag-and-drop functionality of Power BI simplifies the presentation and data extraction process in interactive data visualisations. Here are certain items which are customisable in the Power BI dashboards:

  • Security filters

You have the option of setting up access filters for ensuring that viewers only see information which is relevant to them. You can overcome the risk of unauthorised access. 

  • Machine Learning

Power BI users can make Machine Learning (ML) models, incorporate Azure Machine Learning, and access image recognition and text analytics. 

  • Real-time data

With Power BI, you can update dashboards in real-time. This implies that data is streamed continuously letting viewers solve issues and determine opportunities on the go. Live data can go from business apps, social media or any other source. Some of the data is time-sensitive as well. 

  • Cortana Integration

Cortana, the digital assistant, can be integrated into Power BI. with this integration, you can put questions in your natural language for accessing any kind of information. This is a very useful feature for users who access Power BI through their mobile devices. 

  • Publication and distribution

Power BI dashboards enable direct uploading of visualisations and reports instead of uploading large files to the shared drive or sending them via email. As soon as the underlying dataset is updated with fresh data, the dashboard data is refreshed every time. 

Summing it up

Data has a superpower today. With Microsoft Power BI dashboards, you can make your data understandable to users. You can use data from various sources and develop visually immersive and impressive insights for informed decision-making in businesses. Add more value to your business with Microsoft Power BI dashboards. 

If you want to unleash the power of Power BI and understand data better, taking up a course in the subject will be of great help. Many universities and institutes offer a Data Science course with placement opportunities to interested candidates. 

Imarticus Learning offers a Post Graduate Programme in Data Science and Analytics. Build your career in Data Science and Analytics with guaranteed job assurance with this course. The course covers Python programming, logistic regression, data visualisation and related topics. The course includes a live learning module, real-world projects, a job-specific curriculum, dedicated career services and many more features. 

Apply now for the course!

The advantages of having CMA certification: Courses, certifications and process

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

The accounting and finance industry is growing rapidly. Professionals in this field must stick to the latest trends and technologies to stay competitive. One way to improve your expertise and career options is CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification.

CMA certification is a globally recognized accounting certification that proves your financial knowledge and skills.

CMA Certification

This article will explore CMA certification, its benefits, the CMA certification courses, etc. Stay with us on this journey and get the right knowledge about your career in CMA.

What is CMA Certification? 

CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification is a professional certification for management accountants. It is a certification that gives strong knowledge of financial planning, analysis, control, decision-making, and professional values.

To be qualified for CMA certification, you should have a bachelor’s degree or a professional accounting certification. You should also have two years of professional experience in financial management. Besides this, you must also pass both parts of the CMA exam.

The exam covers risk management, financial planning, analytics, cost management, investment decisions, professional ethics, and more.

CMA certification has multiple benefits in the accounting and finance professions. The benefits include:

Increased earning potential

More career opportunities

Enhanced professional credibility

Improved skills and knowledge and more

The certification benefits you if you want to pursue a career in corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, internal auditing, and other related fields.

Benefits of Having a CMA Certification 

A CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certificate can offer a range of benefits to individuals in the accounting and finance professions. Here are some benefits of obtaining CMA certification:

Business Appeal

The CMA certification is a helpful investment for your career in accounting and finance. It proves your expertise in this field and provides vast business and accounting knowledge.

This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions and play an active role in the industry. You can improve your business appeal and be a trusted member of an organization by obtaining a CMA certificate.

Increased Earning Potential 

It is a globally recognized certificate that employers positively value. You can earn higher salaries and better bonus packages with a CMA certificate. Studies have found that a CMA holder makes about 67% more than other candidates who do not have a CMA certificate.

Greater Career Opportunities 

It provides global career opportunities because of its great demand. It might help you fulfil your dream of making a career in a foreign country.

With this certificate, you can apply for a job in European and Middle Eastern countries and receive a hefty salary package. It opens up many career opportunities in corporate finance, financial planning, analysis, etc.

Other Benefits 

CMA certification offers multiple benefits. Some other benefits of certification include enhancing professional credibility, improving knowledge and skills, networking opportunities, etc.

CMA Course Process 

To get a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification, you must complete a course that covers the necessary accounting and financial management topics. The CMA course process generally involves the following steps:

Choose a CMA Course Provider: Choose a reputable CMA course provider to prepare for the CMA exam.

Enrol in the Course:  After selecting a course provider, you can enrol in the course of your choice.

Complete the Course: Candidates must complete the course and study all the topics covered in the CMA exam.

Practice with Mock Exams: To prepare for the CMA exam, candidates must practice with mock exams to identify improvement areas.

Take the CMA Exam: Once candidates have completed the course and feel prepared, they can register for and take the CMA exam.

There are several CMA course providers available such as Imarticus’s CMA courses. Imarticus provides one of the best accounting and finance courses with study materials, video lectures, and mock exams to help you prepare.

CMA Course Details

Here are some essential details of the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) course in India:

Course NameCourse ProviderCourse LevelTotal Number of PapersCourse DurationAverage SalaryJob Profiles
Certified Management Accounting CourseImarticus LearningFoundation, Intermediate, and Final202 – 3 Years6 Lacs annuallyFinancial analyst, Budget analyst, cost controller, financial officer, accountant, etc.

Final Words

Getting a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification can provide multiple advantages in the accounting and finance industry, including career growth, competitive advantage, and access to a global professional network.

By enrolling in a reputable course such as the Imarticus CMA course, you can enhance your career opportunities and become a trusted member of an organization.

Get the best and most affordable CMA course at Imarticus Learning and make an excellent investment in your career.

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