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Author: Imarticus Learning

Why Supply Chain Analytics Matthers in SCM

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a complex and critical process that involves planning, executing and controlling the flow of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption. 

One of the most complex challenges in SCM is reconciling supply and demand, to which sales and operation planning provides a solution. However, successful sales and operation planning implementation demands a deep understanding of the supply chain processes and data. This is where supply chain analytics becomes pivotal, adding insight and innovation to optimise SCM operations. 

This article will attempt to explore the importance of supply chain analytics in SCM. Read on to learn more.

What is Supply Chain Analytics?

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Supply chain analytics is the practice of using data analysis and business intelligence tools to gain insights into the performance of a supply chain. It involves collecting and analysing data from various sources such as suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers and customers.

By utilising supply chain analytics, companies gain unprecedented visibility into their supply chain operations, allowing them to track inventory levels, monitor supplier performance and avoid potential bottlenecks or disruptions.

Armed with these powerful insights, companies can make data-driven decisions to optimise their supply chain efficiency, reduce costs and provide unparalleled customer service.

What are the Different Types of Supply Chain Analytics?

Supply chain analytics encompasses various analytical methodologies, each with distinct characteristics and analytical approaches. The types of these techniques are as follows:

  • Descriptive Analytics: It is concerned with getting insights into the past events of an organisation’s supply chain operations. It employs techniques such as data visualisation, statistical analysis and trend analysis that can summarise historical data and detect prevailing trends and patterns.
  • Predictive Analytics: This involves harnessing past data to generate predictive models for future occurrences. It is particularly useful for helping businesses anticipate future demand, identify risks, optimise supply chain operations and pinpoint opportunities.
  • Prescriptive Analytics: It offers guidance on the most optimal course of action to achieve predetermined outcomes. It integrates both descriptive and predictive analytics to suggest an action plan for a given scenario.
  • Diagnostic Analytics: It focuses on ascertaining the underlying causes of issues or anomalies in supply chain operations. It uses techniques such as data mining and drill-downs that can identify inefficiencies within a firm’s supply chain processes, allowing for targeted improvements.
  • Real-time Analytics: It enables businesses to obtain instantaneous insights into their supply chain operations. It leverages current data to provide real-time decision-making support for inventory management, logistics, transportation and other real-time supply chain activities.

The Significance of Supply Chain Analytics

The significance of supply chain analytics in SCM cannot be overstated. It provides valuable insights into the complex processes of supply chain operations that are often unpredictable and irregular.

Below are a few reasons why supply chain analytics is important in SCM:

Better Decision Making 

By offering significant insights into supply chain operations, supply chain analytics assists organisations in making educated decisions. These insights may be utilised to optimise supply chain operations and save costs.

Inventory Optimisation 

By giving real-time access to inventory levels, demand trends and supplier performance, supply chain analytics may assist organisations in optimising their inventory levels. This data may be utilised to make better inventory management decisions and lower inventory expenditures.

Enhanced Customer Service 

Organisations may use supply chain analytics to track the delivery of goods and services, monitor customer feedback and respond to consumer concerns as quickly as possible. This enables organisations to enhance customer satisfaction and deliver better customer service over time.

Risk Management

Organisations can detect and manage supply chain risks, supply chain interruptions, supplier performance concerns and demand fluctuation. This is also achieved through supply chain analytics, which gives them real-time visibility into their supply chain management operations.

Conclusion

The world of supply chain analytics is an ever-evolving and complex arena, with businesses striving to gain a competitive edge by harnessing the power of data analytics. It is imperative that organisations recognise the pivotal role of supply chain analytics in driving business success and invest in the technologies and expertise necessary to unlock its full potential.

If you are an aspiring supply chain professional looking to enhance your supply chain management skills, then look no further. Imarticus’s Advanced Certification Program in Digital Supply Chain Management is the ultimate IIT supply chain management course incorporating the latest supply chain analytics concepts. 

This supply chain analytics course provides a comprehensive and practical digital supply chain management approach. You’ll learn how to apply cutting-edge supply chain analytics techniques, design effective supply chain networks and optimise supply chain operations. With expert instruction from industry leaders and real-world case studies, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills required to excel in the dynamic world of supply chain management.

How Do CFOs Manage Capital Allocation While Driving Business Growth?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Capital allocation refers to the process of allotting and investing the financial resources of a company. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) discuss and decide upon the capital allocation policies of a company to boost profitability and efficiency. Capital allocation is crucial for the efficient digital transformation of a company. The CFO plays a pivotal role in strategising capital allocation by focusing on client needs, supply chain management, capital budgeting, and such other factors to drive business growth.

Capital allocation is highly effective for the resolution of supply chain issues. A capital allocation strategy that is in complete alignment with the business goals of a company also helps in evaluating investment options. One of the key approaches to capital allocation is to hold extensive discussions between the CFO and the stakeholders of a company.

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The CFO should furnish the stakeholders with pertinent information related to research and development investment, mergers and acquisitions, capital expenditure policies, and debts incurred by the company during the discussion. The stakeholders may engage in providing guidance and recommendations to the CFO for efficient capital allocation. Read on to gain a deeper insight into how the CFO manages capital allocation by the adoption of different strategies in order to drive growth and development in the company.

Strategic capital allocation management recommendations for CFOs

Capital allocation is key to the success of a company. It helps in assessing the future of the company. The pandemic, caused by the global outbreak of Coronavirus, has made capital allocation even more important for companies across the world.  Economists, around the globe, recommend the following strategies for effective capital allocation:

1.       Work on Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

M&A may sound risky for companies but research reveals that merging with or acquisitioning other companies is actually a prudent move. In fact, business organisations that partake in M&A ventures perform better even during financial crisis periods. Capital allocation to M&A also helps companies in acquiring substantial shareholder returns, especially at the end of a fiscal crisis period.

It is crucial to exercise due diligence before signing the M&A deals. The process of due diligence involves build-or-buy assessment and analysis of the new goods and services to be offered. Due diligence also necessitates a thorough understanding of whether the new goods and services can be purchased externally or created in-house. In a nutshell, capital allocation to M&A does not fail to contribute to business growth despite the risks.

2.       Focus on capital allocation and reallocation whenever there is scope for growth

Take note of shifts in customer preferences, client needs, and such other factors to assess the areas of growth and stagnation. Quit hoarding cash and look out for novel investment opportunities instead. A top-notch way of identifying the areas of latent business growth is to follow the two-step process outlined by Harvard Business Review. In this process, the first step is to focus on the identification of particular goods and services that have the potential for growth.

The second step in this process is to assess whether the potency of growth is for the short term or the long term. This assessment helps in determining the products and services that will have the power to contribute to business growth even during financial crises. Also, take note of the market and industrial specifics for capital allocation or reallocation.

3.       Try to avoid stock buybacks

Do not make stock buybacks a part of the capital allocation scheme. Instead, invest the money in the business for successful capital allocation. An important reason to avoid investing in stock buybacks is to save money for emergencies. Avoid buybacks and invest money in assets that will contribute to the long-term stability and growth of the company.

4.       Make the capital allocation scheme evaluation a continuous process

In view of the rapidly changing markets, it is important to review and modify the strategies of capital allocation and capital budgeting continuously for flourishing business growth. Revisit and analyse the capital allocation scheme continuously to make sure that the scheme is consistent with the changes that prevail in the markets. It has been observed by economists that companies that re-evaluate their capital allocation policies consistently succeed in attaining higher net worth and revenues than companies that stick to the same policies year after year.

5.       Take care of the dividends

If the company is going through a financial crisis then one of the ways in which the company can save money is by decreasing shareholder pay-outs. However, if there is no crisis, then there is no need to slash the dividends. Dividends are often used to provide financial support to the pensioners of the company. Capital allocation to dividends should be done in a way without disrupting the pecuniary future of the company.

Conclusion

Capital allocation involves extensive decision-making with regard to dividends, research and development, mergers, acquisitions, debt management, and other financial aspects of a company. It is the sole objective of capital allocation to elevate the shareholder value and stock returns of a company in the years to come.

Capital allocation is essential for the creation and maintenance of an investment portfolio. If you seek to devote your time to learning about capital allocation then you may enrol in the Chief Financial Officer course offered by Imarticus. In the Chief Financial Officer course, the candidate shall be able to gain a world of financial knowledge. From learning to assess the rapidly evolving market dynamics to taking control of capital budgeting during financial crises, the course covers it all. 

Enrol in the course right away to develop a strong grasp on the concepts of capital allocation in companies.

The Role of Predictive AI in Fintech Solutions

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

In the former times, when financial transactions were carried out in brick-and-mortar institutions, bankers had personal connections with the customers. They would help them with their decisions. Although the fact that digitisation has brought the world to our footsteps is a huge advantage, it has also caused a loss of this personal connection.

We are aware of the countless things that artificial intelligence can do. Artificial intelligence is known for its ability to process humongous amounts of data at a time. Businesses are embracing artificial intelligence to meet their goals, achieve growth, and make their services more relevant to the customers’ needs and preferences.

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In fintech, artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to revert this loss of personal connection. AI helps to process the data and information of the customers and analyse them in order to predict upcoming trends. This way, fintech companies can help customers have a better experience! A fintech certification course can equip you with the relevant knowledge.

This article discusses how predictive AI is making an impact on fintech solutions. Read on to find out. 

How is AI being used by Fintech Companies?

The fintech industry includes a lot of intricacies and is rich in innovation. The fintech industry is resorting to solutions such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing for numerous tasks like decision-making, analysing customer behaviour and purchase trends, gaining valuable insights, increasing efficiency, etc. 

Discussed below are some potential uses of artificial intelligence in the fintech industry. 

  • Artificial intelligence supports better decision-making: Data-driven decisions are more likely to be accurate and error-free. Machines are asked questions, after which they analyse vast volumes of data. They then deliver the most relevant results, which help the leaders in the fintech industry make better decisions. 
  • Elimination of manual effort and scope for error: AI has a technology known as robotic process automation (RPA), which helps to automate the tasks that would otherwise be performed by humans. This not only saves time but also helps to eliminate the chances of human error. 
  • AI can detect dubious activities: AI also helps to secure cashless transactions by providing security of the highest order. There are AI tools that can study the behavioural patterns of the users and detect any sign of fraudulent attempt. 
  • AI chatbots for swift communication: Chatbots are a supreme pillar of artificial intelligence, and the fintech industry has availed its advantage to the fullest. Earlier in the article, we mentioned that the intrusion of technology in the field of finance had caused a loss of personal connection. 

To bridge this gap, financial institutions incorporate the use of chatbots to maintain communication with customers. Chatbots can immediately attend to and address the concerns of the customers, which makes them feel valued and helps to build their trust. 

Predictive analysis is another important task managed by artificial intelligence that deserves notable mention. Predictive analysis can help to anticipate upcoming trends with the help of techniques like data mining, machine learning, etc. Fintech companies use predictive AI to transform their digital operations so that they remain at par with the customer’s needs and the latest market trends.

Using Predictive AI in Fintech 

Predictive analysis uses data, statistics, algorithms, and other techniques to predict the future on the basis of previous data. In the fintech industry, predictive analysis can help to foresee upcoming market trends, understand customer behaviour, and predict investment opportunities. 

Listed below are some of the ways in which predictive AI is contributing to the fintech industry. 

Predictive AI helps to avert the risk of bad loans 

Financial institutions grant loans to generate revenue. However, ever since technology has merged with finance, it has become easy for people to opt for loans over the internet. Predictive AI helps fintech companies make informed decisions by assessing the client’s creditworthiness. 

Personalised recommendations 

Predictive AI helps to improve customer experience by offering personalised recommendations for them. It helps to analyse the suitability of certain plans and financial instruments while taking the different parameters into account. Therefore, the target audience gets to invest in plans that are the most suitable for them. 

Secure transactions

Although the amalgamation of finance and technology has helped to streamline transactions, there is also an increased risk associated with cashless transactions. As mentioned earlier in the article, AI also helps identify incidences of fraudulent activities. With the help of predictive analysis, the data of all fraudulent cases that have taken place in the past can be gathered. 

After analysing the data, the patterns of the dubious activities can be figured out. Based on the data thus gathered, financial institutions can help to secure transactions by building more robust verification processes.

Predictive analysis is essential to carry out different financial services. The use of AI for predictive analysis helps to gather huge volumes of data and analyse it with the help of robust algorithms so that prescriptive solutions can be offered to customers. The right kind of predictive analysis helps fintech companies improve their operation and manage their internal processes easily.

Conclusion

If you are looking forward to transforming your career in the fintech industry by acquiring knowledge about the technologies that are revolutionising the finance industry, a certification course from Imarticus Learning might be right for you. This Imarticus Fintech Certification Course, in partnership with SP Jain School of Global Management, is surely going to give your career a boost!

The course covers the different aspects of Fintech and also equips the learners with knowledge about cloud computing, blockchain, Big Data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and so on. It also gives the learners access to webinars, networking events, and job boards, which helps them to explore new opportunities. You also get access to SP Jain’s lab, where you can put your theoretical knowledge to practice!

With the community of learned experts, online digital library, and case studies, the scope of learning in this course is endless! After completion of the course, learners will be awarded a certificate from SP Jain School of Global Management and Imarticus Learning. Therefore, get ahead of your competitors with this online certification course in fintech!

Learn blockchain with top certification courses in 2023

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

A blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology developed as the basis for bitcoin. The technology supports the creation and transfer of any digital asset. 

Blockchain allows users to make transactions directly with each other without an intermediary such as a bank or government agency. On a public ledger, all transactions get logged in blocks. Additionally, you can be sure that your data is unchanged from when it was sent or received.

What is a blockchain?

A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger. It is a digital record of transactions, agreements, or any other form of data that can use to transfer money (i.e., currency). 

Each node maintains its copy of the entire chain, so there’s no single point where an error could occur if something went wrong with one part of it—it would affect every other copy at once instead!

The transparency provided by this system means that anyone can see what happened in any transaction without having access to any personal information; you don’t need ID numbers or passwords here either since everything happens through cryptographic signatures instead.

How does blockchain work?

  • Blockchain is a distributed ledger
  • Blockchain is a decentralized technology
  • Blockchain is a peer-to-peer network
  • Blockchain uses smart contracts to automate transactions and eliminate third parties from the transaction flow

Why is blockchain so popular?

A blockchain system makes it possible to record transactions between two parties. The blockchain consists of multiple computers worldwide, verifying and recording these interactions. 

Because it’s decentralized, anyone can view this information on their computer or smartphone—and once they’ve verified it, they know that no one else has tampered with their copy of the ledger. 

This transparency makes blockchain an excellent tool for keeping track of financial transactions; it also makes it immune to fraud because no one can create fake records without being caught by other users, who will then reject their entries as invalid (since they don’t match up with what everyone else sees).

Who uses blockchain technology?

Blockchain technology gets used in many different industries. Here are some of the most common uses:

  • Financial institutions can use blockchain to make payments more secure and efficient. For example, instead of sending money from one place to another (like when you buy something online), you could send your payment directly from your bank account to theirs—no mediator needed! This would reduce fraud and make transactions faster than they currently are.
  • Developers who work on applications like Bitcoin or Ethereum use open-source software called a “blockchain” because it helps create new cryptocurrencies that run on their networks (e.g., Ethereum). 

Explore Blockchain certification course with Imarticus Learning

By providing practical instruction from business experts, robotic process automation, real-world case studies, blockchain, and cloud computing projects, and crucial connections with fintech leaders and entrepreneurs, the Blockchain certification program enhances students’ understanding of fintech.

Course Benefits For Learners:

  • Fintech has a promising future; students stay up-to-date by attending networking functions, job fairs, or webinars.
  • The students will apply the concepts covered in the online fintech training in their daily jobs.
  • The best fintech courses in India allow students to pursue their ideal career in fintech after graduation.

Best Practices for Securing SaaS Applications

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SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) is a cloud computing software delivery model that provides access to software on a subscription basis. A SaaS application must not be downloaded or installed, and they are hosted on the cloud and can be accessed over the internet. 

There are several benefits of using SaaS applications, some of which are accessibility, agility, scalability, constant updates, and manageable payment options. However, any SaaS development company has to remain cautious about the security of the applications thus developed. 

SaaS applications deal with massive amounts of data that might be sensitive. The fact that SaaS applications are easily accessible across all devices also raises the security question. This article discusses some of the best practices of SaaS security which application developers can adopt to ensure network security, manage sensitive data and keep the risk of cyber-security threats at bay! 

Why Use SaaS

The use of cloud computing technology makes SaaS applications more flexible. There are plenty of reasons why SaaS is gaining popularity among modern organisations. Some of the benefits of using SaaS for application development are listed below:

  • Cloud accessibility, easy accessibility: One can access a SaaS application from any device; it only needs a stable internet connection. This is ideally suited for companies following a work-from-home or hybrid work model.
  • Cost-effective: SaaS vendors have a subscription-based pricing model. This means one does not have to pay for installation, licences, or infrastructure management. You only pay for as much as you are availing. 
  • Easy to deploy: Unlike conventional on-premises software, SaaS applications do not require any installation and configuration. Businesses can roll out the applications almost immediately. 
  • Scalability: This is another significant benefit offered by SaaS. With SaaS, one can quickly increase the storage or add more services without paying extra for the upgrade. This is ideally suited for growing businesses as they can incorporate the new features as and when required. 
  • Automatic upgradation: In SaaS, the vendors or providers constantly make updates. These updates are thus made available to the customers.

However, despite all these advantages, there are still some risks associated with using SaaS applications, for which developers need to be equipped with knowledge about the best practices of SaaS security.  

Challenges to SaaS Security

With greater development, new challenges abound. As mentioned earlier, security remains one of the significant concerns of SaaS applications. Although SaaS allows individuals and companies to share data outside the company’s boundaries, it has resulted in a greater risk of blunders like data exfiltration and phishing attacks. 

SaaS applications can be accessed remotely. Stakeholders within and outside an organisation can access the files and data. Although this is an advantage, this can also stand as a loophole. 

Anyone with malicious intent can take advantage of this. Some companies deal with users’ sensitive personal information such as bank details, health records, etc. Such data are always exposed to the risk of being breached and tampered with. 

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When you use a SaaS product, you do not have any control over the data management and storage patterns. Therefore, be sure that your provider informs you about the data storage pattern, security measures, recovery procedure, and time in case data is lost. 

SaaS is an excellent tool for developing complex applications; however, the more complexity, the greater the chances of misconfiguration. Misconfigurations can expose SaaS products to the risk of cyber-attacks. Also, accessing SaaS applications from public WiFi or unsecured internet sources increases the risk of virus and malware attacks. 

Therefore, following the best SaaS security practices is crucial to eliminate the risk of attacks and also improve overall security. An IIT Roorkee cybersecurity course will teach you more about the fundamentals of network security, risks associated with cloud computing, cloud security, ethical hacking, and many more!

Best Practices to Secure your SaaS Applications 

Although a daunting task, ensuring SaaS security is one of the top-most priorities of IT professionals. Below are some of the best SaaS security practices that will help you secure your applications. 

User Access

If everyone gets admin-level access, it is sure to lead to security breaches. In order to identify any risk, it is important to constantly monitor the failed login attempts, the device and location from which the login attempt was made, and also the successful logins. 

Also, accesses should be granted for a defined period and renewed as and when required. Organisations also fall victim to internal threats posed by individuals with malicious intent. Not only this but access should also be granted based on the individuals’ roles. 

Enhanced Authentication of the Logins 

To ensure a robust security system, login procedures should be modified, and a multi-factor authentication system should be enabled. In this kind of security system, after users enter the credentials required for login, they are asked to enter an OTP or a code that is shared on both the client’s and the server’s device screen. 

This helps to make sure that access is being granted to the right person. 

Secure the Data 

Data, both in motion and at rest, should be encrypted. As mentioned above, in the case of SaaS applications, where the data is stored is entirely at the providers’ discretion. Encryption helps to safeguard the data from hackers and maintains confidentiality!

Providers should also have a strict policy on data deletion. The data no longer in need should be deleted according to the terms of the agreement. 

Developers can also incorporate real-time monitoring techniques to secure the SaaS applications. This will provide better visibility and control and help protect the data against vulnerabilities such as SQL Injection, XSS, Cross-Site Request Forgery, etc. 

Cloud Access Security Broker

If you are dissatisfied with the level of security your cloud computing service provider is giving to your SaaS application, you can incorporate the use of cloud access security broker (CASB) options. It is a tool that serves as an extra layer of security. It sits between the cloud applications and the service users and examines how data is being used. 

CASB helps identify the security system’s loopholes and safeguards the data against threats. 

Companies are adopting SaaS cloud computing technologies for application development at a rapid pace. Aligning with these security practices can help companies eliminate the risk of cyber-attacks and secure their applications!

Conclusion 

HubSpot, Adobe, and Google are some of the many renowned organisations that are offering SaaS applications. It has been estimated that 85% of companies will be using SaaS for application development by 2025. 

This also calls for a demand for professionals who are skilled in the aspects of providing security to SaaS applications. Imarticus Learning offers learners an excellent opportunity to pursue an IIT Roorkee cybersecurity course that will teach you the fundamentals of network security, cloud security, ethical hacking, application security, etc. 

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate that will be co-branded by IIT Roorkee. This IIT Roorkee cybersecurity course and the knowledge you acquire from it will be an asset to your professional credentials and will help you step up in your career by leaps and bounds!

Marketing Through Google Ads vs. Marketing Through Facebook and Instagram

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Digital marketing is the key to boosting the popularity and sales of goods and services offered by business organisations. Business organisations make extensive use of social media platforms to engage in digital marketing. 

One of the most prevalent forms of digital marketing is affiliate marketing. In affiliate marketing, companies offer a generous commission as compensation to third parties to generate leads for the promotion of the company’s goods and services. Most forms of digital marketing, including affiliate marketing, involve the use of Google, Facebook, and Instagram to generate more traffic for the company’s website.  

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Advertising the goods and services of a company on Google or social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram may vary slightly from each other. Read on to know more about the subtle, yet significant differences, between Google ads and Facebook and Instagram ads.

What is Google Ads?

Google Ads refers to the online program for advertisements launched by Google. Google ads allow the user to create online advertisements curated for the people who view the advertisements. Google Ads helps in promoting business, increasing traffic volume, boosting sales of goods and services, and spreading awareness about the company. The company can administer the Google Ads account online by creating and modifying the ad campaign configuration, including budget, settings, and advertisement text, at any hour of the day. Google Ads help with boosting sales, conversions, and leads.

Digital marketing, or affiliate marketing, through Google Ads usually operates according to the PPC (Pay per Click) model. The digital marketer selects a particular keyword available on Google and then competes against other digital marketers by bidding on the keywords. The maximum bidder wins, and then the advertisement is made payable as per the maximum bid amount. Google takes the bid amount into consideration to generate a Quality Score. A high-value Quality Score indicates the online advertisement’s high ranking.

Most business organisations adopt the following strategies to create and operate Google Ads:

  • Place high amounts of bids on keywords that are directly related to the goods and services of the company’s brand.
  • Make investments in remarketing ad campaigns to capture the interests of people in different stages of the purchase journey.
  • Optimise the product feed through Google Ads to enhance brand visibility.

What are Facebook and Instagram Ads?

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow companies to promote and sell their goods and services to users through digital marketing. Business organisations create advertisement campaigns based on online behavioural patterns, web search histories, interests, and demographics of the users. Facebook and Instagram ads are generally in the formats of videos, carousels, reels, and photographs. The commercials created by Facebook and Instagram Ads programs operate on the basis of the PPC model.

Posting advertisements on Instagram and Facebook allows the company to keep track of the detailed analytics associated with the ad campaign. Facebook and Instagram Ads allow the user to get access to a wide variety of metrics such as the number of clicks and conversions, reach level, and more. Such metrics allow the company to optimise the ad campaigns and promote the sales of the goods and services of the company accordingly.

Differences between Google Ads and Facebook and Instagram Ads

The objective of Google Ads is to grab the attention of those people who are actively looking out for the particular brand of goods and services associated with a company. Google Ads draws the attention of people towards the brand and pushes them towards direct sales and conversions. Contrary to the mechanism of Facebook and Instagram Ads, Google Ads is engineered to capture prevalent interest in the brand and generate sales accordingly.

On the other hand, Facebook and Instagram Ads are for visually appealing products that look even more engaging when posted in the form of photos and videos. Owing to the heavy emphasis of social media platforms on videos and photos, it is best to advertise beauty and apparel products through Facebook and Instagram Ads. 

Facebook and Instagram Ads are usually preferred by small businesses that post reels, videos, and photos regularly for increasing their target audience reach on a low budget. Google Ads is generally suited for goods and services that are costlier and have a low visual appeal. Products and services that entail an extended purchasing path should be preferably advertised via Google Ads.

Conclusion

There are quite a few differences between Google Ads and Facebook and Instagram Ads. While Google Ads are for companies that seek to promote sales based on existing brand awareness, social media Ads are more suited for spreading brand awareness. However, it takes meticulous research and investment of a great deal of time to determine the right strategy for digital marketing. A comprehensive understanding of the business objectives and target audience is crucial for successful digital marketing via Google Ads or social media Ads.

Nonetheless, companies need to engage in digital marketing through Google Ads as well as through Facebook and Instagram Ads to boost sales and conversions. If you seek to improve your understanding of digital marketing technologies and approaches, then you may avail of the interactive learning opportunity offered by Digital Marketing IIT Roorkee certification with Imarticus.

The MarTech course offered here will enable you to grasp the fundamental and advanced concepts of digital marketing. Digital marketing is taking over the world of e-commerce It is incredibly essential to understand and engage in digital marketing to promote the business and reach out to larger audiences across the globe. Take part in the MarTech course to understand the lucid concepts of digital marketing and start growing your business today.

Enrol your name right away to discover the immense potential and power of digital marketing in the business world. Sign up for the Digital Marketing IIT Roorkee certification course and work on carving a niche for your business through competitive digital marketing.

Using PowerPivot for Advanced Data Science

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Power Pivot is a powerful data modelling and analysis tool and can play an essential role in a Career in Data Analytics. Power Pivot is a vital tool for any data analyst or data scientist with its ability to handle large data sets and perform complex calculations.

This blog will explore how to use Power Pivot for advanced data science, including data preparation and cleaning, data modelling and analysis, and data visualisation. 

Whether you’re starting your Career in Data Analytics or are a seasoned data professional, this blog will provide valuable insights and best practices for using Power Pivot in your data science projects.

What Is Power Pivot?

Power Pivot is a Microsoft Excel add-in that provides data analysis and modelling capabilities for business intelligence and data analysis. 

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A familiar Excel interface allows users to import, manipulate, and manage large amounts of data and create custom calculations, relationships, and reports. 

The Power Pivot feature enhances Excel’s capabilities, enabling users to perform advanced data analysis and reporting, including data modelling and visualisation.

Why Use Power Pivot?

Power Pivot is a powerful data analysis tool that allows you to process large amounts of data and perform complex data manipulations in minutes. It is used for advanced data analysis, particularly in business intelligence and data science. 

There are several reasons to use Power Pivot:

Ease of Use: Power Pivot has a handy interface, making it easy for non-technical users to perform complex data analysis.

Speed: Power Pivot can handle large amounts of data, allowing you to process, manipulate, and analyse data in a matter of minutes.

Integration with Excel: Power Pivot is integrated with Microsoft Excel, making it a convenient tool for those familiar with spreadsheet software.

Data Manipulation: Power Pivot enables you to perform complex data manipulations, including data cleansing, data aggregation, and data modelling, making it an ideal tool for data scientists and business analysts.

Enhanced Data Analysis: Power Pivot provides advanced data analysis features, such as pivot tables, charts, and data visualisations, which are not available in standard Excel.

Scalability: Power Pivot can scale to handle large amounts of data, making it an ideal tool for large-scale data analysis projects.

Power Pivot Use Case

A use case for Power Pivot might be for a business analyst who needs to analyse sales data from many departments and stores. 

The data is stored in separate Excel spreadsheets, and the analyst needs to combine the data and perform analysis to identify trends and make recommendations to the company.

With Power Pivot, the analyst can:

Import data from many Excel spreadsheets into a single data model.

Create relationships between the tables to link the data together.

Create calculated fields using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) to perform custom calculations, such as finding the total sales for each department or store.

Build tables and charts to analyse the data and identify trends and patterns.

Share the data model and analysis with others by creating a Power BI report or publishing the Excel workbook to the web.

This use case demonstrates the ability of Power Pivot to handle large data sets, perform complex calculations, and provide interactive data analysis and visualisation capabilities.

How To Enable Power Pivot?

To enable Power Pivot, you need to have the Power Pivot add-in installed in your Microsoft Excel software. You can download and install it from the Microsoft website if you don’t have it.

Here are the steps to enable Power Pivot:

Open Microsoft Excel and then click on the “File” tab.

Go to the “Options” tab and select “Add-Ins.”

In the Manage box, select the option “Excel Add-ins” and then click on “Go.”

Check the “Microsoft Power Pivot for Excel” check box and click “OK.”

You should now see a Power Pivot tab in the ribbon menu.

Once you enable Power Pivot, you can import and manage large data sets, perform advanced data analysis, and create robust pivot tables and models. 

What Are the Benefits of Using a Power Pivot?

Some benefits of using Power Pivot include the following:

Handling large data sets: Power Pivot can take large amounts of data from various sources, making it easier to work with and analyse data.

Data Modeling: Power Pivot allows you to create relationships between tables, perform calculations and create calculated fields using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).

Integration with Power BI: Power Pivot can be a data source in Power BI, a cloud-based business intelligence and data visualisation platform.

No need for VBA or Python: Power Pivot does not need any programming skills or knowledge of Python or VBA, making it accessible to a broader range of users.

Improved performance: Power Pivot uses columnar storage and in-memory technology to improve query performance, making it faster and more efficient than traditional Excel pivot tables.

Conclusion

Power Pivot is a critical tool to master for anyone aspiring to build a career in Data Science. It offers the ability to process massive data sets, execute complex calculations, and provide interactive data analysis and visualisation capabilities. 

Businesses can establish a robust data science workflow by integrating Power Pivot with other data science tools like Python and Power BI.

A data analytics certification course is a valuable investment to enhance your existing data science skills or start your journey in the field.

Imarticus’ Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Analytics is a comprehensive course that covers all aspects of data science, including data preparation, modelling, analysis, and visualisation. 

With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world projects, this data analytics certification course equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in data science.

This data science course with placement assistance helps students with practical and job-ready education, preparing them for a successful Career in Data Science.

So take advantage of this opportunity to further your Career in Data Science. Enrol in Imarticus Learning’s Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Analytics today.

How to Become a Successful Investment Banker in 2023?

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Are you looking forward to making a career in finance? Well, investment banking is an excellent career opportunity for you. Investment bankers assist businesses, governments, and shareholders with significant and intricate financial transactions. 

It is a demanding job calling for a top-notch finance education with a proper understanding of risk management and analytics. Investment bankers must have critical-thinking and quantitative abilities. This writing will discuss how you can build a successful career in investment banking. 

Who is an investment banker? 

A highly skilled specialist, an investment banker offers various financial services to businesses, governments, and investors. They help multiple businesses obtain loans for working capital, pass stocks and bonds, decide the value of securities, get stock capital, allocate various resources, negotiate mergers, and manage investments. 

Investment Banking course

They provide financial guidance and consultation regarding what kind of securities, such as stocks and bonds, when to issue them, how to issue them, and what price to establish for each instrument.

A variety of duties connected to financial procedures for various financial transactions and investment initiatives fall under the responsibilities of an investment banker. Some of the duties of an investment banker are as follows:

  • Review and analyse market reports and databases to acquire crucial data for financial decisions.
  • Keep an eye on the current investing environment, perform proper risk management, and advise customers on moving forward.
  • Perform everyday financial computations, financial modelling, and firm valuations to predict business performance.
  • Create presentations and proposals with a proper timeline, complications, and rewards list.
  • Respond to calls and emails, schedule meetings, and plan travel. 
  • Help investment firms to comply with the anti-money laundering requirements. 
  • Research papers, PPT presentations, and transaction paperwork must be written, revised, edited, and presented.
  • To raise private or public cash, underwrite municipal bonds and take care of debt and equity sales.
  • Guide businesses on initiating stock prices, managing initial public offerings, and issuing securities.

How can you become an investment banker?

If you want to pursue a career in investment banking, there are a few steps that you must follow:

  • Complete 10+2 examination

Candidates who want to work in investment banking must complete their 10+2 level education with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 50% or an equivalent from a recognised board. 

Studying economics, business, accounting, mathematics, and computer science at the 10+2 level will be beneficial.

  • A relevant bachelor’s degree 

You need a three or four-year bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position with an investment bank. A job as an investment banker can be pursued with a bachelor of commerce (B.Com), a bachelor of arts (B.A.) in finance, an economics degree, or a business administration (BBA) in finance. 

  • Obtain a master’s degree

A two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) in financial management is a highly desired postgraduate degree for prospective investment bankers. Candidates who want to work as investment bankers can also obtain a Master of Science (MS) in finance. 

You can avail of several banking courses after graduation in business analytics, management accounting, banks and financial planning, investment banking, and capital markets. 

  • Get certified

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is one of the investment banking certification courses which will help you get a headstart in the field. The CFA programme offers thorough and applicable financial and investment education. Candidates can apply for this programme after earning their bachelor’s degree. 

The course could last anywhere from one to four years. CFA is just one of them, and there are other courses that you can also explore. Investment banking courses are one of the best ways to strengthen your candidature. 

  • Do an internship

Investment bank internships could run anything from two months to two years. Candidates may learn to improve their marketing, presentation, and communication skills in addition to financial training. They can be offered a permanent position to work as an investment banker depending on how well they perform throughout their internship.

Skills to have to become a successful investment banker

As an investment banker, there are specific skills that you must have. Some of these skills are:

Analytical skills

Along with other skills, your analytical abilities need to be improved. In the investment banking sector, analytical skills are crucial.

Working on research and financial modelling takes a strong analytical mind to adapt and pick things up quickly.

Mathematical skills

One of the essential talents for breaking into or staying in the investment banking industry is this. Investment banking is ideal for you if you understand fundamental mathematics well.

Some have succeeded in this field thanks to their strong math skills. Making equations and solving them is only a small part of investment banking math.

Basic financial knowledge

Basic financial skills, such as understanding the three primary financial statements (Profit & Loss Account, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement) or having proper knowledge about anti-money laundering, are critical. This will help you make a mark in the industry.

An investment banker must work on all facets of finance. Thus candidates must have a proper understanding of them.

PowerPoint and Excel skills

Working on PowerPoint and Excel presentations makes up about 80% of the work in investment banking. You must be knowledgeable about both tools’ fundamental and sophisticated operations.

You can enrol in a video class or session to learn how to use Excel and PowerPoint, which will prepare you for employment without interfering with your regular work.

Communication skills

As an investment banker, you must adequately explain patterns, trends and forecasts to your team members. When you are leading a team, it is essential that you can coherently summarise your technical analysis.

Conclusion

Investment banking is a very demanding yet very rewarding field. If you are interested in finance, this might be your ideal career opportunity. They must be highly knowledgeable in banking technology, economics, accounting, statistics, finance, mathematics, and these other fields. 

They also need to be confident and have excellent communication skills to communicate with and forge relationships with influential and highly affluent individuals. You can check Imarticus’s certified investment banking course to build a career as an investment banker.

Controlled Operations: Why it is Essential

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Establish Clear Objectives

Businesses should establish clear objectives for implementing controlled operations, including financial performance, compliance, and risk management goals. Setting goals will provide a framework for designing and implementing controlled processes.

Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan 

Organisations should develop a detailed implementation plan outlining the steps required to install controlled operations, including developing policies, procedures, and systems. 

certified management accounting course

The implementation plan should also identify the resources needed to install controlled processes and the timeline for implementation.

Implement Robust Internal Controls

Controlled operations rely on strong internal controls to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Organisations should implement robust internal controls to prevent financial fraud and to ensure that financial information is accurate and reliable.

Train Employees

Employee training is essential for successfully implementing controlled operations within an organisation. Employees will gain a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities by providing education on policies, procedures, and systems, thereby strengthening the controlled operations process. 

Monitor Performance

Performance evaluation of controlled operations is crucial for organisations to determine their effectiveness in meeting desired goals. Businesses can achieve this by monitoring performance metrics, ensuring compliance, and continually seeking ways to improve the controlled operations process.

Regularly Review and Update Procedures  

Organisations should regularly review and update their controlled operations procedures to remain relevant and practical. The process can include updating policies and procedures in response to changes in the business environment or regulatory requirements.

Ensure Adherence to Regulations and Standards 

Sticking to essential rules and standards for reporting finances and protecting information is necessary for organisations to have controlled operations. They should do regular checks to ensure they follow these rules.

Conclusion

Controlled operations are a crucial aspect of efficient financial management in organisations. By incorporating controlled operations, organisations can improve their financial performance, make more informed decisions, and ensure adherence to financial regulations and standards.

Implementing controlled operations requires clear goals, a comprehensive plan, strong internal controls, employee training, regular performance monitoring, continuous improvement, and expert assistance.

If you want to enhance your management accounting skills and become a CMA-certified professional, the Imarticus Certified Management Accountant course can help you achieve your goals. 

This comprehensive accounting and finance certification program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in management accounting. 

Imarticus Learning’s US CMA program covers various topics, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, and performance metrics, and is taught by experienced professionals in the field. 

With a focus on practical skills and real-world applications, the CMA course is the perfect way to build your expertise in management accounting and advance your career.

Popular Methodologies for Supply Chain Management

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Supply chain management deals with cut-edge tools and methods in which businesses can be revolutionised. From acquiring raw materials to manufacturing and delivering a product, the supply chain management is responsible for completing orders at the right time while ensuring the highest quality of any product.

global supply chain management and operations officers course

As we share our insight on the current landscape and processes that the Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer overlooks, we aim to outline the seemingly complex process that stands as a critical element to any business. This article will explore the supply chain management strategy while delving into the procurement process.

How Does Supply Chain Management Work? 

Supply chain management (SCM) is an elaborate process that controls the existing incoming and outgoing flow of goods and services. It examines all processes, from acquiring materials needed for making the product to delivering the final product. 

It works by optimising the procurement process in a way that is in the company’s best interest. While the process entangles numerous management areas, these fields conclude the entirety of the SCM process —strategic planning, procurement, product development, inventory management, and logistics. 

Overview of Popular Methodologies 

The Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer looks after the two main areas of SCM, namely logistics-based methodologies and demand-based methodologies. The logistics process consists of a multitude of areas including inventory, transportation, warehousing, and distribution. 

Furthermore, it handles the streamlining of resources. On the other hand, demand-based methodologies analyse customer demand and the costs of meeting that demand.

Logistics-Based Methodologies

Just-in-Time (JIT)

Just-in-time management is a methodology aimed at reducing costs and space related to inventory by storing only items according to existing demand. This process ensures ample use of storage for manufacturing and retail settings.

Cross-Docking Logistics

Cross-docking is a logistics practice where products are received from a supplier and immediately reloaded onto a different vehicle for delivery to the customer. This approach eliminates the need for warehousing, reducing inventory costs and shortening delivery times.

Lean Logistics

Lean logistics is a methodology designed to increase efficiency and reduce costs by eliminating waste in the supply chain. It focuses on streamlining processes and eliminating non-value-added activities, such as unnecessary handling and storage of products. 

Reverse Logistic

Reverse logistics return goods from customers to the manufacturer or supplier. It is used to manage returns of defective or repaired products or dispose of excess inventory. 

Supply Chain Visibility

This approach focuses on increasing visibility into the supply chain by leveraging technology such as tracking systems, sensors, and RFID tags. It creates a real-time view of the supply chain, allowing organisations to anticipate and respond to changes more quickly.

Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI)

Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is a supply chain management system in which the supplier of a product is responsible for maintaining the appropriate inventory level of that product at the customer’s site. The supplier replenishes inventory as it is consumed for forecasting customer demand for the product.

Quick Response (QR) 

The Quick Response (QR) method is a supply chain management method seeking to maximise efficiency and minimise costs by using technology and data to make decisions quickly. It is designed to reduce inventory costs, improve customer service, and eliminate waste in the supply chain. 

Demand-Based Methodologies

Demand-Driven Materials Requirement Planning (DDMRP)

The Demand-driven MRP is a planning system for managing inventory within a given supply chain. It uses a pull mechanism to adjust inventory levels based on demand signals as opposed to the traditional push system method.

Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP)

The Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) division ensures the efficient delivery of systems at the right time by combining inventory, sales, and product data. The system creates a plan for product distribution used for both long-term and short-term needs.

Automated Replenishment System (ARS)

As the name suggests, the Automated Replenishment System (ARS) combines the tracking of inventory levels with the automated generation of orders on the fall of stock levels. This automated system ensures the availability of inventory on customer demand.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

The Warehouse Management System (WMS) is an adequate supply chain management strategy that drives companies to manage the storage and movement of inventory within the existing supply chain. It is a software application that can be easily integrated with other systems to generate real-time visibility.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Enterprise resourcing planning is a system with demand-based methodologies that handles procurement process management by offering real-time visibility. Apart from procuring, the ERP helps companies source and distribute goods and services.

Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS)

The Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) system is an integrated process aligned with the supply chain for planning, scheduling, and optimising the flow of materials and resources. This process identifies and mitigates supply chain risks and improves customer service expectations.

Conclusion 

The popular methodologies used in supply chain management are beneficial to the overall improvement of supply chain operations. Not only do they help to reduce overriding costs, but they also enhance the supply chain and deliver better alternatives to ongoing operations.

Per a report by Grand View Research, supply chain management is projected to grow by a minimum of 11.1% CAGR by 2030. An IIM supply chain management course delves into the intricacies of the supply chain management process while also discussing the skill set and knowledge required to apply these methodologies. Seize the opportunity today and apply for an extensive SCM programme with Imarticus’ Executive Certificate Programme in collaboration with IIM Raipur!

Expertise in supply chain management equips managers with the proper understanding for handling elaborate processes. Furthermore, you can always refer to a supply chain management certification course to ensure that your employers have the best impression of you.

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