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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>fiarzms.info</title> <atom:link href="http://fiarzms.info/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://fiarzms.info</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:43:16 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3</generator> <item> <title>Choosing the Right Transportation for Your Commute</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/choosing-the-right-transportation-for-your-commute/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/choosing-the-right-transportation-for-your-commute/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:43:16 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=59</guid> <description><![CDATA[How to Choose the Right Mode of Transportation for Your Daily Commute How you commute each day impacts your health, wallet, and even mood. With more options than ever, choosing the right transportation method can improve both your day and … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/choosing-the-right-transportation-for-your-commute/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">How to Choose the Right Mode of Transportation for Your Daily Commute</span></p><p>How you commute each day impacts your health, wallet, and even mood. With more options than ever, choosing the right transportation method can improve both your day and your lifestyle.</p><h2>1. Car Commuting</h2><p>Driving offers convenience and privacy, especially for suburban or long-distance commuters. However, fuel costs, traffic, and parking fees can add up quickly.</p><h2>2. Public Transportation</h2><p>Taking the bus or train is often cheaper and less stressful than driving. You can read, relax, or even catch up on work—while helping the environment.</p><h2>3. Biking</h2><p>Great for short urban commutes. Biking is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and a solid daily workout. Cities with good bike lanes make this a top option.</p><h2>4. Walking</h2><p>Underrated and free, walking is ideal for ultra-short distances. It’s good for your health and mental clarity—just watch the weather forecast!</p><h2>5. Ridesharing or Carpooling</h2><p>Apps like Uber, Lyft, or local carpools reduce stress and expenses, especially when split among friends or colleagues.</p><h2>6. Working from Home</h2><p>Remote work has eliminated the commute for many. If you have this option, consider hybrid schedules to reduce travel fatigue.</p><h2>How to Choose the Best Option</h2><ul><li>Calculate cost vs. time</li><li>Evaluate environmental impact</li><li>Consider physical and mental health benefits</li><li>Factor in flexibility and reliability</li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for commuting. The best mode is the one that aligns with your budget, values, and lifestyle. Reevaluate often and don’t be afraid to mix it up!</p><p> </p><div class="mads-block"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/choosing-the-right-transportation-for-your-commute/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Why Public Transportation Is Essential for Urban Growth</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/why-public-transportation-is-essential-for-urban-growth/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/why-public-transportation-is-essential-for-urban-growth/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:42:46 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=57</guid> <description><![CDATA[Public Transportation: Why Investing in It Is Essential for Modern Cities Public transportation is more than just a convenience it’s a cornerstone of sustainable urban growth. Cities around the globe are realizing the critical role mass transit systems play in … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/why-public-transportation-is-essential-for-urban-growth/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">Public Transportation: Why Investing in It Is Essential for Modern Cities</span></p><p>Public transportation is more than just a convenience it’s a cornerstone of sustainable urban growth. Cities around the globe are realizing the critical role mass transit systems play in mobility, climate action, and economic development.</p><h2>1. Reducing Traffic Congestion</h2><p>Public transport reduces the number of vehicles on the road, easing traffic jams and shortening commute times for everyone.</p><h2>2. Environmental Impact</h2><p>Public buses and trains emit significantly less CO₂ per passenger than private cars, making them vital to fighting climate change.</p><h2>3. Economic Benefits</h2><p>Efficient transit systems attract businesses, improve job access, and reduce transportation costs for low-income households.</p><h2>4. Accessibility and Equity</h2><p>Public transportation ensures mobility for people without cars seniors, students, low-income workers thereby promoting social equity.</p><h2>5. Encouraging Smart Urban Growth</h2><p>Transit-oriented development (TOD) fosters walkable neighborhoods and reduces urban sprawl.</p><h2>6. Health and Lifestyle Improvements</h2><p>Walking to bus or train stations increases physical activity and encourages more active lifestyles compared to car dependence.</p><h2>7. Resilience During Crises</h2><p>During fuel shortages or natural disasters, public transport systems offer cities reliable mobility options.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Public transportation is essential infrastructure, not a luxury. By investing in transit, cities can become cleaner, more equitable, and economically dynamic. The time to act is now.</p><p> </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/why-public-transportation-is-essential-for-urban-growth/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>The Future of Transportation: Key Trends and Innovations</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/the-future-of-transportation-key-trends-and-innovations/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/the-future-of-transportation-key-trends-and-innovations/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:41:43 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=55</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Future of Transportation: Trends That Will Change the Way We Move Transportation is undergoing a radical transformation. From self-driving vehicles to hyperloop systems, technology is reshaping how we get from point A to B. Here’s a look at the … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/the-future-of-transportation-key-trends-and-innovations/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">The Future of Transportation: Trends That Will Change the Way We Move</span></p><p>Transportation is undergoing a radical transformation. From self-driving vehicles to hyperloop systems, technology is reshaping how we get from point A to B. Here’s a look at the top transportation trends that are shaping the future of mobility.</p><h2>1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)</h2><p>Electric vehicles are becoming mainstream thanks to advances in battery technology, government incentives, and environmental awareness. EVs offer cleaner transportation with lower maintenance and fuel costs.</p><h2>2. Autonomous Driving</h2><p>Self-driving cars are being tested across the world. With AI, sensors, and machine learning, these vehicles aim to reduce human error, traffic, and accidents.</p><h2>3. Shared Mobility Services</h2><p>Ride-sharing and carpooling platforms like Uber, Lyft, and BlaBlaCar are changing vehicle ownership models and promoting efficient urban transport.</p><h2>4. Hyperloop and High-Speed Transit</h2><p>Concepts like the Hyperloop promise ultra-fast, energy-efficient travel through low-pressure tubes. Though still in development, they signal a leap in long-distance commuting.</p><h2>5. Urban Air Mobility</h2><p>Flying taxis and drones may soon join the transportation ecosystem, especially in dense cities. Companies are already testing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircrafts.</p><h2>6. Smart Cities and Connected Infrastructure</h2><p>Transportation is becoming part of an intelligent ecosystem. Smart traffic lights, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and data analytics improve flow and safety.</p><h2>7. Micromobility Solutions</h2><p>Bikes, e-scooters, and electric skateboards offer last-mile transport options and reduce reliance on cars in urban environments.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>The future of transportation is smarter, cleaner, and more connected. Innovations today will define how future generations travel, work, and live. Embracing these changes means a more efficient, sustainable world for all.</p><p> </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/the-future-of-transportation-key-trends-and-innovations/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>The Benefits of Having Your Payments Settled Through Payday Loans</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/the-benefits-of-having-your-payments-settled-through-payday-loans/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/the-benefits-of-having-your-payments-settled-through-payday-loans/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:29:57 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Online payday loan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=49</guid> <description><![CDATA[Payday loans offer great options to responsible borrowers. They are normally short-term loans that are not costly. A payday loan can save you money as opposed to getting expensive overdrafts. Getting a payday loan can be performed hassle-free and quickly. … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/the-benefits-of-having-your-payments-settled-through-payday-loans/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Payday loans offer great options to responsible borrowers. They are normally short-term loans that are not costly. A payday loan can save you money as opposed to getting expensive overdrafts. Getting a payday loan can be performed hassle-free and quickly. After making your applications online, you will not need to wait for many days to get the cash that you need. A payday loan can offer a simple remedy for many financial dilemmas that require a quick solution.Benefits of these loansThere are several benefits derived from applying for these short-term loans. First, the process for applying is easy. The application can be performed from the safe confines of your home or during your lunch break. The process of applying is simpler compared with the process of applying for loans from the traditional banks.The information that is submitted during the application is processed fast. The credit reports that affect the credit history are not demanded. Furthermore, repaying the loan is easy because the applicant has the option of prolonging the time required for making the loan repayment. The best companies offer these short-term loans online at competitive rates. This gives you the opportunity of resolving urgent financial problems quickly.When making your applications online, you will not be required to send your information by fax. The loan provider then assesses the information saving you the time that would be required in making an application. The loan that is issued is based on the information that you have submitted during the application. The best loan providers guarantee privacy of your information. The companies undertake several measures that ensure third parties have no access to your private information including details of your bank account.Why this short term loans are recommendedA payday loan is recommended because it is easy to apply and quick to receive. The requirements for applying a payday loan are simple. Therefore, it is possible for anyone with a form of income and a bank account to apply for this type of loan. The loans are designed to be taken for short periods. Most of these loans are borrowed for approximately one month or less, although the term can be extended depending on the borrowers needs.The loans can be received without strict requirements. This makes them ideal for borrowers who are not eligible for other types of credit. To access a payday loan, you need to provide your identification, prove you have a steady income and a bank account. Therefore, the loan is recommended for persons who lack enough savings to cater for immediate needs. Without a payday loan, you may not be in a position to cater for certain necessary expenses. The alternative to a payday loan is missing to pay your bills within the stipulated period, which could result in extra fees or charges. Furthermore, this could lead to disconnection of utilities.Overcoming financial setbacksMany people have stopped worrying about experiencing financial setbacks because they can access payday short-term loans. Although taking up the loan means that you will need to repay the loan plus interest, these types of loans have been designed for the short-term, therefore the interest is relatively low. Normally, the loan is usually smaller the first time but with subsequent applications, you will be able to receive more money.With loans falling between £50 and £1250, you will be in a position to cover for many costs. You will be able to cater for utility, medical or vet bills. The cash can also be used to cater for other emergencies such as a broken washing machine and a leaking pipe.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/the-benefits-of-having-your-payments-settled-through-payday-loans/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>3 Mistakes Coaches Make When Designing Their Signature Coaching Programs</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/3-mistakes-coaches-make-when-designing-their-signature-coaching-programs/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/3-mistakes-coaches-make-when-designing-their-signature-coaching-programs/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:44:41 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=47</guid> <description><![CDATA[Having a signature program doesn’t mean you’ll build a successful coaching business. But not having one means you don’t have something to sell and when you don’t have something to sell, you don’t have a business.If you’re ready to have … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/3-mistakes-coaches-make-when-designing-their-signature-coaching-programs/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Having a signature program doesn’t mean you’ll build a successful coaching business. But not having one means you don’t have something to sell and when you don’t have something to sell, you don’t have a business.If you’re ready to have a coaching business that is fulfilling and satisfying, you’d probably want to have a signature program that’s a reflection of who you are, encompassing your value, conviction and superpowers.You want a program you can call your own, and can be proud of.You want a program that allows you to put all your experience, knowledge and talent under one roof – without cutting off an arm and a leg to fit into a box, or looking like a jack-of-all-trades.Taking some 3- or 6-months “off the shelf” generic program designed by someone else and jamming yourself into it no longer works.It no longer brings satisfaction. It doesn’t resonate. It feels like going through the motion without fully living their message.If you’ve been struggling to create your signature program – not a flash in the pan offering, but something that sticks and makes you excited about selling (!) every single day – you may be making these mistakes:1. Using Generic, “Off the Shelf” ProgramMany coach-training programs provide students with a 3- or 6-month program they can use right away to get clients.Or you might have purchased some other pre-written programs that claim to solve all your pain and suffering.It may work for a little while to help you get your feet wet, but often times regurgitation is not a long-term solution.When you take an “off the shelf” program, stick it into your business and call it a day, you are stuffing yourself into a box made by others.These programs are generic. The flip side of “yeah I can probably sell this to anyone” is that they make you sound like everyone else.They often don’t give you the space to express your value, conviction and opinion. And there is little opportunity for individual expression of your superpowers.I don’t know about you, but for my peeps and myself, that’s stifling. Suppressing our voice is downright criminal.It’s like letting someone else speak for you for the rest of your life. Would you allow that?It’s one thing to use these programs as a stopgap move to get things going, but another to be married to it and treat it as a be-all-end-all solution.I’m not saying you’ve to reinvent the wheel… but you gotta be in the driver’s seat before the wheel can take you anywhere.2. Where are YOU in the program?It’s not hard to write a program. Seriously. Especially if you’re the “hunker down and I can do anything Type A” kind of person.I work with a lot of these go-getter clients. They take action. They follow directions they’ve learned in trainings and programs. They do the work. They didn’t write one program, they wrote three.But still, nothing clicked.Their motivation died when they realized the program they spent so much time and effort to develop didn’t resonate with them.The reason? They’ve forgotten about the most important thing – themselves! They neglected the WHY that drives the program.Most people focus on the “what” and the “how” of a program: the information, modality, delivery and execution.They got hastily pushed down a particular direction during those 5-minutes-of-fame group coaching calls, before they uncover what really, truly motivates them.They were missing the driving force that goes beyond a target market, a set of tools, or a topic of expertise.Jumping both feet into the nitty-gritty has caused them to bypass the foundation – the PERSON behind the program.The PERSON who puts her name and reputation on the program. The PERSON delivering the program. The PERSON who has to live and breathe that program. (YOU!)The most successful program stems from a set of core value and conviction that transcends modality, delivery format and pieces of information.There is a golden thread behind the content that ties everything together and give it a unique positioning that makes the “same information” different.It embodies your WHY so you can stand by it with the utmost conviction.It takes into account your superpowers so you can deliver it in the most effective way possible. It fuels you, not drains you.3. It’s an Exercise in Navel-GazingOn the other hand, your signature system is not all about you.You can’t be of service if you’re not relevant to the people you serve.I’ve seen many practitioners who make their signature programs all about them, their skills, modality and whatever tools du jour.The disconnect happens when a program becomes a list of stuff you do, and you fail to relate it to your niche.Niche is how you anchor yourself in the community you serve. It’s not a bunch of demographic data. It’s about being relevant.You’re going to hear crickets when your signature program fails to connect your skills, expertise and tools with the needs of those you’re marketing to.When you can articular why you’re relevant to the people that matter to you (your market), you’ll feel excited about what you do.You’ll take on an identity that you matter and you’re creating value.When you can articulate how your expertise applies to your peeps, you gain the confidence to actually get out there and talk about it.It’s not just about selling stuff. It’s about you anchoring into a community that matters to you. It’s about creating an identity of you being valuable and confident.You know, the stuff that makes you excited to get up every morning <img src='https://fiarzms.info/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/3-mistakes-coaches-make-when-designing-their-signature-coaching-programs/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>CMM and Project Management – Tracking and Oversight</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/cmm-and-project-management-tracking-and-oversight/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/cmm-and-project-management-tracking-and-oversight/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:08:11 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=44</guid> <description><![CDATA[The goal of the Software Project Tracking and Oversight Key Process Area (KPA) is to provide sufficient insight into project performance so that the project manager can detect variances between performance and the plan and take preventive or corrective action. … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/cmm-and-project-management-tracking-and-oversight/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> The goal of the Software Project Tracking and Oversight Key Process Area (KPA) is to provide sufficient insight into project performance so that the project manager can detect variances between performance and the plan and take preventive or corrective action. This KPA influences all PMBOK knowledge areas and is most closely associated with the Monitoring and Controlling group of processes. As with the other KPAs Software Project Tracking and Oversight is organized into goals, commitments, abilities, activities, measurements, and verifications.Goals<br />The goals of this KPA relate to and support project oversight and corrective actions. The goals are that results are tracked against project plans, that corrective actions are taken when there is a variance between planned results and actual results, and that corrective actions that change the project plan are agreed to by the affected groups. The abilities and activities all support the achievement of these goals.Commitment to Perform<br />Commitments to this KPA are required at the executive level. The first commitment is that a software project manager be assigned to the project. This commitment will be made by default for most IT projects. The project manager responsible for the entire project is likely to be someone who is considered a “software project manager”, or at least has experience managing software projects. When larger projects require a sub-project for the creation of a software system or application to be defined, this commitment requires a project manager to be assigned to manage the sub-project. This is an organizational commitment, but might require you to identify and assign a project manager to manage the software sub-project if you are the overall project manager.The second commitment is also at the organizational level and it is that project management follows a written organizational policy for managing software projects. PMs working out of a PMO or PMC should have such a policy to follow. If you are a project manager leading the charge for CMM/CMMI certification you should undertake the writing of this policy to govern your project and future projects for your organization.Ability to Perform<br />There are 5 abilities required to meet CMM/CMMI level 2 criteria. The first ability is that software project has a project plan. The second is that the software project manager assigns work to the project team. This means not only that the project manager defines, organizes, and schedules the work in their plan, but that they direct individual team members to do the work. I believe that meeting the criteria for this ability requires the software project manager to be given the authority to direct the project resources work for the duration of the project. The best way for this authority to be officially granted is through the Project Charter which governs the project.The third ability calls for adequate resources to be provided for tracking and oversight activities. Planning of the activities will be supported by the project’s plans and schedule. Adequate funding will be demonstrated by the budget for resources to perform oversight and tracking activities being part of the approved project budget. Ability 4 requires the software project manager to be trained in managing the “technical and personnel aspects” of the software project. I would argue that there is no better way of demonstrating this ability than by the certification of the software project manager as a Project Management Professional (PMP®). The Project Management Institute oversee this certification and are recognized globally as the leaders in the area of project management certification and project management best practices. Certification of your software project manager is straight forward, providing PMI’s criteria for project management experience are met. Providing they are, the project manager can choose from a host of quality PMP® courses or PMP® exam preparation training products to prepare them for the certification exam. These courses will train project managers in Project Management best practices and their implementation, as well as helping the project manager pass their exam.The final ability calls for first-line software managers to receive “orientation in the technical aspects of the software project”. CMMI defines a first-line software manager as someone who has direct management responsibility, including responsibility for providing technical direction, for staffing and activities of a single organizational unit. This definition matches the PMBOK®’s definition of a functional manager. The first-line manager should be educated in the tools, processes, procedures, and standards used for the project.Activities<br />Activities called for by CMM include:Use the project plan for tracking activities and communicating project status. The plan should be updated with information for work completed and made available to project stakeholders. Your MS Project file will satisfy this criterion and will convert your WBS/schedule to several formats that can be accessed by stakeholders who do not have MS Project on their desktop.</p><p>The project plans are revised according to a documented procedure. This procedure will be your Change Management plan, or Integrated Change Control System (ICCS). The various components of the project plan specify how changes approved by the ICCS/Change Management plan are to be implemented. The activity also calls for a review of the revised project plan.</p><p>Commitments made to external groups, and any changes to those commitments, are reviewed with senior management according to a documented procedure. In the context of tracking and oversight this activity will be described in the project’s Change Management plan.</p><p>Approved changes to the software project are communicated to the members of the software engineering group and other software-related groups. Your Change Management plan, or Communications Management plan, should describe this.</p><p>The sizes of work products, or changes to the work products are tracked and corrective actions taken as necessary. CMM uses the word “size” to refer to the number of lines of code,.html pages, or pages of documentation produced. The idea is to compare the actual size with the estimates for the purpose of identifying actions required to correct the estimation procedure and future estimates.</p><p>Effort and costs are tracked and corrective actions taken when necessary. The cost management portion of the project plan will govern monitoring and controlling expenditures and identify how corrective actions are to be identified. The Change Management plan governs how changes to the cost estimates are to be made. Since software development projects frequently aren’t governed directly by budgets, this may be accomplished in the Time Management plan for the project.</p><p>Critical computer resources are tracked and corrective actions taken when necessary. These will be tracked, along with other project resources, in the resource management plan. </p><p>The schedule is tracked and corrective actions taken when necessary. The Time Management portion of the project plan will describe how this happens, including the analysis of late and early delivery dates on the plan.</p><p>Technical activities are tracked and corrective action taken when necessary. Technical activities refer to the methods, procedures, and processes used to develop and test the software. Testing activities will be described in the Quality Management plan. Most of the methods, procedures, and processes associated with development of the software should be captured in the Configuration Management plan. Activities not covered by the Configuration Management or Quality Management plans should be described in a separate plan.</p><p>Project risks are tracked. This is accomplished by the Risk Management plan</p><p>Measurement data and re-planning data are recorded. This includes estimates and data associated with the estimates, plus data measuring completed work. Estimates will be captured in the WBS and schedule. Estimating tools and methods such as Function Point Analysis (FPA) will be described elsewhere.</p><p>The software engineering group conducts periodic internal reviews to track technical progress, plans, performance, and issues against the plan. The software engineering group includes the first-line managers and software project manager. This activity is covered by your weekly status review meetings.</p><p>Formal reviews to address accomplishments and results are conducted at selected project milestones. These formal reviews will correspond to your Gate Reviews.Measurement and Analysis<br />The effort required to perform the tracking activities is measuredVerification<br />Verification is performed by senior management who review the tracking and oversight activities periodically. This will be satisfied with the Gate Reviews planned for the project and by any Steering Committee or Project Sponsor reviews scheduled. Verification is also done by the project manager. This requirement can be satisfied with regular status review meetings in addition to the Gate Meetings. These two verifications also require you to produce a status report after each meeting.The 3rd verification calls for reviews or audits of the project by a Quality Assurance group. Since CMM regards the Quality Assurance group as an entity outside of the control of the project, the senior management of your organization should be responsible for this verification. If you are assigned to manage the project by a PMO or PMC this group may provide the audits or reviews required by CMM.The tips and tricks described in this article implement some of the best practices promoted by the PMI (Project Management Institute). These are taught in most PMP® courses and other PMP® exam preparation training products. Visit the three O web site for a sampling of some of the products available in this area, including AceIt©, our downloadable software training tool: http://threeo.ca/featuress8.php </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/cmm-and-project-management-tracking-and-oversight/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Business Traveller Flying to London? A London City Guide for Getting to the Centre</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/business-traveller-flying-to-london-a-london-city-guide-for-getting-to-the-centre/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/business-traveller-flying-to-london-a-london-city-guide-for-getting-to-the-centre/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2023 05:05:11 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[accounting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[companies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[google]]></category> <category><![CDATA[near me]]></category> <category><![CDATA[offices]]></category> <category><![CDATA[restaurant]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[services]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=41</guid> <description><![CDATA[London. The vibrant, beating heart of the United Kingdom. It’s one of the world’s most popular destinations for tourists, and for business travellers too. The amount of commerce that goes through London is staggering, with a financial centre second only … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/business-traveller-flying-to-london-a-london-city-guide-for-getting-to-the-centre/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> London. The vibrant, beating heart of the United Kingdom. It’s one of the world’s most popular destinations for tourists, and for business travellers too. The amount of commerce that goes through London is staggering, with a financial centre second only to New York, and service industries that cater for both the UK, European and international markets. As the world’s most multicultural city – there are over 300 languages spoken by a population of over eight million people (twelve million if you include the metropolitan area) – the opportunities for business are clear.With the UK strategically positioned for the business traveller on the western edge of Europe, London is a global hub for air travel, providing easy access to mainland Europe, and a stepping stone to the United States. Primarily served by five airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Stansted and Luton – London is easily reached from anywhere in the world. But with the exception of London City Airport – smallest of the five and located in East London, close to the business district of Canary Wharf – the other four airports are satellites evenly dispersed around the city. The most popular, Heathrow, is located to the west of London; Gatwick is situated to the south; Stansted to the north east; and Luton to the North West. Knowing this before you make your travel plans can be useful. Since the greater metropolitan area of London covers over 1,000 square miles, your final business destination may not be right in the centre. Researching which airport is closest to your destination can save you time, effort and money.However, whether you’re a business traveller flying from within the UK or from overseas, your starting destination may often determine the airport you arrive at. Other factors, such as your chosen time of travel, budget and availability will also make a difference. For example, if you’re travelling with a major international carrier from a major city, such as New York, the chances are you’ll arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick (Stansted also receives flights from New York but is the smallest of the three). If you’re travelling locally from within the UK with a budget carrier you’re more likely to arrive at Stansted or Luton (though not exclusively). And if you’re travelling from a major European city, particularly a financial capital, such as Frankfurt, London City Airport is a likely arrival point (the airport was created specifically to cater for short haul business travellers, particularly between financial centres).Each airport is served by comprehensive rail and road infrastructure, providing business travellers with a variety of options to enter London. All five airports offer direct rail travel into the heart of Central London, coach travel to the main Victoria terminus, and hire car, mini-bus, licensed black cab and taxi services by road. If you’re a VIP business traveller, chauffeur services are also available, and with the exception of London City Airport, each also offer direct helicopter transfer into the heart of the city.London Heathrow AirportThe busiest of the five airports is London Heathrow. Located less than twenty miles from central London, Heathrow is situated to the west of the city within the M25 motorway metropolitan boundary. The fastest route into London is via the Heathrow Express train service, taking just 15 minutes from terminals 1, 2 and 3 to Paddington station (located on the western side of Central London). If your flight arrives at either terminal 4 or 5 it’s a further four and six minutes travel time respectively, and you’ll need to transfer on to the main London-bound service at terminals 1, 2 and 3.The service is excellent, offering comfort and convenience, but does not always suite everyone’s travel budget. The standard ‘Express’ single journey ticket costs £21.00 (€25.00 / $35.00), but business travellers can get better value when purchasing a return ticket, priced at £34.00 (€40.00 / $56.00). The ‘Business First’ ticket is more expensive, with singles costing £29.00 (€35.00 / $48.00) and returns £52.00 (€62.00 / $86.00), but it does afford business travellers considerably more leg room, the privacy of a ‘single seating’ layout, and a fold out table. The experience is akin to that of air travel. All passengers across both pricing structures enjoy access to electrical sockets, USB ports and free Wi-Fi. The overall quality of service and passenger experience generates a ‘wow’ factor, and if your budget can afford it, is certainly the smoothest, quickest and most convenient way to travel into London from Heathrow. Trains run regularly every fifteen minutes in both directions, particularly useful for last minute dashes to the airport.There are two further rail options available to business travellers, both considerably less expensive, though this is reflected in the quality of service. That’s not to say either is not a good solution for business travellers, just that there is a noticeable difference in convenience and comfort.With a service typically running every thirty minutes, and a journey duration – depending on the time of day – of between 23 and 27 minutes from terminals 1, 2 and 3, Heathrow Connect is more than adequate for business travellers who are not in a hurry. Like the rival Express service, Connect also arrives at Paddington station, but unlike its faster rival stops at up to five other stations before reaching its terminus. The ‘inconvenience’ of this less direct journey is compensated for by a considerably less expensive ticket price. Single journey’s cost £9.90 (€12.00 / $16.00) while a return is £19.80 (€24.00 / $32.00). There is no saving to be made from purchasing a return ticket. While the convenience and comfort of the traveller experience cannot match the Express, the Connect business travel solution is an acceptable compromise that suits a greater number of travel budgets.The third – and least expensive – rail option is the London Underground ‘tube’ network. Despite the network’s name the majority of the journey from Heathrow is overground, until the business traveller nears Central London. Starting on the Piccadilly Line, the service connects all five Heathrow terminals and provides frequent trains into London, stopping at a considerable amount of outlying stations before arriving in the capital’s centre. This continually ‘interrupted’ journey – there are seventeen stops between Heathrow terminals 1, 2 and 3 and Paddington Tube station (the nearest equivalent tube terminus for a fair comparison) – and takes approximately fifty minutes journey time on average, considerably slower than its more direct rivals. This journey comparison also requires the inconvenience of a transfer between lines.So why would the business traveller consider using the tube from Heathrow to Central London? Simple. The frequency of service, the array of destinations, and the cost. At a cash price of just £5.70 (€6.80 / $9.50) for a single journey in either direction during peak hours (06:30am to 09:30am), financially the Underground is an attractive option. At nearly half the price of the Heathrow Connect, and at just over a quarter of the price of the Heathrow Express, this service is comparably good value for money. Further value can be found if the business traveller purchases an ‘Oyster Card’, the ‘cashless’ electronic ticketing system beloved by so many Londoners. Available to purchase at Heathrow London Underground stations, this useful option allows you to get tickets cheaper than for cash – in this case a reduction to just £5.00 (€6.00 / $8.30). Off-peak travel with an Oyster Card offers even greater value, with Heathrow to Paddington in either direction costing just £3.00 (€3.60 / $5.00) per journey. The Oyster Card can also be used for unlimited travel on buses and trains throughout London, with a maximum daily spend capped at £17.00 (€20.00 / $28.00) peak time and just £8.90 (€10.60 / $15.00) off-peak for a six zone ticket (destinations across London are divided into six main zonal rings. Travelling from Heathrow to Central London crosses all six zones).The Underground is primarily a city-wide mass transit system, rather than a ‘train’ service. As such the level of comfort and convenience is substantially less than that of both the Heathrow Express and Connect services, and at peak hours can be considerably uncomfortable. Having endured a recent flight, business travellers who choose this option run the risk of having to stand up the entire journey if travelling during peak hours. If the carriage is full to squeezing point (as is often the case at peak time) managing your luggage can be a challenge. It should also be noted that the tube network – which, as the world’s first urban mass-transit system is over 150 years old – is often prone to signal failures and delays. If the time between your arrival at Heathrow (don’t forget to factor in clearing immigration control, luggage collection and customs) and your business appointment is tight, particularly during peak hours, it is not unfair to say that you are taking a risk if you choose to use the Underground.Compared to using rail, travelling by road into Central London is far less convenient. Like every major city around the world, traffic congestion plagues the streets of London. The M4 and A4 route from Heathrow into London is always busy and in parts can be slow moving at times. No matter what your method of road transport, the business traveller is vulnerable to the risk of delays and accidents.Buses and coaches are plentiful. The dominant carrier is called National Express. They operate services between Heathrow Airport and London Victoria, the main coach terminus in London. From here travellers can travel to many other destinations around the UK. The coaches run from Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station, which is located between terminals 1, 2 and 3. Its well sign posted so easily found. If you’re arriving at terminals 4 or 5 you’ll need to first take the Heathrow Connect train to the central bus station. From Victoria Station you can get to any other part of London with ease, via the Underground, plentiful buses, local trains and licensed black cabs / minicab taxi services.A single journey tickets start from £6.00 (€7.20 / $10.00), while returns cost £11.00 (€13.20 / $18.00). Although you can purchase your ticket at Heathrow, it is advisable to do so in advance, and online. This will ensure you have a guaranteed, reserved seat on your coach of choice, and also provide you with the opportunity to select a time of departure and/or return that best suits your needs. Typically this service runs three coaches per hour to and from London Victoria coach station. The journey time can vary, dependent on the route taken, the time of day and traffic conditions, but you can typically expect your journey to take between 40 and 90 minutes.National Express also offers business travellers a Heathrow hotel transfer service to and from the airport, known as the Heathrow Hoppa. With hundreds of services each day running around the clock, it’s a clean, comfortable and affordable way to get about, costing £4.00 (€4.80 / $6.60) for single journey and £7.00 (€8.40/ $11.50) for a return journey. This service is particularly useful if your business appointment is located close to Heathrow and you have no need to travel into Central London.An alternative to coach travel is taking a bus. This can be particularly useful if you arrive at Heathrow late at night. Depending on the day of the week, the N9 night bus runs approximately every 20 minutes to Trafalgar Square in Central London, from 11.30pm to 5am. The journey time is approximately 75 minutes, subject to traffic delays. It’s a very affordable service, and as part of the Transport for London infrastructure a single journey can be paid for with an Oyster Card (£1.40 (€1.70/ $2.30) or by cash (£2.40 (€2.90/ $4.00).If your journey into London requires the freedom to choose to travel whenever you want, to wherever you want, or you simply require privacy, then private hire transport is readily available at Heathrow. If you’re just interested in getting from A to B and back again, without any other journeys in between, taking a licensed black cab or minicab taxi may suit your needs. Travelling in an iconic licensed black cab into Central London will take approximately 45-60 minutes, subject to traffic delays, and can typically cost between £50.00 (€60.00/ $83.00) and £80.00 (€96.00/ $132.00). If you do find yourself delayed in traffic the journey will cost more, since black cab meters also charge for waiting time when not moving. Black cabs are readily available at all hours, and good sign posting at Heathrow means they’re easy to find. At a squeeze up to five business travellers can be accommodated, though if you all have large luggage it will be a problem.An alternative private hire to black cabs are licensed taxi services. This could be a better option for the business traveller, particularly if a number of people with luggage are travelling together. An array of vehicle types are available, ranging from standard 4/5 seater saloon and 6/7 passenger people carrier cars, up to 15 or 17 seater minibuses and even coach taxis. An added advantage is you can book your vehicle of choice in advance and at a fixed price. With so many different companies offering these services, prices – and quality of service – can vary, but typically for a single journey the business traveller can expect to pay a fixed, advance price of £40.00 (€48.00/ $66.00) for a saloon car; £50.00 (€60.00/ $83.00) for an estate car; £55.00 (€66.00/ $90.00) for an executive car; £55.00 (€66.00/ $90.00) for a people carrier; £65.00 (€78.00/ $108.00) for an 8 seater minibus; £80.00 (€96.00/ $132.00) for an executive people carrier; and £165.00 (€198.00/ $272.00) for a 16 seater minibus. Savings can be made on all tariffs if a return journey is booked in advance.Travelling by black cab or licensed taxi affords the business traveller the freedom to travel at his or her own pace, and can take the hassle out of a journey. It can be a very relaxing way to commute from the airport into London, particularly after a long flight, and offers the business traveller an opportunity to unwind prior to their business appointment.If you need to arrange senior executive or VIP transportation, chauffeur driven services are readily available (booked in advance) between Heathrow and London. The vehicle type and the length of time you require it for will dictate the price you’ll pay. Chauffeur driven services are readily available to find online. The same is true of helicopter charter services which can transfer the executive business traveller from Heathrow into Central London (Battersea Heliport) in approximately 15 minutes. Flightline Travel Management is experienced at providing our customers with both modes of transport, and we’re happy to take your enquiry.© Copyright Flightline Travel Management Ltd. All rights reserved.All prices correct at time of publication. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/business-traveller-flying-to-london-a-london-city-guide-for-getting-to-the-centre/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Negotiating Technology Contracts in Health Care</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/negotiating-technology-contracts-in-health-care/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/negotiating-technology-contracts-in-health-care/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2023 10:57:22 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=39</guid> <description><![CDATA[Technology spending for hardware, software and consulting services accounts for a significant portion of most health care providers budgets today, especially since the Obama Stimulus Plan and HITECH Act are incentivizing providers to implement electronic health records. In a perfect … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/negotiating-technology-contracts-in-health-care/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Technology spending for hardware, software and consulting services accounts for a significant portion of most health care providers budgets today, especially since the Obama Stimulus Plan and HITECH Act are incentivizing providers to implement electronic health records. In a perfect world, technology works perfectly, improves efficiency and the quality of care and makes life easier for the provider. However, the real world is not perfect and things can, and do, go wrong with technology products and services after you purchase and/or license them from third party vendors. Technology contracts generally are written by the vendors and consultants. Unfortunately, many technology contracts fall short of giving providers adequate protection and often contain hidden pitfalls and costs. Despite this fact, many providers never give these contracts to experienced health lawyers to help them negotiate better terms and protections for their high-tech investments BEFORE signing. This is a potentially costly practice. Every health care provider should be concerned with at least the following FOUR KEY ISSUES, which should be addressed in any technology contract:Warranties and Limitations of Liability: Despite elaborate sales presentations, technology contracts typically disclaim most, if not all, warranties and limit the liability of vendors to only refunding all or part of the purchase or license price paid for the technology. Such refunds are inadequate to protect the average provider when problems arise. A technology vendor should be required to give a written warranty in the contract that its product will perform in accordance with documented standards and for a reasonable period of time. At a minimum, this time period should be long enough for the provider to evaluate the technology in its operations. A better solution is to require a warranty for the useful life of the technology, or as long as there is a support and maintenance service agreement in place. A vendor also should not be allowed contractually to limit its liability on default only to return of the purchase price. If a provider suffers actual damages caused by the technology, the vendor should be required, in writing, to stand behind its product and services and reimburse such damages. A reasonable compromise is to require the vendor at least to tender the limits of its insurance coverage, which creates minimal additional risk to the vendor while better protecting the provider.Payments & Performance: A provider should not agree to pay the full purchase price up front, as is often a contract requirement, leaving the vendor with little incentive to complete its responsibilities. The parties should mutually agree in advance upon a project timetable with milestone targets for delivery and implementation of the technology. Payments should be made in installments conditioned upon reaching the targets. In addition, providers should build in testing rights, in order to evaluate whether the technology is performing as promised. The provider always should have the final say in whether a test provides a successful outcome and whether the final payment should be made to the vendor.Support and Maintenance: A technology hardware purchase or software license is only as good as the support and maintenance that goes along with it. The vendor should be willing to provide support for at least a defined useful life of the technology. Several questions should be answered in a written support agreement. Are updates or upgrades provided without additional charge? Will the vendor perform on-site or off-site support and maintenance? Will the provider pay a monthly fee plus an hourly charge or is there only an hourly charge? Does the hourly charge differ depending on when or what level of support is needed? Do the charges increase over the term of the support agreement? What is the vendor agreeing to support? Will changes made to the technology by the provider automatically terminate the warranty or support obligations? Unless the contract is specific regarding essential issues, a provider may find itself paying for less or different support and/or maintenance services than needed or expected.Confidentiality: Confidentiality of patient health information is a critical issue. Federal HIPAA law has a variety of privacy and security rules providers and their business associates must follow. In addition, some states, including Florida, have enacted legislation that requires entities that conduct business in the state and which maintain computerized data that contains personal information to provide notice to any resident if there is a breach of security. A technology contract should specify if the vendor will have access to any of the confidential patient information. A health care provider must require the vendor and its employees to maintain the confidentiality of such information under federal and many state laws. The technology contract also should expressly protect the confidentiality of provider trade secrets and other proprietary information to which a vendor or consultant may have access.Although technology contracts may appear intimidating, as they frequently are presented by vendors in small print and columned format, leading providers to believe they are non-negotiable forms, this is not the case in most instances. Investing the time and resources to have a health law attorney experienced in technology contracting review and help to negotiate contracts for hardware purchases, software licenses, maintenance and support, as well as technology consulting services, can save providers significant expense, disappointment and damages should the technology products or services not perform as promised. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/negotiating-technology-contracts-in-health-care/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Establishing Successful Customer Relationships Through Effective Communication</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/establishing-successful-customer-relationships-through-effective-communication/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/establishing-successful-customer-relationships-through-effective-communication/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:58:15 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=37</guid> <description><![CDATA[“One cannot always oblige; one can, however, always speak obligingly…” says Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Indian spiritual master, which is an exact explanation for the complex role of corporate communication in modern corporations today.The customer, as the old saying goes, … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/establishing-successful-customer-relationships-through-effective-communication/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> “One cannot always oblige; one can, however, always speak obligingly…” says Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Indian spiritual master, which is an exact explanation for the complex role of corporate communication in modern corporations today.The customer, as the old saying goes, is the king! A king he truly is he believes, that is, till the not-so-charitable mandarins of marketing let him know and make him aware, rather painfully for him, that he is one among the many millions that feel that way, without actually being that way. However, the same mandarins grudgingly acknowledge that a happy customer is a brand’s success, while a delighted customer is a brand’s ambassador. The customer relationship management paradigm – popularly abbreviated as CRM – is built precisely on these pillars. And the customer enjoys a precarious position in this paradigm.In the concentrated CRM efforts a company often forgets the basic thing that is the cornerstone of the concept… relationship! Traditional marketing theories have always focused on attracting new customers, rather than retaining existing customers. Over the past decade, thanks to intensified competition and greater variety of products, this has gradually altered. The current flavor of marketing is ‘retain’ more than ‘gain’. Because retention leads to growth and growth leads to fulfillment.In marketing, today, the consumer is treated not as a king but like a mischievous sprite. He is accused – well, almost – of making a brand dance to his wishes and whims. While purists tend to argue that brands need customers and vice versa, modernists counter it by saying that customers need a brand, any brand, so long as the brand is his willing genie. This disproportionate balance shapes brand communication strategies. Positioning per se is no longer a marketer’s tool but rather as an awkward proposition to grab the customer’s fancy. Positioning is not brand or product or benefit or feature-centric anymore; it is customer-centric.What is then important to establish a relationship between a brand and its customer? In order to build a personal relationship, the brand’s personality has to come through (Michael C Gray, 2006). It will no longer be brand and customer, but simply ‘you’ and ‘I’… a collaboration is well-developed leads to ‘we’, which could be a fulfilling state for a brand and a customer.Social researchers have always advised marketers that people prefer to do business with people, not institutions or brands. This implies that corporate communication has to be the link that helps to build and maintain a healthy relationship between both stakeholders. Technically there can be several types of regular communication: newsletters, fax messages, voice broadcasts, blogs, sales letters, emails and more.Communication with customers reflects the following aspects of a relationship.<br />o Strong culture<br />o Favorable identity<br />o Coherent philosophy<br />o Genuine sense of camaraderieIt may not be instant gratification or affection but effective corporate communication establishes an appropriate and professional relationship with the customer, including quick, responsible channels of two-way communication. Corporate Communication is all about managing perceptions and ensuring that with effective and timely dissemination of information a positive corporate image is created that ensures a smooth and affirmative relationship with all customers, at all times.Be it a corporate body, company, research institution, non-governmental organisation, PSU, all of them need to have a respectable image and reputation in the eyes of the customer. In today’s day and age of increasing competition, easy access to information and media explosion – reputation management has gained even greater importance. So, corporate communications as a role has become significant and professional in nature while dealing with customers.Gone are the days when corporate communications merely meant ‘wining and dining the client’; it has now emerged as a science and art of perception management. The concept of managing relationships with customers is as old as trade itself, but the focus has always been to sell products and services (Kotler, Philip, Introduction to Marketing Principles). Competition, driven by globalization and the Internet, has changed the face of business. Customers now have a variety of choices and, most importantly, they are becoming far more knowledgeable and demanding. The power has truly shifted to the customer. With this scenario, most companies realize that they need to treat their customers with more care.Companies are now desperately searching for different ways to manage their relationships effectively, not only to acquire new customers, but also to retain the existing ones. According to a Harvard Business Review Study by Reicheld & Sasser, some companies can boost their profits by almost 100% by retaining just 5% or more of their existing customers.Customers express their satisfaction in many ways. When they are satisfied, they mostly say nothing but return again, and again, to buy or use more. Measuring satisfaction is only half the story. It is also necessary to determine customers’ expectations or the importance they attach to different overtures of a brand, otherwise resources could be spent raising satisfaction levels of things that do not matter. The measurement of expectations or importance is more difficult than the measurement of satisfaction. Many people do not know or cannot admit, even to themselves, what is important.Consumers do not spend their time rationalizing why they do things, their views change and they may not be able to easily communicate or admit to the complex issues in the buying argument. A customer satisfaction index is a snapshot at a point in time. People’s views change continuously and the performance of companies in delivering customer satisfaction is also changing. Measuring satisfaction must be a continuous process. (Paul & Nick Hague, White paper on Customer Satisfaction Surveys, B2B International Ltd.)Even when experts discuss CRM, the discussion is almost always from the point of view of marketing, sales and business development. Seldom is CRM looked upon as a ‘goal’ that every organization should actively pursue. Often it is looked upon as a tool that every organisation could use. The differences are plenty. And CRM is not an IT function. CRM is more often a function of communication, by the company directly, through an intermediary such as a PR agency or simply through the media.Successful CRM practices is not about statistics, data warehousing or loyalty programs, rather it is about competing in the relationship dimension-not as an alternative to having a competitive product or reasonable price-but acting as a differentiator in terms of ‘feelings for the customer’, however abstractly – and sometimes absurdly – romantic that may sound. If brands can get an edge based on how customers feel about the brand, it’s a much more sustainable relationship in the long run. This feeling for a brand, as brand theorists prefer to call it is directly proportional to the communication efforts, written words and spoken sentences, that emanate from a company.Link it to the corporate communication strategy and you will have a direct connect between the company and its customer. The critical dimension of any CRM practice is the relationship that a brand shares with its customers. Using the word customer itself may sound a trifle improper here because ‘customer’ implies that the person is ‘outside’ a relationship. And any relationship is expressed and nurtured by communication.Almost always marketers try to understand a customer from the marketing perspective, as people who have to be ‘given’ something to retain their loyalty. This naturally places them on a moral (and commercial) pedestal that enables them to look down upon hapless customers as beneficiaries of their largess. In communication parlance this signifies up and down power positions. And in a relationship between equals the power position is not hierarchical. Sometimes the anachronistic social mindset refuses to place the customer on even keel with a brand – and vice versa – painting him as a king, or as an unrealistically greedy pauper.CRM is a simple process, because establishing a relationship is simple. Nowhere is understanding more profound than when it comes to human emotions… but surprisingly the very same human emotions have been overlooked by companies while interacting with their customers.What is a relationship? When is there a relationship between two entities? What is the role of corporate communications in establishing, maintaining and fulfilling such relationships? Relationship could simply mean to be a particular type of connection existing between people related to with each other biologically or emotionally and having social or economic dealings with each other. Unfortunately all pretenses of dealing with relationships that often ask for simplicity, empathy, credibility and sincerity cease the moment commercial returns on investments are discussed. Which is what communication is all about; communicating to customers, and not with them.Researchers have often argued that to understand brand-customer relationships, it is necessary to consider what the brand thinks of its customers, more than what the customers think of a brand. Marketers struggle hard to enhance the satisfaction of customers only to find that they choose their competitors. Why does this happen? Research has further shown that investments in customer communication, which logically seems to be the most crucial aspect in a relationship, has been the most neglected area in most companies.The argument for this lies in the reality that 65% of all customer service activities are outsourced to business processing units (BPUs). That means the brand does not directly handle customer interactions and queries – unless they are of a certain level, of course. This is akin to asking your friend to talk to your representative about everything that you want to say, including… affairs of the heart, and speak directly only if it is something serious! This attitude, in the first instance, is marketing-driven and one-sided. There are also many brand loyalty programs, which are being attempted by marketers in isolation without the back up support of several other relevant and related strategies. There is a distinctive need for marketers to understand the importance of customer communication, and not merely look at it from the point of view of PR, Advertising or other known corporate forms of communication.Often corporate communication strategies are designed… to work as a bridge between stakeholders, to justify policies and decisions, to deliver business strategies, to inform and persuade, and of course to emphasize that the company is committed to putting customer interests first, almost as an afterthought!Thus corporate communications is almost always understood as a process used to build, foster, nurture and extend business relationships with customers. This is unfortunately a bureaucratic understanding, as GE’s former CEO Jack Welch says, “Bureaucracies love to focus inward. It’s not that they dislike customers; they just don’t find them as interesting as themselves.” And the communication reflects it.In ‘Customers Are People: The Human Touch’, author Jon McKean states that in competitive markets, where customers have a choice between similar products and pricing, “70% percent of customer decision-making is based on how customers are treated.” “Yet,” McKean adds, “Over 80 per cent of customer initiatives are focused on ‘selling to customers better’ through superior products, prices and promotions, than in investing more resources in treating customers better…” How best can a person be treated? By simply being talked to in a better manner.The question staring squarely on the faces of companies is: “How to make a customer loyal?” When companies talk of relationships where customers have real choices, they are honestly trying to be the best suitor to the customer, ‘as the customer sees it’, and not ‘as they want the customer to see it’. Reichheld and other loyalty experts have studied this issue for years and have concluded that relationships are driven by the behaviour and perception of customers of the value of the relationship that exists between the brand and himself, which is the net result of what economic and psychological value the customer receives from the brand.According to psychologists customers’ emotional states influence about 50 percent of the value they perceive from their purchases. Jim Barnes, author of ‘Secrets of Customer Relationship Management: It’s All About How You Make Them Feel’, sums it up by saying, “Value is created every time a customer is made to feel welcome, important and valued.”After reasonably agreeing to the fact that the important aspects in CRM are relationship and how customers, on account of their distinct behaviour and personality, differently and uniquely perceive a relationship, it is also imperative to stress on the point that corporate communication is the prime driver of any relationship. As the leading Indian telecom brand AirTel shows in its advertisements, communication is all about expressing oneself.A brand identity is shaped by a collective interactive experience of customers, product, policy, and strategy. Which is why developing a brand-customer relationship is important. The choice is simple: either a brand makes a customer experience or it gets created despite the brand. To create a successful relationship, the brand must develop a compelling identity with the customer and have a genuine value proposition. The brand must rely on customer perspective, appreciate the viewpoint and have the ability to communicate appropriately. A common pitfall for many brands is that they do not take the time to think about how they should articulate the brand identity. Needless to say, a successful brand strategy is incomplete without a sound communications strategy. The organization must be aligned in ways that anticipate and fulfill customers’ emotional expectations at every touch point to create meaningful relationships and lasting competitive advantage.Successful customer communication clearly highlights the brand’s functional, emotional, and self-expressive benefits, as the customer would like to see. It is delivered in a way that is superior or unique when compared to competitors. Customer experience is shaped by a series of interactions with an organization.According to Jonathan Hardcastle, barriers to effective communication such as frames of reference, value judgments, selective listening, filtering and distrust (all between sender and receiver) complicate the communication systems and messages. However, these can be overcome by sending clear, complete, and specific messages, which are to put it rather romantically, ‘straight from the heart’. Demonstrating love and affection, clarifying intentions, being reliable and dynamic can enhance credibility, exhibiting warmth and friendliness, and building a positive image. Soliciting and providing specific feedback can also enhance communication effectiveness between partners, which is what brands should consider customers as.One of the most important consumer satisfaction elements is the ability to ask questions and being able to receive appropriately satisfying answers from the brand’s representatives. Gaining information, uncovering motives, giving incentives, obtaining participation, checking understanding, initiating the thinking process, inducing agreements, and refocusing attention, are all essential components of an effective consumer communication plan, says Hardcastle. Thus, the active listening skills of a brand help to build rapport with customers that is both intimate and empathetic.The other most important aspect is the subtle non-verbal communication of a brand and the customers, that is useful both in reading the underlying emotions and attitudes of customers, while reinforcing a brand’s verbal messages. Understanding subtle communication can enhance the brand-customer relationship.Coupled with this are improving standards of technology and devices that add an edge to the communication process. Unfortunately over-dependence on technology and automation has had an adverse impact on customer relationship. While on one hand brands talk of a relationship – a concept normally associated with living things largely and human beings in particular – on the other hand the overuse of technology has led to a dissociation that has taken the customer and brand away from each other. This dichotomous situation has to be recognised by the brand as well as the customer, for communication is all about power positions, and it is important to understand that in a relationship the power positions are on an even keel.Concluding, due to the growing complexity and turbulence of the business environment and the related growth in research knowledge about customer behavior patterns, managers of the 21st century have to take four themes as paramount; the necessity of managing the challenges of change; functioning within a global environment; being sensitive to the diversity among people; and behaving with ethical integrity.The final ingredient that binds a customer to your brand in a lasting relationship is dialogue. Your company’s brand isn’t a monolithic, hermetic face that the organization presents to the world. Rather, it’s an ongoing exchange where you listen carefully to your customers, understand what they say, and respond by modifying your value proposition and extending your businesses appropriately to fulfil customers’ desires. You exist because of the customer. This selflessness is the cornerstone to successful CRM.Therefore any corporate communication effort should focus broadly on three aspects: understanding relationships, understanding the distinct behaviour of consumers to relationship overtures and understanding (and establishing) the role of communication in effective and enduring customer relationships. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/establishing-successful-customer-relationships-through-effective-communication/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Real Estate Investment in Israel</title> <link>https://fiarzms.info/real-estate-investment-in-israel/</link> <comments>https://fiarzms.info/real-estate-investment-in-israel/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:52:07 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://fiarzms.info/?p=35</guid> <description><![CDATA[In this day and age, many people are wary of investing in the unstable stock market which requires a lot of time and expertise. Unfortunately, leaving excess money in the bank is hardly an attractive option given the current rock … <a href="https://fiarzms.info/real-estate-investment-in-israel/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> In this day and age, many people are wary of investing in the unstable stock market which requires a lot of time and expertise. Unfortunately, leaving excess money in the bank is hardly an attractive option given the current rock bottom interest rates. One avenue of investment which hasn’t lost its charm is real estate.Real estate investments in Israel create both a passive and active income for the investor. If the investor chooses to rent out his or her property, they may collect rent money, as well as reap the benefits of the steadily rising value of their property. Given the nature of the real estate market in Israel, this kind of investment provides both stability and relatively high capital gains.Many people fear making an investment while the market is down, but low prices shouldn’t deter. The right investment will be profitable at any time. Of course, an economic crisis holds greater risks, but it also holds greater opportunities for profit than other times. In Israel, recent years have brought about many changes: new railways, roads, infrastructure, schools and many military headquarters moving to the southern part of the country mean many great opportunities for wise investors. A small property in the periphery of Israel will usually mean higher yields from rent, while at the same time, investment in real estate in one of the major cities is still a good, reliable and more secure option.So how does one choose where to invest? In what? And whether to do so in Israel or some other country altogether? The most important advice is to research and thoroughly check all the options. Independently investing in real estate requires knowledge, understanding and information. Many people opt out of investing in this field although they have the required capital, just because they lack the necessary knowledge; they know they are missing out on golden opportunities. This article aims to highlight a few of the important things one must consider regarding real estate investments in Israel.Before beginning the search for the perfect investment, it’s important to plan and define the details of the investment, including the following subjects:- The purpose of the investment: if you are aiming for maximum returns, you might consider investing in housing units in the Tel Aviv central bus station area, where the rent potential from the foreign workers who inhabit the area will probably be higher than other alternatives. However, you should ask yourself whether you are prepared to deal with the inevitable day to day maintenance that accompany such a choice: collecting rent on a weekly basis, working with different populations. You should also take into account future needs: will you want to live in the apartment or to make it available for family at some point? In that case the character of the neighborhood, and vicinity to the center should also be taken into consideration.- Partners: Will you be investing alone or with a partner? A partner may be a family member, friend or business acquaintance. There are many advantages to investing with a partner: risk dispersing (for instance, you could invest in two halves of two apartments in different locations), shared planning and research etc. But shared investments are not for everyone, and come with the dangers any joint venture naturally encapsulates.- Level of risk: How “risk averse” are you? Someone who is “risk averse” will prefer a solid investment in an established location such as central Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, whilst a “risk taker” may prefer to invest in less “conventional” areas with less predictable prices but more potential for profit, such as Sderot, Ariel and more peripheral areas of Israel.- Correct financial planning of the investment:- Is your investment based on private equity? Or will you be taking on a mortgage? The level of equity you have will impact the amount of leveraging and the quality of the loan you get. These factors should be considered before searching for the right property, as they will determine the optimal amount for your investment.- Risk management: what are the potential risks associated with the investment, and how would you deal with them should they be realized? Although Israel has enjoyed financial stability compared to other countries across the globe, and has escaped the last global economic crisis more or less unscathed, there are inherent risks to investing in any market. A few examples include sudden inflation, an abrupt change in the dollar-shekel exchange rates, a deceleration of the renting market. You should leave a margin of equity that will enable you to return any debts and loans you have taken on, bearing in mind such scenarios and others.- Defining the nature of the property: this is one of the most challenging aspects of the investment process. For maximum gains, this stage must be carried out with due care and thought. Some of the most important aspects influencing the potential revenue from a property are:- Location of the property (central areas are the most popular, but are also the most expensive. A small property on the outskirts of a major city may yield higher returns)- Size of property (most renters live alone or with a partner. 1-2 bedroom apartments are popular amongst renters, while larger apartments usually incur bigger utility costs and municipal taxes)- Accessibility (vicinity to public transport routes, availability of parking etc.)- PriceApart from these issues to consider, it is important not to fall into the following “traps”. What NOT to do:- Investing in a property in your “comfort zone”: Israel holds many opportunities for the wise investor. But it is important not to choose an investment based on your fondness for a certain “comfort area”, be it because it is a favorite holiday location, close to family members, a job etc. One should choose an area to invest based on cold hard and objective returns potential, unless the investment will be a place of residence.- Full reliance on personal capital: It is better to consider leveraging your investment, even if you could afford it on your own. This decreases the risk and allows you to make further investments.- Not leaving an emergency “cushion”: Do not acquire a property for a total cost that leaves no room for unexpected payments and costs. Take into account additional costs such as purchase tax, payments to a realtor, an attorney, renovation funds etc, as well as additional unforeseen costs.Once you have properly outlined the nature of your investment, its purpose and scope, you are ready to invest. But there are still many more questions to consider: whether to buy a new apartment from a contractor, or an existing apartment (and what to look out for in each type of deal), the crucial tax implications of investing in different kinds of properties (which may affect the entire profitability of the investment), and once you have decided upon a property – what are the necessary legal precautions you should be taking. In order to protect your interests at all times whilst making the best investment, it is always recommended to consult an attorney who specializes in the field.http://www.aharonilaw.com </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://fiarzms.info/real-estate-investment-in-israel/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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