The Decisive 2021: Best 10 Training Courses In Decision-Making in Australia

October 19, 2021

You and your team may be great at critical thinking or seeing the true causes of troubles, but if you cannot act on this knowledge, it’s useless. When you have several options (or none) at hand, you need to make a decision to get things going. That’s the point of leadership, influence, power, and other valued traits or skills – the ability or skill to make a decision, to choose one path among the many, and walk it together with the team or solo.

When the data is incomplete or the environment is changing rapidly, decision-making becomes even more challenging, and you can either follow your gut feeling or get stuck in fear of mistakes. So if you plan to be efficient and agile in your workplace, you need to boost those decision-making skills.

Can One Learn To Make Decisions Efficiently?

A good way to upgrade your skills is to take a short professional training that includes some theory and lots of practice. How to find a really trustworthy training provider? Look through the content of a training session on offer. Many trainings will link critical thinking (or problem-solving) to decision-making and will deliver a joined session, but it’s OK. Just mind the decision-making part should be full-fledged and up to the point.

Whether separate or joined, a session should include the following elements:

– Decision-making toolkit (processes and approaches to the matter);

– Managing risk and lack of data, uncertain circumstances, etc.;

– Decision-makers: individuals or groups (including organizations);

– Context of decisions;

– Fear of mistakes and how to deal with it;

– Power (im)balance at play in decision-making;

– Decision-making in the long-term perspective;

– Ethical considerations, leadership, etc. that reflect in the process.

Currently, we can recommend you the list of top 10 providers who deliver informative and useful courses:

CMA Consulting
Professional Development Training
WeTrain
Paramount Training and Development
Australian Online Courses
The Success Institute (https://thesuccessinstitute.com.au/)
aim.com.au
UNSW Canberra
odysseytraining.com.au
CCE University of Sydney

CMA Consulting

This popular and reputable provider offers a dedicated one-day course on structured decision-making, leading participants through all components of the process, from data review to evaluation of potential outcomes and risks. Theory and practice are mixed into the blend that empowers participants to make decisions better and faster and avoid common mistakes along the way. The training can be delivered one-on-one, in small groups, or virtually presented to larger audiences. The training can be customized to meet your particular needs.

Professional Development Training (Australia)

This provider delivers a joined training unit of problem-solving and decision-making spanning 2 working days. The training can be conducted online, face-to-face, or in a hybrid mode, depending on your preferences. The program includes elements of critical thinking and pinpointing the true causes of issues at hand, as well as components of decision-making and outcomes evaluation. In-house mode of training is available across several big cities in Australia.

WeTrain

This Australian provider has created joint training on solving problems and making decisions, whether in daily life or the workplace. In the course of two days, trainees (ranging from CEOs to frontline employees) will learn to remove or avoid roadblocks, approach decision-making more strategically and critically, find the optimal solutions (i.e. make a decision), and implement it or ensure it is implemented. These are just a few elements of extensive training, so reach out to the provider for the quote and the specific program.

Paramount Training and Development

The provider offers two modules joined into one: decision-making and problem-solving. The course is available offline in most big cities across Australia. The coupling of these two areas is reasonable because the right decision can be made only after an issue is identified and a solution is found (or several possible solutions). The training helps participants to acquire practical tools of both areas, learn rules and processes and evaluate the potential results of solutions and decisions they arrive at. The training can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your company or industry.

Australian Online Courses

The provider offers a contemporary approach to decision-making and introduces the DDDM (data-driven decision-making) course. The idea is to combine data and human reason to identify gaps, opportunities, and solutions and act upon this knowledge. The course is suitable for any business that deals with some kind of data. The training provides a wide spectrum of tools and frameworks of data analysis that boost cooperation and innovation. The course can be customized for online or offline presentations and for teams of different sizes.

The Success Institute (Australia)

The provider offers a joint module that boosts two important skills: creative problem solving and decision making. The training will equip people with tools and algorithms for finding workable solutions without excessive stress and pressure and will explain the concept of a problem owner and how to apply it for optimal problem-solving. In general, the training relies on creativity and out-of-the-box thinking as the main drivers of specific decisions and innovation at large. Delivery of training is tailored to demand.

aim.com.au

This provider offers comprehensive long-term educational courses and short training sessions on a variety of business and interpersonal skills. Business Decision-Making and Analysis is designed as a long-term program (2 months) delivered online but can be condensed into a shorter version. The program includes a substantial theoretical segment and complements it with practice. Among others, the training will focus on different approaches to decision-making (including quantitative, qualitative, rational, intuitive, and creative) and a holistic perspective for devising and choosing the right decision.

UNSW Canberra

This reputable university offers short sessions of professional education, Ethical Decision Making for Professionals among them. This one-day training includes 5 modules that represent stages of ethical decision-making. A bit of theory and lots of practical exercises will help professionals in many fields to develop a framework of decision-making that relies on ethics and good practices. The course is particularly useful to those who have to make important and challenging decisions in their workplace.

odysseytraining.com.au

This educator in the field of business offers the course in critical thinking and decision-making. It is targeted at mid-level and top managers who need to boost their decision-making skills and place them in a wider context. The course highlights points of cognitive biases, strategic thinking, mistakes, fast and slow thinking modes and their impact on the outcomes, and many more. The course lasts one day.

CCE University of Sydney

This big university offers its proprietary array of business trainings designed by request. It can deliver courses in problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking, depending on your needs. They will be delivered online or offline by professional educators and experienced business trainers specializing in a particular skill. Get in touch with them in advance to get the requested training as soon as possible.

No matter what provider you choose, you will get top-class service and tons of useful theoretical and practical training. Decision-making happens in our daily life more often than we imagine, and getting the grip of it can improve your quality of life and work satisfaction significantly. So book a place for you and your team right away!

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The Biggest Finance Organizations are Using Alternative Data. Should You?

October 19, 2021

By Julius Černiauskas

Developments in data collection technologies led to a novel type of information, alternative data, that is used to enrich traditional finance. In this article, I explore an Oxylabs and Censuswide survey that displays the utility and the level of adoption of alternative data across the UK financial sector.

Investment managers once relied exclusively on traditional data such as earnings and market reports to make decisions. However, as the quest for alpha became increasingly challenging, new sources of data from social media, public websites, and applications – collectively referred to as alternative data – emerged to create new growth opportunities for firms.

The use of alternative data has grown exponentially – to the point where its use is leading to significant irreversible changes in how markets behave. This has led to concern about its risks, particularly with flawed data modeling and incorrect market signals.

To address this issue, Oxylabs – in cooperation with Censuswide – surveyed 252 senior data decision-makers from leading UK-based financial services companies and published a whitepaper. This article will explore those findings and give you an overview of the risks, benefits, and overall role of alternative data in the finance sector.

Alternative data, defined

Alternative data is literally an “alternative” to traditional data such as regularly published economic reports, investment news, press releases, and corporate annual reports. Sources include mobile application downloads and usage info, social media sentiment analysis, website traffic information, and search data.

Initially used by hedge fund investors, the movement caught on quickly to include private equity investors, followed by growth and value-oriented fund managers. The use of alternative data has been particularly critical to collective intelligence investing, where traders predict the actions of the crowd and base their trading activity accordingly.

At present, alternative data is used by investment firms of all sizes and is even accessible to day traders and casual investors. The key is to know where to find it, how to extract it, and how to analyze it to find critical market insights.

What insights does alternative data provide?

Alternative data provides specialized insights that aren’t necessarily found in traditional sources of information like government market reports, company financial statements, or the media. These can include:

Government contract activity
Product recalls
Social media sentiment from networks like Twitter and Reddit
CEO compensation
Work visas to specific countries and states
Corporate flights to specific locations
Politician trading trends
Page views on information-rich websites like Wikipedia
Credit agency data

Not all alternative data is equal. In some cases – such as politician trading activity or government contracts – alternative data is uncoupled from economic activity and is used for speculative purposes. In other cases – such as product recalls or social media sentiment about a company – alternative data can go beyond traditional economic reports to provide key insights into the health of a business.

How Alternative Data Is Used

As the amount and types of data available from applications and public websites continue to grow, so do use cases for alternative data. Sources of this information continuously emerge as more people and companies come online and share their data, leading to critical insights that can include:

Inflation tracking

Data extraction techniques like web scraping (more on that below) can be used to track the prices of millions of products from online stores to measure the effects of price shocks on inflation.

Sector-specific performance

Data from credit reporting agencies in tandem with application performance statistics can be used to analyze the performance of a specific company or sector.

Stock price predictions

Data can be scraped from public discussion websites (such as the infamous WallStreetBets group on Reddit) to predict stock price movements. Other use cases in this category include data extracted regarding earnings announcements and additional company information that may cause shifts in prices.

Real estate values

Location data extracted via downloaded applications can be used to estimate foot traffic in specific areas to determine possible changes in real estate values.

Commodity prices

Satellites have been used to zoom in on oil tankers to estimate their tank levels. These estimations have then been used to predict upcoming impacts on oil producers and related commodity prices.

Overall company health

Supplier payment history produced from inquiries to credit agencies can reveal insights into the overall health of a company.

The Exponential Growth of Alternative Data

Alternative data has experienced explosive growth in recent years. According to Grandview Research, the alternative data market was valued at $1.06 billion in 2019, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.1 percent from 2020 to 2027.

Our survey results confirm alternative data’s massive growth, specifically in the UK. We found that data inquiries from the financial sector increased nearly three times in the past year when compared to previous years, and that total spending on data has increased over six times in the past five years. Other key insights included:

60 percent of respondents use alternative data sources as a way to improve decision making
26 percent of respondents noted their data needs have increased by a significant margin
38 percent of respondents increased data department budgets
36 percent of respondents list high risks of legal complications as a primary concern with regards to data extraction

Our research suggests that there is a rush towards the adoption of alternative data across the sector. We also learned that financial firms are meeting their data needs in a variety of ways depending on their resources and requirements – and that the process is continuously evolving as the use of alternative data increases.

How Businesses Obtain Alternative Data

Depending on a firm’s size, scope and budget, data is collected in several ways that include:

Public Website Data Extraction (Web Scraping)

Web scraping – the process of extracting data from public websites – uses scripts (also called “bots”) to visit web pages and collect publicly available data. Companies typically conduct web scraping in-house or through a third party. Our research determined that 40 percent of respondents use web scraping, with 36 percent outsourcing their requirements vs. 36 percent scraping data via an in-house team. Some firms mix up their strategy, with 27 percent choosing to combine both practices.

In-house scraping is typically favored by larger companies that employ their own developers, system administrators, data analysts, and data specialists. While the use of in-house scraping requires a significant capital outlay and maintenance budget, it offers considerable benefits such as increased flexibility and customization.

Outsourced web scraping is a cost-effective option that allows a firm to collect data through the use of customizable web scraping tools. Many small to medium size tools choose to outsource web scraping because it costs less, reduces management burden, and allows firms to focus resources on deriving insights instead of the extraction process itself.

Integrations with third-party databases

Roughly 60 percent of financial firms integrate their operations with data providers to purchase and consume data in a single step rather than manually collecting, parsing, and cleaning the data. While this option costs relatively more when compared to web scraping, the primary benefit of this method is that it allows companies to focus solely on obtaining insights.

Manual data collection & cleaning

Approximately 51 percent of firms manually collect and process data via a spreadsheet or other data processing application. The use of manual processing on its own for all data requirements is relatively inefficient, and likely supplements other extraction methods.

The Dark Side of Alternative Data

Estimating a risk-and-reward equation for the use of alternative data can be more of a challenge when compared to established data sources. Traditional sources of information often point to a clear relationship between the economy and output. For example, if sales data rises in a given month, this may indicate consumer confidence and economic growth. In that case, the relationship is clear, whereas many types of alternative data lead to insights based on speculation.

Other risks associated with alternative data span privacy concerns to issues with data modeling, and can include:

Loss of competitive advantage from not using alternative data
Provenance risk – a type of risk that is concerned with terms of service violations on websites targeted for data extraction
Privacy violations due to the inclusion of personally identifiable information in a data set
Accuracy risk that can manifest in inaccurate trading signals
Risk of missed opportunities due to delays in extraction and analysis
Data that is not incorporated correctly into a model
Model output improperly linked to the trading process
Loss of intellectual capital due to high employee turnover

While the use of alternative data may bring significant risks, the industry is innovating to mitigate those risks in various ways. Firstly, it should be widely understood that extracting data can be complicated. Collecting, implementing, and deriving insights is a highly complex operation that requires a combination of technology and human resources. Therefore, a standard mix of talent usually requires IT professionals, data scientists, security analysts, and portfolio managers. Also essential is the use of an integrated analytics platform to derive insights that can be combined with traditional financial data that lead to differentiated market insights.

Since alternative data is highly specialized, firms must be able to identify the correct data type and implement a rigorous testing procedure to ensure efficacy. Fluid data architecture is required to manage varied alternative data types, and the system should be able to handle multiple data feeds via an application programming interface (API) along with scalable processing power to accommodate increased demand over time. In addition, data modernization, curation, and industrialization are required to get the data into a useful state for algorithms – and this requires highly specialized knowledge.

Ready to learn more about alternative data?

It appears as if the use of alternative data is here to stay – and investment markets may be irrevocably changed as a result. While there are many benefits and challenges of using alternative data, its use is no longer optional as it now appears that firms must use it to stay competitive.

Our research confirms that roughly 35 percent of firms outsourcing data acquisition have issues finding reliable partners and tools. To learn more about how to efficiently collect data and use it to augment your strategy download our whitepaper to discover who is using alternative data, how it’s being extracted, and the best ways to obtain actionable insights for your business.

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About the Author

Julius Černiauskas is the CEO of Oxylabs, a global provider of premium proxies and data scraping solutions that helps businesses to realise their full potential by harnessing the power of data. Cerniauskas’ experience and understanding of the data collection industry have allowed him to implement a new company structure, taking product and service technology to the next level, as well as securing long-term partnerships with dozens of Fortune 500 companies. He regularly speaks on the topics of web scraping, big data, machine learning, technology trends, and business leadership.

How to Choose Electric Moped

October 19, 2021

The first thing those who want to buy a new electric moped at qeemoto pay attention to is its appearance. Nowadays, models with a modern design are gaining more and more popularity. They don’t have the extra wires that wrap around most of the steering wheel. All controls are assembled and presented in a minimalistic design.

Depending on your wishes, you can choose various colours. Plastic elements are made in bright colours (blue, orange), decorated with prints and other unusual images.

If the future owner prefers a retro style, they will definitely like the vintage design of:

SUN 1000;
Vespa;
Nova.

Many brands offer similar stylish electric mopeds that will make both men and women feel great at the wheel.

These vehicles are replacing conventional cars and scooters more often. Car owners switch to environmentally friendly mopeds that don’t require regular refuelling.

Maximum speed

Sunra Robo S allows a speed of 70 km/h on average. This is slightly higher than the admissible speed of driving within the city. Many people who are accustomed to driving fast, regardless of restrictions, often consider faster models that accelerate to 100 km/h. At this speed, it is convenient to move outside the city.

To go to work on an electric moped, you can purchase a scooter with a battery capacity of up to 4 thousand watts. You will drive at a comfortable speed within 40 km/h and quickly reach your office.

For those who like to drive, there are models with a battery capacity of up to 10 thousand watts. They can accelerate to 120 km/h and cost several times more than conventional mopeds. On such mopeds, you will be able to drive more than 100 km in complete silence. Don’t forget that the electric moped doesn’t make unnecessary sounds while driving, so traveling at high speeds will not cause inconvenience to others.

Lighting

Naturally, you can drive a moped not only in the daytime. Therefore, the design of electric mopeds provides built-in headlights, which produce enough level of lighting. You can explore the design of the Sunra Robo-S with a large headlight and a U-shaped LED system.

To turn on the headlights, many people prefer to use a special app installed on their smartphones. With such a utility, you can study the state of your electric moped, its charge and other parameters necessary for the correct operation of the vehicle.

Batteries

An electric moped can have a built-in or a removable battery. If you choose a model with a built-in battery, you will be able to fully use the power indicated in its documentation. The high battery capacity is what allows you to drive as long as possible without additional recharging.

If you prefer removable batteries, charging will be much easier. You will need to disconnect the battery and take it home to charge it. The charging time, regardless of the battery model, is within 5 hours. A full charge will be enough to cover a 100 km distance or more.

An easy way to find out how much your vehicle can travel is to look at the dashboard. It shows the basic information about the operation of the electric moped, the distance traveled and the time that the moped can travel without recharging. Similar data will be displayed on your smartphone if you use the special app.

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6 Best Ways for Finding Your Best Personal Loan

October 19, 2021

Money often costs too much.

Oh, what an irony! In this world where we reside, money isn’t everything, and yet, everything needs money. From the start to the end; from our birth- to our very death, it is vital to a fault!

Funds are known as the lifeblood of a business. It’s essential for a continuous flow originating from the acquisition of raw materials to the sale of finished products. Similarly, savings are the security for a household. They are quintessential during calamities. From the beginning of human life till the very end, this medium of exchange between people has its place reserved right in the center!

Time and again, imbalances occur. The difference between the poor and the rich becomes wide enough to build bridges, quite literally!

While one section remains saturated and well-fed, the other is still left to claw for their basic amenities.

When these funds fall scarce, people resort to loaning some banknotes either from formal or from informal sources. In desperate times, people are vulnerable and fall prey to exploitation quite often. To avoid that, we have curated a list of the 6 best ways for finding a fitting source for your best personal loan.

Without further ado, here we go:

1. Comparisons and Decisions

The more you learn, the more you earn!

First things first, strictly avoid borrowing from informal lenders. They exploit and harass the issuer with extremely high-interest rates. Additionally, with the lack of legal protection and a written agreement, the court of law also has its hands tied. They won’t be able to intervene in case of disagreements due to the lack of written deeds.

Secondly, always compare the different terms of lending from several different sources before settling on one. You must do your research regarding banks, non-banking finance companies, the current trends and conditions of the market, etc. before you seal a deal.

Lastly, several sites on the internet gather and compare offerings from multiple sources. Remember to do your due diligence.

2. Boost Your Credit Score

Your credit score decides your creditworthiness.

The first and foremost thing that is looked up in your profile is your credit score. When it comes to loaning out, this factor holds more weight than any other. Make sure that you haven’t credited large amounts of money. Stay on top of your interest payments and make sure you repay the amounts within the stipulated time periods. These pointers will surely improve your credit score.

Tip – A score over 700 or 750 makes you a suitable candidate and gives you an upper hand while negotiating the terms of the agreement.

3. Steer Clear of Debt Traps

When one loans an amount to get out of another loan, a vicious cycle of loans, interests, and stress is created. This is known as the debt trap. Entering several loan agreements to exit another situation is not a plausible way out.

Similarly, applying for too many loans in a short span of time reflects poorly on you. It gives off the impression that you are an individual who survives on credit, thus losing you some worthy points.

4. Focus on the Fine Print

The fine print is generally the place where all the extra obligations, manipulations, and charges are hidden. Always consider moneylenders who pay heed to your financial situation and factors in your risk profile while negotiating the terms of the agreement.

5. Pay Your Bills Punctually

Punctually paying bills prompts a positive response!

Staying on top of your expenses has a huge impact on your credit score. Not letting credit bills roll over to the next month and spending responsibly does wonders to your score. An intelligent spender and responsible individual is always a preferred prospect for lending.

6. Single Out Seasonal Offers

Festive periods mark a time for discounts, sales, and spending in almost every industry.

Likewise, several lending institutions offer limited time-period deals and discounts on personal loans making them as affordable as ever.

Advertisements, emails, and messages notify us about such offers, so, make sure to keep an eye out for them!

Over to you…

With these points as loans, here’s a point of interest for you – Money can’t buy happiness, but money can rent it. Make smart choices and you’ll have a great Return on Investment. May you possess a loan interest-less

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Cybersecurity Risk Considerations in Financial Statements

October 19, 2021

“ The safe way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket” – Kin Hubbard

This is a clever quote that talks about the importance of keeping money safe. People can keep their money safe in many ways. Some prefer to invest it in a bank while others have cash under their bed. There are even people that keep their money “safe” by simply spending it. You can’t lose what isn’t there in the first place.

Jokes aside, being financially free is quite a privilege that most people don’t get to enjoy. The road to being financially independent and free is riddled with traps and scams from beginning to end.

One of the most common methods to achieving this privilege is constant monitoring and financial reporting.

A financial report lets you keep track of your money and the different assets you have. This gives you a good grasp of where your money is going.

Whether you monitor your money through a modern computer program or a scuffed notebook, keeping financial statements safe is quite the responsibility.

Cybersecurity in Finance

Security is important no matter what field is being discussed; this is especially true when it comes to monetary matters. Most people have probably feared losing all of their savings to a hacker.

One of the common threats to your security is a cyber breach. This can happen when hackers, scammers, or anyone with malicious intent, gets past your cybersecurity.

Cyber attacks can come in many forms, all with their unique detrimental effects.

Before we discuss the traps you should be on the lookout for, we’ll mention one of the best upgrades to your security. This is so you don’t end up panicking when you read all the possible attacks on your wallet.

Professional Help

There is no better security than a professional team. This is because experience combined with skills is equal to you and your money being safe. There are hundreds of companies that offer protection as modern bodyguards would.

Whether you’re looking out for your company or your family, having a professional by your side will keep everyone safe. An example of a professional keeping people safe would be OT security ventures.

OT ventures provide industrial control systems to protect companies and businesses from cyber-attacks. This is achieved by having on-site sensors that watch the entire process of production.

These sensors watch out for indicators of corruption or failure. If such an indicator arises then the ICS shuts down the entire process to prevent any damage.

Having someone keep an eye on your money will help it to stay safe, they will probably be able to pay more attention to it. Having an eye on your assets, not just any eye but a trained eye that has sworn to keep your money, assets, and company safe.

Cybersecurity Risks in Financial Statements

Financial statements are records that mention your business, family, or even personal expenses. They reveal your activity in terms of money and offer all kinds of information.

You will probably end up producing many of these statements for various purposes like tax deductions or maybe company reimbursements. Looking at your financial statements will also show you where you spend your money and how to save it.

As mentioned, the world is a dangerous place with all kinds of threats popping up from everywhere. To prevent you from being scammed, hacked, or even straight-up robbed; here are some of the risks that you should consider when it comes to handling financial statements.

1. Personal Information Leaks

Financial statements are records and with records comes information. Today, information is very valuable, specifically personal information. This can range from your name, address, personal contacts, or even your phone number.

In the wrong hands, your personal information can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, spam, and it can even put your peers at risk. Even a naughty child can create problems with your address, such as ordering something online and placing your address.

2. Identity Theft

This was already mentioned but what is identity theft? This is when people pretend to be another person and exploit the resources, access, and information that the victim has.

This can lead to anything from a random fast food delivery to your whole bank account being transferred to someone else’s possession.

Identity theft is often discussed with stolen credit cards and incredibly expensive purchases. Other than your funds, this attack leaves your business and family vulnerable.

Gaining your identity also leads to them gaining access to everything you have. An example might be restricted access to a company’s records like their client list or business secrets. Maybe, your identity gives them access to your family bank account or assets left in your name.

Identity theft is not a joke, and it should be taken seriously and carefully.

3. Frozen Accounts

Cyber attacks aren’t just about stealing money or data. Sometimes it’s all about causing trouble for a victim. Whether it be a competitor or someone with a vengeance. If your financial records fall into the wrong hands you can end up with a whole financial car wreck.

If you can react accordingly and stop these “wrong hands” from stealing or using your money, there is still the mess left behind. Frozen accounts are wallets that have money in them but they can’t be moved or used, hence the term frozen.

You may want to learn more about frozen accounts and how to prevent or handle them.

Sure, it is a great feeling when hackers can’t use your money, but now you can’t either. For whatever reasons these cyber terrorists had, you are left with an account that has frozen money. It creates an entire inconvenience that may take months to resolve.

Key Takeaways

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cybersecurity in terms of financial records. Money may not be able to buy happiness but it is an incredibly valuable resource that needs security. Protection from all kinds of attacks that may leave you with no money or even useless money.

Reacting to a drastic situation such as hacking or information leaks is an important life skill. At the same time, however, preparing for such situations is just as important. Having protocols or even a professional back you up beforehand will go a long way.

Make sure that you aren’t spending all of your time daydreaming about how to spend or earn money. Spend a little bit of time contemplating how to keep that money safe.

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STEAM: Everything You Need to Know

October 19, 2021

STEAM refers to an abbreviation that stands for Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, and Math. The applied learning method of STEM education is extended into STEAM education to grant students a more rounded appreciation of the world. There’s now an important and strong intersection between STEM subjects and the arts. Introducing the fifth element helps students demonstrate more creativity in their approach to problem-solving, utilizing the innovative and inventive skills acquired by studying the arts to link various fields.

Integrating STEAM learning into educational programs offers several benefits. Independent thinking: In a STEAM curriculum, students need to work in learning environments that offer minimal risk and strengthen the idea that failures and making mistakes can be productive. Along the way, students go at their own skill level and pace. They can challenge themselves by working with complicated concepts or spend time with beginning foundations.

Interdisciplinary approach: A cross-disciplinary emphasis drives a STEAM-centered education, exposing students to multiple, lateral ways of thinking. Subjects like science and tech don’t carry more value than the arts, but all subjects are equally presented in relationship with each other. With this philosophy, learners can view the unique benefits of each discipline. It teaches learners that they aren’t limited to one specific subject or have to pick between an artistic or technical topic. Their expertise can be developed through a combination of these.

Project-based, goal-oriented learning: A key feature of STEAM programs is project-based, hands-on learning. Students work on projects specific to the issues that appeal to them. Learners decide on a goal and choose the skills that are required to achieve it, which lets them explore and experiment with different methods. The addition of the artistic component makes complicated topics such as programming and math less mentally intimidating and more approachable.

Creative problem-solving skills: Creative problem-solving is one of the coveted skills in the job market. Creativity may seem like a skill that instinctually comes to certain individuals, but it can be nurtured through proper STEAM education. Inspiring creative, open-ended exploration serves as a kind of productive inquiry and play. The absence of rigidly defined rules to follow motivates students to think around a given problem, demonstrate adaptive critical thinking, and consider the impacts generated by changing different variables. Without having to depend on a fixed procedure, students hone their abilities to evaluate a large set of details and comprehend that problem-solving models may be flexible.

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5 Important Reasons Why You Should Have Insurance for Your Static Caravan

October 18, 2021

It’s hard to ignore that more people choose to holiday at home or opt for a static caravan because of the affordable price tag. Static caravan insurance is essential because it can put your mind at ease, especially if you have already spent an arm and a leg on the purchase itself. It’s therefore vital to have the policy to ensure that you protect your caravan. Here are the benefits of having insurance for your static caravan.

1. Insurance Policy May Offer Financial Help

Comprehensive insurance for static caravans can protect you against the financial consequences of accidents, fire, thefts, and vandalism. This type of insurance offers financial help if your caravan or its contents are damaged, stolen, or destroyed because of a sudden event that was not your fault.

Many static caravan insurance policies may offer financial help with repairs or replacing your static caravan in case of theft, vandalized, damaged in a storm, suffers fire damage, or has an accident. These are not provided automatically under your insurance policy, but the underwriter has it designed to cover the unexpected costs that can arise when an item is damaged or stolen. Many static caravan insurance customers had reported that their policy had helped them when in need of financial help. You can click here for more information about your static caravan insurance.

2. A Requirement for Some Camp Sites

Many parks will only allow a caravan to pitch on their site if it is fully insured; many will ask to see a certificate before allowing a Caravan on the pitch. Static Caravan Insurance is a legal requirement for some campsites and offers protection from damage caused by storms and flooding plus repairs of up to £2500, which may be crucial following a break-in or attempted theft.

If your caravan park doesn’t have a minimum requirement for insurance, the park owners may not allow you to pitch up at their site. However, the higher the value of your caravan, the more likely you will be required to have full insurance.

3. Offers Peace of Mind for Absentee Owners

It’s normal to worry about your caravan and its contents when you can’t be there to look after it. Fortunately, static caravan insurance cover helps you maintain peace of mind. Static caravan insurance can help you protect yourself against risks, such as vandalism or fire, that can result in costly repairs. It also offers the satisfaction of knowing that if something goes wrong while your caravan is left unattended, your static caravan insurance will cover any repair costs.

Static caravan insurance offers peace of mind and protection to the grower and summer homeowners who often leave their caravan behind when they move off-site, covering you for a range of incidents such as accidental damage, theft, storm, and smoke damage.

4. Covers Damages by Hirers

Static caravan insurance is very popular with owners who are willing to rent their caravan out during the summer months or use it for an annual family trip away. It’s all very well renting out your static caravan when you’re not using it, but what happens if something goes wrong?

Static caravan insurance is a helpful way to cover the damage your holiday home could incur from hirers. The insurance can be beneficial if you’re renting out your static caravan during warmer months, as most owners struggle to find adequate cover within their home insurance policy for their holiday homes.

When you are hiring your caravan out to others, the last thing you want is the added stress of making sure they have adequate cover for damage to your property. Static Caravan Insurance helps you relax, knowing that if something goes wrong, you aren’t liable for any costs – protecting your contents and total liability.

5. Offers Cover for Public Liability

A caravan is not a regular household item. It is a large and heavy piece of specialist equipment that could prove dangerous if it were to roll away on its own. Cover for public liability offered by static caravan insurance protects those who may incur injuries as a result of your caravan’s presence.

Cover for public liability is essential. Suppose you upset someone, and they choose to make a personal injury claim against your organization. In that case, Public liability insurance will help cover the cost of compensation and the legal fees involved.

Conclusion

Static Caravan Insurance provides the extra security you desire to experience. Your new policy will cover your static caravan, its contents, and motorhome, fully comprehensive – helping to cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged or stolen property up to the value stated on the policy. When purchasing a new static caravan insurance policy, you will be able to select specific extra features, such as cover for glass breakage and personal possessions.

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Modern Investment Opportunities for the Digital Generation

October 18, 2021

Investing isn’t just something for older people who have already got a lot of money in the bank. People of all ages can try to invest as long as they have a safety net to protect them. Like anything else, the advance of technology is affecting the investment world, and many people are interested in the new asset types and investment models emerging. One of the trends that have emerged in recent years is the use of robo advisors to provide automated investment advice and management. Additionally, there are multiple types of investment available for people to explore.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are, by now, not exactly a new thing. However, they are still something that many people can struggle to understand. They are essentially digital currencies that can be used anywhere in the world instead of physical currencies, which are typically attached to one or more countries. Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, but there are multiple other options for people interested in cryptocurrency. These include Ethereum, Tether, Cardano, and Binance Coin. Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology to create secure records of transactions that are also private. Some countries are even starting to recognize Bitcoin and other digital currencies as legal tender.

In addition to simply buying cryptocurrencies as an investment, there are also various other ways to invest in crypto. There are many interesting ways to invest in digital currencies, such as gold-backed cryptocurrency, which offers a hybrid cryptocurrency that is backed by physical gold. Cryptocurrencies can be used to invest in established investment types, from real estate to ETFs. The various cryptocurrency options on offer give a broad range of investment choices for those who may wish to look beyond traditional investment options. Of course, it’s always important to assess the level of risk involved in investing in cryptocurrencies too.

NFTs

Perhaps for some, investing in cryptocurrencies is starting to get a little old hat. Fortunately, there are other ways to make use of blockchain technology to find new ways to make investments. One of the investment options that people are starting to explore is NFTs or non-fungible tokens. An NFT is a token that essentially represents ownership of an asset. That asset can be physical or digital, but it is most likely to be a digital asset – at least, for now. NFTs are being used by all kinds of people but were first used by digital artists to sell ownership of their work. For example, an NFT might convey ownership of a GIF. Although the GIF itself could be copied and shared, the owner of the NFT has ownership, similar to having the original print or copy of a painting or book.

NFTs are used by artists, writers, musicians, and more. When an NFT is purchased, it could give the buyer anything from a digital copy of a book or album to tickets to a concert. A record is created on the blockchain when the NFT is sold or when it’s resold to someone else. NFTs are still in their early stages, but they have already proven to be popular with some big names in music, the arts, and beyond.

Performing Rights Royalties

NFTs aren’t the only option for people who want to invest in music. Another possibility is investing in music royalties, which is possible through Royalty Exchange. This site is an online auction platform and marketplace where owners of royalties and investors can buy and sell. Creators get funding for their projects, while investors can build a portfolio of royalties that help them to earn money. Royalty Exchange says that investors earn an average of at 10% yield or more. It’s another way for investors to put their money into digital assets that can earn them an income.

The platform has also added the option for artists to use NFTs to make money from their music. They encourage musicians to put their work in front of “newly-minted crypto millionaires” who want to spend their money on assets such as NFTs and the music they can represent. Investors can use the cryptocurrency by investing in music that could increase in value and turn cryptocurrency that isn’t doing anything into real assets.

Crowdfunding and Crowdinvesting

Crowdfunding and crowd investing offer another way for investors to put their money into something a little more modern. These investment and funding models have been around for a while now, but they still offer an interesting option for investors who are exploring their options. While crowdfunding is sometimes used for charitable purposes when people want to collect donations, it can also be an option that benefits both the fundraiser and the investor. Investors may receive various things in return for their investment, including shares in the company and other ways to recoup their investment, and more.

Peer-to-Peer Loans

Peer-to-peer loans involve lending money to others, which the investor then gets back with interest. It offers an alternative way for people to borrow money without going to banks or other big lenders. An investor can contribute all of the money that someone is looking for or perhaps part of it, and then should make a return on their investment when it’s paid back. Of course, there is a risk, just like there is with all types of investment. The borrower may not pay back what they have borrowed, and collecting it could prove to be difficult.

Collectibles

The idea of investing in collectible items is definitely not new, but it’s always beneficial to keep up with the latest trends in collectibles. What do people feel is going to be the next big thing? What has a proven record of increasing in value, and what could be worth gambling on to see if it increases in value and desirability in the future? Some of the most collectible items today include things like sneakers. And perhaps digital assets such as NFTs could become collectible too.

These modern investment opportunities allow investors to explore a range of options and create a diverse portfolio.

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Philippines: From Peaceful, Nuclear-Free ASEAN to Battle-Ready Indo-Pacific?

October 18, 2021

By Dr. Dan Steinbock

As the Duterte era is gradually ending, new arms races and nuclear proliferation cast a dark shadow over Southeast Asia. The Philippines may be sleepwalking into military-nuclear entanglements.

According to the new trilateral security pact (AUKUS) between the US, the UK and Australia, Washington and London will “help” Canberra to develop and deploy nuclear-powered submarines.

The highly controversial $66 billion deal is expected to trigger arms races and nuclear proliferation in Asia. It violates the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ, 1995), effective since 1997. It would seem to violate the Philippine Constitution. And it is strongly opposed by China.

Yet, right after the AUKUS, when ASEAN began to build consensus on the nuclear pact, Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. welcomed the pact.

Philippine policies, ASEAN concerns

According to Locsin, the Philippines “welcomes Australia’s decision to establish” the AUKUS. And he added: “ASEAN member states, singly and collectively, do not possess the military wherewithal to maintain peace and security in Southeast Asia.”

According to this logic, ASEAN is irrelevant in matters of regional peace and security and therefore each ASEAN nation should align with one or another major military power, irrespective of collective consequences.

Such logic shuns and could derail, inadvertently, or purposefully, the ongoing work by the ASEAN and China on the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea by 2022. Most importantly, the logic opens the door to the nuclearization of the region, at the expense of the SEANWFZ treaty and the aspirations of the ASEAN community. That’s why Malaysia’s veteran statesman Mahathir Mohamad blasted the AUKUS statement: “You have escalated the threat.”

The first reaction of both Malaysia and Indonesia was to warn of an impending arms race unleashed by such a pact. Australia’s nuclear decision prompted Indonesian foreign ministry’s official note that it was “deeply concerned over the continuing arms race and power projection in the region”.

So, why did Locsin choose to break ranks with the ASEAN?

ADRi: “We will make China the issue of 2022”

The plan to drag the Philippines into the Indo Pacific containment front against China seems to have evolved in the mid-2010s, but fell apart with the Duterte election triumph and the meltdown of the Liberal Party (LP).

To avoid a déjà vu, former foreign affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario recently called on the Philippines to choose a leader who will reverse President Duterte’s policy of “loving and embracing” China after the “22 polls.”

In this quest, a key supportive role belongs to the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi), embedded with US business and national security interests. Through its board members and executives, Rosario’s ADRi is joined with its parent, Stratbase, an “advisory and research consultancy,” and Bower Group Asia led by Ernest Z. Bower IV. Stratbase is the Philippine partner of Bower Group Asia.

Until the 2000s, Bower led US-ASEAN Business Council. He is ADRi’s board member and Southeast Asia advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a leading US think-tank close to State Department, Pentagon, defense contractors, and Wall Street.

The maritime dispute with China, said ADRi’s President Victor Manhit, is what “we will make an issue in the 2022 elections.” Due to interlocking leaderships, Manhit himself heads Stratbase and Bower Asia Group’s Philippine branch.

The goals go back to the Benigno Aquino III government (2010-16).

Conflicts of interest, military entanglements

Portrayed as a diplomat, the US-educated del Rosario is a business executive and the wealthiest one in the Aquino government. Officially, his business ties were suspended during his government activities, and yet…

In February 2010, Philippine government granted Forum Energy, the partner of Philex Mining, the right to explore oil and gas in Reed Bank. At the time, del Rosario served as director of Philex, led by Manuel V. Pangilingan, the CEO of First Pacific. After his appointment to serve as acting Foreign Affairs Secretary in February 2011, del Rosario reportedly left the Philex board.

Two years later, the Department of Energy deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs the decision to grant permits for exploring and mining at the Reed Bank, due to maritime disputes. Reportedly, that gave del Rosario, as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, effective authority to influence concessions on Reed Bank. In 2013, too, the Aquino government filed its ICC arbitration case on South China Sea against China. In mid-2016, right before the release of the ICC decision on the South China Sea, Pangilinan re-appointed del Rosario to serve as a director of First Pacific.

The Reed Bank has been estimated to hold up to 5.4 billion barrels of oil and 55.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

After its arbitration case against China, the Aquino government signed its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US. That allowed del Rosario and president Aquino to re-open the country to U.S. military, ships, and planes.

That’s also when efforts began to deepen US ties vis-a-vis Stratbase ADRi, in parallel with the Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), at the CSIS. In May 2015, the CSIS/AMTI launched a 3-year U.S.-Philippines Strategic Initiative in Washington, with speeches by del Rosario, and William Cohen, former US defense secretary.

Failed dreams, old new nuclearization

These dreams crumbled with the 2016 election loss by ex-Wall Street investment banker Mar Roxas and his liberals, del Rosario’s core constituency. And as Hillary Clinton failed to win the US presidency, Trump buried president Obama’s Trans-Pacific trade deal, while questioning US alliances; the twin cornerstones of del Rosario’s bilateral initiative.

That’s why Rosario’s ADRi is a hurry today. It wants a president who will seal a tight US-Philippine military alliance and can join the country in the Indo-Pacific front.

And yet, the AUKUS pact does contribute to the ongoing arms races in Southeast Asia. It will foster nuclear proliferation in the region. It violates the goals of the nuclear-free Southeast Asia treaty. It is not in line with the Philippine constitution.

President Duterte has pledged to end the bilateral military deal with Washington if US nuclear weapons are found in the Philippines. But his term will end by next summer.

Obviously, Australia, US and UK seek to calm ASEAN members, arguing that nuclear weapons are not really for military purposes. But since 1945, assurances have not been reliable in nuclear matters.

During the Cold War, US nuclear warheads were secretly stockpiled in the Philippines. Moreover, in the 1965 Philippine Sea A-4 crash, a US Skyhawk attack aircraft fell into the sea off Japan. Coming from US Naval Base in Subic Bay, it was carrying a nuclear weapon, with 80 times the blast power of the Hiroshima explosion.

It wasn’t until 1989 that Pentagon disclosed the loss of the 1-megaton hydrogen bomb.

New policy? Two policies? No policy?

Today, the destructive power of these weapons is far greater, as stressed by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). In January, Philippines ratified the ICAN’s legally-binding Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [TPNW]. On May 19, Locsin stated that the Philippines welcomes the AUKUS nuclear pact (see Figure).

One country, two nuclear policies?

May 19, 2021: Locsin stated officially that “the Philippines welcomes Australia’s decision to establish an enhanced trilateral security partnership with the United States primarily and the United Kingdom.” (DFA)

May 20, 2021: Locsin officially “reaffirmed the Philippines’ principled policy and commitment towards the complete prohibition of nuclear weapons, as enshrined in the relevant provisions of the Philippine Constitution, and the [TPNW]Treaty.” (DFA)

Only a day later, Locsin reaffirmed the Philippines’ “principled policy and commitment towards the complete prohibition of nuclear weapons, as enshrined in the relevant provisions of the Philippine Constitution, and the Treaty.”

The Philippines’ principles policy is crystal clear: The country definitely welcomes nuclear proliferation in Southeast Asia. And the country is absolutely committed against nuclear-free Southeast Asia.

Where will that “principled policy and commitment” take us after the 2022 election?

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About the Author

Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally recognized strategist of the multipolar world and the founder of Difference Group. He has served at the India, China and America Institute (USA), Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see https://www.differencegroup.net

Overcoming Debts: Use Debt Consolidation Plans Singapore To Enjoy Unique Benefits

October 18, 2021

Have you also faced a financial crisis in the past two years due to covid? Did you also take debt to relieve yourself from the financial crisis? But now you have found yourself indebted. Here is an article on Overcoming debts: Use debt consolidation plans Singapore to enjoy unique psychological benefits.

Debt consolidation means taking alone to repay multiple small loans. It’s the refinancing of your loans. It’s the smart way to get rid of unwanted burdens. It helps you keeping your mind at peace and giving you financial and mental freedom. This website helps you in getting the best debt consolidation plan for yourself in Singapore.

What Is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation refers to debt financing. It means you take a loan to pay off other loans. Debt consolidation means you pay off all your other loans to deal with the one you have taken. Debt consolidation is beneficial if you have multiple small debts and you want to get rid of them.

Debt Consolidation In Singapore:

If you want to qualify for debt consolidation in Singapore, you need to have:

Financial stability
Proof of income
Good credit score

The Benefit Of Taking A Debt Consolidation

The most important advantage of debt consolidation is that it minimizes the interest rate. It means that the new loan will have a lower interest rate than all the other loans combined. Thus it helps you in faster-paying back. It helps you in increasing your score.

Psychological Advantages Of Debt Consolidation.`

Although debt consolidation has many advantages and its psychological ones are here to relax you out.

Relaxes You!

Once you convert all your small debt into a single one, it will relax you. Apart from paying off multiple debts quickly, the glow of finally letting this burden off your head is pleasantly satisfying. In addition, debt consolidation loosens your shoulders because you will only linger with one loan that will be easy to pay back. It will let you live best free once you pay back all the debt consolidation money.

No Debts Left!

Multiple debts can make you anxious, depressed socially insecure. When you replace all your multiple debts with one single one, it consoles you and relaxes you. A debt consolidation plan makes sure you are not left with any unpaid debt behind, and there is nothing left on you. Debt consolidation will make you feel secure, confident, and satisfied in life.

Mind At Ease!

Debt consolidation eases your mind. It removes constant overwhelming feelings from your life. Multiple debts are like hanging swords, and debt consolidation works like a charm in your life. It helps you because rather than dealing with many, you only have to deal with one creditor. It helps you with better productivity and opens up your mind giving you good mental and physical health.

Things You Should Keep In Mind While Going For Debt Consolidation!

Debt consolidation is the pathway to financial freedom, so you should select the one with:
Have better terms and condition
Have low-interest rates
No hidden charges

Best Debt Consolidation In Singapore

The best is to work with this website, a comparison site giving you multiple options and freedom to select. They help you in finding the best debt consolidation plan.

Don’t let debt take away your mental and physical health. Rush today to this website and choose the right debt consolidation plan to secure a future free from financial debts.

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