Browse Ravindran, N.

1-53 out of 53 article(s)

Title	Type	Date	Words
Small business opportunities abound: in an economic downturn, statistics indicate more people start small businesses. While this may not make sense on the surface, it becomes clear when you realise that more people who get laid off in a downturn may go into business for themselves.		Oct 1, 2009	1961
Bridging the SME need for enterprise resource management solutions.		Oct 1, 2009	1827
Leading in turbulent times: being a business leader in a downturn can be a daunting affair. The situation calls for decisiveness tempered by prudence and the ability to still stay ahead of competition. Ram Charan, the author of Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty and speaker at SIM's 28th Annual Management Lecture shares how this can be done.	Company overview	Oct 1, 2009	2124
Hard drive maker moves beyond hard disk manufacturing.		Oct 1, 2009	1946
Phoenix-like resilience: starting anew after a business failure: rebuilding after business failure is a difficult proposition for many entrepreneurs. Success is never a certainty. Learning from mistakes and putting into practice the lessons learnt from previous failures can help new ventures succeed.	Cover story	Aug 1, 2009	1795
Emerging stronger from business failure: Bernie Utchenik, better known as "Botak Jones", was hailed the blue-eyed boy of the food and beverage scene in Singapore following his initial forays into the industry. After an ill-fated venture in Boat Quay, he has bounced back, wiser, and stronger, providing quality American fare at affordable prices to the HDB heartlander.		Aug 1, 2009	1541
Recognising and overcoming work stress: stress is bad for people and organisations, it's a threat and a health risk, and it needs to be recognised and dealt with. The key is channeling stress energy into productive action instead of feeling overwhelmed.		Aug 1, 2009	2430
Concerns of Singapore managers: a broad-based survey of Singapore managers reveals that most view good health and work-life balance as more important than career advancement and higher salary despite current economic pressures. This article looks at some of the other interesting findings from the SIM Management Monitor.	Survey	Aug 1, 2009	1352
From Singapore to the world automatic video production: technology firm muvee Technologies is recognised as the pioneer and leader in automatic video production. Yet this Singapore firm is almost unknown outside the technology circles here.		Aug 1, 2009	1766
Boosting your employability in turbulent times: in a tough economy, it can be difficult to hang on to your job. It's equally important to take advantage of every opportunity to boost your employability. This article looks at some tips on how to stay employable.		Jun 1, 2009	2172
Meeting customer needs despite challenges: in a downturn, many organisations seek to cut costs. Few organisations contemplate new initiatives especially given the risk of success and the uncertainty of return on investment. This article looks at one company bucking the trend by spending on a premium customer care centre.		Jun 1, 2009	1122
Making money on the Web: there is an amazing diversity of opportunities that are opening up for people to make money from blogging. These are some of the methods that bloggers are currently using to make money through blogs.		Apr 1, 2009	2449
Women-centric marketing Web site attracts members: CozyCot.com, a women-centric Singapore Web site that has evolved from a hobby site to a full membership portal where users interact in the forum and by reviewing beauty products, and live events organised by the staff.		Apr 1, 2009	979
How much should talent be paid? Following the credit crunch and the collapse of big financial houses, one of the issues thrown up is executive remuneration and by extension, overall pay transparency, and performance-based salaries. The question still arises: "what is fair compensation for talent?".	Survey	Apr 1, 2009	2066
Singapore's betting obsession: gambling may be a social ill but Singaporeans seem to have been bitten by the gambling bug. While gambling is strictly controlled, it is estimated that Singaporeans wagered more than S$5.5 billion in 2008. No surprise then that betting for fun is gaining ground.		Apr 1, 2009	2223
Striking a balance: excelling both at work and with the family: the issue of grappling with balancing a career and a family is timely. Many women have conflict with needs that impinge on these two aspects of modern life. Melisa Quijano, president of Nu Skin for the Asean region, shares her view on balancing the needs of growing up children and making it in the corporate suite.		Apr 1, 2009	2209
Managing late career issues.		Feb 1, 2009	2244
The changing face of business travel.		Feb 1, 2009	1759
Hiring trends in 2009.		Feb 1, 2009	2002
Capitalising on the wine craze.	Occupation overview	Dec 1, 2008	1357
Community outreach through corporate social responsibility: corporate social responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of their stakeholders and society at large. The Young Expedition Project may be one way for companies to achieve this.		Dec 1, 2008	1283
Team building revisited: when team building is done right, organisations reap rewards in team effectiveness, leadership, and positive energy. This article looks at the important motivations behind team dynamics and why team building activities sometimes fail.		Dec 1, 2008	1958
A career as a sommelier: one option for those wishing to enter the hospitality industry is to be a sommelier. Sommeliers are specialists in wine service. They have in-depth knowledge of wines as well as other beverages and food. They also advise chefs.		Dec 1, 2008	1650
Why businesses may fail: why some businesses fail and why some succeed is debatable. There are various factors behind business failures. We look at some common mistakes that can sink a business in no time.		Oct 1, 2008	2387
Effective ways of reducing business costs: crude methods to reduce costs--such as downsizing--are not effective and may harm a business. Working better with suppliers, training your workers, and using quality management improvement tools can help to eliminate waste and improve the profits of a business.		Oct 1, 2008	2031
Experts in data recovery: the issue of data security, confidentiality, and management has become increasingly important as companies transact more of their businesses and processes electronically. What can firms do if the data are accidentally or maliciously deleted or stolen?		Oct 1, 2008	1471
Challenges of manufacturing in a Globalised World.		Oct 1, 2008	1765
Predicting the future so as to remain competitive.		Oct 1, 2008	2040
Nursing is more than bed pans and bandages: are you seeking a job that is both challenging and rewarding? If you're passionate about improving people's lives and impacting the community then an exciting future in the nursing field could be right for you.		Oct 1, 2008	2226
Make a graceful exit: in today's workplace, spending your entire career with one firm is no longer the norm. As opportunities arise, and as needs change, job switches are common. But while many people know how to apply for new positions, not everyone knows how to resign with grace.		Aug 1, 2008	2112
Making that shopping experience more enjoyable: experience designers and visual merchandisers have a complete understanding of the interplay between retail processes, technologies, and techniques. They actively use these elements to create a complete retail experience for consumers that is both delightful and profitable.		Aug 1, 2008	2081
Making inexpensive voice and video calls: voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) calls have shifted from the PC to compatible residential telephones and now cellular hand sets. Besides individual users, VoIP is also attracting business users with its low costs and new functions. Chris Lewis, Skype's head of strategy and new business for Asia, shares his company's inroads into this segment.		Aug 1, 2008	1774
Singapore's cinematic renaissance: more screens and home-grown productions: cinema attendance has seen a leap in numbers over the last decade. This positive trend has been linked to the revival of the home-grown film industry, less censorship, and the increasing sophistication of the Singaporean film fan.	Cover story	Oct 1, 2007	1686
A new direction for Singapore films: in its heyday the Singapore film industry churned out more than 30 productions a year, albeit for a predominantly Malay-speaking audience. The new filmmakers are taking a very different path to success.		Oct 1, 2007	1657
Buying a carpet is like investing in an art object: like many successful family-run businesses, Hassan's Carpets is one that has survived due to its founder's philosophy of honesty, passion, and customer commitment.	Company overview	Oct 1, 2007	1953
Growth through innovation: futurist and bestselling author John Naisbitt presented the SIM Annual Management Lecture on 23 August 2007. He enthralled the audience with provocative thoughts on China and Europe in the future and his views on what the 21st century will bring.	Speech	Oct 1, 2007	1389
Computer programming: a career in information technology: there are many career options within the information technology industry ranging from server technicians to program analysts. This article looks at the role that computer programmers play and what it takes to become one.		Oct 1, 2007	1778
Nusajaya City: Johor's new lifeline: Nusajaya is the jewel in the crown of the Iskandar Development Region. Its precincts and developments may well make or break the region's lofty ambitions.	Cover story	Aug 1, 2007	1389
Settle disagreements in a friendly way: in business, disputes can arise. These range from labour issues, financial issues, commercial issues, and more. Contractual disputes and disagreements often find resolution in courts of law. But alternate avenues for dispute resolution like mediation and arbitration are also common.		Aug 1, 2007	2056
Re-energise your work and brighten your life: does the routine of life and work leave you unmotivated and unexcited? Do you feel you are on the cusp of a mid-career or mid-life crisis? There are ways to promote your own personal growth, motivation, and career development to overcome this stagnation.		Aug 1, 2007	1638
Future trends and mindsets: John Naisbitt is often called the global philosopher among futurists. In his latest book he introduces 11 frameworks he calls mindsets, that allow the reader to detect, observe, analyse, and react to future trends and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.		Aug 1, 2007	962
Off the beaten path: a career in the performing arts: their names in bright lights, that's the ultimate aim of those who wish to make it in the performing arts. Besides talent, drive, passion, and perseverance, performance artists know that a career in the arts is a challenge in many fronts.		Aug 1, 2007	1886
Place your savings and sweat in sandwiches: buying a franchise takes much of the fuss out of starting up your own business and lets you focus on profits and growth. We look at the Subway sandwich franchise that does things differently from other franchisers by appointing a development agent rather than a master franchisee to grow its pool of franchisees.	Case study	Jun 1, 2007	1708
Becoming a woman-friendly workplace: Motorola Electronics Pte Ltd's women staff drive the initiatives that make it a woman-friendly workplace through the removal of obstacles to employment and advancement, and adopting work-life balance solutions where possible. It's a win-win situation, as its employees have security knowing that Motorola understands and cares about their needs.		Jun 1, 2007	1657
Smart networking can be rewarding: networking goes beyond meeting people and exchanging business cards. While many successful people attribute the ease in which they have succeeded in part to a wide network, most people are not quite sure how a business network can help them and more importantly, how to network for success.		Jun 1, 2007	1834
Buying and selling at online auctions: buying and selling new or used items on Internet auction sites such as eBay can be rewarding. Here are some tips on how you can sell or bid for things online.		Jun 1, 2007	1649
Increase sales with functional packaging: there is more to packaging than protection and containment. Few consumers spare a second thought to the packaging that comes with products they purchase. Besides being functional, packaging plays an important role in creating sales.	Cover story	Apr 1, 2007	2225
Resumes for career advancement: people begin their careers with certain expectations and look forward to advancements as they gain experience. Yet, sometimes career advancements are curtailed due to a lack of opportunities or vacancies. This may mean having to look outside the firm for new opportunities and a new resume helps.		Apr 1, 2007	1947
Setting the lifestyle scene alight: LifeBrandz is an entertainment concept company that has changed the landscape of the entertainment industry in Singapore over the last three years with a slew of world renowned club brands and lifestyle concepts. Its executive director Clement Lee shares his vision.	Company overview	Apr 1, 2007	1936
Singapore's aerospace industry gains recognition; Singapore's aerospace industry looks set to grow further as new deals are signed and more global players enter into research and development and training tie-ups in the Republic.	Industry overview	Apr 1, 2007	1813
Singapore tourism set to soar; after a turbulent period marked by economic upheavals, Singapore's tourism industry is firmly back on track. The tourism market is a resilient one, evidenced by its rapid recovery from the aftermath of the 1998 Asian financial crisis and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak of 2003. However, a new set of challenges lies ahead.	Industry overview	Feb 1, 2007	2312
Asia's love for luxury brands; the love that Asian consumers show for brand name luxury goods is well known. Radha Chadha, author of The Cult of the Luxury Brand, shares her views on why the psychology of the Asian consumer differs from that of their western counterparts and what propels them to buy more luxury brands.	Interview	Feb 1, 2007	1914
Selling to businesses: the job of the technical sales engineer; this article examines the job and function of the business-to-business salesperson who sells production equipment, components, or finished materials used in the manufacture of other products. Extensive knowledge of the production methods and operations involved play a significant role in such salesperson's set of skills.		Feb 1, 2007	1460