SigmaWay Blog

SigmaWay Blog tries to aggregate original and third party content for the site users. It caters to articles on Process Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, Analytics, Market Intelligence, Training ,IT Services and industries which SigmaWay caters to

Effects of GST on business

To replace the web of indirect taxes, GST has been introduced. Registration is mandatory under GST if:

1. Sales of goods and services are more than 20 lakhs (Rs 10 lakh for North East states) in a financial year.

2. Business is involved in inter-state supplies or supplies via e-commerce.

3. Taxpayers already registered under VAT/service tax also needs to migrate and register under GST. 

The article furthers explains the benefits of GST registration such as claiming input tax credit, ease in paying taxes, paperless compliance of taxes , etc. It also explains the losses to be faced if the business is not registered under GST.

Read more at:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/policy-trends/heres-how-your-business-needs-to-change-for-gst/articleshow/58995677.cms

 

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Money Habits and it’s implication on Your Business

New startups come regularly. But less than 50% businesses are not closed in the next 5 years. This shows that how well the businesses will do in the future have to do with how one is spending on it today i.e.; money habits. Poor money habits to look after are: First, not having regards for "little money", spending, smaller denomination in huge amount causes less access to actual working capital. The second is not diversifying the income stream of the business. Diversifying is the most potent way to get a large market share and raise income. The third is not saving. Fourth is not taking steps to reduce credit card balances and debt. Fifth is not maximizing tax deductions and write-offs. Sixth is not keeping oneself on a salary. Read more at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/294877

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Technology: making lives better and cheaper

Technological unemployment is becoming very common nowadays. Humans are getting replaced by machines in many sectors. This problem is however, counterbalanced by cheaper day-to-day lives, which is made possible by technology. The most important example is a smart phone. Smart phones have made most tasks just one tap away. One phone can serve the utility of a phone, torchlight, television, camera, boom box and others and thus, reducing day-to-day costs. Communication, entertainment, energy, transportation, housing, education, healthcare are some of the sectors where technology has played an important role and has increased efficiency with reduced costs. Read more at https://singularityhub.com/2017/06/08/technology-will-erase-jobs-but-also-make-everything-cheap-or-free/

 

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Outcome as a measure of prices

Traditional methods of procurement of inputs like person hours, capacity and other components are ineffective and costly for the clients. According to output-based pricing model output is pre-determined by the vendor and he’s accountable for achieving that level. There has been reduction in checkout time as analytics solutions for optimization are available to the vendors. Vendors face the overall risk of an outcome and at the same time have a share in profitability. In India, due to unawareness of analytics, companies have not yet adopted the model. Companies in India are unwilling to buy analytics services. A more output based approach can cost-friendly. Read more at:http://analyticsindiamag.com/outcome-driven-pricing-model-analytics-really-work/

 

 

 

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India’s role in Digital Privacy 

In a world where Digital Privacy is under threat, India has a huge role to play. Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter and Uber are huge data miners, that sell their data for their profit and have been US government’s primary national security intelligence resource. On the contrary Indian internet industries can provide privacy respecting services that compete directly with services provided by the US data miners, priced reasonably in local terms in all the developed and developing societies because India has enormous potential and talent to provide such services and help end the privacy invasion. Read more at http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-edit-page/head-off-digital-colonialism-how-indian-it-can-compete-with-google-and-facebook-and-show-the-world-a-better-way/

 

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Dual risk rating system: A step-wise demonstration 

In this blog, the author explains the steps to a dual risk rating system. In such a system, the probability of default (PD) is estimated separately from the loss given default (LGD). The expected loss for a given loan is then calculated as their product. Five essential steps to a dual risk rating system are: Understanding the key drivers of a dual risk system; Demonstrating the advantages of a dual risk rating approach through case studies; Implementing separate PD and LGD credit scoring solutions; Developing a PD and LGD mapping scale; and lastly Combining dual rating scores. Read more at : http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/blog/risk-insight-five-essential-steps-to-a-dual-risk-rating-system

 

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Overcoming the problem of Incomplete Financials in Assessing Credit Risk

A Risk Analyst frequently comes across companies with incomplete financial information which is essential for their credit assessment. To solve this problem a dual approach that takes into account both the quantity and materiality of the exposures is useful: a) When there is a large number of small exposures, it is reasonable to fill gaps by leveraging company credit score benchmarks or looking at the Country Risk Scores and Industry Risk Scores that capture the risk of doing business in a country/industry.b) When there are large exposures,  we need to employ advanced statistical techniques, tailored to the company type, industry, and region, to estimate missing financial ratios needed in our fundamentals-based models, and thus generate a credit risk score.Read more at: http://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/blog/when-enough-is-enough-assessing-credit-risk-of-companies-with-incomplete-financials

 

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Efficient Marketing with Google Attribution 360

Google Attribution 360 is the updated version of Google Attribution, an extremely useful app for Marketers. It helps you understand whether your marketing is working, turn audience insights into action, and deliver more relevant customer experiences. Salient features: Fast setup, Flexible data, Measures TV, Easy to take action, works across channels and across devices. Attribution 360 is also designed to be highly customizable and can measure ads from DoubleClick Campaign Manager. Read more at https://analytics.googleblog.com/2017/05/solving-enterprise-attribution-challenge.html?m=1

 

 

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Accurate and Interpretable Machine Learning Models

Machine Learning models are useful in solving a number of business problems, but there is always a trade-off between accuracy and interpretability of models. Businesses tend to use easily interpretable algorithms which come with lower accuracy. In this article, the author attempts to resolve this issue and shows how powerful black-box algorithms can be used for predictions. He has taken the help of one such algorithm called LIME (Locally Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations) that can effectively explain the predictions of any regressor by approximating it locally with an interpretable model. Read more at: https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2017/06/building-trust-in-machine-learning-models/

 

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All about Adobe Analytics Cloud

Adobe Analytics Cloud is a premier customer-intelligence engine which helps brands to not only analyze vast amounts of dispersed data, but also translate that data into customer profiles. It is built on the Adobe Cloud Platform which uses Adobe I/O and Adobe XDM, and an artificial-intelligence framework called Adobe Sensei. Virtual Analyst, the latest algorithm that was introduced in the market, delivers valuable personalized insights into incongruities which impact your business. Also to integrate Adobe Analytics with additional data sources new content packs for Microsoft Power BI have been introduced, including:Traffic Analysis to quickly discover and analyze digital-traffic trends; and Mobile App Analysis to take an in-depth look at mobile app user engagement and performance. Read more at : https://blogs.adobe.com/digitalmarketing/analytics/next-chapter-virtual-analyst-powered-adobe-sensei/

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Security to GST Ecosystem

GST-Network (GSTN) is trying to provide hi-tech security and analytics center to give protect the data under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the cyber threats. GSTN will be appointing security companies by August to build up Security Management and Analytics Centre (SMAC). SMAC will implement data analytics to protect the GST system from cyber attacks and will provide a better and protected environment for GST ecosystem. Read more at: http://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/digital-security/paranoid-about-security-setting-up-analytics-centre-gstn-ceo/59092397

 

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Artificial Intelligence: A Marketing tool

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a revolution in the field of technology. Big companies are leading the AI revolution and that's given them an edge over most consumer goods companies and retailers. AI marketing tools are both easier and less expensive to acquire, with software-as-a-service. AI tool was successfully used by Albert to increase the sale of Harley Davidson.AI evaluated what was working across digital channels to create more opportunities and allocated resources judiciously eliminating guesswork, gathering and analyzing enormous volumes of data, and optimally leveraging the resulting insights.AI can process millions of interactions a minute, manage thousands of keywords, and run tests in silica on thousands of messages and creative variations to predict optimal outcomes.. By acting instantaneously and autonomously it can modify its buying strategy based on performance parameters. The best way to discover AI's potential is to run some small, quick, reversible experiments, within a single geographic territory, or channel. Read more at https://hbr.org/2017/05/how-harley-davidson-used-predictive-analytics-to-increase-new-york-sales-leads-by-2930

 

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How to leverage Intent Data

Intent data is used to demonstrate when the prospect exhibit propensity to buy. To understand the traits and interests of the audience a target market profile is created. B2B external intent data help customers by identifying which accounts are showing surging interest surrounding a particular topic and eliminates the guesswork. Surge data, combined with intent data, creates a powerful synergy. A direct correlation between buyer's motives and content sets the stage for a huge competitive advantage. To leverage the collection of intent data and create better content, correlate it with other demographic, firmographic and geographic data. Intent data target all range of buyers across an organization to tailor content specifically. It gives a lead to present solution and content to prospects with a more precise customer profile match. Leverage intent data in your content marketing and syndication to increase your chances of becoming an industry leader. Read more at : http://www.business2community.com/big-data/reach-buyers-matter-intent-data-01851493#c1wCfiKqJe40gyZt.97

 

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Getting started with analytics

In today’s scenario businesses need faster access to everything. Organizations keep looking for effective methods. Analytics can be of very much help in this. Organizations waste a lot of time, they should select a project that has a potential which does not require too much work or heavy investment. Analytics can start at any level in the organization. Executive should be involved to get the project succeeded as the executive level understands the value of the project. Analytics dashboard helps explore data. People new to analytics may overlook the data quality. There is a tradeoff between high quality and time and expense. An expert helps to find the balance. Analytics can demonstrate value quickly and cost=effectively. Read more at: http://informationweek.com/big-data/big-data-analytics/tips-for-getting-your-company-started-with-analytics/a/d-id/1329014

 

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10 skills that will boost your career

10 skills you need to stay ahead to get a good career. They are:

1) AI/machine learning researcher: A PhD in machine learning algorithms will be a hot skill in future. 2) AI software development: Developing the systems and infrastructure that can apply in machine learning to an input data set which includes program management and test. 3) Human interaction designer: A process in which designers focus on creating engaging web interfaces with logical and well-thought-out behavior and actions. 4) Machine learning applications: Applying machine learning to a specific problem in a different domain. 5) Full stack developers: The developer can work with databases, PHP, HTML along with venturing as far as converting Photoshop designs to front-end code. 6) 3D design 7) Content engineering: Content strategist targets the ‘who, what, when, where and why’ of content experiences and assets. 8) Data fluency: Employers are already looking to build a workforce with solid skills in data analysis and presentation. 9) Thinking out-of-the-box: Creativity will become one of the key skills employees will need to develop. 10) People skills: People management, coordinating with others, collaboration, etc. will be of utmost importance. Read more at : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/in-the-world-of-digitalisation-these-10-new-skills-will-help-you-to-stay-ahead/articleshow/59008347.cms

 

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The Crucial One Minute

Before making any decision, recruiters scan the resumes foe barely a minute. A study by TimesJobs talks about what recruiters look for into the resume. Being specific to a job and highlighting the right ones is most important while applying for a job. Skills that one includes needs to be substantiated. Nearly 40% recruiters say, focusing on skills relevant to the job offered is the best way to be shortlisted. Another 36% say that analytical skills, leadership, teamwork help stand out your resume. 35% recruiters advise to include skills that provide value-additions to the job profile you are applying for. Substantiating skills and experience with measurable results is a good way say 21% recruiters. 20% of them advise to add relevant keywords for skills help increasing visibility.  60% managers say that soft skills and non-technical skills like communication, leadership, teamwork and collaboration, analytical, adaptability, planning and strategic thinking skills are crucial while hiring candidates. The resume is the first point of contact between a candidate and an employer - and making this first impression a good one is critical in getting ahead in one's career. Read more at : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/a-resume-gets-only-a-minute-of-a-recruiters-time-says-timesjobs-study/articleshow/59017222.cms

 

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Reasons for ending up with a surprise tax bill

There can be times when instead of receiving money may end up with a tax bill. Tax return can be affected by major life changes. Some of the reasons may be: 1) Starting a side business: 2) Getting married: Married couples who file their joint tax return may face a higher tax bill. 3) Filing for Divorce: For some people, becoming single could also mean landing in a higher tax bracket, especially if their spouse earned significantly less money -- and brought them into a lower tax bracket. 4) Tapping into your retirement account: People who will withdraw money before retirement will have to pay 10% penalty tax unless it is for medical emergency. 5) Selling your home: Any gains from selling a home will be reported as capital gain and is subject to 20% tax if owned for more than 1 year. 6) Losing job: Some people may not realize that income received from unemployment benefits is taxable. 7) Receiving an inheritance: If you inherit an asset that they would have owed taxes on, that asset is now taxable to you. 8) Winning a vacation: Winners typically owe income tax on cash prize. Read more at : http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170409/business/170409110/

 

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Data-Driven culture

Capture

The creation and consumption of Data is growing at a very fast rate, so does the responsibility to manage it. A report said that 90% of the data available today has been created in last two years. So, companies are using Business Intelligence (BI) to manage quintillion bytes of data per day. Data Mining, Data Handling is used to handle the data. The sharing of data intelligence across an organization doesn't only benefit the entire business, but creates a culture of collaboration and uncovers synergies between departments to better reach an end-goal. Creating a data driven culture is not an easy task. Only 37% companies have found success by adopting it. So, how to do it. First, start at the top. Implementing this lies in the hand of top executives and managers. To start something new is very difficult, so it fully depends on the top tow they manage and impose it. Additionally, education is important when we introduce something new to the company. Read more at: http://dataconomy.com/2017/05/data-nirvana-develop-data-driven-culture/

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Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is the area of study focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature and behavior of energy and matter on the quantum level. In Quantum it can’t be clearly predicted which key element of the technology has entered commercialization and resulted in a massive change. Commercial applications like Temporal Defense Systems (TDS), Westpac, Commonwealth, and Telstra, and QuantumX are being adopted in Quantum computers by Lockheed Martin. Quantum computers can be used for simulation, optimization and sampling. Therefore, the most important action for data science is plotting how Quantum will disrupt the way we approach deep learning and artificial intelligence. Read more at: http://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/quantum-computing-and-deep-learning-how-soon-how-fast

 

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Digital Transformation in Retail Business

Given the power of the consumers, their demands and the most extreme competitions in the market every business is fighting to survive. Recently the businesses have invested mostly in digital transformation. Since data play a very important role, retail businesses are using the following trends to analyze those data. Firstly, retailers are considering data from in-store technologies and analyzing them to measure their effect on consumer's decisions and thus providing the products demanded more by customers.  Secondly, by location analytics, geo-targeted push notifications are sent out to customers and products are arranged more effectively in the stores.  Thirdly, with the help of explanatory analytics and predictive analytics more demanded products are stocked up. And lastly, cross-platform analytics helps retailers understand the customer's demands and provide effective support to them. Therefore, we can say that data analytics are an essential part of growth. Read more at: http://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/top-data-analytics-trends-for-reatilers-of-2017

 

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