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Microsofts Bold Leadership Shift Unveils a New Era

New Delhi: In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, marketing is witnessing a transformation of unprecedented proportions. The shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a whisper. Microsoft, a tech behemoth and pioneer in the industry, has taken a resolute step towards an AI-centric future, redefining the marketing landscape. With the imminent departure of its Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Capossela, and the appointment of Takeshi Numoto as his successor, Microsoft is ushering in a new era.

Does this move signal anything towards indicating AI’s growing influence of AI in the marketing world?

This change reflects the industry’s recognition of the transformative power of AI and its pivotal role in shaping the future of marketing.

This is how AI is becoming a central driving force in marketing strategies.

AI-Centric Branding and Leadership Adaptation: The move towards AI-centric branding is the future, and it’s essential for CMOs, especially in IT/Tech companies, to prioritize creating a brand that revolves around AI. This shift reflects the growing importance of AI in shaping a company’s identity and strategy.

AI’s Impact on Financial Success and Innovation:

Investor confidence is evident with a substantial increase in Microsoft’s stock value, showcasing the endorsement of AI in marketing.Microsoft’s financial success, with a surge in revenues, especially from Azure, highlights the central role of AI in business performance.

Aligning Marketing Strategies with AI and Embracing the AI Revolution:

This change underlines the industry-wide recognition of AI’s potential to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and foster innovation in marketing.

In a nutshell, the future of marketing is AI-driven, and Microsoft’s strategic moves are leading the way in embracing this AI revolution.

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Bureaucratic shuffle in West Bengal, 4 IAS Officers transferred

New Delhi: In a recent bureaucratic shuffle in West Bengal, four IAS Officers have been transferred and appointed to new roles, marking a strategic restructuring in key administrative domains.

Kaushik Bhattacharya, IAS (WB:2009), has been appointed as the Senior Special Secretary, Family and Family as Excise Commissioner with an additional responsibility as the Managing Director of the West Bengal State Beverages Corporation. With his wealth of experience, Bhattacharya is expected to bring fresh perspectives to these crucial sectors.

Dushyant Nariala, IAS (WB: 1993), has been entrusted with the pivotal position of Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management & Civil Defence Department. In addition to this critical role, he will also take charge as the Principal Secretary of the North Bengal Development Department, further enhancing coordination and efficiency in disaster preparedness and regional development initiatives.

Binod Kumar, IAS (WB: 1996), assumes the mantle of Principal Secretary for the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, with the additional responsibility of overseeing the Department of Correctional Administration. Furthermore, Kumar will serve as the CEO of the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, underscoring the integration of administrative functions for holistic urban development.

Shevale Abhijit Tukaram, IAS (WB:2015), steps into the role of CEO for the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) while simultaneously taking charge as the Additional District Magistrate of Darjeeling. Tukaram’s dual responsibilities signify a concerted effort to streamline administrative processes and promote synergy across diverse regional domains.

Tags: Governance

National Education Policy Implementation Gains Momentum Across States

New Delhi: In the wake of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Ministry of Education has issued directives to all States and Union Territory (UT) Governments, urging swift measures for the effective execution of the policy. The NEP 2020 brings forth a comprehensive framework with key provisions aimed at revolutionizing the education landscape.

Among the prominent features are the commitment to universal access to education from pre-primary to Grade 12, a focus on quality early childhood care, and the introduction of a new curricular and pedagogical structure labeled 5+3+3+4. The policy advocates for breaking down traditional boundaries between subjects and streams, emphasizing holistic development.

The NEP 2020 also outlines reforms in assessments, introducing Board Exams up to two occasions in a school year and creating the National Assessment Centre, PARAKH, for comprehensive evaluation. Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) receive special attention to ensure equitable and inclusive education.

The policy addresses teacher recruitment, encourages vocational education, and establishes a Gender Inclusion fund and Special Education Zones. Notable initiatives include the Academic Bank of Credit, Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The NEP 2020 envisions “Light but Tight” regulation, introducing the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) for overseeing the higher education sector.

Open and distance learning will be expanded to increase Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), and internationalization of education is on the agenda. The NEP emphasizes professional education as an integral part of higher education and introduces a 4-year integrated Bachelor of Education program.

To facilitate the integration of technology in education, the policy establishes the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF). Striving for 100% youth and adult literacy, the NEP introduces mechanisms to curb the commercialization of higher education, ensuring institutions adhere to standards of audit and disclosure.

With education falling under the concurrent list, both the Centre and States bear equal responsibility for implementation. Addressing concerns raised by certain States, a series of workshops and consultation-cum-review meetings have taken place, fostering collaboration and innovation. Notable discussions on NEP implementation occurred during national-level conferences, including the National Education Ministers’ Conference, the National Conference of Chief Secretaries, and the 7th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog. The commitment to achieving 6% of GDP for public investment in the education sector demonstrates a shared vision for the transformative potential of NEP 2020.

Tags: Education

Academic Bank of Credit launched through CSCs

New Delhi: Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar; Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy; and MD-CEO, CSC SPV,  Sanjay Rakesh jointly launched APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) through Common Service Centres (CSCs) in remote villages of the country today. The objective of APAAR is ‘One Nation, One Student ID’. APAAR has been conceptualized under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) in which all college/university-going students are required to register on ABC, i.e., Academic Bank of Credits. According to the new rule, it is necessary to have an ABC ID to be admitted to any college or university.

Launching the scheme through CSC, Sanjay Kumar said that the number of digital services in the country is continuously increasing and one can take maximum advantage of digital services in school education through CSC. He also said that all school children should be given provisional APAAR ID immediately and it should be authenticated with Aadhaar and linked to Digi Locker. A business model for this service for village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) is also being considered, he added. He emphasized that this system will make school education and higher education more transparent and easier.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, on the new technology platforms rolled out by the government, emphasized that Samarth, Swayam, and Diksha (at the school level) are being leveraged for the benefit of the students. ‘Samarth’ is being launched in many of the institutions and it will be ensured that at least 10,000 institutions in the next 1.5 years are covered, he said. He also said that the role of CSCs in APAAR and Samarth will be significant. Shri Murthy emphasized that the Academic Bank of Credits has been established on the lines of the National Academic Depository (NAD). Despite the fact that ABC enables students to register or commence credit transfer, the outcomes of credit redemption and issuance of certificates as well as the compilation of award records are administered by academic institutions, he added.

Shri Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education, said that APAAR ID will remain with the children for their entire life. Students will also be able to get credit in future by passing various exams, he explained. Students will not be required to give certificates anywhere and just giving APAAR ID will be sufficient, he added.

Welcoming guests during the event, Shri Sanjay Rakesh said that there is a great need to popularize APAAR ID. The VLEs will go to schools and enrol students and will provide them with APAAR ID, he informed. He also said that this is a revolutionary initiative in which all the records of students can be connected in one place. This will also curb illegal activities. Many schools don’t have the infrastructure for online services. CSC VLEs will be a great help to them in this regard, he said.

What is the Academic Bank of Credit?

ABC is a digital repository or digital storage. Students can easily avail its benefits. For this service, the student does not need to go anywhere else but to the nearest CSC. In this digital credit bank, all the credits, i.e., marks scored by the students and all their personal information will be available.

With the help of this ID, it will be easy for all the students to take admission from one institute to another for graduation and post-graduation. Universities will now be able to access all the data of students with one click with the help of ABC ID.

It is a storehouse of credits earned by an individual student throughout his or her learning. This storehouse is virtual or digital. It contains complete information about all the studies done by the student in any institution, his/her performance and mainly the credits obtained by the student. They can use them at many places and in many ways throughout their studies. The suggestion to bring the Academic Bank of Credit in education was given in the NEP 2020.

This story has been sourced from PIB.

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ObserveNow Unveils Dubai Debut: 5th Edition of ELCA Sparks Educational Revolution

New Delhi: In a dazzling display of educational fervor, ObserveNow Media is poised to introduce the highly anticipated 5th edition of the Education Leaders Conclave and Awards (ELCA) on February 8, 2024, making a groundbreaking international debut in the vibrant city of New Delhi. The event boasts an illustrious lineup of partners, with the UAE Private Office leading the charge as the Host Partner, Alef Education as the Gold Partner, and a constellation of other esteemed collaborators spanning the education sector.

ObserveNow’s vision to unite the entire educational spectrum on a singular platform takes center stage, fostering innovative approaches that have the potential to revolutionize the education sector. This avant-garde platform hosts an array of influential figures, including senior officials from examination boards, government and private universities, schools, policymakers, regulatory bodies, and Ed-Tech companies. ELCA promises a day of engaging activities, from government policymakers unveiling future education plans to industry leaders participating in panel discussions on the evolving trends in the education ecosystem.

Taniya Tikoo, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief, ObserveNow Media will kick off the event with a captivating welcome speech, followed by the inaugural session exploring educational synergies between India and the Middle East. Notable speakers include Mr. Evandro Oliveira, COO of the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, and Dr. Salah Tahir Alhaj, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, UAE.

It is crucial to address the evolving landscape of education policy. A progressive and inclusive education policy forms the bedrock upon which a thriving society is built. Championing policies that empower educators, embrace diversity, and equip students with 21st-century skills is imperative. The day will unfold with dynamic panel discussions covering topics such as embracing digital transformation in the education sector, shaping the innovative education ecosystem with emerging technologies, exploring investment opportunities in startups, and tailoring approaches for learning and assessment.

ELCA promises an immersive experience with insightful panel discussions. The first session, titled “Future Forward: Embracing Digital Transformation in India & the Middle East’s Education Sector,” features distinguished panelists from reputable institutions, creating an intellectual melting pot of ideas and perspectives.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, where technology plays a pivotal role, Edtech takes center stage. The fusion of technology with education enhances the learning process, unlocking endless possibilities. As they traverse the crossroads of technological advancement and educational excellence, the transformative power of Edtech solutions must be acknowledged.

Further, an exclusive panel will delve into “Vision: Exploring Investment Opportunities in Indian & the Middle Eastern Startups: A Middle East & South Asia Perspective,” providing a unique perspective on investment dynamics in the startup landscape.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, where technology plays a pivotal role, Edtech takes center stage. The fusion of technology with education enhances the learning process, unlocking endless possibilities. As they traverse the crossroads of technological advancement and educational excellence, the transformative power of Edtech solutions must be acknowledged.

The third panel, themed “Creation: Creating a Tailored Approach for Learning and Assessment with today’s Ed-tech offerings: Understanding an International Perspective,” explores the intersection of Edtech and learning methodologies with an international lens.

The UAE-India education relationship stands as a testament to the strength of global partnerships in fostering educational growth. This collaboration transcends borders, creating a global learning community that bridges cultural gaps and fosters mutual understanding.

The fourth panel, aptly titled “Foundation: Emphasizing on Building Student Learning Capabilities at School Level for Better Future,” aims to address the core of educational development, focusing on enhancing student learning capabilities for a brighter tomorrow.

The event will culminate in an award ceremony, a glittering tribute to outstanding individuals and institutions across various categories. This signifies the culmination of a day dedicated to advancing education and fostering collaboration in the global academic landscape. As ELCA reaches its pinnacle with the award ceremony, it solidifies its position as a pivotal platform for collaboration and recognition in the education sector. The event promises a dynamic exchange of ideas, insights, and recognition for outstanding contributions to the field of education.

This occasion will showcase a roster of collaborative partners dedicated to advancing the educational connection between India and the UAE, aligning with ObserveNow Media’s vision. The lineup includes key contributors such as Meritto (Enrollment Automation Partner), CodeTantra (Coding & Assessments Partner), CTPL (India Student Recruitment Partner), Brain Wonder (Career Counselling Partner), Skiply (Digital Payments Partner), Board Infinity, iLearnings & Wizr (Associate Partners), Cliff Guard Cybersecurity (Cyber Security Partner), IIDE (Digital Education Partner), CampEd (Campus Branding Partner), Ganpat University, LPU & Lingyas University (University Partners), DayaNanda Sagar Academy of Technology and Management (Institute Partner), Satluj (School Partner), Edtech Marketplace Asia (Edtech Outreach Partner), Infinity, Edsidera & Edubrisk (Exhibitors), IEM-UEM, Lingyas LDJMS, CLICKS (Supporting Partners), Hippiees (Travel Tech Partner), and Pleasing Strides (CSR Partner).

Tags: Education

Are CEOs Overlooking CMOs for Growth Strategies? Surprising Insights Revealed by Marketing Leaders

New Delhi: In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the quest for untapped growth and superior performance is a continuous journey. Yet, there’s a pertinent question that echoes through boardrooms: “Are CEOs overlooking the prowess of their Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) when it comes to driving revenue growth and enhancing profit margins?”

Research suggests they might be. In their pursuit of financial and analytical strategies, some CEOs tend to lean heavily on data-driven decisions. While these strategies undoubtedly have their merits, there’s a risk of sidelining the consumer-led aspect of business. This oversight can, in the long run, prove to be a costly mistake.

The heart of the matter lies in recognizing the significance of marketing in achieving holistic growth. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about creating strategies that resonate with the consumer. By harnessing the power of marketing, CEOs can infuse vitality into their organization’s growth agenda. They can align consumer-centric approaches with financial strategies, resulting in a more balanced, profitable, and consumer-focused path to success.

To outperform and stimulate untapped growth, businesses need to strike a balance between financially and analytically driven decisions and consumer-led initiatives. By integrating these elements, companies can maximize their potential and embark on a journey towards sustainable and holistic growth.

The McKinsey article, titled “The power of partnership: How the CEO–CMO relationship can drive outsize growth,” discusses the critical role of the relationship between CEOs and CMOs in shaping a company’s growth strategy. It highlights that companies with CEOs who place marketing at the core of their growth strategy are twice as likely to achieve greater than 5 percent annual growth compared to their peers. The article emphasizes the need for CEOs to clearly define a C-level growth role with marketing at its center, engage with CMOs to build conviction in marketing’s role, and establish a clear cascade of business outcomes into marketing KPIs to ensure a direct impact on the bottom line. This partnership between CEOs and CMOs is seen as crucial for capturing the incremental sales potential of marketing-led growth.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of ObserveNow Media. The author is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and validity of the information presented, encouraging readers to independently verify and seek professional advice if needed.

Tags: Trending

AICTE urged to relax BBA, BCA norms for colleges

Mohali: The Federation of Self-Financing Technical Institutions and the All India and Punjab Unaided Colleges Association have urged the All India Council of Technical Education to exempt BBA and BCA colleges from seeking its approval.

Federation of Self-Financing Technical Institutions President Dr Anshu Kataria and Amit Sharma — the senior vice-president of the Punjab Unaided Colleges Association — on Sunday met All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) Member Secretary Rajive Kumar and highlighted that BBA, BCA and BMS courses have never been part of it since the passing of the AICTE Act in 1987.

They said bringing these courses under the AICTE’s ambit after almost four decades is “shocking”.

This story has been sourced from PTI.

Tags: Education

Sanofi appoints Roma Bindroo as Director & Head of HR

New Delhi: In a strategic move, Sanofi, a global healthcare company, welcomes Roma Bindroo as their new People Director & Head of HR. 

With a wealth of experience, Roma, who previously served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Zepto, brings over 15 years of expertise to her role, having contributed significantly to organizations like Tata Consumer Products, Johnson & Johnson, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Infosys. Passionate about driving organizational effectiveness, enhancing employee experiences, and fostering innovation, Roma is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the human capital landscape at Sanofi. 

Her academic background includes a PGD in PMIR (HRM) from XLRI Jamshedpur and a Bachelor of Engineering in IT from Mumbai University. This appointment reflects Sanofi’s commitment to cultivating talent and strengthening its global HR leadership.

Tags: Technology

Reshuffle in Maharashtra Administration, 7 IAS Officers transferred

New Delhi: In a significant administrative shakeup, the Maharashtra government has issued transfer orders dated February 5, 2024, affecting key IAS officers across the state.

– Saurabh Rao (IAS: MH:2003), former Divisional Commissioner of Pune Division, Pune, takes on a new role as Commissioner of Co-Operation and Registrar of Co-Operative Societies in Pune.

– Anil M. Kawade (IAS: MH:2003), previously serving as Commissioner of Co-Operation and Registrar of Co-Operative Societies in Pune, transitions to the role of Commissioner of Sugar in Pune.

– Anil Patil (IAS: MH:2012), former Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad in Gondia, steps into the position of Managing Director at Haffkine Bio-Pharma Corporation in Mumbai.

– D.K.Khillari (IAS: MH:2013), former Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad in Satara, assumes the position of Director of Other Backward Bahujan Kalyan in Pune.

– Rahul Gupta (IAS: MH:2017), previously Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad in Dharashiv, is appointed Joint Managing Director of MAHADISCOM in Chatrapatti Sambhaji Nagar.

– Muruganantham M (IAS: MH:2020), formerly Project Officer at ITDP and Assistant Collector at Chandrapur Sub Division, Chandrapur, takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad in Gondia.

– Yashni Nagarajan (IAS: MH:2020), formerly Project Officer at ITDP in Pandharkawada and Assistant Collector at Kelapur Sub Division in Yavatmal, assumes the position of Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad in Satara.

This restructuring aims to leverage the skills and experience of these officers in diverse sectors, fostering efficient governance across Maharashtra.

Tags: Governance

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. Granted Approval by CCI for 70% Stake Acquisition in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited

New Delhi:  The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. to acquire a 70% stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited. This significant move involves the acquisition of a majority stake (51%) from Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited by the Acquirer. Additionally, the Acquirer plans to acquire an extra stake of up to 19% over a specified period.

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd., the Acquirer, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd. and is a leading multi-line insurer operating globally. With its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, the Acquirer serves individuals and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. As a vital part of the Zurich group, the Acquirer boasts around 60,000 employees and acts as the principal operating insurance company, overseeing various subsidiaries and affiliates.

The Target, Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited, is actively engaged in providing a diverse range of general insurance policies. These include motor vehicle insurance, home and property insurance, commercial insurance, and health insurance. Their product offerings extend to liability insurance, extended warranty coverage, and health insurance plans such as hospital cash, health indemnity policy, benefit policy, and group insurance plans.

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