Monday, December 30, 2019

More on Goldman vs the SEC

More on Goldman vs the SECMore on Goldman vs the SECThe Financial Times offers a version of whats going on behind the scenes in SEC case against Goldman Sachs that contradicts somewhat the one depicted by John Carney on CNBC and discussed on this blog here. The FT version is based, like Carneys, on anonymous sources. The FT version emphasizes the efforts Goldman is making to reach a settlement on a lesser chargeomission of a material fact, rather than fraud. The prospect of a settlement being premised on Goldman neither admitting nor denying wrongdoing is treated neutrally as a plausible outcome. The piece cites Brad Hintz of Bernstein Research, who estimates that Goldman might pay a fine of $250 million and compensate investors by buying out their exposure to the notorious Abacus deal at a cost of $370 million.-posted by brian

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Photographs as Creative Writing Prompts

Photographs as Creative Writing PromptsPhotographs as Creative Writing PromptsPictures and photographs implicitly convey a narrative- and that makes them ideal writing prompts for generating new short story ideas. You can use a picture as a writing prompt in a solo exerciseor with a class or writing group. If doing the exercise in a group, you can either have everyone use the same picture, or you can have a selection ofuniqueimages foreach writer. Consider having each student or group member bring in a picture and trade with someone else. The picture can be a personal photograph, a clipping from a magazine or just about any image that that has the potential to inspire. Whether you do the exercise alone or in a group, itwill either stir your creative juices and get you to explore new themes, or, in a group, help break up the routine and build cohesion. Easy Writing Prompt Steps Choose yourimage. Whether you choose your image or trade with aelendher member of the group, try to ens ure that the image is new to you and doesnt have any immediate personal significance (like a photo of a family member). In a group, consider using asystem for randomly trading images, so students dont know ahead of time what their prompt will be. (For example, have everyone pass their picture to the right.)Have everyone spend 10 to 15 minutes freewriting on the photograph.Choose one aspect (or theme) of your freewriting exercise as a starting point for a short story. The story does not necessarily have to explain the picture, as long as the picture has in some way inspired the resulting work. Have everyone share the stories (either that day or the next time the class meets) along with the picture, explaining how the picture resulted in the written material.For those who wish to continue developing their story, you may want to check out articles on plot, dialogue, and character. Tips When Using Images to Inspire Your Writing Dont worry about conforming to the photograph in a lite ral sense. The point of the exercise is to get you started writing and, ideally, to write about something you would not otherwise have written about.You can also do this exercise on your own by opening a magazine and randomly selecting a photograph or asking a friend to select a photograph for you. Or, select an image from something you saw that morning.Dont write about something youve written about before just because it fits the picture. The point of the exercise is to triggeryou to write something entirely new. Dont worry about needing a lot of supplies for this exercise. All youll need is an image, pen, and paper or whatever digital device you prefer.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Wave Springs Have Sprung

Wave Springs Have Sprung Wave Springs Have Sprung Springs have long been used in mechanical engineering but an underrated version of this ubiquitous device is the wave spring, which affects its share of industries.The springs most people are familiar with are coil springs, round wire coil springs in pens and shocks in cars, explains Ben Moskalik, a senior RD engineer for Smalley, a wave spring manufacturing company based in Lake Zurich, IL. Wave springs are different because theyre not torsional but pure bending. They have both a bending force and a bending stress formula. What comes out of that, because theyre different formulas, is generating the saatkorn amount of load and the same amount of deflection. But its in lower height than a coil spring. You use them to reduce the size of the applications you might be designing.He notes that wave springs were actually stamped a half century ago or longer, like a flat washer but wavy.It would be used for preloading, Moskalik says, It was t here if you needed a little bit of force but not a lot of deflection. Then coil wave springs started and they werent just for single turn but could do multiple turns. In fact, multiple turns were what allowed us to do the crest wave spring and it looks kind of like a honeycomb. That happened maybe 40 years ago. Ever since, the goal has been to perfect that. For example, in the last 10 years, we started making round wire wave springs because we could generate a lot of load in a small radial space.An example of a spring application. Image SmalleyA technology that wave springs are commonly used for is the preloading of bearings. For example, people who have bearings in electric motors or anywhere you might be going at a high speed of rotation, he says. Bearings can vibrate, make a lot of noise and create premature wear. So when you put a wave spring in with a bearing, it actually takes out the internal slack of it, extends the life of it and will make it quieter. You can take that thou ght forward with any application that has some sort of slack in it. It could be thermal expansion, for example.You also see the crest-to-crest version frequently in the oil industry, he says. This is where they need a great verstndigung im strafverfahren of load for something but need it to travel like a normal spring would, Moskalik says. One example would be if they need a Murray connector to hold the overall oil platform in place or it could be in a situation where theyre putting in seals for ball valves. They have to make sure the seal is applying a lot of pressure to the ball of a valve. They would have nested wave springs pushing a lot of load to keep it in place or it would leak.While in many ways, Moskalik says, wave springs have neared their potential, one area theyre still improving in would be when it comes to shrinking their size. The smallest part we might have in diameter is a quarter inch and were going beyond that, he says. That will benefit industries like medical, where surgical instruments need to be coiled in a smaller diameter but still have smaller length in a coil spring. People dont realize how often these springs are helping.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.Learn more about the latest manufacturing solutions at ASMEsAM3D Conference Expo For Further Discussion Wave springs are different because theyre not torsional but pure bending. They have both a bending force and a bending stress formula.Ben Moskalik, Senior R&D engineer, Smalley

Sunday, December 15, 2019

A Job Seekers Networking Letter to Friends

A Job Seekers Networking Letter to FriendsA Job Seekers Networking Letter to FriendsA Job Seekers Networking Letter to FriendsStephen H., an active job seeker from Oakville, Ontario, is fully aware of the importance of networking. Hes a sales professional who knows that, whether youre selling a product or selling yourself, its all about finding new leads and building relationships. He keeps his LinkedIn profile updated, attends a job seekers networking group, and has told all his professional contacts hes looking. What he hadnt done, until recently, is reach out to his personal network, the people in his life who know him from non-work-related settings. This networking letter, sent to the families of his sons hockey team (who know him as the assistant coach) solves that problemHello Team Name FamiliesAs I shared with some of you during our hockey season, I am in transition and looking for a new job. Im writing you this note in hopes that you may help to expand my network to those peo ple in the workplace. Below is a description of what would best align with my skills and expertise. What Im looking forA senior sales marketing role with a manufacturer or distributor of building materials or industrial products Ideally (but not necessarily) a business that has an associated green or environmental benefit.I have previously operated on a national basis with an emphasis on Ontario...currently residing in southern ON, but open to relocation opportunities.My background20+ years of experience in technical sales marketing with companies that manufacture building materials for the commercial, institutional, industrial, residential, agricultural, and road building construction markets.At their core, my past roles have always centered around securing business (that is, finding new customers and maintaining/growing existing accounts).Specific product lines have included masonry products (brick stone), pre-engineered structural steel building systems, roll-formed metal prod ucts (wall and roof cladding, cold formed structural steel, OEM components etc.), and gravity drainage pipe (culverts).Specialties New business developmentschlussverkauf channel managementMaintaining and growing existingaccountsSales team managementMarketing strategy and directionDesign-build consultative salesHiring, training, and mentoringArchitectural and engineering specificationsRepresentation at industry associationsPublic speaking and presentationsEvent planning and coordinationWebsite content managementPlease dont hesitate to share this information freely. And let me know if anyone in your circle is also looking for a new opportunityId be glad to share some of the resources Ive found. In todays marketplace, we all need to reach out to each other and tap into our networks. Your barbers brother-in-law might have a tip for me, or my optometrist might have a lead for you.Thanks for your help,Stephen H.Phone Number ____Email ____LinkedIn Profile ____This is not the letter Id send to a potential employer, Stephen points out. Its for the people who know me as their kids coach or the guy down the block. I realized that I have probably hundreds of people who know me, and presumably like me, whod probably be glad to help me out. But they dont really know what I do. Im hoping the letter might make somebody think, Oh, that sounds like what my wifes company does, and pass on the letter to her, then she might pass it on to someone else. Or maybe someone might email me and say, Im in the same boat, and heres what Im looking for... I dont think theres really a downside.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

How to Choose Human Resources Information Technology

How to Choose Human Resources Information TechnologyHow to Choose Human Resources Information TechnologyHuman Resources information ordnungsprinzip (HRIS) is essential for companies to manage their benefits plans and their employee information. Benefits management technology is no longer a nice to have, but a necessity to help HR manage both a sea of information and the money spent on benefits plans, as HR faces limited resources and constantly changing data. But how do HR and other executives know they are selecting the best HR information technology to manage all of the details, and that the solution they select will stand the test of time? Following are the key questions to ask and answer in the process of selecting Human Resources information technology. What Is the Degree of Flexibility and Scalability That the HR Information Technology Software Provides? HR professionals should determine if the software can import data from multiple Excel spreadsheets, databases, and paper documents and the level with which it can interface with all kinds of other systems and data needed.The software should be able to take in and filter information from multiple sources. Ideally, this process should also be automated. Many online enrollment solutions require that data be manually manipulated before it can go to a carrier to update their systems. Automation of the update format, transmission schedule, and delivery method can help to eliminate billing and eligibility issues. Will the Software Be Able to Accommodate HRs Company and Benefits Carriers Rules? A truly capable enrollment engine will evaluate each enrollment activity and apply any necessary combination of rules, messages, prompts, and options specifically designed to meet the exact eligibility requirements desired. The software should accommodate any eligibility rules that the company and carriers have. Will the HR Information Technology Be Able to Grow and Scale With the Organization? HR should assess the technologys ability to grow as the company hires new employees, offices, benefits changes, and rules. HR should ask about the thresholds for each of these elements. Is the Technology Software Able to Integrate With Other Systems? Payroll and other functions often share much of the same information as the benefits management. HR can obtain greater efficiencies when data and other employee information entered into one system are shared with another system. Tracking employee recruitment is another needed function. Who Is Responsible for Implementing, or Building, the Solution? What level of training is involved? Some solutions require the client to be very involved with the initial implementation, which can be overwhelming for already busy HR administrators.HR should have a clear understanding of the level of training and technical expertise that will be required and the amount of time expected. Questioning solution providers on this topic can provide insight into subtle a reas that might initially appear simple, yet involve significant technological expertise. HR can then determine specific tasks that may be so cumbersome as to realistically impede completion, potentially reducing HR information technology value and ROI. Is There a Charge If Training Is Involved? Costs of training should also be assessed- including time away and travel expenses for off-site travel. HR needs to become aware of all hard and soft costs involved in the HR information technology adoption. Who Will Own the Data? The answer to this question should be the Human Resources organization. Companies should be able to transport their data to any Application Service Provider (ASP). If the data resides on a carriers proprietary server, the company may sometimes be dienstgradd additional fees should it switch carriers. What types of maintenance and upkeep are required? When software is installed on a companys on-site workstations or servers, regular updates to that technology are often required and may be cumbersome to plan for and manage. Updates to HR information technology are often made automatically with software available online through an Application Service Provider (ASP) or Software as a Service (SaaS) model. What Security Measures Are Built Into the HR Information Technology? If the software is available online, through an ASP or SaaS model, the provider should offer daily backups, backup servers, and added protective layers. Additional systems and procedures should be in place to safeguard information from being lost or accessed by unauthorized personnel.HR, in consultation with other managers, should have exclusive authority to decide who will be allowed access to the HR information technology and what degree. Will Employees Be Able to Enroll in Benefits Plans and Make Changes in Real-Time to Their Personal Data and Plan Choices? Employee access should be a given, considering the widespread, general access to computers.The majority of th e employee population have internet access at home. Employee self-service provides a huge potential to save time and money. A good self-service system will guide employees smoothly through entering information about themselves and their dependents. The system should clearly present the plans available and enable employees to make selections at their convenience, simplifying these actions throughout the process with wizards. Employees should also be able to add dependents and change information as necessary, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round. These are additional questions to answer as you assess your organizations Human Resources information technology needs. Will the Technology Provide Human Resources With the Authority to Decide Who Will Be Allowed Access and to What Degree? Along the same vein providing employee access, the technology should give HR the final say. HR should have the authority to approve all data before it is transmitted to carriers, and should als o determine the extent to which employees and others have access. What Types of Reporting Capabilities Are Available From the Hr Information Technology? Reporting technology should offer multiple views and formats (spreadsheet, PDF, HTML), big picture assessment and the ability to drill down to enhance decision-making. HR should be able to assess, at any time, enrollments in specific plans, outstanding actions, and changes in employee demographic information in relation to benefits and other employee data. Does the Software Offer Specific Features to Help HR Save Time? Depending on its own departmental needs, HR might want to inquire about the technologys ability to process information in batches, manage notifications and billing for COBRA policies, provide self-billing and bill reconciliation tools, and specific reporting. Does the Software Offer Specific Features to Help HR Communicate Better With Employees? Some programs give HR the flexibility to communicate with emp loyees on a number of levels - via mass email, electronic bulletin boards, and by specific filter criteria (such as location, department, insurance plans, enrollment status, retirement status, and others) through the HR information technology system. Having a number of means to communicate can further automate processes and help HR to better target messages. Does the Software Offer Specific Features to Help HR Communicate Better With Employees? In addition to enabling HR to approve transactions, many HR information technology systems also provide capabilities for HR to serve as the gatekeeper in auditing carrier billings to make sure they agree with the data in the system. This can ensure the accuracy of carrier invoicessave time and moneyassist in the timely delivery of employee enrollments, andenhance confirmation of eligibility when employees go for care. How Will Information Be Exchanged With Carriers? And, who will be responsible for this interaction? Integration of the HR information technology system should be judged not only by the number of carriers with which the software has relationships but by the type of connection that it enables. Ensuring successful interaction with carriers through a benefits management software requires many steps, including gathering initial implementation data censusdrumherum up initial integration for the ongoing information exchangecoordinating daily or weekly interaction to make sure data is received and accurately appliedreviewing ongoing updatesensuring carrier requirements for enrollment are being met in compliance with regulators andfostering a proactive relationship with each carrier to improve the relationship of data exchange. Knowing who is responsible for each task is essential to understand a product offering fully. Each software provider will offer a different level of integration in providing some, to all, of the tasks outlined above. HR should look to work with vendors that demonstrate strong, ongoin g, seamless relationships with the companys selected carriers.Many providers enable transmission of a generic ANSI 834 file, which may or may not be accepted by the carrier, a factor often influenced by the size of the group. Managers should look for providers that offer clean, validated transfers (ensuring the eligibility of the transaction), customized to each carriers needs to avoid issues. They should also look to providers that have a dedicated EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) department to interact with the carriers own, specific transfer language. What Level of Customer Service Is Provided? Is there an additional charge for service? HR should determine the level of access to help that is provided and what constitutes customer service- online help via a database, online chat, email support, conversations with a live person, or a combination thereof. Given the sensitivity of benefits and other HR information, managers should expect a response to inquiries within 24 hours from a direct contact that can help. What Is the Cost of the HR Information Technology System and Does It Outweigh the Benefits? HR should assess the complete cost of the HR information technology system, including all annual, monthly, and one-time charges, alongside the benefits provided. A slightly more expensive system may more than pay for the difference with features that enable employees to maintain their own records and offer greater convenience, time savings, and accuracy. These factors should be considered and weighed in selecting an HR information technology system. The need for HR information technology systems is increasing. With HR staff finding a vast array of options in HR information technology systems, it is increasingly important to analyze and weigh all options available. Choosing an HR information technology system should be looked at as an investment that will grow with the department and the companys needs. These questions will lead you to the appropriate H R information technology system for your company.

Friday, December 6, 2019

What Everybody Else Does When It Comes to Free Resume Software and What You Should Be Doing Different

What Everybody Else Does When It Comes to Free Resume Software and What You Should Be Doing Different Free Resume Software - What Is It? Hiring managers want to get professionals who can stick out from the pack. Employers prefer this resume template so attempt to utilize it even if it means you must iron out a couple of problems like unemployment in your work history. The website also hosts a network for employers on the lookout for new talent. You may have each of the wonderful abilities and educational accolades, but if you create your resume poorly, you might still end up notlage getting the job. Thats the reason why you need a solid on-line portfolio. Soft abilities, hard abilities, any skills in any respect. When youre asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you will need a resume template that you may inject a little more personality into to make it pop. However much or what kind of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. It is possible to also execute a web-based job search or earn a price of living comparison through its online offerings. Put your latest work first. Make your resume unique, and make sure to back up your accomplishments with data. Otherwise, the program makes a URL youre able to share with tauglichkeit employers. A few of these systems can be overzealous about filtering resumes, so you might need to incorporate some keywords utilised in the job posting. Its very necessary to comprehend the type of resumes preferred by the establishment that you need to work for. Professionally, our resumes are often the very first impression a prospective employer gets of us. It can help make some of the greatest resumes and references with the capacity to attach certifications and more. Youre able to say thats quite opposite of functional resumes that are very traditional. Fortunately, there are many publishers around whove created incredible resume tem plates for fast editing and formatting in Word. So as to have a professional created resumes and if youre utilizing a Mac OS device, you may use a number of the best resume templates for Mac. There are more than only a couple of pointers which you have to remember and fully adhere to when designing a resume even when youre utilizing a readymade template. There are lots of free resume templates readily available on the web but sometimes it can be quite challenging to select the best one that is most suited to you. Microsoft Word resume templates are the most often used tool in the work hunting. Moreover there are several resume templates Microsoft Word to select from that its really tricky to land on that 1 link which will actually get the job done for you. Word Resume templates are simple to find or spot on the web and can be downloaded for more use. Our creative templates permit you to stick out from the crowd. Life After Free Resume Software It is a wonderful option if you desire a downloadable program with plenty of support and template choices. With a selection of three unique forms, it is quite easy making a quick resume with Ezee-CV. Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. Last, dont neglect to take a look at our professional cover letter examples. Free Resume Software Features The web has affected peoples reading behavior through the years. The program is web-based in place of downloadable, and the range of features, along with the websites connectivity and convenience, are not simple to beat. While it is still possible to download your completed resume in PDF format, the service encourages you to make a link which youll be able to share with friends and prospective employers. Wiki states A functional resume format is widely employed by men and women with 1 to 3 decades of experience. Bear in mind, when youve finished personalizing your resume, youre not prepared to fill out an app lication yet. With thousands of templates, youre surely bound to obtain the one which is appropriate for your needs in your job program, school program, business application and a lot more. But just because resumes have gotten more creative doesnt mean that you require exclusive design software to create your application stick out.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

A virtual seminar with Dells women tech leaders

A virtual seminar with Dells women tech leaders This event is a great fit for software engineers with at least 2+ years of experience. If you are interested in attending, please email hipowertofly.com for an invitation. Dell EMC and PowerToFly invite you to an exclusive virtual seminar for women in engineering featuring Gerry Hackett, Dells Vice President of Platform Software Engineering. On this seminar, ur panel will discuss Dells latest engineering innovations, our panelists career journeys as women in tech and Dells company culture.The virtual seminar will take place on Thursday July 12 from 12pm to 1pm CST.The panel of Dells women tech leaders will includeGerry Hackett - Senior Vice President of Platform Software EngineeringAngie Bickley - Senior Director, Program ManagementKalyani Khobragade - Director, Software EngineeringJoyce Metevier - Director, Memory Systems EngineeringJo Ann Varble -Director, Software EngineeringDell believes that diversity - of thought, culture, backgro und, gender, age, sexual orientation, race and language - is crucial to innovation. Dell has been included on DiversityIncs list of Top 50 Companies for seven years in a row. Their competitive benefits include a work from home program, caregiver support, adoption assistance and their Women in Action Employee Resource Group.About our webinars All RSVPd attendees are welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, or age.Related Articles Around the Web How the Dell Womens Entrepreneur Network Advances and ... Aki Merced