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Revolutionising payments in education: Haseeb Ahmed, Zenda

Haseeb Ahmed

“Over a period of seven years, we focused on digitizing schools and utilizing advanced analytics and AI to enhance learning outcomes. While working closely with schools, we identified several challenges they faced with financial management, including handling collections, managing finances, and maintaining cash flows. These difficulties were further amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these issues, we launched Zenda”, shared Haseeb Ahmed, Co-Founder, zenda.

“The most significant challenge we observed was the timely collection of fees. Our research found that only 56% of parents pay within 30 days of the due date, while the rest pay after 60, 90, or 120 days. Conversely, school expenses are typically fixed, with 70-75% needing to be paid in the first week of every month. This discrepancy creates significant stress for school finance teams. Additionally, we have mapped out various collection methods used by schools, including cash, PDC, POS machines, bank transfers, and payment links, and have found that these processes are often complex”, added Haseeb.

“Our goal today is to revolutionize payments in financing and education. We believe that three key actions must be taken to achieve this. Firstly, we should digitize the fee collection process to provide a seamless end-to-end experience for parents. This would allow them to log in, view payment details, and select their preferred payment method, such as Apple Pay, bank transfer, or credit cards. After completing the payment, they should receive an instant confirmation. Secondly, we need to automate fee reconciliation to alleviate the burden on school finance and accounting teams. This process is time-consuming and should be automated for digital payments to be effective. Lastly, we must focus on improving the parent’s experience. Most schools charge fees upfront, which can be stressful for parents, who earn monthly. To mitigate this, we should offer solutions that make their lives easier”, he further added.

“To address these challenges, we launched Zenda in June 2021. Zenda’s mission is to build financial products for families, parents, and schools. We recognize that financial services are generic solutions, but education has unique needs that require tailored products. Therefore, we worked with colleagues across different schools over the past 18 months to develop ground-up products that meet the specific requirements of schools, including last-mile integration and reconciliation. We have launched five products so far, including Pay Now, which allows parents to make payments on the app anytime, anywhere,” concluded Haseeb.

The status and future of vocational education in India: Vishakha Gupta, Beacon High School & Junior College

vishaka

The National Education Policy has redefined education in many ways. With an emphasis on Vocational (Skill) education, CBSE is in the process of devising curricula for vocational subjects. NEP 2020 documented equitable access to the highest-quality education for all learners, regardless of social or economic background.

This will create a skilled workforce, proficient in multidisciplinary learning. It will rationalise content and move towards learning– how to think critically & creatively and also solve problems along with developing 21st-century skills.

Skill education will lead to a reconfiguration and building life skills, and character that enables learners to be ethical, rational, compassionate, and caring. Also, preparing them for gainful, fulfilling employment. Skill development will also lead to a focus on high-quality interdisciplinary research across fields.

Currently, CBSE has started offering around 40 courses (including courses on Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Design Thinking) which work towards imparting an education that is holistic, meaningful, and skill oriented, focussed on developing key 21st-century skills. These initiatives can build a robust pipeline of creative and critical thinkers enabling India in attaining inclusive economic growth and social development.

“The future depends on what we do in the present”. By making informed and intentional policy choices, critically evaluating and learning from the present and the past, and actively investing towards the larger purpose and shared vision of education, the future will be bright and promising.

Views expressed by Vishakha Gupta, Principal, Beacon High School & Junior College, Pune.

Edtech firm Doubtnut lays off 40% workforce

Doubtnut

Edtech platform Doubtnut, reportedly cut its staff amid potential acquisition talks over the last year.

The Co-Founder of Doubtnut, Tanushree Nagori, admitted a reduction in the personnel, although she stated that this was done more than six months ago. She refuted the acquisition rumours.

“There haven’t been no layoffs in the last two quarters,” Nagori said, adding that there haven’t been any acquisition-related discussions either in the previous 6 to 8 months.

The Gurugram-based startup had difficulty securing new capital, has looked into takeover opportunities with several businesses, and has had to downsize its employees by 30–40%. The report also stated that potential acquirers were uninterested in the edtech platform because of high burn and poor revenue.

According to Nagori, Doubtnut’s monthly burn decreased by more than 80% to Rs 2.2 crore in March 2023 from Rs 10.6 crore the year before. According to her, the company reported sales of Rs 27.6 crore in FY23, an increase of almost 50% from the year before.

According to the company’s annual financial accounts filed with the Registrar of Companies, the edtech company had revenues of Rs 15.2 crore and losses of Rs 179.2 crore in FY22. Its overall expenditures for FY22 came to Rs 194.4 crore, which included Rs 72.4 crore in employee benefits—or Rs 6 crore each month.

According to the study, the company’s monthly burn for employee perks has dropped by more than 80% to a little under Rs 1 crore, signaling a fall in the workforce. In the previous six to eight months, the company had also shut down its banking, SSC, and other public commission preparation verticals.

The company hopes to break even in the next 10-12 months and has decided to focus on fewer categories to be profitable, Nagori said. “But on that path to be profitable, we may have decided to take a small break on a few categories.”

Doubtnut has raised a total funding of $49.9 million over six rounds, including $30.8 million in a Series B round in January 2021 from SIG Venture Capital, Sequoia Capital, and others, according to Tracxn. The edtech platform has raised $2.5 million through convertible notes in a funding round from existing investors, Nagori said, adding that the investors are “supporting us for runway that we need until we break even”.

Doubtnut, a company founded in 2016 by IIT Delhi alumni Tanushree Nagori and Aditya Shankar, provides students with immediate access to video answers to their problems. After a time of intense pandemic-driven boom, the edtech industry has been in disarray. The pandemic provided positive development factors, but the return of traditional classroom settings and a funding freeze have severely hurt ed-tech companies.

Empowering STEM Education with Virtual Reality: Dave Dolan, Veative Group

Dave Dolan

We are on the cusp of a new industrial revolution largely driven by scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) innovations. However, STEM subjects have always been a challenge for learners worldwide, owing to abstract and complex concepts which are often very hard to grasp. This is where virtual reality (VR) can bring about a significant impact on education, providing a unique opportunity to bring complex concepts to life in a visual, interactive, and immersive environment.

A hands-on approach to STEM learning with VR

According to research by the National Science Foundation, 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills. This staggering number suggests why utmost importance is being given to STEM education. However, STEM subjects are known to require a certain level of conceptual understanding to comprehend intricate details and nuances of concepts, which are often not fully digested by traditional teaching methods such as lectures, textbooks, and diagrams. This makes learning STEM an uphill task for a majority of learners. While theoretical knowledge is important, what’s even more important is its practical application. Imagine learning about engineering and not being able to use that knowledge in practice! VR provides a hands-on approach to learning, providing interactive scenarios to become more easily immersed in concepts.

Practising lab skills in VR

Limited access to lab facilities and equipment often poses a challenge for learners. This can lead to insufficient time for learners to practice specialized techniques and lab skills. As a result, learners may not feel fully prepared to apply these skills in the real world. In a virtual space, learners can access lab space and equipment at any time. This provides them greater flexibility, ensuring they have ample opportunity to practice specialized techniques and lab skills. Virtual learning through VR can supplement and reinforce real-world learning without the fear of real-world consequences. It allows learners to experiment freely, make mistakes, and learn from those experiences in a safe environment.

Studying anatomy in VR

Learning about anatomy is a crucial part of the curriculum in fields such as medicine, nursing, and biology. However, relying on 2D material for this purpose can be challenging, as it requires learners to make a cognitive leap from 2D images to understanding something 3-dimensional. Similarly, the use of cadavers for the hands-on learning of anatomy raises ethical questions and availability issues. This is where virtual reality (VR) can make a significant difference. VR enables learners to interact with 3D models in a way that is not possible with traditional learning methods. With VR, learners can scale, rotate, and even go inside the human body for a 360° view, making it easier for them to grasp complex concepts. For instance, they can learn about the digestive process by exploring the stomach from the inside, or delve into how the human heart works in real-time, through VR.

Innovation & collaboration

Understanding of STEM subjects is strengthened by collaboration and deliberations. VR can provide opportunities for students to collaborate with each other and experts from around the world, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. A 360 degree interactive view into concepts fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging learners to think outside the box, take risks, and challenge conventional wisdom. Collaboration is key to creating successful innovations in a VR learning environment; learners can gain a lot through design sprints and collaborative projects.

According to a 2018 study on the effectiveness of VR in education, researchers have found that software engineering students who had access to virtual reality modules scored up to 12% higher as compared to those who didn’t. With VR, learners can explore and manipulate complex systems, interact with scientific simulations, and visualize concepts that are relatively harder to grasp. By creating an engaging and stimulating learning environment, VR has the potential to create a positive difference on how STEM concepts are taught and learned, making them more accessible and enjoyable for learners.

Views expressed by Dave Dolan, Chief Product Officer, Veative Group

Emerging technologies refurbishing Teaching-Learning processes: Nikhil Wagh, Educon International School

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In a Fast Changing and interdependent world, Education must go beyond Academic and cognitive knowledge, learning beyond classrooms will add impetus to reach our full potential as human beings, shared Nikhil Wagh, Chairman, Educon International School in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

What are your thoughts on the usage of AI tools like chatGPT , Bard etc for creating content and various other uses? Do you think it will hamper the quality of education in the long run?

Technology can be leveraged for unleashing student potential, Integration of technologies can add impetus in creating innovative learning environments. New and emerging technologies are provoking re-conceptualization of Teaching Learning processes while also serving as catalyst for transformation and innovation. The Curriculum framework is one of the essential conditions necessary to effectively leverage technology. Technology is best able to enhance learning when educators use it intentionally interweaving tech tools that match the desired learning outcomes.

It is vital that tech is deployed to complement the learning taking place in the classroom both in regard to textbooks and personal development.

Technology provides specific and alternate learning experiences to the learner and engages them in their own learning bringing richer deeper new learning experiences. Technology is not a prerequisite for deep learning, Tech is just a vehicle but it is a powerful one.

As vehicle tech can not only act as a lever for systemic change in the design of learning environment, but it also impacts T&L at the micro level by creating powerful different learning experiences, therefore the content that is delivered via this vehicle is immensely important. Also known as Digital Learning Resources (DLR), content materials such as simulations, animations, AI, VR, and digital textbooks have made incredible strides in the last several years.

DLRs fall in an intersection between tech pedagogy and must be explored, developed and studied in a voracious way in order to fully realize the potential of digital tech for the very individualized cognitive act of learning. In simplest terms , we live in a digital world, many of our students are connected majority of time and education has not yet caught up, this raises many questions, concerns and unknowns, education should have the responsibility to equip young people with the necessary skills and values that will allow them to cope with challenges that globalized world is posing to them.

The imperative for discussion and exploration around key issues such as learning diversity, digital literacy, the new digital divide, the blurring boundaries between formal and informal learning, and the use of technology for monitoring and assessing learning must take priority in our work to recalibrate and engage our learners on a journey of creating digital tech-rich learning environments which will value add and enhance the quality of education.

There will be a significant impact of AI tools like Chat GPT on school education. It would make it easier for students to cheat and plagiarise on projects and homework. We can beat the same up to some extent with the help of technology itself. i.e., by using plagiarism detection software or other tools to determine if something was written by a human or an AI. Such tools can look for the absence of personal experiences or emotions, check for inconsistency in writing style, and watch for the use of filler words or repetitive phrases. These are generally the signs that the text generated by an AI. However, many other aspects of homework will depend on the sincerity of the students. Tweaking, modifying the traditional evaluation pattern, and incorporating the assessment techniques to gauge students on skills, creativity and knowledge would be the answer to prevent the misuse of AI tools.

Union Budget 2023 focussed on revamping teacher training. How do you support the move and what are your plans for implementing training at your school?

“The NEP 2020 emphasizes adopting a pragmatic approach of redesigning comprehensive curriculum policy aimed to achieve holistic development by integrating Experiential and Project-based learning which adds impetus and strengthens. Conceptual Learning enables a better understanding of a concept and moves away from a rote method of memorization promoting critical, computational thinking and problem-solving skills”, said Nikhil Wagh.

Flexible assessment criteria to analyze and measure learning outcomes met at the end of each development stage, VAK theory approach of addressing different learning styles encouraging and rewarding innovative T/L pedagogies. The whole approach of education should be student-centric and enable each and every student to be a Successful Learner, Confident Individual, Responsible Citizen, and an Effective Contributor to achieve the above aim a new paradigm of Teacher Training is the need of the hour as none of the above is possible without passionate and committed teachers, who take charge of transforming the education system as envisioned, hence teacher education requires an overhaul to understand the purpose of education, and to effectively implement the curriculum leveraging technology to engage motivate and involve the student in their own learning and address the different learning styles of an individual. Teacher education requires updation to reform K12 education. Also, service teacher training and continuous professional development of teachers are to be made mandatory. With the changing Education Ecosystem the role of a teacher is also changing from “Sage on the stage to a guide by the side”, the core role of a teacher is to facilitate learning by creating Innovative Learning Environments. Educon International School wholeheartedly welcomes the focus on revamping Teacher Training across our country,

“Every teacher needs to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better “ – Dylan William

At Educon International School, they believe “Teachers Make the Difference”. EIS encourages the professional development of teachers, hence organizing workshops to enhance their teacher’s skills is an incredible part of the school. They strongly believe that CPD (continuous professional development) has the potential to raise the bar and close the gap in pupil attainment. Hence, CPD workshops are regularly organized to keep their teachers updated to the latest trends in teaching pedagogies. They are often delivered by renowned International Facilitators. They hope to provide both support and challenge to their staff as they do in our curriculum; strive for personalization in the CPD programs. All staff has collaborative planning sessions where their core purpose is of enhancing the learning & teaching process. So in short, our CPD is effective for staff development as it is increasingly targeted to build on existing teacher skills and is based not only on what we think effective teaching looks like, but on its impact on student’s learning and collaboration.

Education Minister launched The Yuva Sangam portal which will concentrate on organizing youth-exposure tours for students from North Eastern States to other states and vice versa. How do you think such initiatives are going to develop multicultural education in Indian students?

Education should prepare students for life and active participation in a global multicultural society by developing in their knowledge and understanding of the world while retaining traditional Indian Values.

India is the most ethnically diverse country in the world, there is a great diversity in our manners, habits, tastes and customs, traditions, culture, regional languages, etc working on joint curriculum projects encouraging students to exchange program with partner schools will give students an opportunity to appreciate and value diversity of cultures within our country.

Programs like exposure tours will give an opportunity to young people to interact with their counterparts across various states within India. These Project-based Learning avenues will give them a first-hand experience to appreciate, celebrate and value different cultures within the country and also make them aware of domestic issues and the impact of globalization on various strata of our society and equips them with skill and knowledge to be an Active Global Citizen.

In a fast changing and interdependent world, education must go beyond academic and cognitive knowledge, learning beyond classrooms will add impetus to reach our full potential as human beings.

We are in need of an education that teaches us to be and live together embracing universal values, equal rights and social justice, respect for cultural diversity, international solidarity and share responsibilities and programs like Yuva Sangam will be instrumental in supplementing this cause.

Connecting India is an ambitious project undertaken by EIS through which we seek to partner with schools across our country so as to provide a platform for students to interact and share their culture traditional language, to discuss, deliberate and debate on issues concerning our nation.

According to the economic survey 2022-23, enrollment at the pre-primary level decreased from 1.1 crores in 2021 to 1.0 crores in 2022. Your comments on the same.

Historically EECE in India has remained relatively neglected. Early Childhood care and education (ECCE) is considered a precursor to school education.

The term ECCE also known as preschool or pre-primary education traditionally refers to the education of children aged 3 to 6 years. In India, the current condition of education for this age group lies at two extremes one in urban areas and the other in rural areas, wherein awareness and importance as well as recognition is quintessential challenge and exacerbates inequality.

The preschool years play a significant role in preparing children for the school education ahead. An effective ECCE contributes to enrolment, help reduces dropout in early years, and helps children acquire foundational literacy and numeracy in early years.

NEP 2020 has envisaged an expansion of early childhood education institutions with particular emphasis on the inclusion of economically weaker sections. In the new structure under the NEP for the first time, early childhood care and education have been considered from age 3 onwards.

NCERT would develop a national curriculum and pedagogical framework for ECCE including a guide for parents and institution, the planning and implementation of EECE will need to be carried out jointly by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Education, Health and Family Welfare.

Awareness and Importance of ECCE have to be propagated amongst parents across all strata of our society, our education ecosystem should recognize ECCE as a fundamental right for children 3-6 years. Though maximum cognitive development happens between 0-6 years the much-required recognition of ECCE which was due for a long time looks to be insight, with the concept of Universalization of preschool education enrolment will go up in years to come.

Schools at all levels showed an improvement in their gross enrolment ratios (GER) for fiscl year 2021-22 , do you think the mere improvement in GER will enhance the quality of education?

The success of a Nation Depends upon the education of its people, education has to be at the core of the National development agenda. School Education is perhaps the most important basic element of the education system as it lays a strong foundation for further learning. The need for quality education with a value system leading to productive employment and hence comprehensive qualitative development of the nation is the need of the hour. Quality of education is characterized by the creation of the capacity of lifelong learning and educators contribute a lion’s share in this. The improvement in GER is a positive sign that we as a country are reaching out to the masses and now we need to step up the quality of education imparted.

There are 3 basic elements of quality in education; Management quality, teacher quality, and student quality. The students gaining entry at primary levels are fresh in mind, open and amenable. It is therefore left to the Management and teacher to create capacity for learning at that stage through the quality instructional and support processes integrated into curriculum. The school Management has to conceptualize the overall curriculum according to local needs covering syllabus, pedagogy, co-curricular activities, mentoring, and evaluation

Quality of education will be enhanced by adopting a pragmatic approach towards education aiming at the holistic well-being of all learners. The increase in GER will encourage a new Paradigm of education in our country.

Building dynamic education ecosystem with immersive and experiential learning: Tamil Selvan Ramadoss, Masa Trading Fze

Ramadoss TamilSelvan

“Peter Drucker, one of the greatest management thinkers, emphasized the importance of constantly challenging and increasing one’s knowledge. The new trend in learning is hybrid learning, which involves a blend of virtual and physical classrooms. However, we need to move beyond this and embrace the concept of learning from everywhere, which is a more immersive and experiential form of learning. Industry experts need to collaborate with universities and higher education institutions to provide practical knowledge to students through blended learning that combines remote learning with on-the-job training”, shared Tamil Selvan Ramadoss, CFO, Masa Trading Fze. 

“UNESCO emphasizes the importance of creating a future global citizen and identifies seven competencies required for this, including lifelong learning, self-agency, interactive use of diverse tools and resources, interaction with others, and multiliterate ness. The last competency involves learning about various subjects and not just specific knowledge areas, such as STEM or social studies. The burden of creating a global citizen cannot be solely placed on academia or schools. Instead, it requires an integrated approach that involves both the industry and academia” he further said.

He added, “Today, software engineers may not be able to produce exceptional work unless they have knowledge of biology and can apply it to biotechnology. Similarly, individuals in industries such as Agri-tech must have a multidisciplinary understanding of academia to be successful. This is where the UNESCO model comes in, which aims to create global citizens through education reform.”

He also mentioned four key aspects of creating a successful educational ecosystem. The aspects are mentioned below:

  1. The curriculum being taught should be updated and relevant to industry needs.
  2. Pedagogy and teaching methods, which should be continually improved upon.
  3. The integration of technology and real-world applications into education.
  4. The importance of the target audience, not only the students themselves, but also the future workers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who will benefit from a well-rounded education. 

If these four aspects are not taken into account, creating a successful educational ecosystem will be challenging, he concluded.

India on its path to revive magnificence and becoming ‘Vishwa Guru’: Supriti Katkar, New Horizons Scholars School

supriti

Education in the current scenario is the acquisition, creation and adaptation of information, knowledge, skills and values. It is a key lever to align with the (United Nations) UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Skill-based learning is based on a vision of inclusive societies in which all citizens have equitable opportunities. Education is essential to individuals’ development as it is to the development of their families, of the local and national communities to which they belong, and to the world at large. The right to education is to be seen as an enabling right for the realisation of other economic, social and cultural rights.

Skill-based learning has its roots deep within our history, when we try to explore the past we come across Gurukul System, which was nothing but skills-based learning right from the early Vedic period. In skill-based learning, students are groomed to become successful leaders in their chosen fields. To facilitate this process, it is paramount for students to think beyond grades and acquire real-life skills. These tangible experiences are taking us to the traditional form of education– the glorious past is being revived. India is on the path of reviving its magnificence and becoming Vishwa Guru again.

With the government’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) scheme, which aims to promote recognition and standardisation Indian schools are going through a positive transformational phase.

Views expressed by Supriti Katkar, Principal, New Horizons Scholars School, Thane.

Global summit fosters collaboration internationally and improves the quality of education: Karunn Kandoi, ApplyBoard

karun

Global education summits play an important role in fostering international collaborations worldwide. It is a great opportunity for educators, researchers, and policymakers and other stakeholders to come together from different countries to share their knowledge, experience, and best practices, shared Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer, ApplyBoard in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets Technomedia. Edited excerpts:

How ApplyBoard simplifies the study abroad process by connecting students, recruitment partners, and partner schools on a single platform?

ApplyBoard was created with the aim to empower students around the world to access the best education. The AI-powered platform helps tailor results to students’ goals, experiences, and backgrounds to enable them to be more successful in their study abroad journey.

The platform simplifies the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process by connecting international students, recruitment partners, and academic institutions on one intuitive and personalized platform. ApplyBoard helps thousands of students by providing them with the option to search and choose from over 140,000 programs and 1,750 higher education institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland.

2-Year Australian Post-Grad Work Extensions Announced for Eligible International Students. Your comments on possible opportunities and challenges after this major decision.

Post-graduate work opportunities are a major consideration for international students when choosing where to study. In fact, according to the October 2022 edition of ApplyBoard’s Pulse Survey, 80% of recruitment professionals surveyed indicated post-graduation work opportunities as a top priority for their students. For those studying in Australia or considering it as a destination, the recent decision to extend the post-study work visa is an excellent development. The decision is likely to have a positive impact on both the students and institutions. By gaining work experience in their field, students can learn, grow, and contribute to the Australian workforce while also providing institutions with a competitive edge in the global education market.

How is ApplyBoard using artificial intelligence and other digital innovations on its platform?

Applying to multiple academic institutions can be a daunting task for students. That’s why the ApplyBoard Platform uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to match students with the best institutions and programs for them, based on their preferences, qualifications, and goals. The platform analyzes factors including academic background, test scores, language proficiency, post-graduation work eligibility, and more to provide personalized program recommendations. This way, each individual student is served a bespoke list of options tailored to their specific needs and priorities.

Students can easily find and compare over 140,000 study programs from around the world with ApplyBoard’s free quick search tool. They have the option to customize their search by filtering based on the country, city, institution type, field of study, level of study, program start date, and more. This helps create the move customized experience possible for students and those professionals helping them throughout their journey.

What is your take on global summits? How do they help foster international collaborations worldwide?

Global education summits play an important role in fostering international collaborations worldwide. It is a great opportunity for educators, researchers, and policymakers and other stakeholders to come together from different countries to share their knowledge, experience, and best practices. In the case of the World Education Summit that happened recently in Dubai, it provided a platform for educators and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities in the education sector across the world. It also offered an opportunity for participants to learn about innovative approaches to education and network with peers from different parts of the world. The global summit fosters collaboration internationally and improves the quality of education and research worldwide.

A Complete Guide To PMP Certification

PMP Certification

The Project Management Institute offers the well-respected PMP (Project Management Professional) certification in project management. This post thoroughly explains the PMP certification process, exam structure, content, and preparation advice. The post will also cover the advantages of earning a PMP certification, such as better employment prospects and higher earning potential. Let this complete guide for the PMP course help you advance your journey in project management.

What is PMP certification?
Project managers possessing the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential often belong to an exclusive group of people who are considered experts in different project management-related activities. It showcases project leadership knowledge and skills in any organizational system.

Experienced project managers can use this project management certification to show they have the knowledge and abilities to lead and manage project teams and complete projects within schedule, budget, and scope. The PMP certification online honors those dedicated to ongoing professional growth and with a strong foundation in project management experience.

Cost of PMP certification
The PMP certification cost can differ based on your membership status with PMI. The price for PMI annual membership is USD 139. The PMP examination fee is USD 405 for PMI members and USD 555 for non-PMI members.

Details about the examination
● Instead of attending 200 questions, the updated exam now has 180 questions.
● There will be two 10-minute breaks rather than one, and
● There will be three “domains” (phases of project management) rather than five.

  • Benefits of PMP certification

Increased earning potential
PMP-certified project managers typically earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. Project management professionals earn a median salary of 16% internationally (and 32% higher in the US) than those without the certification. Good project management training can further help you in the preparation process.

Improved job opportunities
Employers place a high value on PMP certification, which can lead to more promising employment opportunities. According to research, by 2030, companies will need to fill approximately 2.3 million additional project-oriented occupations annually. This indicates a significant demand for qualified project managers. The PMP certification confirms that you are part of the best because experienced professionals created it. Side by side, you can also prepare for the CAPM certification, which is another globally recognized certification in project management.

Increased credibility
The PMP certification is evidence of a project manager’s dedication to the industry and competence in project management concepts and techniques. Online PMP certification courses help a lot in acquiring the certification.

Better project outcomes
Project managers who have obtained the PMP credential share a common understanding of project management and risk management procedures and are better prepared to complete projects on schedule, within budget, and with the required quality. You can purchase a good PMP course to understand the topics better.

Global Recognition
PMP certification is globally recognized due to its association with PMI, a well-respected organization promoting best practices in project management. The certification is based on PMI’s guide to the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge), a widely accepted standard. PMI has a large global community of members, including PMP-certified professionals, and uses a consistent evaluation process to assess candidates, ensuring the certification’s value. The demand for PMP-certified professionals is high among employers worldwide, making it a valuable asset for project managers working on international projects.

Continuous professional development
To keep their certification active, PMI mandates that holders of the PMP credential acquire continuing education units (PDUs), ensuring they remain knowledgeable about the most recent developments in project management techniques.

  • How to prepare for PMP certification?

Make the PMBOK guide your study mate
The PMBOK guide is a major reference for acquiring the PMP certification online. Take advantage of this and use the guide as your study’s road map. Every week, set aside time to study one of the PMBOK guide’s knowledge areas. Start with the basic guide before moving on to additional study materials. Then, use study materials such as textbooks, online courses, and practice exams to reinforce your understanding. It will aid your insight into each topic because other study guides frequently revise the material and portray the same subject from various perspectives.

Make a study plan for every day and stick to it
Make a goal statement explaining why getting the PMP is essential to you, and reread it frequently to keep yourself motivated during the preparation period. In the last three months, before the exam day, set aside time to study frequently. Make a study timetable that takes into account your employment and family commitments. Inform people of your objective so they can support you in achieving it. Ask your supervisor for help.

Get a good training course
A good PMP training course provides comprehensive coverage of PMP concepts and methodologies, allowing you to understand exam topics. It also offers practice questions and mock exams to help you simulate the actual PMP exam, thereby building confidence and improving test-taking skills. A good course helps develop a strong foundation, reduce exam anxiety, and increase your chances of passing the PMP exam on the first attempt.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the PMP certification is a valuable asset for project managers who want to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Preparing for the PMP exam requires a solid understanding of PMP concepts, methodologies, and frameworks and good practice and experience. A good PMP course can help you achieve this by providing comprehensive coverage of PMP concepts, methodologies, and frameworks and offering practice questions and mock exams. By obtaining PMP certification, you demonstrate your expertise in project management, improve your credibility, and gain industry recognition from employers and peers.

Byju’s to raise $700M in fresh funding 

BYJU'S

BYJU’S is planning to raise $700 million in new financing at a flat valuation of $22 billion.

The new funding round, which is nearing completion, could be completed in the ensuing one to two weeks, the sources said. In this round, which has already undergone due diligence, existing investors are also taking part, they noted.

According to the report, two West Asian sovereign wealth funds and sizable private equity companies led the edtech company’s most recent round of funding. At least $400 million to $500 million has been put aside for debt payments in accordance with one of the terms of the agreement, it continued.

BYJU’S opted not to remark on the situation. This development occurs a day after BYJU’S named Ajay Goel its chief financial officer due to a hold-up in submitting the FY22 financials to the Registrar of Companies. After an 18-month delay, the edtech company’s FY21 financials were submitted to Indian regular accounting authorities.

It was recently revealed that BYJU’S intended to raise up to $250 million through the sale of convertible notes by Aakash Educational Services Ltd, which it had purchased in April 2021 for a transaction worth nearly $950 million in cash and stock.

Following the acquisition of $800 million from Blackrock, Sumeru Ventures, and other investors in March, BYJU’S last received $250 million in a funding round from its current investors, including Qatar Investment Authority, in October 2022. In October of last year, it also accepted a 300 crore rupee unsecured debt from Aakash.

Also Read:- Edtech unicorn Byju’s to raise $250 mn in Aakash pre-IPO funding

BYJU’S last month offered to its lenders to renegotiate its debt financing agreements, as part of which it offered to increase the interest rate on its $1.2-billion term loan B (TLB). At the time of the raise, this was the largest TLB made by an Indian startup, but the loan was unrated. The edtech company has recently come under fire for its financial practices and significant downsizing.

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