digital thoughts

If you are a computer science graduate, you might have heard about Big-O. It’s basically a way to analyze the performance of your algorithm. There are lots of web pages that go in deep to explain Big-O, for example Harvard University page dives deep into this concept. I was looking for pretty simple explanation, finally found it at http://www.perlmonks.org/?node_id=227909

Related Link: Big-O Notation – What it is good for?

Algorithm is a set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of steps, as for finding the greatest common divisor. (Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/algorithm)

We can see the obvious words arrayed in sequence for rules, problem, a finite number of steps, and divisor.

What is time algorithm? I defined time algorithm in my own words in a sentence as; a person using a fraction of time in a day to cogitate specifically focus on how to work and reach a personal daily life’s goal.

The related elements between algorithm and time algorithm are;

1. Rules: using a fraction of time in a day to cogitate
2. Problem: a personal daily life’s goal
3. A definite number of steps: how to work and reach
4. Divisor: derived from human common daily life activities in time division (1 hour 20 minutes)

Method of Statement:

This method can be applied in all time categories; free, spare, schedule, quality, and prosper. Search for network, which means list down the identified problem solver individuals or bodies or organizations or authorities. Delegate search activities to proficient subordinates/parties in obtaining the best output from the data inputs (feedback/data gathering). Outsource the intended best output to be achieved to the related party to work for solution finding. Manage properly whatever feedback given by them the fits and gaps. Control the progress along the way in getting the best result.

Time Algorithm is a method of practicing self-motivation where time counts to solve a daily prioritized problem systematically in short-time. It helps individual in both ways; be creative and innovative. When it has been practiced daily, an individual can absorb the drastic pressure and able to release it back by giving practical way of solution finding regardless of the size of problem.

I write this article based on my true life searching and finding for what is a QTM (Quality Time Management) for me to make use it as my APQTM (A Personal Quality Time Management) and absolutely it is a type of writing which is characteristic apart from any other writers specific ideas in presenting and publishing their own personal thoughts.

1. Introduction

As a reader, listener, and observer many times we heard about QTM already been defined, meant, and outlined by qualified and professional speakers. Things which a layman in banal couldn’t catch up the details of explanations made and finally they accept it as too ’systematic’ for them to apply in their daily life and they have to forget about it.

Whereas, nature already provides ample time and space for a human to gets from lesson and learn about time which is an important factor in building up human life’s prosperity in all aspects. This is the thing that makes a human so special in this world, where, they can take and use time for their own learning pattern and formation completely with the learning process.

2. Personal definition

A person is freely to define each word spoken, written, expressed (body language) for what is time to reach the level of APQTM and to be their systematic QTM as good results spoken itself and not the theory alone. Human want to see the proven output and in less bother how it was done.

Time is an intangible space in one’s mind, where, its property can be designed by one’s brain to contemplate in creating its schedules to be called as scheduled time. What is a scheduled time? A scheduled time is a brain task to shift free time to spare time which is can be easily illustrated in the form of flowchart explanation, the five levels or stages;

Free time > Spare time > Schedule time > Quality time > Prosper time

From the above flowchart, it’s very obvious for a person to has ’schedule time’ as its position is in the middle of the beginning point of time (Free time) and the apogee point of time for ‘Prosper time’. Observe carefully, the bridging levels or stages are spare time, schedule time, and quality time. Which means how important for a person must learn what is spare time, schedule time, and quality time.

From my above explanations, it’s all about the proves for why a person must use free time to think about the important part for why to has own definition in structuring the meaning of each level of time in constructing their own prosperity life.

3. Quality state in time

As we have learned the five levels or stages of time in the Item 4, now we must learn what are the driven factors in a person which is imperative to be included as a non-stop practice in reaching quality state in time, regardless of its levels or stages. The driven factors in a person are the four; confident, effective detailed planner, networking, and diligent or assiduous.

At every five levels of time, a person must highly confident to be in the own world of ‘quality state in time’ by providing one’s own feasible, pragmatic, and effective short, middle, and long term goals by building up the details of vision, missions, and objectives in their weekly, monthly, and yearly planner (the written diary/organizer complete with future tasks to be accomplished). Which means every bit and beat of the clock really making a person merely working towards fruitful goals and at this moment a person understand how important a unit value for ’second’ in time counting, very valuable in daily life just from a planner it does generate blissful networking.

Diligently or assiduously working with the tasks written in a planner now be a must thing to do when we fully understood the meaning of a ‘quality state in time’ and how to work for it to shift oneself from Free time > Spare time > Schedule time > Quality time > Prosper time. At every level of it one person always hopes for the best while at the same time expecting worst. During this time, if one plan failed, as diligent or assiduous is concerned, a person can accept a failure is the right beginning to enjoy the future success. Why a person already able to accept failure? Very simple answer, work diligently or assiduously is a priority.

4. Time category

Time category divided into two categories; loss and profit in time. When is a person in ‘loss in time’ category? When a person does not want to learn the definition of time and practice ‘Quality state in time’. When is a person in ‘profit in time’ category? When a person practically apply practice makes perfect from learning the definition of time and practice ‘Quality state in time’.

5. Time management skills

Time management skills indicates the progress data of achievement versus time, by graph. Where, if we draw a vertical line (Y-axis) it represent by marking the value of achievement made and by drawing a horizontal line (X-axis) it represent period of time. The Y-axis and X-axis intercept each other at the point of zero value.

From the above paragraph, learning about ‘Time management skills’ it’s much easier to work with the all details of tasks listed in our planner versus time by building up one master graph for it, as shown below. Y-axis represent percentage of achievement and X-axis of period if time. Each task shown by dot or pin point.

Time Management Skills – Graph, is one of the control tools for quick learning about what is actually ‘Time management skills instead of learning through texts explanations. I mean, I give direct method how test our own ‘Time management skills’. That is why I used the words of ‘quick learning’.

6. Smart Integration

Smart integration means we integrate the Item 5, Item 6, and Item 7 in our network by means of outsourcing all of our tasks listed in the planner to the relevant efficient group or party or person, so that our time management will develop and growth incessantly with time.

7. Compendium

Mastering the learning process of the Item 2 (Personal definition), Item 3 (Quality state in time), and Item 5 (Time management skills) means professing APQTM and QTM. A life a system, a system is a calculation. Which means taking wrong calculation is using wrong system and wrong system is possessing wrong life, I mean wrong life is wrong life’s patter and formation.

U.S. President Obama signed $787 billion bailout package with the provision to restrict H1B workers in companies that receive federal assistance.

The measure, as finally approved by the Congress, would require the bailed-out banks to hire only Americans for two years unless they could prove they were not replacing laid-off Americans with guest workers, according to Bernie Sanders one of its sponsors.

However, the bar affects only firms receiving bailout funds hiring new workers to replace laid off US citizens. The ban does not affect existing workers. It also doesn’t restrict the bailed out companies to outsource the work to companies like TCS, Infosys that hire H1B workers.

Government of Alberta, Canada uses this opportunity to invite H1B professional to migrate to Canada. Alberta recently introduced Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program to grant Canadian Permanent Residency to qualified candidates. To qualify for this program, you should meet the following criteria.

1. You must be currently working in the United States in one of the following temporary skilled worker visa categories: H-1B, H1-B1, H-1C, E-3

2. You must have a minimum of one year of work experience in the United States in one of the qualifying visa categories listed above.

3. Your current occupation must be on the AINP Occupations Under Pressure List

Like the popular saying goes, when one door is closed another door opens!

Related Link: Alberta’s Official Immigration Website

It has been barely a week when I wrote about Senator Chuck Grassley’s letter to Microsoft. I mentioned “…Now the senator is speaking. You will see more protests in the street if things get worse…”.

It is already happening. Washington Alliance of Technology Workers and Alliance IBM are running campaign against outsourcing and the proposed 2,800 job cuts announced recently in IBM. Lee Conrad, national coordinator of the Alliance, said, “The Alliance is strongly urging IBM not to go forward with a new round of job cuts and to stop the off-shoring of US workers’ jobs.”

“There is a growing concern among employees that IBM will accelerate the off-shoring of our jobs. To offshore U.S. jobs in the middle of an economic crisis and rising unemployment is simply unacceptable,” said Tom Midgley, Alliance president.

“We will work with our elected representatives to push for legislation that protects U.S. jobs and calls for the full disclosure of IBM’s offshoring and outsourcing of American jobs.”

The backlash will become more severe if the unemployment rate in U.S. goes up even more.

Senator Chuck Grassley wrote a letter to Microsoft, urging them to make efforts to retain qualified American workers during its recently announced lay-offs. Noting that last year, Microsoft had advocated for more H-1B visas in the US Congress, the senator said the purpose of the H-1B programme for professionals in “specialty occupation” is to help companies hire foreign guest workers on a temporary basis when there is not a sufficient qualified American workforce to meet those needs, he said.

However, the programme is not intended to replace qualified American workers, Grassley said asking questions of both American and foreign based companies about their use of the H-1B visa programme. A majority of the 60,000 professionals given H-1B visa every year are from India.

In his letter reacting to Microsoft Corporation’s reported move to layoff 5,000 jobs over the next 18 months, Grassley expressed concern “that Microsoft will be retaining foreign guest workers rather than similarly qualified American employees when it implements its layoff plan”.

“As you know, I want to make sure employers recruit qualified American workers first before hiring foreign guest workers,” he told Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer.

It is imperative that in implementing its layoff plan, Microsoft ensures that American workers have priority in keeping their jobs over foreign workers on visa programmes, Grassley said.

“My point is that during a layoff, companies should not be retaining H-1B or other work visa programme employees over qualified American workers,” he said.

“Our immigration policy is not intended to harm the American workforce. I encourage Microsoft to ensure that Americans are given priority in job retention.”

“Microsoft has a moral obligation to protect these American workers by putting them first during these difficult economic times,” he said.

I feel that this is one of the many similar things to come. Now the senator is speaking. You will see more protests in the street if things get worse.

Related Link: Fast company article (be sure to read the comments there!)

Apple computers came up with good earnings yesterday. On the contrary, Microsoft corporation missed 2Q profit today. It reported 11% drop in 2nd quarter profit. Microsoft shares plunged 7% and are trading at $17.92. To make up for lost profit, Microsoft is going to terminate 5,000 employees over the next 18 months. Microsoft will terminate 1,400 employees today.

Microsoft said it was being hurt by deteriorating global economic conditions and lower revenue from software for PCs. The holiday quarter of 2008 was the worst the PC market had seen in several years.

Microsoft said that profit slipped to $4.17 billion, or 47 cents per share, from year-ago earnings of $4.71 billion, or 50 cents per share. It says the job cuts will reduce operating costs by $1.5 billion as it prepares for lower revenue and earnings in the second half of the year. The company says it is unable to offer profit and revenue guidance for the rest of the year, because of the market volatility.

So far, Microsoft appeared to be weathering the storm. It’s the first major layoff ever in Microsoft. It shows how bad the current recession is. May be the “depression” is the right word? Whatever it is, it is going to reflect in Indian job market too. Microsoft may also let go of contractors working for Indian outsourcing companies, that might have ripple effect in India.

Related Link: Steve Ballmer’s Memo to Microsoft Employees | Bangalore Jobs

Agilent Technologies has made a two-day leave mandatory every month in India for its 1,800 employees. The trend of asking employees to take unpaid leave is gaining momentum in many countries including U.S. and Europe to survive the financial meltdown.

Agilent India plans to reduce annual operating expenses by about $65 million with the global restructuring, while in its global pay cut move (effective on January 1), it plans to save another $100 million. The option of taking unpaid leave instead of pink slip is better for employees although few could still complain.

The IT employees in India may face another shock in 2009 when they find out that there is no salary hike. Many companies already announced that there will be very little pay hike, if there is one. Companies are not sure about the full impact of the current crisis, so they are kind of playing with various tactics. Once they know that firm will lose major stream of revenue, they will go all-in to lay off employees. Until then, both employers and employees keep their fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Sex is the major activity in Internet. All porn sites make money and get good amount of traffic. It’s not a secret. However, an employee viewing porn sites during office hours is a serious issue. Indian IT employees’ visits to porn sites have shown an increase of 23 percent compared to last year, as per a report by Newsweek. More than 30% of U.S. men visit porn sites at work according to the poll conducted by Harris Interactive.

The trend has resulted in considerable increase of employees’ ending up facing termination orders. An employee of Wipro under anonymity said, “One of my colleagues was fired under the pretext of underperformance while the actual reason was that he had been caught viewing porn.”

Employees spending time viewing porn is obviously waste of money and productivity for the companies unless the company itself is involved in providing porn services. Companies can use network tools to block many sites. They are slowly catching up, accepting the issue and fixing it.

Whatever may be the case, if an employee prefers to view the porn sites at work especially in this economic climate, the employer should terminate him/her, so that he/she has enough time at home to surf the porn sites.

Related Links: X-Rated Work Habit | Top 10 excuses for downloading porn at work | Tools to curtain porn at work

Google laid off more employees last week. It let go 3000 contract employees and 300 full time employees. Analysts expect more layoffs to come from Google in the future. The company also closed two regional offices in Michigan and Colorado.

When the employees are terminated ruthlessly, executive managers take big money home even when they are terminated. Ebay’s senior executives received 4 years (years, not months) of pay when they were terminated. Well, I guess this is just the way it is.

Related Links: Google Layoffs | Ebay Layoffs