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Corruption Perceptions Index 2013                                                                             Transparency International
Corruption: A worldwide malady

Corruption has become something like a serious contagious disease that plague the efficiency and effectiveness of most of the job sectors in the present world. As responsible engineers of tomorrow and being indebted to your society for making you what you are, you must nourish the wise person in you with moral values, to be able to keep away from corrupt practices which come and prevail around you in your today or tomorrows.
In some cases, when an engineer compromises on the quality of his work, the technological comforts which may be a result of the work for which he was a part, can create the ill-fate of many number of people around you. There are enough examples for such cases. As an example, a test engineer in an airline industry holds a responsible position, wherein an irresponsible attitude for a minute can prove fatal to himself and to a many number of people which may even include his own loved ones + great financial loses.
We must also learn to thank the many number of unknown scientists and other such people whose hard-work is there behind the great comforts which we enjoy at low costs today.

Corruption Perceptions Index Map - 2013

Remember: You too can become a cause for a big change in the world around you

Be a marvel in the character you showcase. Let others start from you.


How well do you know yourself?                                                                              priyac.nair@timesgroup.com
"Tell me about yourself"
This has been the infamous opening statement during all job interviews. However does it have any definite answer?

It is said that the first five minutes of an interview are very crucial because interviewers tend to draw a first impression of the candidate. But many a times, candidates stumble over the very first question, "Can you tell me a little about yourself?" and lose their confidence. "Interviewers usually, ask this question to break the ice since the answer is obvious and easily know to the candidate. Also, it tests the verbal communication skills, level of confidence and articulation skills of the candidate," says Pramath Nath, centre HR head, Hewlett-Packard. While answering, most people give details about their education, job experience, interests, family background, etc. But experts opine that a person does not have to give out the same information, already systematically mentioned in the CV. The interviewer expects to know from the candidate things that aren't reflected in the resume.
"The answer should be in alignment with a person's career objectives. He/she should not respond to it with comments about his/her hobbies, spouse or extra curricular activities," says Sunder Ramachandran, managing partner, WCH training Solutions. According to experts, the answer must reflect a person's strengths, leadership skills, willingness to learn, etc. Meanwhile, care has to be taken to make sure that the reply is not pompous and elaborate. Nath suggests that a candidate must write ideal answer to this question and practise it well before attending an interview to make it sound perfect. "Include only those points in the response around which the candidate can expect the next set of questions. A well thought answer puts the candidate in a positive light and enhances his/her confidence for the rest of the interview," adds Nath. Ramachandran suggests, "Start with a brief introduction talk about skills that  are relevant to the position applied for. Demonstrate how your experience and skills are transferable to the position available." You might not find the answer to this question in any reference manual for it's only you who knows the answer to this, right?

Spectral Lines                                                                                                               www.spectrum.ieee.org
The 21st-Century Engineer
Dream Jobbers provide a glimpse into why it's an exciting time to work in engineering

Dream Jobbers have fun at work: They've found ways to live for their work and not just work for a living, often by combining their passions and interests with a paycheck.
Most engineering students are bombarded with abstractions for a long time before they get a sense of what they'll be doing with their newly developed analytical skills. They sweat through lectures on device physics, circuit analysis, and feedback without ever being told that these are the fundamental concepts behind hi-fi stereo amplifiers.
They're expected to absorb the basics of Boolean logic and MOS semiconductors without knowing that these underpin all modern computers. In other words, students don't get an idea of the big picture, let alone a sense of the value of the work they'll be doing. Experimental schools like the Frank W. Olin College of Engineering, in Needham, Mass., where students get to tackle design work almost immediately, are the exception rather than the rule. In addition, at most engineering schools, there's relatively less emphasis on the development of communication skills, languages (no, we're not talking about C++ here), or management and leadership skills.
And then there's that image issue. Although people think of engineering as the engine behind economic growth, they often fail to realize its contributions to improving health care, the environment, and our overall quality of life.
Entry-level positions in engineering and technology also pose a challenge. These jobs should be as rewarding and stimulating as possible if newly minted engineers are to be persuaded to stick things out and make a career of it rather than jumping ship at the first opportunity for more money in some other industry.
People pursue technology for a living because they are passionate about making things, making things better, and making a difference in the world. Today's engineers also need to be quick, nimble, and able to learn new thing all the time. They need the knowledge to tackle classical engineering problems but also the sensitivity to understand the social impact of technology on people and the environment. They need the sophistication to be able to work in multidisciplinary settings with people from faraway places and notably different cultural beliefs. Nowadays, especially, they should have some understanding of the business side of technology.
It's a lot to ask of any one person, of course. But as ieee profilees attest here, the psychological rewards- the only ones that matter- can be very great.
                                                                                           - Susan Hassler 
Engineering is all about knowledge needed to support passion
Be a passionate Engineer

Bindhu Sridhar                                                                                                                  faqs@cnkonline.com
Fear is not the key

Living as we do in a world that is constantly changing and where everything is uncertain, fear can be a dangerous emotion. Fear unsettles our mind, impacting our world-view and sense of identity. Fear, when it manifests itself in the workplace, deprives us of our power to face challenges and change. It affects both individual and organisational productivity. 
Are there extraordinarily high levels of competition in the workplace? Are rightful communication channels clogged while rumour mills overtime? Does sycophancy rule? Is there hesitancy and scepticism about voicing honest opinions? These are all just some of the ways in which fear manifests itself in the workplace. 
Here is the solution to your problem.
   Engage with fellow beings
Creation of trust is possible only when there is rapport and engagement with others. Everyone need to have respect for each other, and accept the similarities and divergence in view points, methods of working and communication styles. Also show that you are willing to listen, empathise, engage and participate with others to create a more inclusive room that has room for healthy conflict and consensus.
   Open communication channels  
When there is direct honest communication with stakeholders, any fears or insecurities- real and imagined- are bound to find expression, and a solution can be reached. However you must be emotionally expressive sharing your own fears, problems and experiences with other stakeholders, and have to acknowledge mistakes and welcome diversity in opinions, converting them into opportunities for learning. Out of sight is out of mind, so be visible and approachable, encouraging others to come to you directly with their problems.
   Clarify vision
Fear is often born out of lack of knowledge or misunderstanding. Everyone must understand their own role in change and and how they will benefit from adapting to new ways of working and collaboration. There always exist certain situations where you stands superior to others in some way, keep this in mind that no one is born waste. Come forward wherever possible.                   
   Treat conflict as normal      
A certain amount of conflict is natural, even welcome because it can help the stakeholders arrive at a mutual and collective understanding of a problem. But ensure that conflict stays healthy and help reaching a shared solution, without deteriorating into an 'I vs them' kind of rivalry. Also don't forget to be silent wherever necessary.
   Build trust   
It can take years to take trust of people. Trust will only come with time, commitment and consistent action and effort. By demonstrating a commitment to trust, inclusiveness, dialogue and open communication, a shift can be observed from fear-based culture to one of positive engagement.  
                
Only you are the one responsible for taking the initiative

Others cannot / will-not help you. So do it from now onwards

Shyama Rajagopal                                                                                                                           The Hindu
Do not lose sight of eye comfort
  • ACs, computers can make eyes dry
  • Wrong illumination can affect eyes
Offices are getting swanky, air-conditioned. And the employees feel comfortable in this artificial environment. But the eyes they do not view it in a good light. That is why many people complain of dry eyes after long hours in cool comfort.
Ophthalmologists say one of the factors causing the computer eye syndrome is the unnatural environment, created by air-conditioning. Add dusty environment and working on computers in wrongly illuminated rooms, and the chances of getting the syndrome increases.
Place the computer screen at a wrong angle, and you have stressed eyes. Blinking is something everyone does unknowingly. But blink too much or too less a problem arises.
The tear gland keeps the eye moist. With each blink, the moisture spreads across the visible portion of the cornea. The eye metabolism depends much on this tear film, A.Giridhar, medical director, Giridhar Eye Institute, Kochi, says.
A normal tear film is necessary for the eyes to function well. Air-conditioning is an artificial environment that affects the eye metabolism, resulting in increasing cases of dry eyes, he says.
Jancy Augustine, consultant ophthalmologist at General Hospital, Ernakulam, says the computer eye syndrome is becoming common now. People it in front of computer for long hours focussing their eyes on the screen without blinking, she says.
If one blinks less, the cornea becomes dry and loses its refractive power, Dr. Augustine says. Too much blinking can be related to stress or even psychological problem, she adds.
If the lubricating system of the eye is affected, people cannot work properly, Anitha Jebbar, Head, Department of cornea, Little Flower Hospital, Kochi, says. If work involves focussing on the computer screen for long hours, take a few breaks in between. Keeping the eyes closed for a while can help.
A dusty environment can cause allergic eye disease, Dr. Jebbar says. Chronic eye rubbing can change the shape of the cornea. The occupational hazards faced by welders and carpenters are no less.
Self-medication for disorders can be dangerous, a it can lead to internal injury, she says.
The eyes get strained by the stress people undergo daily lifestyle, N.S.D. Raju, medical director of Ranjini Eye Hospital, Kochi, says. If the diet is not well balanced, the eyes can be affected. Vitamins E and C and anti-oxidants are necessary for proper functioning of the eye.
Even a small speck in the eye becomes a painful affair. And if the functioning of the eye is affected, work schedules go topsy-turvy.
Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes can affect the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. People with poorly controlled or long-term diabetes are most likely to get diabetic retinopathy. Without regular screening one may not know of its existence, the eye specialists say.

Regularly screen for diabetics to check retinopathy

Increase diet supplements in food