Academic Poster ( Mental Health) in the uk Essay

Academic Poster ( Mental Health) in the uk - Essay Example Physical problems such as stomach problems, tremors, blackouts, and hangovers occur. Psychologically, the drinker is irritable and can be moved to angry outbursts (Livestrong, 2015). The costs of alcohol misuse are high. Before taking a drink, it is important to ask whether or not, the risk of becoming addicted and succumbing to the problems linked to alcoholism are worth the gains achieved through alcohol consumption. Based on the four stages of alcoholism, it is important to stop drinking as soon as it is apparent that you are at vulnerable to alcohol addiction. This realization should occur in the first stage or the adaptive stage of alcoholism. All efforts should be made to quit consumption of alcohol during this stage. As the alcoholic progresses, it becomes harder to quit until the conclusion stage where quitting might not make a difference since the alcoholic’s body and mind is likely suffering irreparable damage and death is imminent. Ideally, the drinker should recognize a drinking problem early on and make a determined effort to abstain. It is best not to wait until you hit rock bottom as rock bottom could mean a custodial sentence, harm to othe rs. o.oneself. Excessive drinking or drinking ‘more than the recommended limits of alcohol consumption’ (NHS, 2013). The government has established alcohol consumption limits that are believed to pose minimum health risks to those who want to drink. Keeping within the guidelines’ limits should mean the risk of harm is reduced, if not eliminated. Recommended Limits : Women should drink at most, 2-3 units (175ml glass of wine) daily. Men should at most drink 3-4 units (pint of beer, lager or cider) daily (NHS, 2015). However, Nichols, et al. (2012) reveals that even keeping within these limits will not prevent exposure to chronic illness due to alcohol consumption. Mental Health Issues: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s neurotransmitters and exposes alcohol misusers to depression,

The Importance Of A Sports Doctor

The Importance Of A Sports Doctor A sports doctor is a type of doctor who pursues in the prevention and treatment of injuries that affiliated with sports athletic activity. In professional sports, a sports medicine will be in group with a specific team and will be paid to care for the health for athletes. Sports doctors are most frequently associated with injuries to the joints, bones, and muscles. They focus primarily on injuries and conditions of the feet and legs are called orthopedic procedure. Sports doctors also work in athletic internal medicine, which concentrates on cardiac rehabilitation, lung performance, and circulatory issues combined with exertion. Sports Doctor Background A sports doctor studies health employing medical and scientific knowledge to prevent, observe, manage, and recover sports injuries. Exercise and sports science is the study of physiology and biomechanics that relates to the ability of the human body to adapt to movement and physical activity. When students graduated from studying exercise and sports science programs, they usually have big educational backgrounds because they can in both clinical and academic settings. Students who have a degree in sports science can also lead to career opportunities in fitness instruction, sports medical research, and nutrition. What Sports Doctor Focus On? A sports doctor focuses a lot on the medical phase of physical activity. Professionals of sports medicine, who work in the NFL, NBA, and other professional sports, train in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries that happen during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities. It does not mean sports medicine degree can be involve the courses in injury prevention, analysis, therapy, and management, but it will involve understanding how illnesses and disease meets health and physical performance on injured athletes. If you earn a degree in sports medicine, it can lead a new career opportunities in athletic training, personal training, physical therapy, diet nutrition etc. You would work with some teams to help athletes and active people carry on the optimal health of becoming a sports medicine. Educational Requirements for Sports Doctors Sports doctors are fully trained medical doctor who would focus on sports medicine. In order to become a sports doctor, they have to do the same requirement of training before they can proceed. Sports doctor will need a Bachelors Degree to pursue in medical residency and school. In residency level, sports doctors are very determined but they can educate their focus on pre-med with great understanding of what elective courses will be best for their future career goals. Curriculum for sports medicine majors are: Physiology, Practicum in Athletic Training, Motor Development and Learning, Sports Psychology, Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries, and Nutritional Science. Preparing for Sports Science and Sports Medicine School For becoming a sports medicine, you must require a college. Healthcare professionals, who concentrate in sport medical, draw seriously on scientific knowledge in a degree program. The class students will have a combination of math, medical, and science courses so that they can have all the training theyll need. Before making the decision on enrolling in sports medicine degree program, you should give some careful thoughts of personal interests and career goals. Students are often engage to the field of sports medicine because they have an enjoyment for sports. They should also have a serious interest in science and medicine and be willing to study hard in order to dedicate their studies to serve the needs of other athletes and active people. Successful sports healthcare professionals enjoy helping others, have an affinity for physiology and science, and possess a strong commitment to advancing and improving the health and physical capabilities of others. Successful sports healthcare professionals enjoy helping others and have a likeness for physiology and science, and acquire a strong commitment to advancing and improving the health and physical capabilities of others. A degree in sports medicine will require intensive and advanced studies of biology, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and other fields of science and math. With the strong fundamental skills in sciences and math, it will help them develop the skills they need in sports medicine college degree program. Job opportunities in the field are abundant and various for sports medicine. It can often be difficult to decide exactly on what kinds of sports science college students would like to study. If students are having trouble deciding exactly which path to take, they should try conducting sports healthcare professionals in the workplace. They can take an opportunity to ask acknowledged questions about the field to the professionals because they would like to give advice, guidance, and ideas about job o pportunities in the field. This can really help themselves focus on their own studies and choices of becoming a sports medicine. Once college students have made a decision to pursue a career in this field, they will make sure they know the differences between sports medicine degree programs to find an appropriate interest and goals. When they have gathered a lot of information about the options of becoming a sports medicine, the best information will be their best decision depending on their choice. Certificate Programs in Sports Fitness Sports and fitness certificate programs are options for new college students, current athletic trainers, nutritionists, and other professionals who want to develop a new set of skills. Certificate programs will teach students how to apply accepted physical and psychological theory for the world of sports to see most professional careers in this field are requires having college degree, but students can transfer their completed certificate credits to a Associate or Bachelors Degree program that will allow them to continue there studies on becoming a sports medicine. Associate Degrees in Sports Fitness In Associate Degrees, students must complete two years of class that will allow them an access to the fundamentals of sports science or they may train players in a specific part, like exercise science and fitness. If students want to study on advance careers in sport medicine, they must have a bachelors degree with the certificate programs. It can be possible to transfer the credits if they earned and minimize their time to a degree. Associate degrees are qualified to graduate for entry-level positions of sports and fitness. Many students choose to earn these degrees because they can move on directly into the workforce and then earn a bachelors degree when they get there. Bachelors Degrees in Sports Fitness After students earned the Associates Degree, they must earn a Bachelor of Science degree because it is the minimum requirement for employment of sports medicine professions. Mostly, earning a Bachelor of Science in sports science needs to have four years of academic study in college. These degree programs acknowledge the general concepts of physiology, medical science, nutrition, health, and related training. Many schools offer different occupations like physical therapy, athletic training, and nutrition. Masters Degrees in Sports Fitness After four years of study experience to earn a bachelors degree, students can work up to earn a Master of Science degree. The Masters Degree can let them do advanced training in achieve of progressing upper-level job opportunities. There are many healthcare professionals that pursue a Master of Science degree with a study in many different kinds of sports science, such as human movement, sports psychology, sports science, etc. Masters Degree, in sports and fitness, introduce students with advanced scientific concepts and procedures that will qualify them to better serve the needs of athletes and injured individuals. It also encourages them on focusing their knowledge, abilities and skills in a way that will make them grateful successors for advanced positions. It is their decision if students who want to pursue on earning a Masters Degree while to continue working full-time. They could earn more money than a Bachelors Degree. (World Wide Learn, Guide to College Majors in Sports Medic ine Science) Other Advanced Sports Medicine and Sports Science Degrees After students earn a certificate, Associates degree, Bachelors degree, and Masters Degree, they can choose to become a Medical Doctor degree and be into a sports medicine or surgical specialties. They can earn this degree to work in professional sports, like NFL, NBA, or etc. There are many students who are interested in helping, counseling, and monitoring the mental health of professional athletes and would likely to succeed in PhD program that focuses on sports psychology and psychiatry. Students can also choose to be Sports Doctor of Education, which would mainly be interested in teaching and advising sports science to new students who want to become a sport medicine. Trends for Sports Science and Sports Medicine Careers Professional athletes from colleges and high school can continue to push themselves to perform a better, faster, and stronger body. As personal trainers and nutritionists careers increases, there will be opportunities for employment in the healthcare field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that fitness and recreation professionals, physical therapists, and athletic trainers, will grow faster than average over the next decade, and athletes and coaches will continue to grow, while nutritionists and dieticians will grow at an average rate. Salary Expectations for Careers in Sports Medicine and Sports Science According to the BLS, the median salary for fitness instructors was $25,910 in 2006. Coaches and scouts took $26,950, while nutritionists and dietitians earned $46,980. The median salary for physical therapists is approximately $66,200 per year. Salaries and earnings depend on the level of education, location of job, and experience. (World Wide Learn, Guide to College Majors in Sports Medicine Science) Certification and Licensure Areas of sports medicine or sports science are needed to acquire a certification. Students need to plan a way to acquire the certification for their workplace of sports medicine or sports science. The most popular sports certifications are: the Board of Certification (BOC) certification for athletic trainers, the American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer certification (cPT) and the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. (World Wide Learn, Guide to College Majors in Sports Medicine Science)

Workplace Observation Essays -- essays research papers

The organization I work for is DBS, it is a world leader in the development and manufacture of compact, professional infra-red electronic testing tools. The company was founded in 1940, it has more than 2,000 employees around the world. DBS products are used by technicians and engineers in service, installation, maintenance, manufacturing test and quality functions in a variety of industries throughout the world. I have only worked for DBS for 4 months and I am proud to be part of the organization. The work environment is wonderful, educational and enjoyable. Organizational Policies In DBS, the policies are an important management tool. Policies reflect the rules that control the performance of the organization processes. Every company that my organization has around the world are subject to follow through the company policies. All employees are responsible to understand every policy no exemptions. They have to sign a document, which states that they read the companies policies, and understand that they need to follow them and will be liable if they do not. The policies in my organization helps employees understand the expectations about the work environment, communicate standards of action and behavior as well as helping new hires get up to speed about how things work in the organization. In addition, it helps increase professionalism and efficiency in the organization as well as to protect the company from possible legal actions. The policies also help management attai...

Ivy’s Essay

Travel Broadens the Mind Saint Augustine once said â€Å"the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page†. Traveling, like reading, broadens the mind. It enriches life experience, sparks inspiration and makes people poised. Travel enriches life experience. It is a process of feeling the world: enjoying beautiful sceneries, tasting different food, meeting interesting people and experiencing new cultures. I traveled a lot when I was a kid.I remember once when I was in the Liangshan yi autonomous region, Sichuan, my parents took me to the Torch Festival. People dressed in clothes with Yi features, surrounded a big torch, dancing and singing with great joy. I was highly affected by the atmosphere, my face was reddened and my whole world was lighted up. I can still remember those smiling faces and joyful cheers. Travel offers us a shot to better understand the world and make us more open to embrace the new things which could make our life more exciting and meaning ful.Travel sparks inspiration. Whiling traveling, we enter a totally different space, the air we breathe; the language we hear; the food we try can always arouse our love for life and give us inspiration. San Mao, a famous Chinese writer, composed most of her works while traveling. One of her best known work The Story of Sahara is about her experience in the northern Africa. This book vividly described the lifestyle, culture and native people in the Sahara Desert.If she had never been there, there would be no such a wonderful work. Besides writers, musicians and artists often get inspired through travel. On the journey, we might meet obstacles. A flat tire, a landslide, or extreme weather may make us feel scared and panic, but somehow we can tough it out. After all those experience, we will be awed by nature and be brave and poised no matter what happens in our life. Life is a book, and with travel, we can read through the pages and make our life rich and beautiful.

Pnb Project Report

Research Project on Application & Management of Information System in Punjab National Bank IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION INDRAPRASTHA UNIVERSITY (2008-2010) Submitted by: Pratik Jain — 0781563908 Northern India Engineering College (N. I. E. C), Delhi Under the valuable guidance of: Mrs. Shaveta Kumar (Faculty, N. I. E. C) Subject: Information System Management Course Code: MS-205 Submitted on: 30 17 November, 2009 AcknowledgementThis formal piece of acknowledgement is an attempt to express the feeling of gratitude towards people who helped me in successful completion of research project. I would like to express my deep gratitude to Mr. B. D Sharma (branch manager, PNB), for his constant co-operation. He was always there with his competent guidance and valuable suggestion throughout the pursuance of this research project. Special thanks to Mrs. Shaveta Kumar, my internal coordinator who guided me to work honestly and to give valuabl e suggestion for improving my work.Above all no words can express my feelings to my parents, friends all those persons who supported me during my project. I would also like to thank almighty God for his blessings showered on me during the completion of project report. INDEX | | | | | |S. NO |Sub Topic |Topic Name |Page Number | | |S.NO | | | |1. |Acknowledgement |2 | |2. |COMPANY PROFILE | | | |1. |Origin – Punjab National Bank |4 | | |2. |Profile |5 | | |3. Vision and Mission |6 | | |4. |Financial Performance Comparison |7 | |3. |INFORMATION SYSTEM IN PNB | | | |1. |History of Information System in PNB |8 | | | |1. 2000- The Beginning | | | | |1. b 2001-2003- Long Term Strategy | | | | |1. c 2004-2007- Growth | | | | |1. d 2008- Rural Initiative | | | | |1. 2009- 100% CBS Implementation | | | |2. |Other Banking Applications |12 | | | |2. a Straight to Processing (STP) | | | | |2. b Depository Setup | | | | |2. Bank Mate & EDI | | | |3. |PNB IT Setup |13 | | | |3. a S ystems | | | | |3. b Network Design | | | | |3. Storage, WAN & Connectivity | | | | |3. d Security Systems | | | | |3. e Hardware & Software Resources | | | |4. |Organizations Other Computing Resource |15 | | | |4. Payroll TPS | | | | |4. b Online Assistance | | | | |4. c Account Opening – MIS | | | | |4. d SPNS, RTGS & Mobile Alert Service | | |4. IMPACT OF INFORMATION SYSTEM | | | |1. |Finacle’s Impact |16 | | |2. |Impact on Employees, Customers |17 | |5. |Available Alternatives |18 | |6. |Conclusion |19 | |7. Suggestion |20 | |8. |References |21 | Company Profile – Punjab National Bank Origin Established in 1895 at Lahore, undivided India, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has the distinction of being the first Indian bank to have been started solely with Indian capital.The bank was nationalized in July 1969 along with 13 other banks. From its modest beginning, the bank has grown in size and stature to become a front-line banking institution in India at pre sent. |[p|A professionally managed bank with a successful track record of over 110 years. | |ic| | |] | | |[p|Largest branch network in India – 4668 Offices including 432 Extension Counters spread throughout the country. |ic| | |] | | |[p|Strategic business area covers the large Indo-Gangetic belt and the metropolitan centers. | |ic| | |] | | |[p|Ranked as 248th biggest bank in the world by Bankers Almanac, London. |ic| | |] | | |[p|Strong correspondent banking relationships with more than 217 international banks of the world. | |ic| | |] | | |[p|More than 50 renowned international banks maintain their Rupee Accounts with PNB. |ic| | |] | | |[p|Well equipped dealing rooms; 20 different foreign currency accounts are maintained at major centers all over the globe. | |ic| | |] | | ProfileWith its presence virtually in all the important centers of the country, Punjab National Bank offers a wide variety of banking services which include corporate and personal banking, industria l finance, agricultural finance, financing of trade and international banking. Among the clients of the Bank are Indian conglomerates, medium and small industrial units, exporters, non-resident Indians and multinational companies. The large presence and vast resource base have helped the Bank to build strong links with trade and industry.With over 38 million satisfied customers and 4668 offices, PNB has continued to retain its leadership position among the nationalized banks. The bank enjoys strong fundamentals, large franchise value and good brand image. Besides being ranked as one of India's top service brands, PNB has remained fully committed to its guiding principles of sound and prudent banking. Apart from offering banking products, the bank has also entered the credit card & debit card business; bullion business; life and non-life insurance business; Gold coins & asset managementsbusiness,setc.Since its humble beginning in 1895 with the distinction of being the first Indian ba nk to have been started with Indian capital, PNB has achieved significant growth in business which at the end of March 2009 amounted to Rs 3,64,463 crore. Today, with assets of more than Rs 2,46,900 crore, PNB is ranked as the 3rd largest bank in the country (after SBI and ICICI Bank) and has the 2nd largest network of branches (including three overseas offices).PNB has always looked at technology as a key facilitator to provide better customer service and ensured that its ‘IT strategy’ follows the ‘Business strategy’ so as to arrive at â€Å"Best Fit†. The bank has made rapid strides in this direction. Along with the achievement of 100% branch computerization, one of the major achievements of the Bank is covering all the branches of the Bank under Core Banking Solution (CBS), thus covering 100% of its business and providing ‘Anytime Anywhere’ banking facility to all customers including customers of more than 2000 rural branches.The bank has also been offering Internet banking services to the customers of CBS branches like booking of tickets, payment of bills of utilities, purchase of airline tickets etc. Towards developing a cost effective alternative channels of delivery, the bank with more than 2150 ATMs has the largest ATM network amongst Nationalized Banks. With the help of advanced technology, the Bank has been a frontrunner in the industry so far as the initiatives for Financial Inclusion is concerned. With its policy of inclusive growth in the Indo-Gangetic belt.The Bank has launched a drive for biometric smart card based technology enabled Financial Inclusion with the help of Business Correspondents/Business Facilitators (BC/BF) so as to reach out to the last mile customer. The BC/BF will address the outreach issue while technology will provide cost effective and transparent services. The Bank has started several innovative initiatives for marginal groups like rickshaw pullers, vegetable vendors, dairy far mers, construction workers, etc. The Bank has already achieved 100% financial inclusion in 21,408svillages.Backed by strong domestic performance, the bank is planning to realize its global aspirations. In order to increase its international presence, the Bank continues its selective foray in international markets with presence in Hongkong, Dubai, Kazakhstan, UK, Shanghai, Singapore, Kabul and Norway. A second branch in Hongkong at Kowloon was opened in the first week of April’09. Bank is also in the process of establishing its presence in China, Bhutan, DIFC Dubai, Canada and Singapore. The bank also has a joint venture with Everest Bank Ltd. EBL), Nepal. Under the long term vision, Bank proposes to start its operation in Fiji Island, Australia and Indonesia. Bank continues with its goal to become a household brand with global expertise. Amongst Top 1000 Banks in the World, ‘The Banker’ listed PNB at 250th place. Further, PNB is at the 1166th position among 48 In dian firms making it to a list of the world’s biggest companiesscompiledsbysthesUSsmagazines‘Forbes’. Punjab National Bank continues to maintain its frontline position in the Indian banking industry.In particular, the bank has retained its NUMBER ONE position among the nationalized banks in terms of number of branches, Deposit, Advances, total Business, operating and net profit in the year 2008-09. The impressive operational and financial performance has been brought about by Bank’s focus on customer based business with thrust on SME, Agriculture, more inclusive approach to banking; better asset liability management; improved margin management, thrust on recovery and increased efficiency in core operations of the Bank. Vision and Mission Vision To be a Leading Global Bank with Pan India footprints and become a household brand in the Indo-Gangetic Plains providing entire range of financial products and services sssssssunder one roof† Mission â€Å"Ba nking for the unbanked† Performance Comparison over the years [pic] During the FY 2008-09, the bank achieved a net profit of Rs 3,091 crore, maintaining its number ONE position amongst nationalized banks. Bank has a strong capital base with capital adequacy ratio at 14. 03% as on March’09. As on March’09, the Bank has the Gross and Net NPA ratio of 1. 77% and 0. 17% respectively.During the FY 2008-09, its’ ratio of priority sector credit to adjusted net bank credit at 41. 53% & agriculture credit to adjusted net bank credit at 19. 72% was also higher than the respective national goals of 40% & 18%. Information System in PNB History of Information System at PNB 2000 – The Beginning In March 2000, the penetration and use of IT was not very high at PNB. PNB was relying on manual processes to collect, store, and analyze business data. Its retail branches were not connected and it was difficult for management to understand business drivers and impediment s.This situation made it difficult for PNB to provide optimum customer service and resulted in lost opportunities. Manual operations were also costly to support. The bank used seven different software, which ran on 13 different flavors of UNIX, on standalone PCs. The 500-odd branches were not networked and only 35 percent of the bank's business was computerized. The overall expertise in IT among users was low. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) issued a directive to the bank to computerize at least 70 percent of its business by December 2000.This prompted the bank to work out a strategy to tackle the daunting task in the short period of time. At that time there were various factors which caused a barrier in implementing an Information System for centralized banking. These weaknesses were:- †¢ Different Unix OS used in different branches. †¢ Different standalone financial applications on PCs at different branches. †¢ Lack of interoperability due to disparity in sys tems. †¢ Limited expertise on the software packages currently deployed. †¢ Most branches did not have a proper LAN in place.PNB hired a consultant and devised a two-pronged plan of action. The plan comprised: †¢ A short term goal – To meet the CVC deadline of 70 percent computerization. †¢ A long term goal – To create a dependable core banking infrastructure and build a nationwide network to connect different branches to the core infrastructure. PNB chose a product from a company called Nelito. It was a DOS-based, ‘Partial Branch Automation' application. Standalone versions were chosen since there weren't LANs in place, and deployment of LANs at branches would take so long that the CVC deadline couldn't be met.The interface was simple in design, and thus easy for the bank personnel to use. The bank requested CVC for an extension of the deadline and was granted time till March 2001. By March 2001, 70. 60 percent of the bank's business was compu terized. 2001-2003 – The Long Term Strategy In the long-term, PNB wanted a technology that would consolidate all its business resources and sustain the bank's future growth. It also wanted to create its own network, which would play a vital role in its success. Three consultants were appointed to review technology options for long-term adoption.The verdict of the consultants was to deploy a centralized core banking architecture. On 30 March 2001, the bank used the services of Infosys for the deployment of Finacle. A core team was selected, which would be the heart of the project. Infosys trained 200-odd personnel from a core team over six months. The core team modified and customized the package according to its specific needs. As the time passed besides making a mark in terms of revenues, the bank— among the few technology-savvy PSUs—set up examples for other banks, especially PSUs in early of this decade.Institute for Development and Research in Banking Techno logy (IDRBT), a division of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), presented PNB with the award for excellence in banking technology in 2002. This was quite an achievement considering that the technology transformation started only two-and-a-half years back at PNB. In March 2000, the bank had only 36 percent of its businesses covered on computers, as against 84 percent in 2002. PNB purchased servers, security infrastructure, and storage equipment and decided to house it in its own central data center in New Delhi.A lot of infrastructure from Cisco has been used to build the data center. In April 2002 the bank rolled-out Finacle in 7 branches as a pilot venture. This was done because the bank had seven different application packages, and it wanted to ensure smooth migration of the data into Finacle. By mid May 2002, all data from other software was successfully migrated into Finacle and by end of year, the number of locations has increased to 12. As far as the centralized core banking syst em is concerned, PNB has a data centre at the corporate office and all these 12 centers have an extension to that data.This system enables an individual having an account in any of our branches to conduct transactions/operate the account from any of these 12 branches. 2004-2007 – The Growth Stage In 2004, India's National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) nominated Punjab National Bank (PNB) as the best user of technology in its sector. The bank continued to spread the technology to more of its branches and centers. The adoption of Core Banking Solution not only ensured standardization of products, but also enabled quick launch of the new and innovative financial products ensuring sufficient lead time to market it.The core banking solution offered seamless platform for integrating various such initiatives and also reduces the cost of transaction, thereby offering financial products at an affordable cost. On May 27,2004 Punjab National Bank (PNB) has intr oduced Loans and Advances Data Desk for Evaluations and Reports, (LADDER), a computerized management information system for rationalization of returns, asset classification and provisioning, credit monitoring and NPA management. The implementation of the system comprised two modules. The first module would require branches to capture data on borrowal accounts as a | |one-time activity with transaction updates at periodic intervals. | |   | |The second module for implementation of the software envisages collection of information on the loan accounts from the stage of receipt of | |application to disbursement of sanctioned loans. | | |With the implementation of this system, manual collation of a large number of loan-related returns become redundant and branch staff | |concentrated on business development and objective monitoring of asset quality. | 2008 – Rural Initiative Infosys Technologies Ltd (Infosys) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 2008 announced that PNB has chosen Finacle from Infosys to power its core banking initiative for rural banking deploying Finacle across PNB’s six Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) covering 1300 branches.Punjab National Bank took lead in business excellence and commitment to customers by providing core banking coverage to its 4850 service outlets. Due to the remoteness of rural branch locations, there were issues such as connectivity of branches for operational ease, centralization of data, and enhancement of customer service as well as innovation in banking products. Moreover, all this is needed at a substantially lower cost for RRBs as their operations were relatively less complex. Finacle from Infosys recognized this need of RRBs and adapted its industry leading core banking solution to suit the requirements of these institutions.PNB management selected this platform to transform and standardize the operations of its RRBs. A majority of Indian banks were already ahead in terms of adoption of new age technology. Ex tending the benefits of technology to RRBs helped sponsor banks in not just priority sector lending but also present an additional business avenue with tremendous potential. Finacle enabled RRBs to better manage audit processes, adhere to statutory compliance, enhance internal MIS requirements and offer customers competitive services on par with commercial banks. 2009 – 100% CBS ImplementationIn Feb, 2009 India's second largest public sector bank, announced that it has completed 100 per cent core banking implementation at its 4604 branches and extension counters through the FinacleaUniversalaBankingaSolutionafromaInfosys. The bank implemented industry-leading Finacle CBS across its operations running a flexible and scalable database platform from Oracle and innovative and cost-effective Sun SPARC enterprise serversafromaSunaMicrosystems. Finacle has enabled the bank to consolidate and centralize its operations, improving branch efficiency and productivity per employee.Consoli dation has also resulted in reduction of revenue leakage and cost, while increasing ease of technical support and maintenance at branches. The solution's scalability has also enabled the bank's scalability to be the best in the countryawithatheanumberaofapeakatransactionsaata3. 5amillion. Further, the bank has covered all the branches under CBS platform including extension counters. As a result, 38 million PNB’s customers are enjoying the facility of â€Å"one bank – one account†. In addition, the bank has intended to build a data center capable of handling business of 6000 branches and 1 lakh terminals.The bank was awarded â€Å"IBM green award† for adopting environment friendly technology for data warehouse implementation during the year. Other Banking Applications The banking major also introduced a number of value added services like ATMs, Tele-banking, SMS banking, mobile banking and Internet banking, remote access facility through its website, etc. under a license from RBI to launch Internet banking. The bank also enabled customers to avail of the Straight to Processing (STP) facility. The biggest advantage of STP is that if a person with an account in Delhi deposits a cheque in Chennai, his account in Delhi gets updated the same day.PNB’s team has also customized this package to suit the typical requirements of a public sector bank. â€Å"As PNB handles huge number of government accounts—public provident fund, deposit of income tax, deposit of different duties and treasury payments, PNB had to customize it and also built a module for government businesses into this package. The bank also has a depository set-up (to store dematerialized share certificates) at its corporate office in New Delhi and another in Mumbai. Customers owning shares and bonds can deposit them at these depositories after which the hard copies are destroyed.The bank, on the other hand, keeps a digital copy of all these documents. Thus, one d oes not have to bother about the loss of paper, or a signature that does not match and so on. Customers can now instruct the bank at any point of time to transfer these securities. Another very interesting development with PNB is its contract with Indian Railways. It is putting up an ATM machine at the New Delhi station’s reservation office, which is going to be a interface between the Railways’ server and the bank’s server.Once this is functional, customers can collect their tickets from the ATM machine and the payment can be made using credit or debit cards. Once this is successful and the interface is done, the bank plans to enable all their ATMs across the country on this platform. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is another technology initiative that the bank has taken up. It has entered into an agreement with the Customs department wherein the Customs’ server is connected with the bank’s corporate office server, which is further connected to several branches of PNB and also to importers.Thus, whatever duties are required to be deposited with the Customs department can be debited from the importer’s (read customer’s) account automatically. The pilot project for this has already been carried out and the bank plans to introduce this service soon. The PSU has also introduced bilingual software known as Bank-mate. With the help of this software one can generate reports in Hindi and also can get his/her passbook in Hindi. This is already in operation at around various branches and PNB is also getting orders for this package from other banks. PNB’s IT SetupPNB also has a number of applications running on its network like any other Financial Institution. The bank has standardized all its platforms on UNIX operating system and RDBMS on Oracle. Other OS like Microsoft’s windows 2000/ XP are also enabled in centers. As far as the hardware platform is concerned, PNB has Sun Microsystems’ Web serv ers at the data centre. Apart from this, they are also using Compaq, IBM and Xeon servers. At some locations, the bank is still using DOS machines to run some of their ATMs. Systems Before deploying the core banking architecture, PNB used servers which were NT-based, from IBM, and from other vendors.The bank conducted benchmarking tests for Finacle on various server platforms. And it was satisfied with the performance of Sun's hardware on Solaris. Sun's Fire servers, Solaris OS, and Oracle's RDBMS are now in use. Network design Cisco has tied up with PNB to evolve the network design and implement a nationwide network backbone to connect all its offices. Cisco will assist the bank in understanding and implementing the various technologies associated with the project. The converged network infrastructure allowed PNB to standardize the applications and software needed to provide the banking services.The various branches are connected to the data center using new-world routing and switc hing technologies. Storage systems The bank has followed RBI's storage requirement guidelines. Provisions have been made to store transaction data for around 10 years. In some cases, data is stored permanently. Around 164 Sun enterprise class servers are used in DAS architecture. The total capacity is of multiple TBs. The Sun hardware uses an in-built storage management tool. Later look over a storage management application from VERITAS. WAN and connectivity 101 branches of the bank were on a WAN in 2000.The bank put 500-odd branches on the WAN in 2002, and in three years the WAN had 2000-odd branches. The bank tried a number of connectivity options. 802. 11b wireless connectivity was installed in five branches to begin with. The bank then explored the option of leased lines and used connectivity from MTNL and BSNL. It also used Bharti's leased line between Mumbai and Delhi. The bank also used Reliance Infocomm's fiber optic backbone along with the leased lines in locations where th e optic fiber does not reach. PNB had appointed HCL Com-net to carry out 24Ãâ€"7 monitoring of the countrywide network.There's a live link between HCL and PNB's IT head office. The network is monitored remotely and can also be viewed at the bank's IT facility, where a separate monitoring system is used. Security Systems Security was especially important because the bank could afford no compromise. The security architecture had to be robust, reliable, and scalable to meet current and future needs. Cisco was chosen as the service provider who could meet these stringent requirements. The bank uses a range of security products like Firewalls and IDSs from Cisco for its security needs in its LANs and WAN.All data transactions between its routers and switches are encrypted. It has appointed Ramco Systems as the security integrator. The security integrator is responsible for the complete security infrastructure and is answerable for any security breach or lapse. The bank appointed securit y administrators. VeriSign provided the necessary Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to the bank for secure transactions. Software Resources PNB is using various software’s for its operational activities for its smooth and efficient running, the Software used by PNB include:-  ¬ Microsoft office 2003 Acrobat Reader  ¬ Bank-mate  ¬ Attack Filters: – Spyware, Trojan, VoIP etc.  ¬ Protocols: – IP, VLAN, DNS, HTTP, FTP, TCP, TELNET, UTP etc.  ¬ Operating System’s:- UNIX, Solaris, Windows NT, 2000 Server, XP etc..  ¬ Databases: – MS Access, MS SQL, Oracle, FoxPro. Hardware Resources To fulfill the requirement and as per compatibility with software these hardware are used:-  ¬ HCL, IBM etc Desktops,  ¬ Printer  ¬ NT Based servers from IBM,  ¬ Sun’s hardware for Solaris,  ¬ Network Cards.  ¬ Routers, Scanners etc†¦ Organizations Other Computing Resources Payroll Transaction Processing SystemPayroll TPS, which is a typical accounting transaction processing system found in PNB. A payroll system keeps track of the money paid to employees. The master file is composed of discrete pieces of information (such as a name, address, or employee number) called data elements. Data are keyed into the system, updating the data elements. The elements on the master file are combined in different ways to create reports of interest to management and government agencies and to send paychecks to employees. Management notices the record of the employee’s efficiency to work and may declare added bonus or other incentive.This report is checked and approved by the branch manager after which cheque is issued to the employee. Online Assistance PNB provides its customers online assistance by providing i-banking, online complaints, providing them information about various products and services. These complaints and assistance are processed by customer care services executive. Account Opening In account opening the MIS is used, every information about the customer is recorded like their name, address, account, type of account, account information, their sample signature, these helps in Identification of customer instantly and creating a database at faster rate.This includes the filling of KYC and AC forms. SPNS (Shared Payment Network System) Swadhan, the first SPNS launched in Mumbai by IBA. The banks that participate on this network could issue the cards to customers for transacting on networks. RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) RTGS System is a payment settlement system that minimizes the credit risk in the prevalent cheque clearing system. Under RTGS the funds are settled on a near real time basis across Banks in different locations.Bank offers this immediate electronic fund transfer facility to RTGS enabled bank branches across through the country its designated RTGS enabled locations. Mobile Alert Service The clients now have the facility to subscribe to Mobile Alert Service for receiving alert s on registered mobile phone numbers instantly after the funds are pooled. Impact of Information Systems An information system is there to empower its users. A database simply provides data, but an information system is all about providing the best information the user needs to do their task more effectively.It also takes into account that different users doing their own specific tasks may need to see their information presented in differing ways. The benefits of an information system follow when the user can quickly access, understand and respond correctly to that information. The implementation of Information Systems in PNB and other financial institutions had a vast impact on the Employees (the way they work), Customers, The industry & Government. The system provides information on the past, present and project future and on relevant events inside and outside the organization. Finacle’s ImpactFinacle core banking solution is a comprehensive, integrated yet modular business solution that effectively addresses the strategic and day-to-day challenges faced by banks. It is highly parameterizable providing that much-needed flexibility to adapt to a dynamic environment. The solution has an integrated CRM module enabling banks to offer a rich and differentiated value proposition to customers. The layered Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), STP capabilities, web-enabled technology and 24 X 7 operations ensure multi-channel, multi-country and multi-currency implementations.The functionality-rich modules in the solution provide banks with a varied palette of features to continuously innovate on their product and service offerings. With Finacle core banking solution, banks can meet the challenges of managing change, competition, compliance and customer demands effectively. †¢ Differentiated Product Spread Finacle core banking solution offers an unlimited palette of features for banks to design and deploy products for varying market segments.The product bu ndling capabilities of the solution offers a wide range of possibilities for banks to create products with innovative features. The facilities provided for differential pricing, channel rules and customization through Finacle Studio – the scripting engine, empower banks to continuously innovate and extend their suite of products, across segments. †¢ Agile Operations The Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) enables the IT team at the bank to effect changes without touching the base code, ensuring lesser vendor dependency and faster adaptability to changing business conditions. Robust Cross-sell Framework The CIF and CRM capabilities in Finacle offer a unified view of the customer across the entire solution and across multiple back-end applications, enabling the bank to view the customer from a completely informed angle. This empowers banks to effectively manage customer relationships and aggressively explore cross-sell opportunities. †¢ Increased Operational Efficienc ies and Productivity Finacle core banking solution supports business events automation and process orchestration, thus eliminating manual tasks and reducing process time.The elimination of error and data redundancies also results in increased branch productivity. Straight through Processing (STP) abilities enhance reduction in turnaround and processing time, increasing output and enabling speedy completion of tasks. The multilingual web-based single repository of information enables remotely located bankers to collaborate and transact seamlessly. Impact on Employees Information System serves employees with user friendliness, easy storage and access of data, removal of redundancies, fastening up of the processes and providing up of multiple views at same time.In beginning the issues were mostly cultural. Most staffers were used to working in a manual environment, and some had worked in standalone environments. In the new networked environment, personnel at the node/counter didn't act ually ‘see' the transactions updating in the various account books. This gave rise to a number of queries and suggestions from personnel. It took around six-eight months for the personnel to felt that the environment ‘change' had done them good, and they were used to working on the systems. Other Available AlternativesThe Indian banking sector is slowly coming of age and hand grooming this sector is the banking solution market, which has carved a name for itself in the global arena. Not to forget the pro-active government reforms that are helping the Indian banking market reach greater heights and adding glitz and glamour to Indian economy as a whole. Other then Finacle from Infosys there are various available alternatives for which the banking industry and financial institutions can opt. These are:- †¢ Office Accounting Professional 2009 †¢ SAP ERP Financials †¢ Tally 9: Financial Accounting and Inventory Management Software †¢ Flexcube – â₠¬Ëœi-flex solutions’ Hyperion Financial Management – System 9 While in past i-flex solutions’ flagship product Flexcube has been rated the #1 banking product in the world by UK based IBS, an independent banking solutions rating vendor, but Infosys Technologies’’ Finacle doesn’t took long enough to overtake Flexcube. But now a day’s SAP ERP programmes are giving a tough competition to Finacle. Conclusion A management information system is a system or process that provides the information necessary to manage an organization effectively. MIS and the information it generates are generally considered essential components of prudent and reasonable business decisions.This report starts with the Punjab National Bank with overview of PNB followed by history of information system and the steps taken by PNB to be effective in banking industry by using information’s technology. Information Technology (IT) innovations in the last few years have changed the landscape of banks in India. Today, IT seems to be the prime mover of all banking transactions. Electronic and Information Technology together are bringing a swift change in the way banks operate, especially offering better delivery channels and customers’ friendly services.Anywhere banking, telebanking, mobile banking, net banking, automated teller machine(ATMs), credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, call centers, CRM, data warehousing have totally transformed the banking industry. Today almost all the major banks in India like ICICI Bank, UTI Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, ABN Amro, SBI and PNB are offering online services to their customers. ATMs have emerged as the most favored channel for offering banking services to the customers in the world.One of the biggest benefits that the bank has derived out of IT has been the tremendous saving on recruitment front—the bank has not recruited more staff even while the business and work pressure s have gone up five times. Consequently, PNB’s profitability has also increased. To train users the bank has set up more than 15 computer training labs across the country. It explains all the TPS how the transactions are made by the bank, using of these TPS from the new events such as account opening, new allowances etc†¦ to the routine work including cash and payments record, updating of records, payroll and the processing of the complaints.These TPS holds all the activities from the manager and employees to the customers. The report discuses the inbound and the outbound logistics and relate all the processes of TPS used in the bank with the Information System is enabling the bank to provide the quality and satisfactory services to their customers. Suggestions The bank is using information system efficiently and it has increased the customer satisfaction, efficiency, data storage, fast data retrieval. But to improve more and regarding future success of PNB here are the some suggestions. The bank must update Hardware to get maximum performance from Information Systems in order to allow the IS to procure the least amount of system resources it requires for functioning.  ¬ The bank should update all their software, networks etc to keep information system up to date for competitive edge, customer satisfaction.  ¬ Steps should be taken to increase the safety & to avoid the unethical practices like phishing.  ¬ Need for improved training for using Information Technology and tools to employees.  ¬ Intra firm communication should be improved.References Websites:- http://www. networkmagazineindia. com/200305/tech4. shtml http://www. expresscomputeronline. com/20021202/banks7. shtml http://www. business-standard. com/india/news/pnb-to-implement-loan-data-software/151819/ http://www. financialexpress. com/news/pnb-in-networking-pact-with-cisco/64296/ http://www. pnbindia. com/ http://netpnb. com/ Books:- PNB Vision 2007-2008 Zonal Training Centre Gui de. ———————– (The name you can bank upon) All Banks Average Punjab National Bank (Performance Chart) (Amount in Rs Crore)