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The Subscription Revenue Model VS Pay As You Go

By Uncategorized

business modelsThe recent continued changes is the consumer buying and spending habits have forced businesses to change their revenue models to accommodate the new trends in the market. The customers are demanding for simple, hassle-free and manageable shopping experiences. Companies are turning into the subscription and the pay as you go revenue models to cater for this need.

The Subscription Revenue Model VS Pay As You Go

In the subscription revenue model, a customer pays a subscription fee mainly on monthly basis, to have continued access to a product or service. On the other hand, the pay as you go revenue model involves metered use of a product where the customer is charged for what he/she uses on a transaction basis or when he/she uses the service. Examples include “Pay-per-view TV,” custom research firms, online journal publications among others.

The subscription revenue model

The subscription model owes its immense success to the value it provides to both the customer and the business owner. The most value for the customer comes from convenience; first, with the simplicity of that comes with use of subscriptions. The customer no longer needs to worry about the purchase process, or have to remember to make an order each month, because subscriptions gives them the assurance that they will have what they need beforehand.

Moreover, the customer no longer needs to go through the hassle of making a trip to the website or store to place an order. Secondly, subscriptions help customers to stay within their budget by offering a flat rate with minimal price fluctuations. There is also added value to the customer due to huge discounts, or economies of scale by getting it all for the price of one through bundling.

The major benefit of the subscription model to the businesses is the ability to make accurate revenue projections through the expected recurrent sales. Subscriptions encourage recurrent payments, which imply that businesses using this model have more guaranteed revenue thus giving them up to …

Solar Use In Australia

By Uncategorized

Solar Panel CloseupSolar power is generated when energy from the sunlight is converted into electricity. It can be used to heat air, water or other fluids. Solar energy technologies are mainly two: The solar photovoltaic (PV) which converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. The other type is the solar thermal which is the conversion of solar radiation into heat energy. Photovoltaic and solar thermal technology can also be put together into a single system that generates both electricity and heat.

Australia has the best solar energy resources in the world. This is because it is the continent with the largest solar radiation per square meter of any continent. Notably, the desert regions at the center and in the northwest have the highest solar radiation in Australia. However, Australia’s use of solar energy account for about 0.1 per cent of Australia’s total primary consumption. Solar photovoltaic systems play a crucial role in off-grid electricity generation in remote areas.

Incentives to use solar energy

The Australian government as played a crucial role in the provision of solar energy. Feed-in tariffs were introduced by several states to increase the amount of solar PV power generated.

According to Solar Panels Melbourne, there are still generous incentives in place and still ways to maximise your savings and even make a profit from Solar. They say it’s all about modifying your usage patterns and also choosing the right power supplier who can give you the best rates when your solar power is not running.

The Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) by the government is another key tool that has driven the use of solar energy to higher levels. The MRET requires wholesale purchasers of electricity to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates created through generation of electricity from renewable sources key among them the solar thermal and the solar PV. This has stimulated growth in use of solar energy and also the additional revenue from this technology.

Availability of subsidy fund has been also notable incentive towards use …

The Issues Facing The Australian Construction Industry

By Law

The Issues Facing The Australian Construction IndustryThe Australian construction industry has had a lot of negative media attention of late. Some deserved and some not. Here we discuss some of the issues.

Rising Project Costs:

One great problem the Australia construction industry is facing now remains on the rising project costs. This is practically due to the rise in prices of metals, oil, a strong Australian dollar and rising interest rates. These factors are basically affecting the efficiency of the Australia construction sector.

Quality Control:

One of the most nagging issues facing the Australian construction industry is quality control. The fact is that in the midst of poor productivity, there is no law or regulation established to regulate the quality of services delivered. This is because the industry lacks focus to establish the best standard of services that should be delivered. More on BCM’s services here. “Where there is no focus, the industry will gradually collapse” say inspectors from JKB Property Inspections who are on the front line in the fight for quality in the industry.

Corruption Issues

The construction industry is one of the industries in Australia, like the rest of the world, that has suffered a lot at the hands of corrupt individuals and organised crime.  At the time of writing, there is a Royal Commision underway into the building industry and weekly reports in the media of malpractice. The government is also considering the return of the Australian Building and Construction Commission that was abolished some years ago.

Reduced Workplace Productivity:

Studies have shown that average work hours either remain the same or decrease. This is one big problem that the Australia construction sector is failing to handle. There are so many workers who have received slash down in the hours of work. In fact, some proficient workers do not get additional time to work to boost the productivity. On this note, the industry is displaying a slow or reduced production solution.

Safety On Site:

Another crestfallen problem that the Australia …

Australian Universities Aren’t Keeping Up.

By Education

3662168-3x2-940x627Universities in Australia are not up to speed with the demands of the educational environment globally. The go slow is mostly seen in relationship with Asian students. It has been said that Australian universities cannot engage students whose culture, language and history eludes their understanding. This is evident in the few courses that are offered in respect to anything to do with cultures of the people in the east.

Asian languages are taught less in the universities of Australia than they were in the late 60s. This is also evident in the other subjects such as Economics, Geography, Arts, Politics and History. There is a drop in the study of these subjects in relation to the major Asian cultures like Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Hindu and Korean leave alone the Arab culture, history and language.

As this goes on in the Australian educational scene, the Asians are doing something completely different. Whether the Australian universities are initiating a go slow in adoption of subjects with an eastern orientation in their syllabus on purpose or not is a debate for another day and time, but it sees that these universities attract only those students that are well or (read rich), but are not qualified enough to get admissions in the universities in their countries of origin. The same can also be said for the Vocational Education space, like hospitality, trades, beauty education etc. according to Service Skills Australia.

In Asia, there is a growth in the economy with many of the countries there being major players in the global arena. The need therefore for quality education can therefore coma naturally. In this light, the governments in the Asian countries are coming up with framework and policy to make sure that this is realized at home. More of these governments are funding the universities and getting everything they can to empower the universities there for competence in offering world class education to its populace.

Australia will soon be outstripped of the rankings …

What is Ebola?

By Medicine

Ebola VirusEbola is one of the most life threatening disease in existence. Previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is caused by the infection with one of the various strains of Ebola. It causes diseases in both humans and non-humans but is only restricted to primates.
There are five identified strains of the Ebola virus that pose a threat to the human being. These are the Sudan Virus, Ebola Virus (Zaire Ebola virus), Tai Forest virus, Reston virus and the Bundibugyo virus. First discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in the present day Democratic Republic of Congo, the viruses have since spread and are now found in various African countries. Since its discovery the natural reservoir hasn’t been identified though it is generally believed to be animal borne.
Signs and symptoms.
There are various symptoms that indicate the infection of a human being by the Ebola virus. The symptoms include;
• Fever.
• Muscle pain.
• Severe headache.
• Weakness.
• Fatigue.
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
• Unexplained hemorrhage.
These symptoms may appear anytime between 2- 22 days after contact or exposure to the virus. It is possible to recover from the virus but this largely on the speed of response, the clinical care you get and the patient’s immune system.
Transmission.
As earlier pointed out. The natural reservoir host of the Ebola virus has not been identified and therefore the first appearance in human beings at the onset of the outbreak is unknown. Scientists however believe that the first patient came into contact with the virus during a spill over event, that is, contact with a host. The virus will then spread from here to other humans through contact. This can happen through broken skin, mucus and other bodily fluids.
The Ebola virus is not spread through the air, neither is it waterborne nor food borne. There is no evidence that it can be transmitted by mosquitoes but it can surely be transmitted through handling bush meat …

People with mental disabilities twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke.

By Medicine

There is a significance likelihood for people with mental disabilities to get stroke or heart disease. This risk is even more profound among people with mental health diseases. According to recent studies released at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, it was established that:
• People with a history of psychiatric medication use are twice as likely to have heart disease as compared to those that have not.
• People who have never developed heart disease or had stroke have a likelihood of being at long term risk or developing cardiovascular complications as compared to the general populace.
• Individuals who have never had a heart disease will most likely develop a heart complication or a stroke.
• It has also been said that people with psychiatric issues can also have other health issues due to neglect link obesity, skin cancers and even dental issues (according to Zest Dental Ringwood).
Study sample.
This study was done on a selective sample of the population and included people that had mental conditions such as bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, major depression, and schizophrenia among others. In addition to that, a study was also done on users of psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepine.
Why the elevated risks?
The question is why there is more prevalence among people with these conditions than the general public.
Primarily, individuals with mental disorders more often than not show behavioral risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use. The study for instance shows that about 50-90% of people with mental health disorders use tobacco as compared to 20% of the general population.
Another issue that contributes to increased risk is that Psychiatric medication can trigger weight gain by incapacitating the breakdown of sugars and fats in the body. This can lead to diabetes, high cholesterol levels and obesity.
There is limited access to proper health care by people with mental health conditions. This is because the individual might fail to …

Exploring identities through reading and writing.

By Education

The human being has a lot of mysteries that are buried deep inside within us, this make it had to know people for who they really are as most of the time their identities are normally misrepresented. At times these identities can only be expressed during reading and writing. In writing, there is a representation of persons and their world views.

Self-discovery is in all way very positive, however, to many is a very daunting and painful task. Writers may find themselves, through critical self-exploitation, changing, altering and even adjusting these identities to fit the environment and other dictates of the world.
Definitions of identity evoke an image of a bounded, rational, and unitary self, capable of agency and autonomy. The classroom on the other hand is where teachers and students investigate identities by interacting with literature from a global and multicultural dimension. While the students in question may be anyone from the preschooler tot to the graduate intellectual giant, each student is able to stretch their comprehension of their own cultures and the cultures of others through their intercourse with quality and diverse literature.

As teachers it is important to use multicultural literature in the curriculum simply because it allows the learner to draw on cultures that are different from what they have been accustomed while at the same time examining their own linguistic and cultural heritages and back grounds. The key here is to select stories and literature material that students can identify with and invite them to think and talk about their own experiences. It is also important to negotiate with our students on how the topics of writing are selected. By doing this, students are encouraged to be critical learners in their understanding of social issues as well as themes which are presented in the reading and writing. This will prompt the student to be expressive in their own language and view thus enabling their identities to come out.

Examining students’ initial reading and writing responses …

How computers have changed our lives.

By Technology

computersComputers are perhaps one of the most remarkable innovations in human existence. Needless to say that the computers themselves have come a long way and have greatly changed from what they previously were to remarkable pieces of technology that affect our lives in various dimensions.

Influence of computers in education.

The education arena has come to new levels as computers have largely impacted how we share information and learn. You can find answers to virtually any query that you ay have. It is also easier to connect to other people in the globe and share in their learning experience. There is also easier storage of information and access to resources which has made education more fun.

Computers and utility facilities.

Tremendous improvements have been witnessed in our lives. Transportation, water, electricity and other things that make for convenience have greatly been improved by computers. Computerization has made everything efficient and delivery of essential services is no more a daunting task.

Health care.

Medical care has greatly been improved thanks to the inception of computers in the health sectors. Data management systems are crucial for hospitals. Doctors and other medical practitioners have access to valuable information that touches on patients. This enables efficient delivery of medical services and also better response to emergency situations.
Tremendous improvements have been made possible in surgical theatres. Computers aid surgeons in mapping of the areas that are to be operated upon. Signs of the vital organs are monitored by use of computers. Surgeons are known to use conferencing facilities to share with others on different parts of the globe and come up with solutions in the event of complexities.

Security.

The world can be said to be a lot safer, thank to computers. Computer technology has made it possible to improve on security systems. Law enforcement agencies can respond to emergencies faster, thanks to better communication and alert systems that have been made possible by computers.
Homes, businesses and streets are a lot safe, security …

A look at the reliance on Financial Planners

By Uncategorized

What is a financial planner and what do they do?

www.findfinancialplanners.com.au
This is a common question that is asked by many people, especially those who do not have much idea about finances, money and banking. Though money is not everything in life it could be considered as one of the most important aspects of our life. Hence, we should give the right kind of importance to money and should try and make attempts to grow money to the extent possible. This is not an easy job and unless we have a good experience and expertise in the field of finance, we will not be able succeed in our effort. It is a job that is best left to the people who have experience in this field and a good and competent planner in finance has the right kind of expertise in this.

Professional Financial Planners

A financial planner is person who gives the right kind of advice to us as far as managing our finances are concerned. Usually these professionals are available in banks, insurance companies or other such reputed financial institutions. There are also quite a few such professionals who have their own business and they give advice to people in their individual capacity. They are very helpful when you have a big chunk of money and are looking at ways and means to invest it. They are very capable of advising you about the various possible avenues of return. There are some options where the risk is low but the returns are also low. On the other side of the spectrum, there are some investments where the returns are high but the risk factor is also pretty high. Hence the financial planner is the right person to give you the right kind of idea to manage your funds properly giving you a good mix of returns without compromising too much on your funds.When selecting an efficient financial planners it good to check on the following: (taken from www.findfinancialplanners.com.au)…

Disability Law

By Law

875413_47541979Disabled people have rights just like everybody else. These are designed and tailor made to protect you from discrimination. These laws and rights cover most of the areas that will affect your social life including employment, security and education.
Employment.
It is unlawful for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities. It is upon the employer to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that you have the same advantages as other people at the work place. This can be anything from adjusting your working hours to the availing of special equipment to enable you work better.
During recruitment, there is an extent to which the questioning or interview can go. The questions are only valid to the extent that they seek to:
Determine whether you can handle a task that is an essential part of the job you are being interviewed for.
Increase the number of employees with disabilities.
Help decide whether it is important to make adjustments for you in the process of selection and eventual employment.
It is therefore important to see if the questions affect your rights before you can answer them. Remember that you cannot go into forced retirement due to your disability. The selection for redundancy should also be fair and equal to you. You should not be selected for redundancy just because you are disabled.
Education.
Everyone has equal right to education and it is against the law for any educational institutions to treat disabled people unfavorably. Unfavorable treatment includes:
Direct discrimination; refusing to admit an individual.
Indirect discrimination; withholding access to facilities that would otherwise be convenient for your use. Presenting learning material or application forms in a format that puts you at a disadvantages.
Harassment and victimization; by insulting, mistreatment and overlooking what other student may be doing to you that is unsettling. All complains of harassment should be handled with fairness.
At all levels of education, there should be structures and policies to ensure equitable learning and access to learning resources. There …

Brain Health

By Medicine

Much is said concerning the body and why it is important for us to keep it healthy. In the healthy living arena, tips are given on how to become fit, shed weight and stay toned, however, nothing or very little is said about the brain. This organ is as important as any other in the body if not more important and therefore should have more attention given to it health wise.

Building stronger brains

Building stronger brains can guarantee better and prolonged brain health and performance. Brain stimulation triggers creation of new neural connections and pathways. These are used as accounts that one can draw on at a later time. People with sharper brains are known to stimulate and challenge their brains every now and again.
A significance difference can be made to your brain health and performance by exposing it to a variety of diverse and complex stimulating activities.
The concept of brain plasticity is engrossed here, which touch on the ability of your brain to reorganize itself in response to anything that may be required of it. A brain with a strong reserve is one that has formed many connections and is rich in brain cell density. A strong reserve will translate to slowed mental deterioration that can result from age and disease such as Alzheimer’s disease.
A health brain therefore is a dense maze of cellular connections. Think of these connections as a lush and vibrant forest. Age and disease can therefore be represented as weeds which invade the brain and starts to destroy the cells. It will take the weeds a very long time to destroy the jungle as opposed to what it can do on a patch of land with lesser vegetation.

Enhance your memory

Needles to mention, our memories have a direct effect on how we live and function from day to day. Our daily lives heavily rely on our memories. This means that we can be effective in what we do if our …