I found out that I am a person without patient. When I wish to do something I want it to be done straight away and the results comes straight away. But you know? Most of the things still need patient because there are many things that cannot just have results in a blink of an eye.

So, I plan to search in the web to see how to cure this "patient" thing. I found out that there are many steps that people on the website are willing to share. After reading, I think that those are just whole bunch of craps. Doesn't help at all. One thing that I thing help is to make yourself loss focus on what you think you can't wait for... Ya.. that helps..

When I am waiting for a phone call and can't wait longer, I just make myself focus on something else. Slowly, I find myself not thinking hard on that same thing again and again...

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Today I got an email from my boss regarding making decision. Here it goes:

We have to make decisions daily. We need to improve the quality of our decisions. I have read this STEPBACK decision making ftamework which I thought was easy and can be effective:

Stop what you are doing
Think logically through each option
Estimate the likely outcomes of each option
Play the probability game – what is the likely option?

Be sure that you have all the facts – do you need anyone or anything else?
Accept that you have made the best decision based on the facts you have
Check with your instinct – does it feel right?
Keep calm and make the decision

According to the author, Hary Vurnum, the best managers follow this framework and make decision in seconds. It is like driving a car. Once you have learnt how to, and practiced enough, your subconscious takes over and does the work without you having to consciously go through the routine.

Try to adopt it so that we will breed happy customers and improve bottom line.

Maybe some of you can understand what it means but for me it is so complicated.
A simple decision can be made through forward and backward planning. This is how it goes:

Say you're in a mid of thinking whether you should continue your studies or you have to accept a job right away which offer quite attractive remuneration. Think again carefully what you wish to achieve in your life (maybe 10 years down the road or 20 years down the road). You maybe seeing yourself as a successful manager in a big multi national company which handle more than 5 countries in an IT industry. You drive a BMW and have a house in Bangsar having a wonderful family with 3 kids.
At this point of time you maybe earning like RM50k/ month and having some property.

So think backward, how do you achieve your status in such a moment, you'll at least have to be very experience in the IT industry. You maybe need a qualification in order to reach that point?
Slowly think back in 10 years where were you? You maybe still working hard and get the network you need. You maybe changing from your previous company where you think it does not comply with your future. And soon, you can imagine do you need your current study in order to reach that point or it is more important to get into the job right away and get the exposure you need.

Of course like the first method, the more you use and more it is recorded in your sub-conscious and sooner, you'll find yourself very effective in making decision.

There is no right or wrong way. Somehow, it is just a way to help you make your decision. Either choices can bring you to success and failures which is so much depends on how you actually use the choices you make at the first point as a journey of success.

Think about it..

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The corporate boat race
----------------------------------
A Malaysian automobile company and a Japanese auto company
decided to have a competitive boat race on the Klang River. Both
teams practised hard and long to reach their peak performance.
On the big day, they were as ready as they could be.

The Japanese team won by a mile.

Afterwards, the Malaysian team became discouraged by the loss
and their morale sagged. Corporate management decided that the
reason for the crushing defeat had to be found. A Continuous
Measurable Improvement Team of "Executives" was set up to
investigate the problem and to recommend appropriate corrective
action.

Their conclusion: The problem was that the Japanese team had 8
people rowing and 1 person steering, whereas the Malaysian team
had 1 person rowing and 8 people steering. The Malaysian Corporate
Steering Committee immediately hired a consulting firm to do a study
on the management structure.

After some time and billions of dollars, the consulting firm concluded
that "too many people were steering and not enough rowing." To
prevent losing to the Japanese again next year, the management
structure was changed to "4 Steering Managers, 3 Area Steering
Managers, and 1 Staff Steering Manager" and a new performance
system for the person rowing the boat to give more incentive to
work harder and become a six sigma performer. "We must give
him empowerment and enrichment." That ought to do it.

The next year the Japanese team won by two miles.

The Malaysian Corporation laid off the rower for poor performance,
sold all of the paddles, cancelled all capital investments for new
equipment, halted development of a new model, awarded high
performance awards to the consulting firm, and distributed the
money saved as bonuses to the senior executives.

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Approximately one week from today, I'll be in Thailand for my company's incentive trip. So it is better to start learn some Thai and do some research.

Hmm!! When most people think of Thailand, normally things that flash inside our mind would be ... "Ah Kua".. OH yea!
I am planning to go and hunt for some ah kua show which we normally don't have a chance to see.

Shopping?? Yeap.. It seems to be quite cheap shopping over Thailand comparing here in Malaysia. But of course there are few things you should learn before shopping there in Thailand, else you'll be another water fish waiting to be chop off half...

You know what its call when you think that the product is too expensive?? You should tell them "Peaing" which means 'cheap' in Cantonese.

You wish to say Hello to a girl? You said "Sa Wa Ti Ka" and to a guy you say "Sa Wa Ti Kap"

And if you wish them to reduce the price of the product.. "Kam Tai Mai"

I really hope i pronounce it correctly else it would be problematic.

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I think most people out there encounter times when they're so difficult to get in sleep even though they're already very tired. I myself encounter this too~

Counting sheep?? I don't think so because it is not working anymore. Sleep is also very important to keep us healthy and lowered down our blood pressure. Study folks who sleep more can basically has a better memory compared to those whom have less sleep.

Let's check it out the TOP 4 ways for us to sleep better and sleep well:

1. Reduce Screen time before bed
A haaa~~~ caught you right? Most of us check emails and blogs, play games and even watch movie on a computer screen before sleep (I must admit I do that very often).
There is a study showing that people that spend more time on screen before bed have a lower quality sleep compared to those who don't spend time on screen.

2. Exercise, exercise!!!
Yes, exercise more can help us sleep better at night. I tried this and it works. I am not sure whether it is because we're too tired after exercise and it basically helps have a better and quality sleep. ;)

3. Eat to enhance sleeping??? (this one sounds weird to me)
There are certain food that is good to enhance sleeping quality like the hot milk, bananas, potato. But don't think it can apply to us now since everyone is talking about diet. Who wants to eat before sleep??? Right??

4. Benefits of Power Nap!!
There are full range of article saying and telling us about the benefits of power nap. I guess you can just google "power nap" and you can find a lot of these articles. It is basically telling us how to make use of afternoon 20 minutes nap to keep us refresh and keep our brand function with full strength again. One of the article are here.

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I read a story and find that it was good to learn for those who is now working. Working very hard is not the key to success. How do you manage to use your skills is the key.

" Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter asked for a job with a
timber merchant, and he got it. His salary was really good and so
were the working conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was
determined to do his best.

His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was
supposed to fell the trees.

The first day, the woodcutter brought down 15 trees.
"Congratulations," the boss said. "Carry on with your work!"

Highly motivated by the words of his boss, the woodcutter tried
harder the next day, but he only could bring 10 trees down.

The third day he tried even harder, but he was only able to
bring down 7 trees.

Day after day he was bringing lesser number of trees down.

"I must be losing my strength", the woodcutter thought.
He went to the boss and apologised, saying that he could not
understand what was going on.

"When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss
asked.
"Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very
busy trying to cut trees."


That's right. Most of us NEVER update our skills. We always
think that whatever we have learned is very much enough.
But good is not good when better is expected.

Sharpening our skills from time to time is the key to success.
You cannot expect success tomorrow, by working today with
yesterday's tools.

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A friend sent me this thought provoking message last week and I
thought it's good to share it with all of you.

"It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company.
Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience.
Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is
simple and brilliant. It's a rule.

Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a
general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore,
we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This
contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish.
They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity
of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this
always yields better results.

Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo, a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm, has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its
renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA.

The first time I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues picked me
up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and
snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would
park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their
car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the
second, third or fourth. One morning I asked, "Do you have
a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the
entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot."

To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time
to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place
closer to the door. Don't you think?

Imagine my face. "

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There has been a discussion saying that if a non-Muslim join Muslim and later on they regret; they should have a chance to convert it back to non-Muslim. I think he say the right thing.
A religion is just a believe. You believe in it so that you follow rules and not make mistakes. But because of human ego, there are many things that is not suppose to relate to religion has been dragged into the situation.

Some people say they war because their religion wants them to. -- Who tell them? How they know their religion tell them? Who is the guy that initiate such massage? I must say that they are just bull shitting.

These people just human. They just use the name of their religion to do such stupid, uncivilized things and they think they do it for the so call god. What year is this? HELLOOOOO~~ Wake up my friend...

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WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE :

GLOBAL . QUALITY . AFFORDABLE .

Our aim is to meet your goal in obtaining internationally-recognised high quality education, at affordable fees. We will provide you with the right tools of intellect and critical thoughts which will enable you to continue your studies at our London Campuses or other affiliated campuses in Europe, Australia, USA, etc.

The College
Westminster International College is a division of London School of Commerce (UK) Group of Colleges and is located conveniently in the heart of Subang Jaya, Selangor, the premier Educational Hub of Malaysia. The college is fully recognised as an institution of higher learning by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) and the National Accreditation Board in Malaysia (LAN).

Westminster International College’s specialises in two areas, namely; Business and Information Technology allowing students to transfer their credits towards degree courses offered at London School of Commerce (UK) Group of Colleges.

The Specialised Programmes

Diploma in Business Management (KA5723)
This course is designed for students who enjoy gaining a broad perspective in areas such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, etc. This dynamic programme gives students the opportunity to gain a highly reputable UK Honours Degree within 3 years.

Diploma in Information Technology (KA6125)
The course is designed in mind with students who takes pleasure in gaining hands-on of the latest Information Technology genres such as Programming in Java, Multimedia and Graphics, Software Development and Project Management, etc. This up-to-date programme will provide students with a pathway towards highly respectable UK Honours Degree within 3 years.

Certificate in English (KKP0107)
We offer various English Language programmes to suit the different needs of the students. There are proficiency programmes for students preparing to go on to academic studies. Our intensive English programmes follow an integrated skills approach for a minimum of 20 hours per week per semester (14 weeks) taught by experienced TESL / TESOL teachers.

The WIC Advantage

• Most competitive pathway and MOST affordable UK Degree

• 45% Scholarship for Masters degree

• Dual Qualifications which is internationally recognised

• Affordable English programme (20 hours per week for 14 weeks per level)

• Professional advise / support given throughout your studies in Malaysia and London

• Truly international experience, students come from 38 countries

• Student exchange programme

• 3 intakes a year in Malaysia and 6 intakes in UK

• Full credit transfer

• Job Training – talks by company personnel and industrial educational trips

• Recommendation for industrial placement and adoption

• Interactions with industrial representatives

• Within 5 minutes walking distance from public transport and amenities

• With unique fast-track study system where you can complete your Degree within 36 months. One year additional for Masters.

SPECIAL INVITATION FROM WIC !!
Below are answers to questions provided by a representative from WIC.

“We will be most happy to meet up with you if you have any other queries and if you would like to make a visit to our college, we would like to extend our invitation to you that this visit can be planned from Mondays to Fridays, 0900hrs to 1800hrs.”

1) What type of graduates do you aspire to produce?
The philosophy of studying at WIC is revolved around pragmatic learning which prepares students to have ‘hands-on’ skills to meet the demands of today’s organisations’ expectations.

2) Why should students pursue their studies in this School?
Our Diploma and Degrees are taught by highly qualified / experienced lecturers and, our fees are very affordable.

3) What are the academic strengths or other fortes of this School?
WIC (a division of LSC) is proud of its academic faculty which includes distinguished professors, researchers, professionals and authors. In fact, you will probably be taught by some visiting academics from the UK whose texts are used by students the world over.

4) Could you provide us with a general description of the facilities in Westminster College and their uses in facilitating the study courses prior to taking us on a brief tour of the campus facilities later?
Housed on the 9th and 10th floor of Wisma Consplant (opposite Subang Parade Shopping Mall), WIC’s interior design gives a unique, modern and spatial experience with ample glass surrounds which provides a natural lighting atmosphere for learning. Our library which stores up-to-date references is housed purposefully in the central zone of the premise giving students a 180-degree view of the college. Our state-of-the-art facilities range from Wi-Fi facilities to counselling service to students’ fun common room which is equipped with satellite TV and gaming facilities to give students both ease of accessibility to service and entertainment.

Fees (Optional)
Diploma in Business Management
Duration : 2 Years and 6 months (KA5723)
Total Fees : RM 21,500

Diploma in Information Technology
Duration : 2 Years and 6 months (KA6125)
Total Fees : RM 21,500

Certificate in English
Duration : 8 months – 12 months (KKP0107)
Total Fees : RM 7,500

The Future
Our upcoming future programmes are 3 + 0 Degree programme and the MBA programme with an option for a top-up specialised Masters programme.

Question: What are some of the methods or approaches that WIC practises in ensuring the quality of courses offered and the overall delivery of curriculum?
One of our methods of assessment is actually based on an action learning methodology which can be defined as a process in which a group of people come together more or less regularly to help each other to learn from their experience.

It is normally used across different organisations where participants typically came from different situations, where each of them was involved in different activities and faced individual problems.

Action learning has three steps. First: the assessment of problems and opportunities; second: action to improve the situation; and thirdly: a review and learning from the action. In this, it is important that the student writes up what he / she is doing and what they learn. Students need to send what they write to the other members of the group, so that they can give each other feedback on ideas and plans.

The Students
Types of students & Satisfaction of students
What types of students normally enrolled?
- We have a good mix of Malaysian and International students

SPECIFIC STUDENT’S ACHIEVEMENTS
1) Do you feel that the students are satisfied enough or are there more things that the students want? How do you make students satisfied with your college, school, programmes, facilities, etc?
- We organise extra curricular activities, industrial educational visits, invite guest
speakers etc.

2) EMPLOYABILITY? - What is the edge that this university college has that upon the students’ completion of study, they will be gainfully employed by industries in the market and will successfully secure a job relevant to their field of study?
We believe quite a number of our students who have successfully graduated, have found employment at various international corporations abroad where many of them earn relatively well.

A VIEW FROM THE STUDENTS
The Editor On The Field managed to obtain the views from two international students studying in Westminster International College.

Name : Ms. Dilnoza
Age : 20
Country : Uzbekistan
Course : Diploma in Business Management
Duration : 2 years and 6 months
Level : Semester 4

And

Name : Mr. Pham Phu Nam
Age : 20
Country : Vietnam
Course : Diploma in Business Management
Duration : 2 years and 6 months
Level : Semester 2

How did you know about WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (WIC)?
Dilnoza : I got to know about WIC from my friends and both my sister and I have no qualms enrolling for our tertiary studies at WIC.

Pham : I got to know about WIC through one of my friends who is studying at LSC.

So, do you find that WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE is the right choice?
Dilnoza : Yes, this college has excellent teaching academics who seek to create a learning environment where the student is the focus. We sometimes get industrial-based projects which give us a good challenge to test our thought creativity and business sensibility.

Pham : Certainly, because it gives me an opportunity to study in Malaysia and then proceed to UK. This way, it also gives me a chance to know more about two countries instead of just one.

What do you think of WIC?
Dilnoza : I feel really at ease as it is very student-friendly.

Pham : I find the college very student-friendly as both staff and lecturers are supportive and friendly if students need any assistance.

(a) What about the facilities here?
Dilnoza : There are sufficient facilities for all students and the best facility is the library with glass surrounds which gives a good view all around the premise.

Pham : I tend to use the library a lot as it also provides online library resources to some of the top library databases such as Emerald and EBSCO. The other facility that I use very often is the Students’ Common Room where students from various faculties meet up and have fun at the foosball game.

(b) What about the lecturers here?
Dilnoza : We are very lucky to have 4 PhD academics teaching our Diploma programmes. I get all the support we need from these friendly lecturers.

Pham : We get the same lecturers who are teaching in London.

Any exciting experiences so far?
Dilnoza : The College organises industrial trips for students and I feel that such experiences will enable us to better understand the subject matter more effectively than just plain lectures.

Pham : Studying with students from more than 38 countries is an experience for me and now a new chapter for me is studying in London at the moment. I will be starting off my new semester this month and it is great to be able to meet new friends at LSC (a new but familiar place like WIC).


Does the programme offer you value for money?
Dilnoza : The real value here is that we are paying much less than other colleges for the same high quality and standards.

Pham : The fees are so affordable that it would be hard-pressed to ignore it!

Will you recommend WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE to others?
Dilnoza : Yes, without any hesitation as both my sister and I feel that WIC is a well-worth choice made and our time spent here is of great value.

Pham : Yes without a doubt. I am quite pleased with WIC and I recently introduced some friends from my country to enrol for their higher education here.

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