The four day strategic planning session which is set to provide the basis for President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address has commenced and Cabinet has begun its mammoth task of developing the national agenda.

The tale of light middleweight champion Miguel Cotto is an inspirational one to those who are familiar with his victories and defeats. Anil Salick draws some practical life lessons for budding entrepreneurs and small business operators about what it means to get back up.

Continuous learning and personal development are integral to the success of business professionals in the 21st century and every accomplished individual knows that embracing these concepts is step one to achieving any goal. Have you made lifelong learning a priority for 2012?

Three major role-players in the skills development industry have united to improve governance and standards of practice among frontline workers and are calling on other likeminded entities to join the initiative in order to lobby more effectively.

Biodiversity practioners are urgently needed to implement the adaptation strategies for sustainability and contribute to the solutions surrounding climate change. So why are graduates experiencing difficulties in entering green organisations when there is such a high demand for biodiversity skills?

In a bid to improve access to higher education and training the DHET has begun its quest to align post-school education and training with the national development agenda and to develop a more integrated system. DHET has called on the public to respond to its latest vision expressed in the Green Paper.

Economic development plans which include stimulating industrialisation in special economic zones (SEZs) are expected to attract foreign investment and boost job creation according to Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies.

Is the local market ready to be placed in the cloud? International trends provide interesting references but it seems that decision-makers are still considering the environment on a case-by-case basis. Nebula CEO Daniel Nel talks about the IT solutions available to African companies.

The latest research identifies the top five factors that hinder flawless business execution and ultimately lead to project failure, poor results, low morale and in extreme cases employee dismissal. As a senior leader executing a business strategy successfully, forms a critical part of the leadership role.

Before rushing headlong into 2012, it is important to obtain an accurate assessment of the current BEE landscape. Gavin Levenstein reviews 2011 and the changes that have rewritten the way businesses co-ordinate their BEE operations.

South Africa is making its mark on business education internationally, with the UCT Graduate School of Business being rated as the best in Africa and the Middle East, with two other South African universities in the top five.

Prospective students should be wary when they shop on-line for study opportunities: if it sounds to too good to be true it usually is. The following may be indications of options that are too good to be true.

I believe Pivotal Grants will come into effect this year. If we dont provide workplace training to underdgarduates or interns Setas are going to penalise us 10% of SDL Pivotal retrieval.

The DHET has published revised regulations on levy grants for comment. These comments should be submitted by 21 days after publication of the Notice.

18-year-old matric learner, Tinos Sibanda, earned six distinctions in 2011 showing extraordinary resilience under extreme circumstances. The scholar received a full study bursary at Wits University for his efforts and has become a role model for matriculants throughout the country.

A parent was killed when a stampede of students stormed the University of Johannesburg in an attempt to secure a spot in the higher education institution. Government continues to lament the tragic death of the young mother, vowing to manage the enrolment process at universities better in future.

What has happened to the art of negotiation? Sales people no longer understand the concept of selling and have instead become caught up in a world that has gone marketing mad. Sales trainer Marc Andrew talks about the need to satisfy clients through negotiation.

Given that most South Africans neither plan for their retirement or put adequate insurance or death and disability cover in place until it is too late, Alexander Forbes has designed a process to help individuals plan more effectively for both retirement and death and disability.

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has embarked on a research campaign, the results of which will aid in understanding the challenges regarding tertiary institutions achieving higher pass rates in Engineering Bachelor’s degrees.

Biodiversity practioners are urgently needed to implement the adaptation strategies for sustainability and contribute to the solutions surrounding climate change. So why are graduates experiencing difficulties in entering green organisations when there is such a high demand for biodiversity skills?