Do you spend hours searching for employee files that should be at your fingertips? Effective Human Resource record systems can make a world of difference to the people who manage them and in some extreme cases can save the organisation from costly legal battles according to Sharon Lefkowitz.

The global economic crisis has emphasised the interdependency of financial markets and businesses across the world, and more finance professionals are seeing the importance of developing global accounting standards.

In a country where four million citizens suffer from hearing loss and sign language is ranked as the fifth most used language it is no surprise that the National Institute for the Deaf (NID) has pushed forward its proposal to have sign language recognised as one of the official languages in South Africa.

The proposed changes which appeared in a recent government notice are set to transform the skills development landscape. Des Squire provides a brief overview of these changes and the impact they will have on skills development grants and other related matters.

The new Mine Health & Safety Law publication launched by LexisNexis South Africa is geared at providing industry professionals with an easily accessible version of the Mine Health and Safety Act and the regulations that accompany it.

The search is on for a self-motivated student to serve as the new Fasset brand ambassador and represent the finance Seta at FET colleges and universities campuses across the country.

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?

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.

The plan to increase the number of student enrolments at post-school institutions forms part of the strategy set out by the Green Paper. The vision developed by the Department of Higher Education aims to revive the higher education system by providing school leavers with better access to tertiary education facilities.

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?

Proposed changes have been published to the way that Setas distribute funds from the levies they receive. Des Squire has summarised the major changes and all SDFs should know what is being proposed.

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.

Teachers at schools in Atteridgeville who have a history of poor Maths and Science marks have been urged not to give up. Deputy Minister of Health Dr Gwen Ramokgopa has pledged government’s support to assist them achieve a success this year.

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.

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.

Integrating more people with disabilities into the workplace is high on the agenda for Progression who has donated the profits from their fast selling corporate desk calendar to promote awareness about disabilities.

An eye-witness to the University of Johannesburg incident has shed light on the dark event, proving that the late applicants who gathered outside the university’s entrance on the day of the stampede were only partially responsible for the tragedy that followed. Edwin Mashaba believes UJ should own up to its role in the accident.

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.