StudySmart News
Press Release
StudySmart Announces Strategic Partnership to Deliver IAPP Certification Programs CIPP & CIPM in Greece.
Athens, 21 May 2018 - StudySmart today announced that it has become an official training partner for IAPP certification training programs. This partnership will leverage StudySmart’s professional training expertise and existing customer base to promote data protection and privacy certification training.
The advancements of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with signs of new developments to come in e-privacy law means that data privacy will be even more critical. The GDPR is a significant step-up in privacy enforcement action – a trend that is likely to continue as cyber security breaches occur more regularly and as more and more dedicated data protection authorities take office.
“In partnering with IAPP, StudySmart brings to the market a global industry standard certification, complementing our robust portfolio of professional training programmes that include ACCA, CIMA, SHRM, CIA, CFA, ADIT, and others” said Dr. Constantine Kiritsis, Managing Director, StudySmart.
“As more countries around the region implement the GDPR and existing privacy protection laws, we are seeing an increased demand for our professional certifications. We are delighted to have StudySmart on board to increase the availability of training for our certifications across the region” said Dr. Antonios Michail, IAPP Programme Director, StudySmart.
EY, a long-time partner of StudySmart will support the IAPP certification trainings. EY is a market leader in the GDPR services by using lessons learned through their global and unique GDPR and privacy engagements with their clients, and have heavily invested and developed methodologies and maturity assessment toolkits to accelerate the delivery of the desired assessments and remediation roadmap outcomes. EY is the largest Big 4 company in terms of certified IAPP professionals globally and we need to acknowledge that EY and IAPP jointly publish the “Annual Privacy Governance Report”, actively contributing to the global privacy community.
IAPP certification trainings are scheduled to commence early June 2018 in Athens, Greece. StudySmart will be providing classroom-based training classes for the following IAPP Certification programs:
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Certified Information Privacy Professional Europe (CIPP/E)
The CIPP/E encompasses pan-European and national data protection laws, key privacy terminology and practical concepts concerning the protection of personal data and trans-border data flows.
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Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)
Make a difference in your organization and in your career. The CIPM designation says that you’re a leader in privacy program administration and that you've got the goods to establish, maintain and manage a privacy program across all stages of its lifecycle.
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Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)
The industry benchmark for IT professionals worldwide to validate their knowledge of privacy requirements
About StudySmart
StudySmart offers professional training, advisory and publishing services in Greece. The company is led by industry experts with 60+ years collective experience as entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, advisors, consultants and professional trainers. StudySmart in an approved learning partner for ACCA, CIMA, SHRM, ICA and other top international qualifications and operates internationally in 3 different continents.
About IAPP
The IAPP is the largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community and resource. Founded in 2000, the IAPP is a not-for-profit organisation that helps define, support and improve the privacy profession globally. For more information, please visit www.iapp.org.
For further information:
Dr. Antonios Michail
StudySmart
T: +30 211 411 3235
SHRM Certification Reaches a Major Milestone
The 100,000th SHRM certification has been awarded, making SHRM's credentialing program the fastest-growing in the HR field. "It's exciting to see more and more HR professionals making the commitment to become SHRM-certified," said Henry G. "Hank" Jackson, SHRM's president and CEO. "We are pleased by the widespread positive response, and we celebrate exceeding 100,000 certificants."
As of publication of this article, more than 101,550 individuals in 105 countries have earned the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP designations, which have become HR's premier professional certifications. More than 53,000 HR job postings last year listed a preference for applicants with SHRM credentials.
"This milestone is an achievement, not only for SHRM certification, but for the HR profession," said Wayne
Cascio, Ph.D., chair of the SHRM Certification Commission, and distinguished university professor and Robert H. Reynolds chair in global leadership at the University of Colorado Denver School of Business. "It is a testament to SHRM's ability to offer an accredited credential program in two years, as well as to HR professionals who have proven their high level of knowledge and skills."
SHRM certification launched in January 2015 after years of research to define the behavioral competencies and knowledge relevant to today's global HR professional. With business executives viewing competency in people management as critical to the success of their organizations and HR departments, SHRM continues to refine the competencies. An update of the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge was released late last year. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP are accredited by the Buros Center for Testing, the global leader in evaluating examinations. A mobile app and other tools help make the recertification process simple and efficient for certificants, who can take advantage of more than 40,000 educational programs and a personalized education program.
StudySmart is the authorized partner of SHRM for Greece & Cyprus. Dr. Constantine Kiritsis said: "In Greece we offer the SHRM certification and we have achieved 83% success rate. The SHRM professional qualification improves the skills and performance of HR professionals which results to high quality services delivered by them to both companies and clients. We are really proud to be associated with SHRM and offer the SHRM certification programme in Greece and Cyprus".
Source: shrm.org

StudySmart becomes awarded with Global CIMA Advanced Partner Status!
StudySmart raises the quality bar by becoming one of the few training organizations in Europe and the only one in Greece to be awarded CIMA’s Global Advanced Partner Status! CIMA, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of the UK is the largest Management Accounting Body in the world.
Advanced Learning Partner Status reflects the high quality of teaching, the results in CIMA exams achieved by StudySmart students as well as the excellent training environment and professional support students receive at StudySmart.
CIMA’s Advanced Partner Status, is subject to continuous monitoring and controls by CIMA in order to ensure that high standards of quality in education are maintained. Dr. Constantine “Dino” Kiritsis, Founder and Managing Director of StudySmart stated: “We are extremely proud of this development which is the consequence of hard work from the whole team. We have more room for improvement and we intend to raise the benchmark soon. We are also proud of the fact that we have been instrumental in penetrating the markets we operate within with additional training options and CIMA is an exceptional choice for aspiring professionals”.
To find out more about StudySmart and CIMA training:
211-4113235

AHLEI Publishes New Edition of Revenue Management Textbook
Orlando, Florida, February 2017—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has published a second edition of the textbook, Revenue Management: Maximizing Revenue in Hospitality Operations, by Gabor Forgacs. Forgacs is an associate professor in the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he leads classes in revenue management, branding, and asset management, and is the faculty advisor for the school’s co-op program.
This textbook provides a basic understanding of the revenue management process. It distinguishes between tactical and strategic revenue management, addresses the proper use and importance of revenue management in hospitality operations, and describes a wide range of elements that must be considered in order to use revenue management effectively.
The second edition includes new information on:
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Current challenges for revenue managers
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Big data and market intelligence
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The role of social media on revenue management
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New market segmentation approaches
New case studies and Industry Insights provide readers with real-world perspectives on hospitality revenue management issues.
Revenue Management: Maximizing Revenue in Hospitality Operations, Second Edition, is available in print and eBook formats, and is also available as a Distance Learning course.
Professionals in the hospitality industry in Greece that are interested in AHLEI's hospitality management programs can contact our International Associate StudySmart by contacting us on +30 211 411 3235 or michail.a@studysmart.gr.
About the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
Established in 1953 as the nonprofit education and training arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), AHLEI’s mission is to continue being the preferred provider to the lodging industry, hospitality schools, and related hospitality industries by developing and providing quality resources to educate, develop, and certify hospitality professionals worldwide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elizabeth Johnson
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager
+1.517.318.2359
Greece’s StudySmart is AHLEI’s Newest International Associate
Orlando, Florida, January 2017—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and StudySmart, a Greek organization that provides training, certification preparation, and other professional development services for a spectrum of industries, have signed a memorandum of understanding designating StudySmart as one of AHLEI’s international associates.
Under the agreement, StudySmart will market and deliver AHLEI’s hospitality management courses, professional certifications, workshops, and online training programs, with the exception of the Certified Food & Beverage Executive (CFBE®) and Certified Restaurant Server designations to the Greek hotel industry at large.
StudySmart was established up in 2005 by experts in the professional training field, led by Dr. Constantine Kiritsis, who was instrumental in setting up and establishing the professional training market in Greece. StudySmart operates on an international level in numerous European, Asian and Middle Eastern countries offering more than 20 designations through its pool of training experts.
“We are very excited with our new partnership with AHLEI as it raises the benchmark in the hospitality industry in Greece,” said Kiritsis, StudySmart’s CEO. “As in every profession, it is important to differentiate and receive certification to raise professionalism, demonstrate acumen in the specific area and overall develop, support and increase value in the overall hospitality industry. We at StudySmart have a proven track record and expertise in professional designations in the past 20 years training aspiring professionals and helping organizations become an employer of choice.”
(Pictured, from left: Antony Michail, Demetrios Kiritsis, Ed Kastli, Constantine Kiritsis, Yiannis Megaloeconomou, and Costas Chandrinos)
About the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
Established in 1953 as the nonprofit education and training arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), AHLEI’s mission is to continue being the preferred provider to the lodging industry, hospitality schools, and related hospitality industries by developing and providing quality resources to educate, develop, and certify hospitality professionals worldwide.

PRESS RELEASE
ICPAC and the International Compliance Association (ICA) join forces to promote the professionalism of compliance officers
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) and the International Compliance Association (ICA) penned on Friday, 14 October 2016 a protocol of cooperation in order to promote the common endeavour of enhancing the professionalism of the compliance officers. ICA and ICPAC seek with this agreement to establish an educational and research partnership, as well as to agree on a broad cooperation and collaborations.
This protocol covers, inter alia,
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Joint educational events and activities promoting the professionalism of compliance officers.
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Educational consultancy services and studies.
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Joint participation in research and development programs (National-European-International)
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Exchange of information and know-how on topics of common interest.
The results of the cooperation and collaboration between the two bodies may be presented via joint release acts such as conferences-seminars, announcements, publications, consultations and webpages.
The Institute, in its capacity as a competent authority under the Law for the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Activities, is committed to the effective and qualitative professional training for its members, availing to them at the same time all necessary tools in order to perform their tasks in the best possible way.
Hence, ICPAC believes that the collaboration with an internationally renowned organization such as ICA is pivotal in its goal to raise the bar of professionalism and competence of the compliance officers in Cyprus.
The signing of the protocol was done at the side of the 2nd International Compliance Forum, which was organized by IMH under the auspices of ICPAC. Both Mr Kyriakos Iordanou, General Manager of ICPAC, and Mr Philip Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of ICA, who signed the agreement on behalf of their organisations, were delighted by the conclusion of the agreement and expressed their optimism that this cooperation will be beneficial for both parties and especially for the continual improvement of the Cypriot compliance officers.
StudySmart & EY have joined forces in Greece & Cyprus and have been offering, since March 2016, ICA’s Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance. For more information, please contact Dr. Constantine Kiritsis at Kiritsis.c@studysmart.gr
14 October 2016.
Amazing speakers at the SHRM conference in Washington in June 2016!
StudySmart officials to attend the conference
Hear stories that will energize and motivate you
Mike Rowe, Host of "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel
Alan Mulally, Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ford Motor Company
Tucker Carlson, Anchor on Fox and Friends Weekend, and the editor-in-chief of The Daily Caller
Paul Begala, CNN commentator and international political analyst
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy
7 types of people employers want to hire
(featured by SHRM, by VP-HR)
For any company, an employee is the greatest asset. And as organisations seek to maintain competitive advantage, it becomes even more crucial to harness the best of an employee at minimum spending. This doesn’t mean that companies would like to cut down on the training and development costs. But an employee who can outshine even with minimum resources becomes a crucial part of the company. If you want to get hired by your dream company, here are seven personality traits that can help you compete and win the race:
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The Go-getter: A company is always on a look out for a go-getter. An individual with this quality will always find his way to achieve goals.
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The Conqueror: This is one quality every company wants that an individual should have in his/her genes. These are the most sorted people. If they are shown a direction, it means the job will be done without extensive explanations.
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The Quick Learner: In today’s dynamic digital world, companies are looking for quick learners who should be not spending a lot of time in learning processes but are able to deliver results quickly.
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The Team Player: Those who lead by examples are a boon for companies. Good listeners, great communicators and active participant for team-building activities are some of the qualities of a good team player.
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The Virtual Social Freak: It becomes essential for companies to remain active on social platforms in cut-throat competitive environment. For that, companies require their prospective employees to be digitally active.
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The Multi-tasker: Multi-taskers are in high demand, as organisations are looking for employees who can wear different hats and can juggle between multiple tasks.
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The Cultural Fit: An employee plays a great role in shaping work culture of any organisation. Having a good culturally fit employee means half the battle is already won.
ACCA exams – to be 195 minutes long
18 February 2016
The ACCA has announced it is removing the restrictions relating to the 15 minutes’ reading and planning time. In effect this makes all F5 to P7 exams 195 minutes long!
From this September candidates will be able to use this time ‘however they choose’.
The ACCA said nothing really changes, as the total exam time remains the same at 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
ACCA says candidates had said that completing the candidate answer grid for the MC sections for F5 to F9 was taking up a lot of time. The pressure to write legibly was also a struggle, and it was suggested that extra time might help here too.
Interestingly the ACCA also point out that as young professionals candidates have to take responsibility for managing their time.
Find out more on ACCA's Website:
http://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/student/sa/study-skills/rapt-2016
PRESS RELEASE
ICA launches ICA International Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance in Greece
22 January 2016
The ICA International Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance is being offered for the first time in Greece in April 2016 in partnership with StudySmart. ICA qualifications are the pre-eminent qualifications for people working in compliance and money laundering prevention all over the world and can now be studied in Athens.
The ICA, along with its training partner, International Compliance Training (ICT), is committed to providing the best compliance, anti money maundering and financial crime prevention training through its highly practical yet academically rigorous qualifications awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester.
The ICA International Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance will be the first ICA course available in Athens in partnership with Smart Group, with the possibility of further qualifications being launched in the next few years.
Speaking about the launch, Bill Howarth, ICA Life President, said, “ICA qualifications are designed to help individuals and firms mitigate financial and reputational risk by providing enhanced skills and knowledge. At a time when Greece is facing challenging times, it is important that financial services professionals can have access to qualifications that provide a benchmark of competence.”
SmartGroup offers professional training, advisory and publishing services in Greece. The company is led by industry experts with 60+ years collective experience as entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, advisors, consultants and professional trainers.
Dr Constantine “Dino” Kiritsis, Founder of StudySmart, also commented, “We are extremely happy with this development as I feel that an international qualification in the area of Governance Risk and Compliance is missing in Greece and Cyprus. Certifications are the way forward for professionals and multinationals given that they provide a standard in the industry and international recognition.”
ICA and StudyGroup are hosting a briefing session in February for all those interested in finding out more about the qualifications and the benefits these courses bring:
9.30am-11am, 23 February 2016, Ernst&Young office, Athens
To register for the event, please click here, or contact Dr. Antony Michail at michail.a@studysmart.gr or +30 695 519 1595.
ICA qualifications have also been recently launched in Spain as part of the ICA’s quest to bring the professionalization of compliance to as many countries as possible.
Ends
Notes to Editors
The International Compliance Association (ICA)
ICA is a professional membership and awarding body and leading global provider of professional certificated qualifications in anti money laundering (AML), compliance and financial crime prevention. ICA is committed to increasing knowledge and professionalism for regulated entities all over the world. Our internationally recognised qualifications enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals, improve business practice and minimise risk.
For novice and experienced practitioners alike, ICA certificate and diploma programmes are a benchmark of competence and excellence. The prestigious Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester jointly awards all ICA qualifications.
StudySmart
StudySmart offers professional training, advisory and publishing services in Greece. The company is led by industry experts with 60+ years collective experience as entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, advisors, consultants and professional trainers. StudySmart in an approved learning partner for ACCA, CIMA, SHRM, ICA and other top international qualifications and operates internationally in 3 different continents.
International Compliance Training (ICT)
ICT is the largest and longest established provider of professional qualifications in anti money laundering; governance, risk and compliance and financial crime prevention awarded by the International Compliance Association. Selected by the ICA for their specialist, professional and dependable approach to training and education, they adopt a unique blended learning approach combining high quality course material, interactive workshops and dedicated tutor support. They also deliver non-certificated training in the same areas to in-house clients. They have helped tens of thousands of individuals and firms realise their training ambitions in the area of risk and compliance.
For further details, please contact:
Lily Harwood
Head of Marketing and Communications
International Compliance Association
+44(0) 0121 362 7512
Antony Michail
Marketing Associate
StudySmart
+ 30 695 519 1595
Seminar Held on “Why Businesses Fail”
14 October, 2015
Bahrain Polytechnic hosted a seminar at the campus on “Why Businesses Fail: Understanding the Ingredients for Crafting and Fine-tuning Strategy”, delivered by Dr. Constantine “Dino” Kiritsis on behalf of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
The two hour seminar, held for students in the Business School, comprised of an inspirational and interactive discussion on how big companies find it difficult to sustain their business.
Additionally, he spoke about how he favors entrepreneurs and encourages the students to take risks when starting their own business.
Bahrain Polytechnic’s Programme Manager of Accounting, Mr. Namasiku Liandu, who awarded the guest lecturer at the end, stated: “It is great for our business students to have this opportunity of learning the critical business success factors from a real entrepreneur and seasoned international trainer and speaker; we are privileged to have Dr ‘Dino’ with us today.”
Acting CEO Dr. Mohamed Al Aseeri commented: “Inviting experienced guest speakers is a great way to share real life business problems, eventually leading to a discussion on how to overcome them. This will train the student to avoid mistakes throughout their career journey.
“Dr. Kiritsis speaks about entrepreneurship during his lecture, which is what the Polytechnic encourages its students to practice.
“I’d like to thank Dr. Kirtsis and ACCA for their time and support, and would like to thank the staff involved in organizing this event, as we strive to meet the government action plan 2015-2018 and the Bahrain 2030 Vision.” concluded Dr. Al Aseeri.
Dr. Constantine Kiritsis is an entrepreneur & consultant operating mainly in the educational industry as a business developer, curriculum developer and professional/academic trainer. He is strongly responsible for setting up specialist Masters degrees in Greece in association with UK Universities and professional qualifications (ACCA, CIA, CFA) in 1997 and 1999 and instrumental in their development in the wider Central Eastern European Region and the Middle East through PwC’s Academies (Romania, Serbia, Czech Republic, Poland, Qatar, Dubai). Through his company, StudySmart, he has been able to partner with major international organizations (PwC, ICAP, SHRM) in order to offer value in the educational and consulting industries.
FCCA appointed new learning director
25 September 2015
Dr Mary Bishop has been appointed ACCA’s new director of learning.
Bishop joins from Sheffield Business School, where she was assistant dean of academic development.
During her career Bishop has worked for Hewlett Packard Laboratories and led an educational consultancy for professional bodies.
Her boss Alan Hatfield said: “As an FCCA Mary has experienced the ACCA qualification first-hand, and so she will have excellent knowledge about what our students and members go through on their ACCA journey.”
Position yourself for a big career move with PMP® Certification.
Sept 25 2015
Establish yourself as a globally-recognized project manager by earning the most sought-after credential in the profession: Project Management Professional (PMP)®. PMP certification is a proven way to enhance your resume, elevate your career potential, and boost your earnings.
Prepare to pass the PMP Exam with StudySmart’s NEW PMP course programme
PMP is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
Benefits of PMP® certification
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Earn a higher salary: According to PMI®, PMP credential holders can earn upward of US$15,000 more annually than non-credentialed jobholders.
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Earn a prestigious certification recognized around the globe.
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Build skills and knowledge that are transferable between industries, market segments and geographic locations.
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Gain an advantage over non-certified project managers.
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Prove your project management knowledge, commitment, and experience.
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Join a global network of over 400,000 PMP credential holders.
Learn more about PMP certification, prerequisites and exam at www.PMI.org.
Expert guidance for PMP® exam success.
If you’re looking for an expert to lead your PMP exam preparation, interpret the content, and answer your questions, StudySmart’s PMP® preparation programme can help! This intensive 35 hour program combines live instruction with The Learning System for PMP® Exam Preparation to expand and test your knowledge in areas critical for project management career success.
Our instructors focus on the PMBOK® Guide–Fifth Edition content to help you prepare for the exam, and our structured classroom environment accelerates learning and improves retention. You’ll be better prepared for the certification exam and more effective in your project management role.
Interactive teaching system for maximum benefit.
When you choose StudySmart’s PMP® preparation programme you will:
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Learn the entire PMBOK® Guide–Fifth Edition with our experienced and certified PMP instructors.
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Prepare for class and the exam with The Learning System for PMP® Exam Preparation, included in tuition. You will have access to the online study tools for an entire year.
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Discuss topics and network with peers from a variety of industries.
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Stay on track to complete your PMP studies with our structured learning environment.
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Take advantage of your employer’s tuition reimbursement program.
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Meet the 35 hour project management education prerequisite for the PMP Exam.
Arthur Andersen Mk II
10 September 2015
Enron and top five firm Arthur Andersen will be forever linked. Now, however, it appears a new Arthur Andersen will rise from the ashes, but only in France.
Arthur Andersen’s co-founder Veronique Martinez said: “Our new model is both bold and purposeful. The name Arthur Andersen speaks for itself. We are proud of our origins and ambition as we are humble in our way of doing business.”
There could be problems as there is an Andersen Tax in the US.
CIMA unveils a big jump in pass rates
The latest sitting of CIMA’s case study exams saw a massive jump in pass rates.
August 2015
The managerial rate almost doubled from 33% in March to 62% this time around. The May pass rate for the strategic case study rose to a very healthy 70% and for the operational exam it was 67%.
CIMA’s director of examinations, Steve Flatman, told PQ magazine that the number of PQs sitting the first case study in February/March had been relatively small. He felt there was now a greater deal of familiarity of what is expected. CIMA also released the March case study as study material. Finally, he emphasised that there was more tuition around for the May exam, and tutors had a better understanding of the standard now expected to achieve a pass. He is hoping these pass rates can be maintained.
The OT pass rates are also now ‘out there’ (see page 16).
The first-attempt pass rates show P1 and P2 are still the toughest tests. P2 had a pass rate of 44% and P1 was 43%. Another tough paper appears to be F3, with 45% of students passing the exam at their first attempt.
Flatman stressed that pass rates where now where they were expected to be. He was also happy with candidates’ rates of progression.
He said that the P papers are what make CIMA unique and added that students have to study these subjects hard to get a pass.
He also pointed out that the pass rates of the new exam system were not directly comparable with what went before.
Flatman emphasised that employability is the key driving force behind the new exams, and he believes the new forms of assessment will contribute to this.
Dumping the Degree
UK publisher Pearson Random House joins Ernst & Young in scrapping bachelor’s degree as job requirement, by Sean Coughlan.
The firm wants to have a more varied intake of staff and suggests there is no clear link between holding a degree and performance in a job… It means that having a degree will no longer be a minimum threshold or “filter” for any job the firm offers.
The firm wants to have a more varied intake of staff and suggests there is no clear link between holding a degree and performance in a job.
This announcement follows a series of financial companies dropping academic requirements for applicants.
Neil Morrison, human resources director, says they want talented staff "regardless of background".
"This is the starting point for our concerted action to make publishing far, far more inclusive than it has been to date," says Mr Morrison.
"We believe this is critical to our future - to publish the best books that appeal to readers everywhere, we need to have people from different backgrounds with different perspectives and a workforce that truly reflects today's society."
It means that having a degree will no longer be a minimum threshold or "filter" for any job the firm offers.
"While graduates remain welcome to apply for jobs, not having been through higher education will no longer preclude anyone from joining," says a statement from the publisher.
Penguin is the latest company to change its recruitment strategy so that there is less emphasis on academic qualifications.
It follows concerns that requiring a degree and recruiting from particular universities was producing too narrow a range of staff.
Last autumn, professional services firm Deloitte changed its selection process so recruiters did not know where candidates went to school or university.
Ernst and Young has scrapped a requirement for school leavers to have the equivalent of three B grades at A-level or graduates to have an upper second class degree.
The accountancy firm is removing all academic and education details from its application process.
PricewaterhouseCoopers earlier this year also announced that it would stop using A-levels grades as a threshold for selecting graduate recruits.
January 2016
StudySmart Pass Rates for ACCA and DipIFR Exceed Expectations!
As a global institution committed to delivering first-class tuition worldwide, we are proud to announce that our overall pass rates have continuously exceeded the global ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) pass rates a fact that has strengthened our position in the markets we operate.
Our overall pass rates for ACCA went up to 72%, while our pass rate for ACCA’s DipIFR qualification was 67%. Please note that the global overall pass rates for ACCA for the same papers offered was 47% and for the DipIFR 44%. Given our excellent results and our recent move into our new unique training premises, we feel that we will be able to meet all requirements set by ACCA to develop our standards and further our quality in the next year.
As an ACCA Gold Status approved learning partner, we have formal recognition of our quality and success in supporting students throughout their ACCA qualification. We have probably some of the most experienced ACCA tutors in the areas we operate at local and international level, all with international experience and active practitioners in their specialty area who provide students with invaluable knowledge and insight. This has been acquired through years spent at the highest levels of business and academia.
Dr. Constantine Kiritsis, founder of StudySmart stated: “Our pass rates mirror our quality. We are expecting higher rates soon given our policy of small groups and personalized attention which is unmatched. Personally, being instrumental in the launch of professional qualifications in Greece, we are constantly being benchmarked by wider stakeholders and we welcome that. We are very proud to be recognized by the ACCA for the quality of tuition given to our students and are determined to continue meeting the highest standards possible. Thanks to all stakeholders involved and above all our excellent tutors”.
ACCA Gold Status is only awarded to those institutions able to meet a highly challenging set of performance standards that relate to lecturers, administration, support, material and other important criteria. ACCA recommends Gold Approved Learning Partners – student tuition to its students.
About StudySmart
StudySmart offers professional training, advisory and publishing services in Greece. The company is led by industry experts with 60+ years collective experience as entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, advisors, consultants and professional trainers. StudySmart in an approved learning partner for ACCA, CIMA, SHRM, ICA and other top international qualifications and operates internationally in 3 different continents – www.studysmart.gr
For more information: info@studysmart.gr