Latest news with #SMART
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
US military personnel in Taiwan, mainland China's ‘cure' to Hyperloop flaw: SCMP's 7 highlights
We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing Washington's disclosure that around 500 US military personnel are stationed in Taiwan signals more open and substantial defence support for the island – a pivot from a previously discreet partnership that is openly testing Beijing's red lines, according to analysts. After spending 35 years in the United States pioneering research on the neural circuits that govern sleep and executive brain functions of the frontal cortex, neuroscientist Dan Yang has returned to China to join the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) as a senior principal investigator. Chinese ambassador to Canberra Xiao Qian said he hoped Australia would view issues around the leasing of Darwin port 'objectively'. Photo: Handout China's ambassador to Australia has described the Australian government's plan to end a Chinese firm's control of the strategically located Darwin Port as 'questionable', saying the company should not be punished.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
US military personnel in Taiwan, China's ‘cure' to Hyperloop flaw: SCMP's 7 highlights
We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing Washington's disclosure that around 500 US military personnel are stationed in Taiwan signals more open and substantial defence support for the island – a pivot from a previously discreet partnership that is openly testing Beijing's red lines, according to analysts. After spending 35 years in the United States pioneering research on the neural circuits that govern sleep and executive brain functions of the frontal cortex, neuroscientist Dan Yang has returned to China to join the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) as a senior principal investigator. Chinese ambassador to Canberra Xiao Qian said he hoped Australia would view issues around the leasing of Darwin port 'objectively'. Photo: Handout China's ambassador to Australia has described the Australian government's plan to end a Chinese firm's control of the strategically located Darwin Port as 'questionable', saying the company should not be punished.
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
SMART Goals in Business Coaching
Understanding the Importance of SMART Goals in Business Coaching In the realm of business coaching, goal setting is a fundamental component that drives success. Without clear objectives, both coaches and clients can easily lose direction, diminishing the impact of their collaborative efforts. SMART goals, an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, provide a structured and effective framework for setting and achieving business objectives. This methodology ensures that goals are not just lofty aspirations but actionable targets that can be tracked and accomplished. By integrating SMART goals into coaching sessions, business coach san francisco bay area empower their clients to progress with clarity, purpose, and measurable results. Specific: Defining Clear and Focused Objectives The first element of a SMART goal is specificity. A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. In small business marketing consultant, this translates to helping clients clearly define what they want to achieve. Rather than stating a vague goal like 'increase sales,' a specific goal would be 'increase monthly online sales by 20% within the next quarter.' This level of clarity removes ambiguity and allows both the coach and client to concentrate on a tangible outcome. Specific goals also help in identifying the steps required to reach the objective, making it easier to plan, delegate, and execute effectively. Measurable: Tracking Progress and Outcomes A goal without a way to measure success is like a race without a finish line. Measurability is critical in business coaching because it allows clients to see progress, stay motivated, and make informed adjustments along the way. For example, if the goal is to improve customer satisfaction, it needs to be accompanied by measurable indicators such as customer satisfaction scores, online reviews, or net promoter scores (NPS). By quantifying progress, business coaches can provide feedback based on data rather than perception. Measurable goals foster accountability and celebrate incremental successes, which can significantly boost morale and maintain momentum. Achievable: Setting Realistic Expectations The 'A' in SMART stands for Achievable, emphasizing the need for goals to be realistic and attainable. While ambition is important in business growth, setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Business coaches work with clients to assess their current capabilities, resources, and limitations before setting a goal. This doesn't mean settling for mediocrity—it means being strategic and setting clients up for success. For instance, aiming to triple a company's revenue in a month might not be feasible, but a 15% increase over the next two quarters could be both challenging and achievable. Realistic goals inspire sustained effort and commitment. Relevant: Aligning Goals with Broader Business Objectives Goals must also be relevant, meaning they should align with broader business values and long-term objectives. In business coaching, this aspect ensures that the effort invested in achieving a goal contributes meaningfully to the client's overarching mission. For example, a company whose long-term vision is sustainability should prioritize goals that support environmental responsibility, such as reducing waste or sourcing eco-friendly materials. A relevant goal resonates with the core purpose of the business and ensures that all team members are working toward a unified aim. Business coaches play a crucial role in helping clients evaluate the relevance of their goals, thereby ensuring strategic alignment. Time-bound: Establishing Deadlines and Urgency Time is a vital element in the effectiveness of goal setting. A SMART goal must have a clear timeline, providing a deadline that creates a sense of urgency and a checkpoint for evaluation. Business coaching emphasizes this time-bound nature to instill discipline and focus. For instance, a goal to 'launch a new marketing campaign' becomes much more effective when framed as 'launch a new marketing campaign by July 15th.' Deadlines prevent procrastination and help coaches and clients allocate time and resources more efficiently. Moreover, time constraints facilitate better planning and scheduling, making it easier to integrate the goal into daily operations. Integrating SMART Goals into the Coaching Process Business coaches incorporate SMART goals at various stages of the coaching process—from the initial assessment to the implementation of strategic plans. During the first few sessions, coaches typically work with clients to identify areas of improvement and opportunities for growth. Once these are recognized, SMART goals are set to translate abstract ideas into actionable plans. Regular coaching sessions then serve as check-ins to monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and refine strategies. This ongoing process not only keeps clients accountable but also ensures continuous alignment with evolving business dynamics. Coaches act as partners in execution, using SMART goals to guide, support, and measure growth effectively. Overcoming Challenges with SMART Goals While SMART goals offer a robust framework, they are not without challenges. One common issue is setting goals that are too narrow or too rigid, which can limit creativity and adaptability. In dynamic business environments, circumstances can change rapidly, requiring flexibility in approach. Business coaches address this by encouraging clients to revisit and revise goals as needed while maintaining the SMART criteria. Another challenge is ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders, especially in team settings. To overcome this, coaches help clients communicate goals effectively and foster a sense of ownership among team members. Training and workshops on SMART goal setting can also be valuable in reinforcing this culture throughout the organization. Case Studies: Real-World Success with SMART Goals Numerous success stories illustrate the power of SMART goals in business coaching. For instance, a mid-sized tech firm struggling with project delays partnered with a business coach to improve project management. By setting SMART goals focused on timely project delivery, such as 'reduce project delivery time by 25% within six months,' the company saw a marked improvement in efficiency and client satisfaction. Another case involved a startup looking to build its online presence. With the help of a coach, the team set a SMART goal to 'increase website traffic by 30% through SEO and content marketing within 90 days.' The result was not only increased traffic but also higher conversion rates and brand visibility. Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of SMART Goals In conclusion, SMART goals serve as a cornerstone in effective business coaching. They transform abstract ambitions into concrete action plans, provide a framework for tracking progress, and ensure alignment with broader business objectives. By focusing on goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, business coaches help clients navigate complex challenges with clarity and purpose. Whether for individual growth, team performance, or organizational success, SMART goals offer a reliable roadmap to measurable and meaningful achievement. For businesses seeking to thrive in today's competitive landscape, embracing SMART goals through professional coaching can be a game-changing strategy. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China industrial profits on upward trend, Xinjiang eyes travel boom: SCMP daily highlights
Catch up on some of SCMP's biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing China's large industrial enterprises posted modest but accelerating growth in April, despite an unprecedented trade war with the United States that drove up tariffs on both sides and intensified economic uncertainty. China's Xinjiang – an ethnically diverse region that still faces Western sanctions over a slew of human-rights issues – plans to open up to more foreign visitors, as the local government strives to boost tourism and diversify the regional economy. The return of Dan Yang, along with her husband Mu-ming Poo, to China signals a growing trend of top-tier scientists being drawn to the nation's ambitious research ecosystem. Photo: Undated handout After spending 35 years in the United States pioneering research on the neural circuits that govern sleep and executive brain functions of the frontal cortex, neuroscientist Dan Yang has returned to China to join the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) as a senior principal investigator.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Minister: 4,662 telco tower structures completed to date
File photo for illustration purposes KUCHING (May 26): A total of 4,662 telecommunication tower structures, including those on buildings, have been completed to date, said Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. He said this was an increase of 81 towers when compared to the 4,581 completed towers which were reported in the last sitting in November last year. 'Of the completed towers, 4,446 or 95 per cent are on-air while the remaining 216 (5 per cent) will be operational in stages by the end of 2025. 'To date, the internet service coverage has increased to 90.2 per cent compared to 84.8 per cent as reported in the last DUN sitting,' he said in his ministerial winding-up speech today. Julaihi also updated the august House on the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative where to date, the state government has allocated RM2.3 billion as an intervention measure to accelerate internet coverage expansion in rural areas under this initiative. 'A key component of Saluran is the construction of Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers. 'So far, 585 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed of which 18 of them are repeaters. Of the completed towers, 480 are operational, while the rest will be fully operational in stages by the fourth quarter of 2025,' he said. On the federal government's National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (Jendela), Julaihi said a total of 906 out of 909 telecommunications towers have been completed under the initiative's first phase. 'Of this number, 795 towers are operational with 4G services, while the remainder will be fully operational in stages by the fourth quarter of 2025.' For 5G services, he said 574 out of 576 5G sites were now in operation with the remaining expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025. DUN sitting internet coverage julaihi narawi lead telecommunication tower
