#HPI Processes

[hpiprocesses]

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[whattraintracks]

Look, I know what the people want, okay? The people want a self-indulgent HPI Morgadec rewrite of Castle S4E7.

Yeah, it's me. I'm the people.

Say hello to my newest obsession that I told myself I wasn't going to write fic about but A) I'm a dirty liar, B) I have lots of stuff to procrastinate right now, and C) I just finished all the seasons currently accessible in the US and this is my grieving process.

I don't know who the audience for this is other than myself, but I had a lot of fun writing it and felt like sharing!

Cops & Robbers Pt 1 - Next

Warnings for guns and hostage situations.

[]

"Ugh, Théa. Why did I have to come here?" Morgane trudges up the stairs to the bank with no small amount of disgust.

"Because I needed a ride," Théa repeats for the fourth time since they parked.

"Couldn't you have taken the bus?"

"No."

Théa informs the bank teller she's come to open her own account, and they're led to a cubicle where a man in a poorly fitted suit spouts financial drivel at them. She can't imagine how Théa can listen to a man who says things like, "It's all about interest."

She pops her bubblegum. "And there goes mine." Pushing out of her chair, she stage whispers to Théa. "If you need help, blink twice."

Théa looks supremely unamused, so she shrugs and wanders out of the cubicle. Propping her hip against a table covered in brochures, she settles in to people watch. Except. She's in a bank. No one here is interesting enough to watch. She pulls out her phone, clicking her nails against the case for the two rings it takes him to pick up.

"Karadec speaking."

"Tell me you need me," she begs.

Silence rings on the other end for a moment. He sounds short of breath when he responds, "Pardon?"

"Théa kidnapped me, and now I'm stuck at a bank. Please tell me that there's a murder somewhere I could be solving." She glances around the room. The only person who looks remotely interesting is a man in red scrubs and a trench coat. It's the get-up really. Intriguing, if only for how out of place it is.

Karadec sighs. She bets he's smiling, though. The way he does when he can't help himself. "Ah, no. Sorry. Just paperwork."

"Interesting paperwork?" she presses. Not that she'll help even if it is, but she can sit around the office and talk while everyone else works.

"Standard reports. A lot of them, though." He lowers his voice, and she leans in as if the phone isn't already pressed to her cheek. "Céline has the worst of it. She lost her coffee mug in the mountain of files on her desk."

"Oh gosh," she says, thrilled by his conspiratorial tone, "paperwork and an undercaffeinated Céline? That might even be worse than this place."

He huffs a laugh. "Sorry, Alvaro, you'll have to find stimulation elsewhere today."

She has a witty reply—really, she does—but she gets distracted by the front door swinging open to admit a woman with a surgical mask around her neck. She's wearing indigo scrubs and a trench coat. Like the man she noticed earlier. In fact, she walks past that man and nods as he rubs his nose.

She gasps, "Kara!"

"What?"

"This bank is about to get robbed!"

"What."

She creeps away from the table to hide behind a column, glancing behind her to check on Théa. "There's a man and a woman dressed in scrubs and trench coats. And. They both have suspicious bulges in their jackets."

"Alvaro. You should not sound so excited about this. Where are you?"

She doesn't quite register his question, watching the woman get in line for a bank teller. What was the secret signal for if they aren't doing anything yet? "They must be waiting for someone," she mutters.

A heavy clank has her whirling around to the door, where, sure enough, a third man in scrubs and a surgical mask slams a bike lock on the handles. He turns around, cocking an assault rifle. "Everybody, get down on the floor!"

Her sparked adrenaline bursts into an inferno of fear. Karadec curses, the man's demand no doubt loud enough to carry over the phone.

"Well." She crouches, whispering. "I was right."

"Alvaro, tell me what's happening. Tell me where you are."

The other two robbers pull their masks up, revealing their guns and shouting at everyone to come away from their stations and get on the ground. Morgane tucks her phone against her shoulder, returning to the cubicle and ushering Théa behind the banker's desk. Once out of sight, she rattles off the address. Rubbing a hand down Théa's back does little to soothe her nerves as she hears Karadec tell Gilles to call in the bank robbery.

The female robber tells everyone to slide up their cell phones. Morgane notes her Indian accent but remembers the man who locked the door sounded British. All of them hold their guns confidently, and she starts to get the impression that these people are professionals.

"Alvaro," Karadec prompts.

Théa tries to peek above the desk, but Morgane pushes her back down. A man spots her, staring wide-eyed at the phone pressed to her ear. She gestures desperately at him to keep quiet. He hesitates. Then nods.

"Morgane!" Karadec says urgently.

She gulps, "I'm here."

"Is Théa with you?"

"Yes." She turns to look into her daughter's frightened eyes.

"Good. Stay together. Can you tell me what's happening?"

"Right, yeah." She takes a breath, looking back over the desk. "We're hidden, but I can see everything. The robbers are in scrubs. One is emptying the cash drawers. Another is going for the bank manager." She pauses, watching the robber in red. "He's got the manager's key, and he's going to the back."

"Okay. That's good, Morgane. Do you know how many there are?"

"Three," she replies confidently. "And they all have—"

Théa gasps beside her, and she freezes at the sound of a gun cocking behind her.

She brings a hand to her mouth, confidence shattered by the metal pressed against her skull. She fights through her trembling lips to tell Karadec, "Make that four."

Karadec falls silent, as does the rest of the room, when the robber behind her declares, "So you're the hero I'm going to make an example of."

The other three robbers turn to the man behind her and she realises he must be their leader. Because Morgane couldn't just piss off any old criminal with a gun, she had to go and piss off the criminal in charge.

Her phone is pulled out of her hand, and a tall man in light blue scrubs steps around to face her. "Sorry," he says into the phone, "Your friend can't talk right now."

Before he can hang up, Karadec's voice rings out, "I wouldn't worry about her. You should worry about yourself. I've got patrol cars on their way."

"Supercop?" Théa whispers hopefully. Morgane nods slightly, tucking her daughter under her arm.

The man pulls up short. "You're a cop?" He says into the phone, then turns to her with a glimmer of agitation in his eyes. "You called a cop?"

"Of course not." He raises his gun to her face. "I swear!" she yelps, "We were on the line before you came in."

"Listen to me." Karadec draws the robber back in with a voice she's heard in dozens of interrogations. "So far, nobody's hurt, and nothing's been stolen. If you leave the way you came in, you can just disappear."

The robber scoffs, "And what? You'll promise not to come looking for me?"

Karadec's voice tips into something cold and sharp that sends ice down her spine. "I won't look for you. I will hunt you down. And trust me, you don't want that. So leave now, and this'll be a blip in the evening news."

Morgane stares into the barrel of the gun as the robber considers Karadec's threat.

Finally, he chuckles, "Sorry. Supercop, was it? I'd rather make headlines." He crushes her phone beneath his heel, and she laments how much it'll cost to replace it as he drags her and Théa to their feet.

But Karadec—swift, reliable Karadec—wasn't bluffing about the patrol cars. The four robbers turn in unison at the sound of sirens approaching.

"Alright, doctors." Their robber pushes her and Théa into the center of the room with the rest of the—oh gosh, they're officially hostages now. "We trained for this. You know what to do."

She stumbles to the ground, dizzied by everything that's just happened. Her thoughts sluggish amid the muffled tears and harsh breaths from her fellow hostages, the shouted orders backed up by guns, and the police lights and sirens muted by thick, frosted windows.

Théa reaches for her hand.

[hirocimacruiser]

Cyber ​​A'PEX Evo.VII 2003 Tsukuba fastest specification

MODEL

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.VII CT9A 4G63

MODEL YEAR

2001 model

CAR BODY

Normal/less than 1200kg

MAXIMUM POWER/MAXIMUM TORQUE

650ps/73kgm

SETTINGS/BOOST

1.7kg/cm2

ENGINE

Port processing

A'PEX RX6B TCW76LS-P25

A'PEX water-cooled wastegate

JUN engine parts

power enterprise reinforced cam belt

oil filter

INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM

A'PEX power intake

EX Manifold Cyber ​​Evo (Altrak)

Front pipe AP engineering one-off

Input manifold Cyber ​​Evo (Altrac)

AP Engineering One Off R-95 Muffler

A'PEX drag intercooler Type B

A'PEX GTspec, Radiator Type R

TOMEI Thermo Killer

oil cooler HPI

Injector 800cc

Pump for TOMEI GT-R

Plug NGK No.10

SUSPENSION/DRIVELINE SYSTEM

front rotor cyber evo

Pad Zero Cross Cyber ​​Evo SPL

Brake hose AP Engineering SPL

AP Lockheed adjustable P valve

A'PEX N1 Damper Type PRO MK Sports Specification

A'PEX N1 spring!!

Stabilizer normal modification

Bush AP Engineering Full Pillow

Tire ADVAN A048 F 255/40-17 R 255/40-17

Wheel RAYS CE28N

F 9.5J-17 +15 R 9.5J-17 +34

Mission Normal (High Cross)

Diffs. F Cusco, C Cyber ​​Evo (ACD), R normal modified

Clutch ORC twin plate

Flywheel ORC lightweight flywheel

Roll bar Cusco 8-point type (AP Engineering modified)

AP engineering spot addition/body reinforcement

CONTROL SYSTEM

A'PEX Power FC

A'PEX AVC-R

A'PEX EL System Meter II

A'PEX reflex speedometer GP

NEKO A/F640

OIL

Engine oil REDLINE

Mission OBERON

Diff OBERON

INTERIOR

Steering KEY'S RACING

Seat RECARO SP-G

Seat belt ΤΑΚΑΤΑ

EXTERIOR

C-WEST GT-Wing, F bumper, under spoiler

Side step, carbon bonnet trunk

AP Engineering Link Acrylic Door Glass

rear polycarbonate glass

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

My parents don't want an autistic child

hey! I think I have autism but I cannot make a professional diagnosis because I am a minor and therefore my parents' agreement is required. The problem is that my parents have enormous stereotypes about autism and are afraid that I obtain an autistic diagnosis because they think that it would mean they missed my education. I passed an IQ test a few years ago and now that I'm "HPI", "autistic" would ruin that

Do you have any advice how I should ask my parents for an official diagnosis, it would make things much easier?

thanks for your future answer btw :3

Hi there,

There’s a helpful WikiHow that shares how to tell your parents you might have autism. It shares these tips:

Choose a calm, quiet time to talk

Use "process talk" to explain that you have something important to say.

Explain that you think there's a possibility you're autistic.

Use tentative language.

Focus on the benefits of looking into it.

Be prepared to correct common misconceptions.

Tell a strongly resistant parent how you seeing a doctor would benefit them.

Give your parents time to process this.

Ask to see a doctor or specialist (if you would like to pursue one).

I hope this helps. Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

[hemerae-ramblings]

20 questions for writers

Thanks @pia-writes-things and @bourbon-ontherocks for the tag!!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

14!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

236,917

3. What fandoms do you write for?

It really changes according to my current favourite piece of media, but mainly: l'Art du crime, Doctor Who, and HPI

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Asynchrones : my first long-fic ! took 6 months give or take to finish, loved it !

Valse en cinq temps : My first fic in French! Quite daunting actually, especially in a small fandom. Based on the usual "X times they did, 1 time they didn't"

Courants marins : The big one as they said, 100K words of HPI AU, processing trauma one pavé at a time

The only way forward : wandavision fic, the first thing I posted on AO3, and one of the two fics I wrote in english

Fell in love with the fire (long ago) : HPI one-shot, written in a single night and posted shortly after (editing? What editing?)

5. Do you respond to comments?

Every chance I get ! Time does get out of hand sometimes, but i always try to

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Au revoir mon amour for sure, i mean is IS an MCD

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I wouldn't even know ! I usually am a sucker for happy endings so most of them ? Paradoxes is one that sticks out to me recently I would say

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Never have (crossing my fingers)

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

No. I don't think I'll ever do it!

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

I don't ! I have trouble fusing two separate universes in writing I think, at least that's how i see it

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

No (i don't think?)

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Planned to co-write some, never got to (life tends to get in the way!)

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

I have more than one ! Excluding actual hyperfixations, i'd say Swanqueen, Twissy (obviously), Twelve x River (specifically)

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I usually work on one fic at a time so i don't tend to have WIPs (or well-advanced ones at least).

16. What are your writing strengths?

It's easiest for me to write descriptions and/or internal monologues ! At least that's what comes out fastest, and is usually the scenes I envision when planning a piece of writing (like, big emotional scenes and/or action)

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

DIALOGUES, they are the bane of my existence. Although it's gotten easier lately.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

Dialogues specifically are hard for me, in French or another language. And the rythme changes a lot in English for example, so that's another adjustment to make

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Wandavision I think

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

Again, I wouldn't really know ! It's like picking a favourite child, i like them all for VERY different reasons :)

[bourbon-ontherocks]

now serge… hmph. that took a turn, wtf. he could’ve killed that poor woman 😨 (c’est déjà beau si elle s’est pas pété le col du fémur !!!) the violent turn felt extremely unnecessary? (again...) there was no reason he couldn’t steal the jewelry while she was off making some coffee or whatever & leave an hour later, the woman none the wiser. no running required.

you might (MIGHT) think serge acted fast and without thinking because morgane’s safety was on the line, but he literally took her to the scene and therefore involved her in the assault, so…

it seems they just want to make morgane’s life increasingly unbearable and have her regret ever letting people back into her life. and I’ve got the nagging feeling they needed her to be seen on the scene of the crime. unless it’s all part of the s3 scheme of gratuitously upping the ante in the worst possible ways. 😓

for the record, I’ve never liked serge, but his character deserved more than whatever that plot twist was. can we have a s3 do-over already? ☹️

Honestly I don't have much to add because... yea, same.

The violence felt extremely unnecessary indeed, especially because regarding what happens in the finale, it wouldn't have changed much to have Serge act like you suggest and the lady could absolutely glance through the window and see Morgane at some point, soooooo, yea, I guess it's part of the whole Good Girls-ification of HPI that I have a growing feeling to witness 😨 (and I don't like it)

"it seems they just want to make morgane’s life increasingly unbearable and have her regret ever letting people back into her life." -> I feel you're onto something with this, because yeah, this is literally how it feels like, and imo the only merit of pushing her to such an extent is that she! went! to! Adam's! for! help! And even though she didn't muster the courage to tell him everything (💔) at least she sought his help, and that's growth 🥹🥹🥹

Also, unlike you, I actually do like Serge a bit (although I'll admit my soft spot has more to do with Patrick Chesnais' résumé than the actual character lol), so watching him getting retconned like that? Not cool. Serge is a pathetic scammer, 100%, but not an old ladies beater 😭 He deserved better, I wholeheartedly agree (also because him asking Morgane to let him back in her life kinda called for a redemption arc don't you think? It feels a bit weird to see him fuck up even worse, narratively speaking, even though relapses are an obvious step in this kind of process)

[transgreeshma]

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MEDICAL SCRIBING

                     A Medical Scribe is an allied health professional who specializes in charting physician-patient encounters in real time, such as during medical examinations. They also locate information and patients for physicians and complete forms needed for patient care. The position may also be known as clinical scribe, ER scribe, ED scribe, or plain scribe, depending on the area of practise the scribe works in (when the context is implicit). 

A scribe has received training in managing health information and using health information technology to do so. In a hospital or clinic, a scribe may work physically there or remotely from a HIPAA-secure location. Virtual medical scribes are scribes who conduct their business remotely.

Expectations and obligations

A scribe's primary duty is to enter each patient's data into the electronic health record (EHR) system, which must be kept up to date (medical history and medical record).

By studying the patient's medical history and interactions, write the History of Present Illness (HPI).

Keeping a record of the patient's responses to the doctor's questions about their food, activity, and the required lab tests and results.

Transforming or translating the doctor's dictation from dictaphones before recording it in the electronic health record.

Creating recommendation or other kinds of correspondence for correlation. The concerns surrounding the documentation, such as whether symptoms or histories should be included or excluded from the document, must also be understood by the scribe.

A scribe must be knowledgeable with and trained in coding and billing regulations when writing out a medical chart.

They must provide concise information so that a doctor can quickly review the specifics throughout their busy shift, including completing out the process, needing additional checks, and allocating time for vital care.

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[bukopedia]

Navigating Used Car Dealerships: Tips for Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a smart and cost-effective decision, offering significant savings compared to purchasing a new vehicle. However, the process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. With the right approach and knowledge, you can drive away with a reliable vehicle that fits your budget and needs.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the role of used car dealerships, the benefits of buying pre-owned vehicles, and tips to ensure you make a confident and informed purchase.

Why Choose a Used Car Dealership?

A used car dealership offers a curated inventory of pre-owned vehicles, making it a convenient option for buyers. Many dealerships provide added benefits, such as warranties, financing options, and certified pre-owned (CPO) programs.

Benefits of Buying from a Dealership

Wide Selection: Dealerships offer a range of makes and models in one location, saving you time.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles: CPO cars are inspected, reconditioned, and often come with extended warranties, ensuring quality and reliability.

Financing Options: Many dealerships provide flexible financing plans, helping buyers spread the cost.

Legal Protections: Dealerships must adhere to consumer protection laws, providing peace of mind compared to private sales.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

Determine Your Budget

Set a realistic budget that includes not only the purchase price but also ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Avoid overextending your finances by sticking to what you can afford.

Research the Market

Before visiting a dealership, research the car models you’re interested in. Consider factors like fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, and common issues. Online tools such as Kelley Blue Book or Auto Trader can help you determine a fair price.

Inspect the Vehicle History

Always request the vehicle history report using services like Carfax or HPI Check. This report provides crucial details about:

Accident history

Ownership records

Mileage discrepancies

Outstanding finance or insurance claims

Conduct a Thorough Inspection

If possible, bring a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle. Pay attention to:

Exterior: Check for dents, scratches, and rust.

Interior: Look for signs of wear, tears, or damage to seats and controls.

Engine: Ensure there are no leaks, strange noises, or warning lights.

Tyres: Verify tread depth and even wear.

Take a Test Drive

A test drive is essential to evaluate how the car handles. Focus on:

Acceleration and braking responsiveness.

Steering and suspension performance.

Comfort and noise levels inside the cabin.

Negotiate the Price

Dealership prices often have room for negotiation. Use your research and any identified flaws to negotiate a fair deal. Be prepared to walk away if the price exceeds your budget or the car doesn't meet your expectations.

Check the Warranty and Return Policy

Review the dealership’s warranty options and return policy. Certified pre-owned cars often come with additional coverage, offering extra assurance.

Understand Financing Options

If you're opting for dealer financing, compare interest rates and terms with other lenders to ensure you get the best deal. Always read the fine print to avoid hidden fees or unfavourable terms.

Red Flags to Watch For

Inconsistent Information: If the details in the history report don’t match the seller’s claims, proceed with caution.

Pushy Sales Tactics: Avoid dealerships that pressure you into making a hasty decision.

Unwillingness to Share Reports: Reputable dealers will provide full transparency regarding the vehicle’s history and condition.

Visible Damage: Unaddressed damage or poorly done repairs could indicate larger, hidden problems.

Where to Find Reliable Used Cars

Certified Dealerships: Look for authorized dealerships that offer certified pre-owned programs.

Online Platforms: Use trusted platforms like Auto Trader, Cars.com, or local dealership websites to browse options.

Recommendations: Seek referrals from friends or family members who’ve had good experiences with specific dealerships.

Conclusion

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a daunting process. With proper research, careful inspection, and a reputable dealership, you can secure a dependable vehicle at a fraction of the cost of a new one. By following these tips, you’ll not only enjoy peace of mind but also the thrill of finding the perfect car for your lifestyle and budget. Visit your local used car dealership today and take the first step toward owning your dream car!

[infopanelb2b]

UK Residency: Your Guide to Applying for Permanent Residence (PR)

Obtaining permanent residence (PR) in the UK allows you to live, work, and study without needing to reapply for a visa. Known formally as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), this status offers a stable path for those who have made the UK their home. Generally, UK PR requires a continuous stay of at least five years, though some visa types may reduce this to three years.

Paths to Permanent Residence in the UK

Permanent residence in the UK can be achieved through various visa categories, each with unique requirements. Here are some of the most common pathways:

Family Visa: 5 years

Work Visa: 5 years

Business Visa: 3 to 5 years

Long Residence to ILR: 10 years

Note: This list covers the primary paths to UK PR, but other options are available for both EU and non-EU nationals.

PR for Family Members of UK Residents or Citizens

If you're a family member of a settled individual in the UK, such as a spouse, child, or dependent relative, you may qualify for PR. Here are common visa types for family members that lead to PR:

Spouse Visa: PR after 2 or 5 years

Child Visa: PR as soon as the parent gains PR

Adult Dependent Visa: PR once your UK-based caregiver is settled

To apply for PR as a family member, you must:

Have resided in the UK for the required period (usually 2-5 years, depending on the visa type).

Fulfill relationship requirements (e.g., spouses should still be living with their partners).

Meet financial criteria, which vary depending on the visa route (e.g., a minimum combined income for the 5-year spouse route).

Pass the Life in the UK test.

Satisfy English language requirements.

PR via Work Visas

For many non-EU nationals, a work visa offers a straightforward route to PR. Typically, PR is granted after five years on a qualifying work visa. The Skilled Worker visa is a popular choice, but there are others, such as:

Scale-up Visa

Health and Care Worker Visa

Global Talent Visa

However, not all work visas qualify for PR. For example, the Senior or Specialist Worker visa under the Global Business Mobility route, or the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, do not directly lead to PR. However, holders of such visas can often switch to other visa types that do.

To secure PR on a work visa, you must:

Complete the required years in the UK on a work visa (usually five).

Maintain sponsorship from a UK employer.

Continue working in a qualifying job.

Meet income thresholds for your position.

Pass the Life in the UK test.

Demonstrate proficiency in English.

PR Through a Business Visa

For those with innovative business ideas, a business visa can be a great option. The Innovator Founder Visa provides a direct path to PR in just three years. Other business visas, like the Start-up Visa, do not provide a direct route to PR, though it is possible to switch to a qualifying visa.

To qualify for PR on an Innovator Visa, you must:

Hold the visa continuously for three years.

Obtain a new endorsement for your business.

Pass the Life in the UK test.

Meet English language requirements.

PR for EU Nationals

Post-Brexit, EU nationals must apply for PR through the EU Settlement Scheme if they began living in the UK before January 31, 2021. Those who have lived in the UK for less than five years can obtain pre-settled status. After five years, settled status (PR) is granted. EU nationals arriving after this date must apply through other visa routes.

Application Process for UK PR

Applying for UK PR involves several steps:

Complete and submit the online application form, selecting the form specific to your visa type. Eligible family members can be included.

Pay the application fee.

Book an appointment at a UKVCAS office for biometric data (photo and fingerprints).

Submit requested documents, such as your Life in the UK test certificate.

The decision usually takes up to six months. Priority services are available for faster decisions (5 days for £500 or 1 day for £1000).

Additional Routes to UK PR

Other options to gain PR in the UK include:

Discretionary leave to remain

ILR following domestic violence

The 7-year child route

The 10-year long residence route

The private life route

Serving in the armed forces

Permanent residence offers long-term security and access to opportunities in the UK. With the right guidance and planning, obtaining UK PR is an achievable goal.

[sunaleisocial]

HPI-MIT design research collaboration creates powerful teams

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/hpi-mit-design-research-collaboration-creates-powerful-teams/

HPI-MIT design research collaboration creates powerful teams

The recent ransomware attack on ChangeHealthcare, which severed the network connecting health care providers, pharmacies, and hospitals with health insurance companies, demonstrates just how disruptive supply chain attacks can be. In this case, it hindered the ability of those providing medical services to submit insurance claims and receive payments.

This sort of attack and other forms of data theft are becoming increasingly common and often target large, multinational corporations through the small and mid-sized vendors in their corporate supply chains, enabling breaks in these enormous systems of interwoven companies.

Cybersecurity researchers at MIT and the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam, Germany, are focused on the different organizational security cultures that exist within large corporations and their vendors because it’s that difference that creates vulnerabilities, often due to the lack of emphasis on cybersecurity by the senior leadership in these small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Keri Pearlson, executive director of Cybersecurity at MIT Sloan (CAMS); Jillian Kwong, a research scientist at CAMS; and Christian Doerr, a professor of cybersecurity and enterprise security at HPI, are co-principal investigators (PIs) on the research project, “Culture and the Supply Chain: Transmitting Shared Values, Attitudes and Beliefs across Cybersecurity Supply Chains.”

Their project was selected in the 2023 inaugural round of grants from the HPI-MIT Designing for Sustainability program, a multiyear partnership funded by HPI and administered by the MIT Morningside Academy for Design (MAD). The program awards about 10 grants annually of up to $200,000 each to multidisciplinary teams with divergent backgrounds in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, engineering, design, architecture, the natural sciences, humanities, and business and management. The 2024 Call for Applications is open through June 3.

Designing for Sustainability grants support scientific research that promotes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on topics involving sustainable design, innovation, and digital technologies, with teams made up of PIs from both institutions. The PIs on these projects, who have common interests but different strengths, create more powerful teams by working together.

Transmitting shared values, attitudes, and beliefs to improve cybersecurity across supply chains

The MIT and HPI cybersecurity researchers say that most ransomware attacks aren’t reported. Smaller companies hit with ransomware attacks just shut down, because they can’t afford the payment to retrieve their data. This makes it difficult to know just how many attacks and data breaches occur. “As more data and processes move online and into the cloud, it becomes even more important to focus on securing supply chains,” Kwong says. “Investing in cybersecurity allows information to be exchanged freely while keeping data safe. Without it, any progress towards sustainability is stalled.”

One of the first large data breaches in the United States to be widely publicized provides a clear example of how an SME cybersecurity can leave a multinational corporation vulnerable to attack. In 2013, hackers entered the Target Corporation’s own network by obtaining the credentials of a small vendor in its supply chain: a Pennsylvania HVAC company. Through that breach, thieves were able to install malware that stole the financial and personal information of 110 million Target customers, which they sold to card shops on the black market.

To prevent such attacks, SME vendors in a large corporation’s supply chain are required to agree to follow certain security measures, but the SMEs usually don’t have the expertise or training to make good on these cybersecurity promises, leaving their own systems, and therefore any connected to them, vulnerable to attack.

“Right now, organizations are connected economically, but not aligned in terms of organizational culture, values, beliefs, and practices around cybersecurity,” explains Kwong. “Basically, the big companies are realizing the smaller ones are not able to implement all the cybersecurity requirements. We have seen some larger companies address this by reducing requirements or making the process shorter. However, this doesn’t mean companies are more secure; it just lowers the bar for the smaller suppliers to clear it.”

Pearlson emphasizes the importance of board members and senior management taking responsibility for cybersecurity in order to change the culture at SMEs, rather than pushing that down to a single department, IT office, or in some cases, one IT employee.

The research team is using case studies based on interviews, field studies, focus groups, and direct observation of people in their natural work environments to learn how companies engage with vendors, and the specific ways cybersecurity is implemented, or not, in everyday operations. The goal is to create a shared culture around cybersecurity that can be adopted correctly by all vendors in a supply chain.

This approach is in line with the goals of the Charter of Trust Initiative, a partnership of large, multinational corporations formed to establish a better means of implementing cybersecurity in the supply chain network. The HPI-MIT team worked with companies from the Charter of Trust and others last year to understand the impacts of cybersecurity regulation on SME participation in supply chains and develop a conceptual framework to implement changes for stabilizing supply chains.

Cybersecurity is a prerequisite needed to achieve any of the United Nations’ SDGs, explains Kwong. Without secure supply chains, access to key resources and institutions can be abruptly cut off. This could include food, clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, financial systems, health care, education, and resilient infrastructure. Securing supply chains helps enable progress on all SDGs, and the HPI-MIT project specifically supports SMEs, which are a pillar of the U.S. and European economies.

Personalizing product designs while minimizing material waste

In a vastly different Designing for Sustainability joint research project that employs AI with engineering, “Personalizing Product Designs While Minimizing Material Waste” will use AI design software to lay out multiple parts of a pattern on a sheet of plywood, acrylic, or other material, so that they can be laser cut to create new products in real time without wasting material.

Stefanie Mueller, the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a member of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and Patrick Baudisch, a professor of computer science and chair of the Human Computer Interaction Lab at HPI, are co-PIs on the project. The two have worked together for years; Baudisch was Mueller’s PhD research advisor at HPI.

Baudisch’s lab developed an online design teaching system called Kyub that lets students design 3D objects in pieces that are laser cut from sheets of wood and assembled to become chairs, speaker boxes, radio-controlled aircraft, or even functional musical instruments. For instance, each leg of a chair would consist of four identical vertical pieces attached at the edges to create a hollow-centered column, four of which will provide stability to the chair, even though the material is very lightweight.

“By designing and constructing such furniture, students learn not only design, but also structural engineering,” Baudisch says. “Similarly, by designing and constructing musical instruments, they learn about structural engineering, as well as resonance, types of musical tuning, etc.”

Mueller was at HPI when Baudisch developed the Kyub software, allowing her to observe “how they were developing and making all the design decisions,” she says. “They built a really neat piece for people to quickly design these types of 3D objects.” However, using Kyub for material-efficient design is not fast; in order to fabricate a model, the software has to break the 3D models down into 2D parts and lay these out on sheets of material. This takes time, and makes it difficult to see the impact of design decisions on material use in real-time.

Mueller’s lab at MIT developed software based on a layout algorithm that uses AI to lay out pieces on sheets of material in real time. This allows AI to explore multiple potential layouts while the user is still editing, and thus provide ongoing feedback. “As the user develops their design, Fabricaide decides good placements of parts onto the user’s available materials, provides warnings if the user does not have enough material for a design, and makes suggestions for how the user can resolve insufficient material cases,” according to the project website.

The joint MIT-HPI project integrates Mueller’s AI software with Baudisch’s Kyub software and adds machine learning to train the AI to offer better design suggestions that save material while adhering to the user’s design intent.

“The project is all about minimizing the waste on these materials sheets,” Mueller says. She already envisions the next step in this AI design process: determining how to integrate the laws of physics into the AI’s knowledge base to ensure the structural integrity and stability of objects it designs.

AI-powered startup design for the Anthropocene: Providing guidance for novel enterprises

Through her work with the teams of MITdesignX and its international programs, Svafa Grönfeldt, faculty director of MITdesignX and professor of the practice in MIT MAD, has helped scores of people in startup companies use the tools and methods of design to ensure that the solution a startup proposes actually fits the problem it seeks to solve. This is often called the problem-solution fit.

Grönfeldt and MIT postdoc Norhan Bayomi are now extending this work to incorporate AI into the process, in collaboration with MIT Professor John Fernández and graduate student Tyler Kim. The HPI team includes Professor Gerard de Melo; HPI School of Entrepreneurship Director Frank Pawlitschek; and doctoral student Michael Mansfeld.

“The startup ecosystem is characterized by uncertainty and volatility compounded by growing uncertainties in climate and planetary systems,” Grönfeldt says. “Therefore, there is an urgent need for a robust model that can objectively predict startup success and guide design for the Anthropocene.”

While startup-success forecasting is gaining popularity, it currently focuses on aiding venture capitalists in selecting companies to fund, rather than guiding the startups in the design of their products, services and business plans.

“The coupling of climate and environmental priorities with startup agendas requires deeper analytics for effective enterprise design,” Grönfeldt says. The project aims to explore whether AI-augmented decision-support systems can enhance startup-success forecasting.

“We’re trying to develop a machine learning approach that will give a forecasting of probability of success based on a number of parameters, including the type of business model proposed, how the team came together, the team members’ backgrounds and skill sets, the market and industry sector they’re working in and the problem-solution fit,” says Bayomi, who works with Fernández in the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative. The two are co-founders of the startup Lamarr.AI, which employs robotics and AI to help reduce the carbon dioxide impact of the built environment.

The team is studying “how company founders make decisions across four key areas, starting from the opportunity recognition, how they are selecting the team members, how they are selecting the business model, identifying the most automatic strategy, all the way through the product market fit to gain an understanding of the key governing parameters in each of these areas,” explains Bayomi.

The team is “also developing a large language model that will guide the selection of the business model by using large datasets from different companies in Germany and the U.S. We train the model based on the specific industry sector, such as a technology solution or a data solution, to find what would be the most suitable business model that would increase the success probability of a company,” she says.

The project falls under several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.

Furthering the goals of the HPI-MIT Joint Research Program

These three diverse projects all advance the mission of the HPI-MIT collaboration. MIT MAD aims to use design to transform learning, catalyze innovation, and empower society by inspiring people from all disciplines to interweave design into problem-solving. HPI uses digital engineering concentrated on the development and research of user-oriented innovations for all areas of life.

Interdisciplinary teams with members from both institutions are encouraged to develop and submit proposals for ambitious, sustainable projects that use design strategically to generate measurable, impactful solutions to the world’s problems.

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[jcmarchi]

HPI-MIT design research collaboration creates powerful teams

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/hpi-mit-design-research-collaboration-creates-powerful-teams/

HPI-MIT design research collaboration creates powerful teams

The recent ransomware attack on ChangeHealthcare, which severed the network connecting health care providers, pharmacies, and hospitals with health insurance companies, demonstrates just how disruptive supply chain attacks can be. In this case, it hindered the ability of those providing medical services to submit insurance claims and receive payments.

This sort of attack and other forms of data theft are becoming increasingly common and often target large, multinational corporations through the small and mid-sized vendors in their corporate supply chains, enabling breaks in these enormous systems of interwoven companies.

Cybersecurity researchers at MIT and the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam, Germany, are focused on the different organizational security cultures that exist within large corporations and their vendors because it’s that difference that creates vulnerabilities, often due to the lack of emphasis on cybersecurity by the senior leadership in these small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Keri Pearlson, executive director of Cybersecurity at MIT Sloan (CAMS); Jillian Kwong, a research scientist at CAMS; and Christian Doerr, a professor of cybersecurity and enterprise security at HPI, are co-principal investigators (PIs) on the research project, “Culture and the Supply Chain: Transmitting Shared Values, Attitudes and Beliefs across Cybersecurity Supply Chains.”

Their project was selected in the 2023 inaugural round of grants from the HPI-MIT Designing for Sustainability program, a multiyear partnership funded by HPI and administered by the MIT Morningside Academy for Design (MAD). The program awards about 10 grants annually of up to $200,000 each to multidisciplinary teams with divergent backgrounds in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, engineering, design, architecture, the natural sciences, humanities, and business and management. The 2024 Call for Applications is open through June 3.

Designing for Sustainability grants support scientific research that promotes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on topics involving sustainable design, innovation, and digital technologies, with teams made up of PIs from both institutions. The PIs on these projects, who have common interests but different strengths, create more powerful teams by working together.

Transmitting shared values, attitudes, and beliefs to improve cybersecurity across supply chains

The MIT and HPI cybersecurity researchers say that most ransomware attacks aren’t reported. Smaller companies hit with ransomware attacks just shut down, because they can’t afford the payment to retrieve their data. This makes it difficult to know just how many attacks and data breaches occur. “As more data and processes move online and into the cloud, it becomes even more important to focus on securing supply chains,” Kwong says. “Investing in cybersecurity allows information to be exchanged freely while keeping data safe. Without it, any progress towards sustainability is stalled.”

One of the first large data breaches in the United States to be widely publicized provides a clear example of how an SME cybersecurity can leave a multinational corporation vulnerable to attack. In 2013, hackers entered the Target Corporation’s own network by obtaining the credentials of a small vendor in its supply chain: a Pennsylvania HVAC company. Through that breach, thieves were able to install malware that stole the financial and personal information of 110 million Target customers, which they sold to card shops on the black market.

To prevent such attacks, SME vendors in a large corporation’s supply chain are required to agree to follow certain security measures, but the SMEs usually don’t have the expertise or training to make good on these cybersecurity promises, leaving their own systems, and therefore any connected to them, vulnerable to attack.

“Right now, organizations are connected economically, but not aligned in terms of organizational culture, values, beliefs, and practices around cybersecurity,” explains Kwong. “Basically, the big companies are realizing the smaller ones are not able to implement all the cybersecurity requirements. We have seen some larger companies address this by reducing requirements or making the process shorter. However, this doesn’t mean companies are more secure; it just lowers the bar for the smaller suppliers to clear it.”

Pearlson emphasizes the importance of board members and senior management taking responsibility for cybersecurity in order to change the culture at SMEs, rather than pushing that down to a single department, IT office, or in some cases, one IT employee.

The research team is using case studies based on interviews, field studies, focus groups, and direct observation of people in their natural work environments to learn how companies engage with vendors, and the specific ways cybersecurity is implemented, or not, in everyday operations. The goal is to create a shared culture around cybersecurity that can be adopted correctly by all vendors in a supply chain.

This approach is in line with the goals of the Charter of Trust Initiative, a partnership of large, multinational corporations formed to establish a better means of implementing cybersecurity in the supply chain network. The HPI-MIT team worked with companies from the Charter of Trust and others last year to understand the impacts of cybersecurity regulation on SME participation in supply chains and develop a conceptual framework to implement changes for stabilizing supply chains.

Cybersecurity is a prerequisite needed to achieve any of the United Nations’ SDGs, explains Kwong. Without secure supply chains, access to key resources and institutions can be abruptly cut off. This could include food, clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, financial systems, health care, education, and resilient infrastructure. Securing supply chains helps enable progress on all SDGs, and the HPI-MIT project specifically supports SMEs, which are a pillar of the U.S. and European economies.

Personalizing product designs while minimizing material waste

In a vastly different Designing for Sustainability joint research project that employs AI with engineering, “Personalizing Product Designs While Minimizing Material Waste” will use AI design software to lay out multiple parts of a pattern on a sheet of plywood, acrylic, or other material, so that they can be laser cut to create new products in real time without wasting material.

Stefanie Mueller, the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a member of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and Patrick Baudisch, a professor of computer science and chair of the Human Computer Interaction Lab at HPI, are co-PIs on the project. The two have worked together for years; Baudisch was Mueller’s PhD research advisor at HPI.

Baudisch’s lab developed an online design teaching system called Kyub that lets students design 3D objects in pieces that are laser cut from sheets of wood and assembled to become chairs, speaker boxes, radio-controlled aircraft, or even functional musical instruments. For instance, each leg of a chair would consist of four identical vertical pieces attached at the edges to create a hollow-centered column, four of which will provide stability to the chair, even though the material is very lightweight.

“By designing and constructing such furniture, students learn not only design, but also structural engineering,” Baudisch says. “Similarly, by designing and constructing musical instruments, they learn about structural engineering, as well as resonance, types of musical tuning, etc.”

Mueller was at HPI when Baudisch developed the Kyub software, allowing her to observe “how they were developing and making all the design decisions,” she says. “They built a really neat piece for people to quickly design these types of 3D objects.” However, using Kyub for material-efficient design is not fast; in order to fabricate a model, the software has to break the 3D models down into 2D parts and lay these out on sheets of material. This takes time, and makes it difficult to see the impact of design decisions on material use in real-time.

Mueller’s lab at MIT developed software based on a layout algorithm that uses AI to lay out pieces on sheets of material in real time. This allows AI to explore multiple potential layouts while the user is still editing, and thus provide ongoing feedback. “As the user develops their design, Fabricaide decides good placements of parts onto the user’s available materials, provides warnings if the user does not have enough material for a design, and makes suggestions for how the user can resolve insufficient material cases,” according to the project website.

The joint MIT-HPI project integrates Mueller’s AI software with Baudisch’s Kyub software and adds machine learning to train the AI to offer better design suggestions that save material while adhering to the user’s design intent.

“The project is all about minimizing the waste on these materials sheets,” Mueller says. She already envisions the next step in this AI design process: determining how to integrate the laws of physics into the AI’s knowledge base to ensure the structural integrity and stability of objects it designs.

AI-powered startup design for the Anthropocene: Providing guidance for novel enterprises

Through her work with the teams of MITdesignX and its international programs, Svafa Grönfeldt, faculty director of MITdesignX and professor of the practice in MIT MAD, has helped scores of people in startup companies use the tools and methods of design to ensure that the solution a startup proposes actually fits the problem it seeks to solve. This is often called the problem-solution fit.

Grönfeldt and MIT postdoc Norhan Bayomi are now extending this work to incorporate AI into the process, in collaboration with MIT Professor John Fernández and graduate student Tyler Kim. The HPI team includes Professor Gerard de Melo; HPI School of Entrepreneurship Director Frank Pawlitschek; and doctoral student Michael Mansfeld.

“The startup ecosystem is characterized by uncertainty and volatility compounded by growing uncertainties in climate and planetary systems,” Grönfeldt says. “Therefore, there is an urgent need for a robust model that can objectively predict startup success and guide design for the Anthropocene.”

While startup-success forecasting is gaining popularity, it currently focuses on aiding venture capitalists in selecting companies to fund, rather than guiding the startups in the design of their products, services and business plans.

“The coupling of climate and environmental priorities with startup agendas requires deeper analytics for effective enterprise design,” Grönfeldt says. The project aims to explore whether AI-augmented decision-support systems can enhance startup-success forecasting.

“We’re trying to develop a machine learning approach that will give a forecasting of probability of success based on a number of parameters, including the type of business model proposed, how the team came together, the team members’ backgrounds and skill sets, the market and industry sector they’re working in and the problem-solution fit,” says Bayomi, who works with Fernández in the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative. The two are co-founders of the startup Lamarr.AI, which employs robotics and AI to help reduce the carbon dioxide impact of the built environment.

The team is studying “how company founders make decisions across four key areas, starting from the opportunity recognition, how they are selecting the team members, how they are selecting the business model, identifying the most automatic strategy, all the way through the product market fit to gain an understanding of the key governing parameters in each of these areas,” explains Bayomi.

The team is “also developing a large language model that will guide the selection of the business model by using large datasets from different companies in Germany and the U.S. We train the model based on the specific industry sector, such as a technology solution or a data solution, to find what would be the most suitable business model that would increase the success probability of a company,” she says.

The project falls under several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.

Furthering the goals of the HPI-MIT Joint Research Program

These three diverse projects all advance the mission of the HPI-MIT collaboration. MIT MAD aims to use design to transform learning, catalyze innovation, and empower society by inspiring people from all disciplines to interweave design into problem-solving. HPI uses digital engineering concentrated on the development and research of user-oriented innovations for all areas of life.

Interdisciplinary teams with members from both institutions are encouraged to develop and submit proposals for ambitious, sustainable projects that use design strategically to generate measurable, impactful solutions to the world’s problems.

[justsellinghomes]

February 2024 Ottawa Real Estate Market Update 

Summary:

A) 15.2% more homes sold in February 2024 versus February 2023

B) However, The sales were still lower, historically, by 13.8% when 5 years are considered.

C) The average price of homes sold in February 2024 was $651,340, representing a 2% increase from the previous year.

D) In terms of inventory, active residential listings numbered 2,158 units on the market at the end of February 2024, a gain of 16.3% from February 2023. So more homes for listed this February than sabe time last year.

E) 1515 listings sold in February and 2809 homes were listed in February. That's approximately only 58% homes sold in comparison to listed. It's key to price and list homes right.

F) 2.7 months of inventory, currently in Ottawa, which means we are still in the sellers market. It's said that when the inventory reaches 6 months, the market shifts into buyers market.

Strong Start to the Year for Ottawa Real Estate Market - February 2024 Sales Data

As a real estate agent in Ottawa, I am pleased to report a robust beginning to the year in terms of market activity. In February 2024, the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) recorded a total of 886 homes sold through the MLS® System, marking a significant 15.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. 15% of more homes sold by the real estate brokerage community.

Despite the increase in home sales, it's important to note that February's sales were 13.8% below the five-year average and 5.7% below the 10-year average. However, this doesn't overshadow the fact that Ottawa's real estate market remains strong and active, as highlighted by OREB President.

The President emphasizes that despite higher prices and stable interest rates, both buyers and sellers are actively participating in the market. However, he acknowledges the challenge of affordability, which has forced many potential buyers to remain on the sidelines.

Recent reports from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) reveal a concerning trend where communities offering homes under $500,000 are becoming increasingly scarce. This scarcity underscores the urgent need for measures to address affordability issues and increase housing supply.

As real estate professionals, we recognize the persistent demand for housing in Ottawa. To address this, we advocate for impactful measures such as allowing for the construction of four residential units on property lots and eliminating exclusionary zoning. These steps are crucial to bridging the gap and providing affordable housing options for all.

Recommendations for Sellers:

Price Strategically: Given the steady increase in home prices, sellers should work with their agents to set a competitive yet realistic price for their properties.

Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Sellers should invest in minor renovations or landscaping to make their homes more attractive to potential buyers.

Be Flexible: In a competitive market, flexibility is key. Sellers should be open to negotiation and consider offers that may not meet their initial expectations.

Recommendations for Buyers:

Get Pre-Approved: Secure financing early to demonstrate seriousness to sellers and streamline the buying process.

Act Quickly: With limited affordable inventory, decisive action is crucial. Buyers should be prepared to make swift decisions when they find a suitable property.

Work with a Realtor®: A real estate agent can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the buying process, helping buyers navigate the competitive market and find the right home.

In terms of pricing trends, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) indicates a 2.8% increase in the overall benchmark price from February 2023, with single-family homes experiencing a 3.1% gain. Townhouse/row unit prices saw a slight increase of 0.6%, while apartment prices rose by 2.7%.

Additionally, the average price of homes sold in February 2024 was $651,340, representing a 2% increase from the previous year. The total dollar volume of home sales also saw a notable increase of 17.5% compared to February 2023.

It's important to note that while average sale prices can provide insight into market trends over time, they should not be solely relied upon to gauge individual property values, as prices vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.

In terms of inventory, new listings saw a substantial increase of 29.5% from February 2023, with 1,539 new residential listings in February 2024. Active residential listings also experienced growth, with 2,158 units on the market by the end of February 2024, representing a 16.3% increase from the previous year.

Despite these increases, months of inventory remained unchanged from the previous year, indicating a balanced market where supply meets demand.

Overall, the strong start to the year in Ottawa's real estate market signals promising opportunities for both buyers and sellers. By staying informed and proactive, real estate professionals and consumers alike can navigate the market successfully and achieve their desired outcomes.

Thank you, Tomasz Witek,

Real Estate Agent, Exp Realty

[top10estateagentsuk]

Where to Buy a House in London

6 Absolutely Affordable Neighborhoods to buy a house in London

Buying a house in present-day London is no easy task, but with this definitive guide to securing the best properties in the most affordable area- we promise to break down and simplify the house hunting process for you, once and for all!

The real estate market has been on the rise and the numbers soar higher and higher with the passing time. However, if you’ve made up your mind about securing yourself the perfect abode, we have a comprehensive guide to the best neighborhoods in London that allow you a chance at owning a humble abode of your own without pinching the pocket too hard! According to the latest UK House Price Index (HPI), the places we are about to disclose just might be your one true shot at being a proud homeowner!

Bexley- With the latest budget on average house prices wavering somewhere around approx.£342,993, Bexley, a south-eastern borough in London is considered to be one of the top picks for affordable neighborhoods. The borough is surrounded by Greenwich on the west and Bromley to the south and a Crossrail service from Abbey Wood station is expected once the line starts plying. However, the housing price has experienced a 4.3% hike in this area according to the new 2019 statistics, so we suggest heading over to Bexley immediately if you don’t want to miss out on a steal deal.

Greenwich- Neighboring with Bexley is the borough on the banks of river Thames which too has been listed as one of the top preferred locations to buy properties. A borough overlooking the bespoke Greenwich park with the Royal Observatory and more, houses here would typically have an average cost of £372,803. Named after the World Heritage Site of Greenwich, this borough packs in quite some interesting attractions which makes Greenwich an appealing choice for a forever home.

Barking and Dagenham- Also located on the Eastern parts of London is the Barking and Dagenham borough continues to be one of the cheapest parts of London where you can make your dream come true with the average housing cost priced at approx. £300,517. The Barking and Dagenham continues to provide homeowners great value for money deals with the location having outstanding transport links connecting your neighborhood to Central London.

Croydon- Real estate experts have been really excited about properties in Croydon, especially since the price dropped a little since last year making Croydon one of the most favorable places to own a house of your own. If you’re wondering what the pocket pinch is, the average home would be something around £359,336 but with the ever-improving facilities, this metropolitan town south of London is regarded as quite a deal. What’s more? Croydon, being considered one of the largest commercial districts apart from Central London, has an extensive shopping and night-time economy waiting for you.

Sutton- Yet another southern wonder in London, Sutton is a large town with the schools in and around it boasting the best results in any of the boroughs in Greater London. If you’re a growing family looking to buy a bigger place, Sutton is the place to consider the average housing costs being somewhere around £368,520. Along with an attractive family growing opportunity, Sutton is also perfect for families who want their children to be a part of Sutton’s best educational institutions.

Hounslow- Another great option for growing families looking for upsizing is Hounslow in West London, a borough that has a diverse range of housing and property options duly waiting for you to explore. With the average housing cost being around £404,615 approx. The area stretches from Chiswick, East to Bedfont, West and has been undergoing proactive development in the recent years.

Apart from these, you can also find great deals on properties in Hillingdon, Havering, Enfield, Newham, and more.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN DECIDE WHETHER THE LOCATION CHOSEN BY YOU IS PERFECT OR NOT

With bigger home comes bigger responsibility and that is exactly why you should consider these pointers before indulging in the neighborhood of your choice.

Convenience is crucial and we don’t just mean grocery stores and chemists in and around the area, but also the convenience of living in a particular borough or community. Before finalizing a place, we suggest you take more than one visits, preferably, at different parts of the day (or maybe even night) to get a more elaborate idea of the neighborhood you’ll be settling in.

Background checks are necessary too. Do a background check on the house, the soil it stands on, the real estate agent willingly trying to sell the house to you, and more. Homework regarding the price ranges too would be an added advantage.

Pre-check your home before moving in. We know how exciting it is to finally have the keys to your dream home in your hands, but maybe, a little pre-check before the whole settlement won’t hurt. From termite checks to leaking pipes and whatnot, a careful breeze through of the property would be a good idea.

Compare before settling in. Lastly, it is always a good habit to compare not just the budget but the convenience, distance from school or workplace, and more and hence, don’t just settle for the property of your choice. Keep your mind flexible and your budget tightly knotted and look for variations and alternative options before finalizing.

[hpieducation]

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Unlocking Sales Success: The Power of Sales Personality Tests

In the dynamic world of sales, building a dream team is crucial to achieving success and driving revenue for your organization. But how do you assemble a group of individuals who can consistently close deals and exceed targets? The answer lies in understanding the unique sales personalities of your team members. To help you achieve this, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best sales personality tests, with a special focus on the powerful “Sales Personality Test” offered by Salesblink.

1. Salesblink’s Sales Personality Test

Salesblink’s Sales Personality Test takes the top spot on our list for good reason. This cutting-edge assessment offers in-depth insights into your team’s individual sales personalities, enabling you to tailor your sales strategies and coaching techniques accordingly. With this tool, you can identify your team’s strengths, areas for improvement, and tendencies, allowing you to create a highly effective salesforce that maximizes performance.

2. The Predictive Index (PI)

The Predictive Index is a well-established personality assessment tool that has proven its worth in building successful sales teams. It provides valuable insights into behavioral traits, communication styles, and motivational factors, helping you align your salespeople with roles that suit their personalities.

3. Gallup StrengthsFinder

Gallup StrengthsFinder focuses on identifying and developing individuals’ natural talents and strengths. By understanding your team members’ unique strengths, you can assign tasks and roles that align with their inherent abilities, making for a more productive and engaged salesforce.

4. DiSC Personality Test

The DiSC Personality Test categorizes individuals into one of four personality profiles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. This tool helps you understand how each team member prefers to interact with others, making it easier to foster effective communication and collaboration within your sales team.

5. Hogan Assessments

Hogan Assessments offer a range of personality assessments, including the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) and Hogan Development Survey (HDS). These tools are designed to reveal your team’s bright and dark sides, helping you mitigate potential issues and capitalize on strengths.

6. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

The MBTI is a widely recognized personality assessment that categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types. While not tailored specifically for sales, understanding your team’s MBTI types can provide valuable insights into their preferences, communication styles, and decision-making processes.

7. Kolbe Index

The Kolbe Index assesses individuals’ instincts and problem-solving approaches. By identifying your sales team’s natural problem-solving tendencies, you can better align their roles and responsibilities with their unique strengths, ultimately improving overall team performance.

In conclusion, a well-rounded understanding of your sales team’s personalities is the cornerstone of building a dream sales team. Salesblink’s “Sales Personality Test” stands out as a powerful tool, but don’t hesitate to explore the other assessments on this list to create a holistic view of your team’s strengths and weaknesses. By harnessing the insights gained from these tests, you can develop more effective sales strategies, tailor your coaching and training programs, and ultimately build a high-performing sales team that consistently achieves its goals and drives revenue.