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What is SAP

SAP stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing. Designed and developed by 5 IBM engineers during the 1970s as a standards based software alternative to custom built ERP software, SAP has come a long way. SAP has been in the forefront of ERP software ever since.

SAP develops ERP products to be used by companies to manage their enterprise. This includes managing their day to day operations, logistics, finances, month end, quarter end and yearly activities, reporting, HR etc. Although there are a couple of other ERP vendors who do the same, the key differentiator for SAP is the way in which SAP integrates all these operations and makes for a seamless system that is both easy to use and at the same time sophisticated enough to include all kinds of complex activities that are needed for any kind of enterprise. Examples of some of these activities could, be running Material resource planning, recruiting and managing an employee’s lifecycle, disbursing payrolls, recording all financial transactions and drawing balance sheets and P/L statements of the company etc.   Now imagine a single system that takes care of all these diverse activities and still keep them well integrated. continue reading…

by Consultant Box

Since 1997, one of the most consistently difficult skill sets to find has been the SAP HCM (HR) master – during the down turn after the Y2k disaster when the SAP market sank, the SAP HCM consultants were in comparatively huge demand – but today in 2010 we find that more and more HCM specialists are available for projects – not, by any means all of them but even some of the most highly regarded are looking for new contracts.

The rates of pay on offer have reduced, but likewise the expectations – during 98/99 these consultants were commanding large rates and expense accounts above many others in the same industry due to lack of supply, but today things have changed. continue reading…

by Consultant Box

When creating a team to deliver a complex solution such as SAP, there is a very real need to have the most suitable and experienced people working at the highest levels, to bring together both the SAP solution knowledge and the clients business engineers.

SAP under former chief executive Leo Apotheker, focused on the importance of quality consulting to ensure successful and viable delivery of the SAP product – the, now famous, off record quote from Apotheker caused offence to many consulting houses by shifting the blame from SAP itself to its two global vendors – IBM and Accenture.

When apportioning blame it should be considered that the SAP solution has been implemented in most environments and has fitted into most global legal and accounting systems – however there are a comparatively high number of cases, where SAP implementations have failed.

Senior SAP consultants are often the individuals who are at the sharp end of issues between the three parties – SAP, implementation partner and the end customer. To this end, many of the senior consultants are starting to consider what issues may arise, when accepting positions within complex or failing projects. continue reading…

Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

When Nicholas Richardson was laid off in February, he was blindsided. He quickly realized there weren’t many firms looking to increase their payrolls, so he took matters into his own hands: He hired himself.

With a lot of help and support from his friends, family and his professional network, Richardson is slowly but surely making his dreams a reality. The best part of his new situation? He is his own boss.

“Opening my own [law-firm] practice was always a long-term goal, but I hadn’t done any of the groundwork to make my startup feasible because it wasn’t a plan for 2009 or in this economy,” Richardson says. “I spent a lot of time researching what I needed to do, and then made a list that’s slowly getting checked off.”

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Robert Half International

In today’s economy, reorganizations are common, and you may find yourself suddenly overseeing employees who were once at the same level as you. While transitioning into a supervisory role can be exciting — and possibly signal a new phase in your career — it also means a shift in dynamics with colleagues, especially those who will now be reporting to you.

Your success taking on a leadership role is dependent on building positive working relationships with direct reports, and being able to exercise authority when necessary. Following are some steps to help make the switch from peer to manager as smooth as possible:

Meet with your team
One of the first items on your agenda should be to meet with those you will oversee. Arrange one-on-one conversations to make sure everyone understands the following: continue reading…

Kristi Patrice Carter, J.D.

There are many different independent contractors that specialize in a myriad of different industries — from security clearance jobs to cosmetic sales to Web site design.

While independent contractors work for a specific company or person, they are usually their own bosses. They enjoy a level of freedom as an expert in their industry, to choose their clients or “bosses” as they see fit.

What is Independent Contracting?
Independent contractors are individuals who choose a specialized industry and learn as much as possible about that industry.  For instance, a freelance writer may work with many different companies as an independent contractor — but that writer has to take the time and make the effort to learn as much about his or her industry as possible so that they can provide their clients with the latest trending services and written projects. The independent contractor is typically paid per job, or for several sets of jobs depending upon the agreement between him/her and the company they’re working for at the time.

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As a senior SAP Consultant working on your own, it always comes down to the same question when you start a new project. How reliable is the agency or consulting firm I work for? Will I be paid fairly and on time for my work? You are your own boss and need to make sure that you can plan your finances & professional life accordingly.

Many times, you have to work through multiple layers of agencies and each layer takes a large portion out of the rate the client is paying. When you open the envelope, you get frustrated to work so hard for what you get. On the other hand, the client may be paying a fairly high rate for you and may expect more than they pay for. continue reading…