Dated 11th June 2003

I want to take up the BCA lateral entry programme. I have found that the Allahabad, Punjab and Madurai Kamaraj universities offer the lateral entry scheme. I want to know whether these universities are recognised and if I opt for the same, do I have to take all the 1st year exams and is there any difference between regular and lateral entry?

N. DINKAR

Orissa

The University Grants Commission recognises the mentioned universities.You are indeed eligible foradmission into the course directly.Lateral entry is possible for entering into the second year of BCA and you do not have to take the 1st year exams. There is no difference between the regular and the lateral entry degree.

I'm working as a teacher. I wish to pursue M.Ed. through distance education. Is there any university that offers M.Ed. for in- service teachers?

JHANSI

Rajasthan

There are several universities offering M.Ed through correspondence. Some of them are as follows:

Berhampur University, Berhampur, (Orissa), the duration of the course is 1 year and the eligibility is a B.Ed, preference is given to working teachers.

Punjab University, Chandigarh, (Chandigarh), offers Master Of Education (MEd) The duration of the course is for 1 year and the eligibility is for in-service teachers

Kakatiya University, Warangal, (Andhra Pradesh),Master Of Education (MEd)-Eligibility:B.Ed. with 2 years teaching experience

I have done my M.A. in English and wish to pursue an online diploma /certificate course in teaching English or linguistics. Are there any Indian or foreign universities offering such courses? If so, please give their URLs.

SUBRAHMANYAM

Calcutta

We have not come across any university offering the course online in India. The site, http://www.globalstudy.com/ will give you the details on how to apply for online English programmes abroad.

At the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL), Hyderabad 500007, you could opt for the following courses: a 3 week Certificate in Teaching of English, 1-yr Diploma in Teaching of English as well as a 1-yr Diploma in English Studies for postgraduates.

I completed M.Sc. (organic chemistry) from O.U. in 1996. I have been working as a lecturer for the past 6 years. I would like to know if it's possible to do M.Phil (chemistry) through distance education.

S.SEEMA

Vijaynager

Yes, it is possible to pursue your M.Phil in chemistry through distance education. Kakatiya University, School of Distance Learning And Continuing Education, Warangal 506009, offers the course. The prospectus and application form can be had from:

The Director, Kakatiya University, School of Distance Learning And Continuing Education, Warangal 506009.

What are the various careers options for MFM graduates?

SWAPNA

Delhi

MFM graduates can fill openings in all financial functions, including general ledger, cost control and accounting, revenue, cash management, financial analysis and reporting.Monthly analysis and comparison of budgets;cost accounting and plant budgeting; resource planning software (e.g., ERP, SAP, BAN, Oracle, Syteline);and assistance with negotiations for goods and servicesare other opportunities.

Successful financial professionals can build careers in investment banking, corporate strategic planning, risk management, primary and derivative securities valuation, financial information systems management, portfolio management and securities trading.

These positions are relatively highly paid.

Other employers include public sector undertakings, financial corporations, business firms, export agencies, commercial undertakings, insurance, private companies, management consultancies etc.

What are the future prospects of an M.Sc in Biochemistry?

PRAKASH

Varanasi

You have a wide range of options open - industry, commerce, medicine, research and teaching. Biochemistry graduates are likely to find employment in a variety of specialist areas including microbial, plant and animal biochemistry and biotechnology, clinical chemistry, molecular genetics, forensic science, food technology, toxicology and pharmaceuticals.

A degree in biochemistry is also preferred for other non- scientific careers. Traditional options include teaching, administrative and managerial posts, medical representatives and the retail industry. The civil service can be another option if you are interested in a career with the government.

Please explain what Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) is. Also provide an overview of CTI and the benefits of using it.

LEENUS ROBERT PEREIRA

Chennai

Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) is defined as "combining data with voice systems in order to enhance telephone services" or is the use of computers to manage telephone calls. CTI is an architecture that allows telephone applications and services to be merged with computer applications and offered on open, accessible platforms. CTI enables the simultaneous arrival of a call and associated caller data to be displayed on an agent desktop. Computer Telephony Integration is a highly customised business andcustomer support process for enterprises large and small. During each call CTI builds a caller's profile and links it with available customer specificinformation, so operators can quickly and effectively manage the enquiry. CTI applications provide the ability to do one or more of the following:

Authenticate callers.

Recognise a voice, either for authentication or for message forwarding

Using live, recorded voice, or touch-tone entered input, determine how to process a call (for example, by forwarding it to the appropriate person or department)

Provide interactive voice response (IVR) to callers

Match the number of a caller with a customer record and display it for reference when talking to the caller

Manage voice or video conferences

Collect and display pending live calls or messages that have been left by callers

Receive fax messages and route them to appropriate fax machines

The FAQ Column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management Ltd, PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003, or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com