Success in the business world is no longer just about having the right product or service; it’s about connecting the right people with the right roles. Key concepts for companies aiming to transform their human resources processes include intern programs, AI-powered learning, and strategic candidate-job matching.

Intern Human Resources Initiatives: Investing in the Future

Interns form the future talent pool of organizations. Unlike traditional intern recruitment, we use:

• Competency-based assessment methods
• Corporate culture fit analyses

This approach allows companies to attract candidates who not only contribute immediately to the workforce but also have strong long-term potential.

We help organizations measure intern development, gather feedback, and turn these insights into a strategic data source for future hiring decisions.

AI-Driven Learning Platforms: Personalized Development

AI solutions that analyze employees’ strengths and areas for improvement are redefining traditional training methods. We offer the following advantages to the companies we consult:

• Personalized training plans for each employee
• Reports identifying competency gaps
• Real-time progress tracking

By providing automatically updated learning roadmaps tailored to individual career goals, we elevate the employee development experience.

Matching the Right Candidate with the Right Job: A Strategic Approach

Finding the right candidate is more than reviewing resumes. Through AI-powered methods, we help companies make sustainable hiring decisions by evaluating candidates’ motivation, cultural fit, and long-term potential.

Candidates are assessed not only on their skills but also on how well they align with the organization’s values and business practices, resulting in more accurate recruitment outcomes.

Conclusion: A New Era in Human Resources

Through intern programs, AI-driven learning platforms, and strategic candidate-job matching, we empower companies to build not just today’s workforce but also the talent of the future.

 

İlkim İşçi

Contact: koc@hedefkoc.com

People who know my knowledge and experience on VSAT usually ask me this question: “When there are easy and cheap solutions like fiber and DSL, why should I use Satellite Internet (VSAT)?”
My answer to this is: “There is no better solution when it comes to information security, and it is the ideal backup solution in emergencies.”
I usually continue with: “Give me electricity, and I can bring you the Internet anywhere you want — whether on top of a mountain, or nowadays on land, in the air, or at sea.” That is how I describe the essence of this business.

When you are traveling with a caravan and GSM networks do not work, when you need live broadcast communication, when you are obliged to switch off your own phone on an airplane but use the airplane’s onboard phone system, when a moving ship in the middle of the ocean requires Internet access, when a remote mining site in a place without GSM coverage, when a fish farm in the middle of the sea needs communication, or in the event of a disaster or when terrestrial communication may be damaged — in all these cases you are compelled to use satellite Internet/communication.

Two important issues were mentioned above: first, the electricity needed for electronic units to operate, and second, Internet access, which has become indispensable in today’s world. Wired, microwave, and 4G/5G modems are easier and comparatively cheaper ways to connect to the Internet. Satellite Internet (also known as VSAT), however, was a more expensive method, with more challenging access and installation conditions. Initially used only in compulsory situations and where other methods could not reach, this type of communication is now becoming more widespread due to its other advantages.

One of the most important advantages is information security. In other methods, intermediate connection (hub) points accessible to everyone pose a security risk. Simply put: in cable-based communication there are limits, and intermediate connection points are unavoidable. Data leaving Ankara must pass through Bolu, Düzce, Sakarya, and İzmit before reaching Istanbul. This makes information much more accessible due to open-source vulnerabilities. For instance, you pass through only one region, and suddenly your phone starts receiving dozens of spam messages. This is the result of an insufficiently protected (or deliberately unprotected) GSM network. Because you are constantly traveling, it is almost impossible to prove where this happened. Your number has fallen into the hands of someone unwanted, who can use it as they please. They may continuously send you messages or call you from ever-changing numbers. You can only try to control this by blocking each new number.

But when a branch communicates solely via satellite, connecting through the same satellite to the central system (Intranet), the system becomes far more secure. In this case, to access the information you either need to be inside the system, or have access to the satellite. Accessing the satellite requires certain device-specific information (such as MAC address — every device that accesses the Internet has its own unique, unchangeable MAC address, and access can be restricted to only those devices you allow). When data is encrypted and controlled in this way, no one else can access or use it. This creates an invaluable security network.

Today’s VSAT applications, like Starlink satellites (and others that followed), have become faster and as commonplace as “bread and butter.” Lighter, cheaper equipment and easier installation are among the reasons. The industry still has many shortcomings. Previously, companies were more competent in providing service and support. Starlink could have internet coverage but lacks sufficient installation service coverage all over the world. Another important point is that the company recently experienced a long service outage, and the reasons for it are still unexplained. Many users are cancelling their contracts for this reason. This reminded us once again of the importance of backup applications.

Now I would like to give a few examples.
You’ve been in the desert for two days, extremely thirsty. You reach a shop to buy water, but bottle is locked and only can opened when you pay for the purchase. Then you realize you don’t have your wallet — so you cannot buy it. Compare this to a wired system being down. You have your backup satellite system but no one to install or operate it.

You are in a vehicle meant to save the world. You have one hour left to reach your destination, but you run out of fuel. You find a backup tank, but it’s empty. Compare this to an earthquake where infrastructure has collapsed. You have a satellite system and a generator ready to provide power — but no fuel.

Recently I read (a true story): hackers accessed the network of a large shipping company. They changed passwords and demanded a large ransom for access to be restored. The company hesitated, wasted time, and things got out of control. Eventually, no solution was found, and the company had to file for bankruptcy. This clearly shows that without preventive measures against cyberattacks, you may destroy not only valuable data but an entire company.

Imagine you see a forest fire and want to call it in, but your phone battery is dead. You have no charger and no power source nearby. Similarly, if you are a live broadcast vehicle on the road and run out of fuel just before reaching the news scene, your generator fails, and you miss the most important story of the year.

Another case: you return home and urgently need to order products for a critical project. But there is no electricity, no modem working, and thus no Internet, including your necessary purchase software installed desktop. Later, you learn that a construction digger accidentally cut underground cables, leaving the whole neighborhood without electricity. Fortunately, you had foreseen this and had your computer connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). You used your phone’s hotspot to share Internet with your computer and placed the order on time.

These examples can be multiplied endlessly. During a natural disaster, all these scenarios may occur simultaneously. We must anticipate and prepare for them. Both in natural disasters and operational disruptions, to ensure uninterrupted communication in workplaces, an action plan using Satellite Internet can be applied. Below is a list of actions to be taken.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

• Training programs / Seminars / Courses must be prepared.
  Our sector is still in its early stages, and there is a significant shortage of trained personnel. This is not just a problem for the companies purchasing the systems, but also a major risk when unqualified individuals attempt the work. I once saw a sign at a stationery shop saying “SATELLITES INSTALLED.” This work must be done by certified, competent professionals. Satellite Internet requires combined knowledge of satellites, networking, computers, and cabling — a rare combination. Therefore, training programs covering all aspects would be of great benefit.
• Safety is critical.
  This job is classified as “High Risk.” For example, the cable between the modem and the satellite carries 48V DC voltage, which can be more dangerous than 220V AC depending on conditions. Work often requires climbing ladders. Without knowledge of safe ladder use, one could injure themselves, even fatally, or cause material damage to installation site. Training is therefore essential.
• Business continuity through backup communication.
  Companies need uninterrupted communication and operational continuity. In cases of landline cable cuts, floods, earthquakes, fires, or sabotage, an independent satellite Internet system ensures uninterrupted continuation of central and field operations. In business continuity plans, under the title “Backup Communication Line,” satellite systems provide secure redundancy.
• Emergency coordination.
  During disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, power plant failures, mining accidents, or uncontrolled forest fires, local infrastructure may collapse. Even if GSM and cable networks fail, high-bandwidth data, voice, and video can still be transmitted via satellite. Sharing real-time information between the crisis center and field teams helps make faster and better decisions.
• Centralized management of multiple operations.
  Companies often have multiple branches in different cities or countries. Local services are not always reliable. By connecting all remote sites via a single satellite, homogeneous communication quality is achieved. This also ensures centralized management, data integrity, and simultaneous uninterrupted communication with all branches during emergencies. With no third-party hubs in between, security is also guaranteed. This method is already used widely by franchise businesses abroad, especially in the U.S.
• Backup and disaster recovery.
  This is critical for data security. If a data center’s Internet connection fails, VSAT satellite links can automatically take over. Work can continue through a backup site in a safer location. Critical applications such as ERP (finance, HR, sales, production, supply chain), customer service management, and SCADA systems can run uninterrupted, preventing data loss or production downtime.
• Rapid deployment in temporary operations.
  When temporary Internet or communication service is needed — for a new project site, a disaster area, or a remote rural location — portable (fly-away) or vehicle-mounted VSAT systems can establish communication infrastructure within hours, even where no other infrastructure exists.
• Cybersecurity and encrypted communication.
  When terrestrial lines are compromised or data traffic is at risk of surveillance, encrypted satellite links ensure secure, independent communication. During crises, this prevents data leaks and allows decisions to be made in a safe environment.
• Sectors where communication cannot fail.
  In industries such as banking, energy, and healthcare, regulations require legally “Backup Communication.” Satellite links meet these legal requirements, prevent penalties, and avoid operational losses. Regular drills should be carried out to test the readiness of satellite infrastructure.
• Power redundancy.
  As I mentioned earlier, “Give me electricity and I’ll give you Internet anywhere.” In emergencies like natural disasters, electricity infrastructure itself may fail too. Having a satellite system alone is useless without power. Therefore, backup power plans must also include UPS systems, generators, and sufficient fuel.
• Customized company checklists.
  Just as in other areas, a company-specific VSAT-supported emergency solution plan should include a checklist tailored to the organization. This ensures smooth operation and a clear step-by-step procedure for crisis moments.

 

Conclusion

When implemented correctly, VSAT satellite solutions guarantee the “communication and data continuity” aspect of emergency action plans.
The greatest communication advantage for companies is that it provides an independent solution that can be activated quickly, requiring no infrastructure other than power.

In the face of natural disasters, infrastructure failures, cyberattacks, or operational crises, a VSAT-based emergency communication plan enables companies to:

• Continue operations without interruption,
• Minimize losses and damages,
• Accelerate decision-making processes.

 

ORHAN ENER

25/08/2025

 

Contact: koc@hedefkoc.com

TRT bandrol is a mandatory tax in Türkiye for certain media products and is paid by salespoints.

The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) was established by the TRT Law enacted on May 1, 1964, and is the first and only institution in Türkiye responsible for public broadcasting.

The law regulating TRT’s revenues, Law No. 3093, was adopted on December 4, 1984. According to this, “the TRT contribution fee will be collected from the end consumer by manufacturers and importers and paid to the institution.” As proof of this payment, the bandrol stamp and the TRT bandrol label system were introduced.

 

What is the TRT Bandrol?

It is the physical indicator of the tax collected, based on the Law on the Revenues of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation No. 3093, from all electronic devices that have the distinctive feature of receiving radio and TV broadcasts without the need for any additional equipment.

 

What is the e-Bandrol?

It is a form of bandrol purchased electronically for the same category of products, where no physical bandrol sticker is affixed, and verification is done solely through the system. On the website https://www.trt.net.tr/bandrol/, by entering the device’s serial ID number, it can be checked whether the bandrol fee has been paid.

 

According to Law No. 3093, it is mandatory to pay the bandrol fee and obtain a bandrol for the devices listed in this law. The current list reference: 2022/5610

 

 

Other devices capable of receiving all types of visual and/or audio broadcasts
Latest rates as of August 2025:

HS Code	Product	TRT Rate
8528	Television	16%
8527	Radio	16%
8521	Video	16%
8519	Combined devices	16%
8517	Mobile phone	12%
8471	Computer	4%
8701	On-vehicle devices	0.8%
8601	Other on-vehicle devices	0.02%
8528.71	Set-top boxes	12%
8525	Other, smartwatches	14%

 

Where to Obtain the Bandrol?

An authorized company representative collects the bandrol from the relevant TRT Directorate by submitting the original request petition, proof of payment, and authorization document previously sent to the institution.

 

Who Can Obtain the TRT Bandrol?

Manufacturers with a capacity report, and importers with customs declarations, can obtain TRT bandrols from the institution. Outside these categories, TRT bandrols cannot be obtained.

 

What Happens if the Bandrol Fee is Not Paid?

If a manufacturer or importer sells or offers for sale devices listed in Article 1 of the law without a bandrol or label, TRT imposes an administrative fine equal to twice the calculated bandrol fee for each unbandrolled device.
If the bandrol fee has been paid but the bandrol is not physically affixed to the product, or if in the e-Bandrol application the required notification is not made within 10 days, TRT applies a fine equal to twice the bandrol fee. After obtaining the bandrol, details such as place of use, quantity, brand, and model must be reported to the institution within 10 days.

 

When Should the TRT Bandrol Be Obtained?

According to Article 3 of Law No. 3093: “Manufacturers of devices listed in Article 1 must obtain the bandrol or label before sale; importers must obtain it upon entry into free circulation.”

How is the Declared Sales Amount Determined for TRT Bandrol Purchase?

For imports, it is the customs declaration value excluding Special Consumption Tax (SCT) and VAT. For manufacturing, it is the sales invoice value excluding SCT and VAT. For manufactured products, it is calculated and collected based on the production cost stated on the first invoice.

 

Who is Responsible for Paying the TRT Bandrol Fee?

The law requires manufacturers and importers of the devices listed in Article 1 to declare and pay the collected fees to TRT by the 10th of the following month. Initially, this was collected from the end consumer, but the system has changed to pre-collection based on manufacturing or import values.

 

What Should the Declared Price Be?

In a free market, sellers can set their own prices. Manufacturers can declare any price based on production cost for TRT bandrol purposes. Online retail prices cannot be used as examples for the declaration price, as these are secondary or tertiary sales.

 

Differences in Product Prices

Technological features and licensing in devices such as televisions or audio-visual equipment can create significant cost differences even if products look identical externally. Therefore, the manufacturer’s or importer’s declared price is taken as the basis for bandrol calculation.

 

Where Should the Physical TRT Bandrol Be Affixed?

The bandrol can be affixed to the device itself or to its packaging, box, remote control, or user manual containing the serial number. It must not be handed over separately with the invoice or stored unused.

Expired Bandrols

TRT bandrols are printed and distributed annually and cannot be used the following year. They must be returned or destroyed if unused.

 

Are There Advantages to Purchasing TRT Bandrol?

Yes. If you are a product developer or exporter, you can benefit from certain incentives. Developers can receive a grant of 12% of their profit margin, and exporters pay 50% less TRT bandrol tax for every second unit shipped abroad.

 

For all products used for audio and visual purposes, TRT tax is applied in addition to SCT, VAT, and other taxes, resulting in taxation exceeding 50% of the product’s cost — meaning the end consumer pays high taxes as if purchasing a luxury item.

 

Hayrettin Özaydın

Info: koc@hedefkoc.com

Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Life: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Considerations

In recent years, artificial intelligence has moved beyond being a mere technology trend in the corporate world to becoming a strategic tool that is fundamentally transforming the way we do business. Today, AI-based solutions are used in numerous areas, from financial reporting and human resources to customer service and supply chain management. The primary appeal of AI is that it offers companies speed, cost advantages, and high accuracy. However, this rapid rise also poses significant risks, often unnoticed, and technical and ethical limitations that require attention.

The use of AI in corporate life is not limited to establishing a technological infrastructure; it also requires a management approach, a security culture, and a strategic planning process. For companies investing in AI, asking not only “what will be the benefits” but also “what will be the losses” is critical for a sustainable and secure digital transformation.

 

Advantages

• Operational Efficiency: Automating repetitive business processes frees employees from routine tasks, freeing them up for more creative and strategic work. For example, data analysis processes that used to take weeks can be completed in hours. This means both time savings and reduced human error.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Artificial intelligence provides managers with robust insights by quickly analyzing large data sets. From marketing strategies to risk management, decision-making processes progress more informedly and quickly.
• Customer Experience Improvement: Thanks to personalized recommendations, automated response systems, and intelligent chatbots, customers access the services they need much faster. This, in turn, increases brand loyalty.
• Cost Control: Automating processes and reducing human errors reduces operational costs. In the long run, the return on investment (ROI) also accelerates.

 

Disadvantages and Risks

• Data Privacy and Security: Uploading company data to third-party AI systems can unknowingly lead to the leak of sensitive information. This poses a serious risk in terms of both trade secret disclosure and legal sanctions.
• Biased Decision Mechanisms: Algorithms can make flawed decisions when fed inaccurate or biased data. This can create injustice in critical areas, from recruiting processes to loan approvals.
• Risk of Over-Reliance: Entirely delegating decision-making to AI can undermine employees’ critical thinking and crisis management skills.
• Legal Non-Compliance: Regulations regarding the use of AI vary from country to country and are frequently updated. Bypassing compliance processes can expose companies to heavy fines.

 

Lesser-Known Critical Points

• Data Leakage Occurs Silently: Information entered into chatbot or automated reporting systems is often recorded by the system provider. Therefore, sensitive content such as contract clauses, customer information, or financial data should not be entered directly into these systems.
• Whitelisting Strategy: Only trusted, tested, and approved AI tools should be allowed within the company. A randomly selected tool can open the door to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. • The Danger of Shadow AI: Employees using AI tools of their choosing without consent creates the risk of both data breaches and non-compliance.
• Data Anonymization: Data should be anonymized before model training or reporting, ensuring compliance with both the KVKK and international privacy standards.

 

Basic Privacy Rules

1. Sensitive data should never be uploaded to public AI systems.
2. The data storage and usage policies of the tools used should be strictly reviewed. Critical data should not be used in systems that state “Your data may be used for training purposes.”
3. Regular coordination should be maintained with the cybersecurity team, and swift action should be taken in the event of a suspected data breach.
4. User access permissions should be kept to the minimum required level, and unnecessary data sharing should be prevented.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that offers speed, accuracy, and scalability in corporate life. However, security, ethics, and legal frameworks should never be overlooked when using this power. Companies should view technology not only as a productivity tool but also as a strategic area of responsibility. Properly directed artificial intelligence investments will shape the future of institutions; unconscious use will magnify risks at the same pace.

H. Mert ÖZAYDIN

Dr. Psychologist / Expert

Info: koc@hedefkoc.com

Those Who Leave a Mark in Space Have a Voice on Earth

Today, space technologies have gone beyond being merely a field of scientific advancement. Especially, satellite activities carried out in low Earth orbit have become a strategic factor influencing global power dynamics. This field now determines not only a nation’s technological capabilities but also its political and economic influence on the international stage.

Low Earth orbit satellites play critical roles across a wide range of sectors, from communications and defense to agriculture and finance. These satellites enable high-speed internet access even in the most remote corners of the world, enhance the mobility of military units, and provide vital data within minutes during disaster management processes. In short, these technological elements in space have become a fundamental infrastructure for nearly all areas on Earth.

In Türkiye, TUYAD (Telecommunications Satellite and Broadcasting Business People Association) has been representing the country’s leading institutions and their work in satellite technologies for the past 26 years. The core motivation behind these developments is clear: those who control information and communication possess global power. Thus, each satellite launched into space represents not only a nation’s technological level but also its global vision and ambition. Every state that strengthens its presence in space also strengthens its position on Earth.

In recent years, many countries—most notably the USA, China, and Russia—have made significant investments in low Earth orbit satellites. Rising nations like Türkiye are also moving toward taking an active role in this competition. In line with this awareness and strategic importance, KÜPSAT Inc. was established and has been working since 2023 on the design, development, and production of small and cube satellites. These efforts to develop satellites for communication, observation, and defense aim to enhance Türkiye’s independent operational capabilities in space.

At this point, the key issue is not just launching satellites, but also having the capacity to manufacture, manage, and, when necessary, defend them. With over 25 years of consultancy experience, Hedef Koç Consultancy continues its successful contributions to the structuring and development of the telecommunications, satellite, and space sectors in Türkiye. Every step taken in low orbit ultimately transforms into a move that affects strategic balances on Earth in the long run.

Today, we can clearly state this fact: space studies are no longer prestige projects for nations but have become matters of national security and economic independence. The phrase “Those who leave a mark in space have a voice on Earth” is the most concise summary of this process.

It is evident that in the coming years, the countries investing in space will assume more decisive roles not only in the scientific community but also in global politics. Therefore, low Earth orbit satellite technologies should be seen as one of the key tools to have a say in the future world.

Dr. Clinical Psychologist Mert Özaydın