70+ Novartis Interview Questions and Answers

The maximum number of bananas that can be transported to the destination is 533 bananas.

• The person can transport 1000 bananas 1 km, then go back and transport 1000 more bananas, and so on.

• After traveling 500 km, the camel will have 500 bananas left. It can then transport 500 bananas 1 km.

• In total, the person can transport 1000 + 1000 + 1000 + 500 + 500 = 4500 bananas. However, the camel eats 1000 bananas during the journey.

• Therefore, the maximum number of bananas that can be ...read more

The task is to find the maximum size of a submatrix consisting of all 1's in a given binary-valued matrix.

• Iterate through each cell of the matrix

• For each cell, calculate the maximum size of a submatrix with that cell as the top-left corner

• Keep track of the maximum size encountered so far

• Return the maximum size

The task is to count the number of occurrences of the digit '1' in each number from 0 to N.

• Iterate through each number from 0 to N

• Convert each number to a string

• Count the number of occurrences of the digit '1' in the string representation of each number

• Return the total count of '1's

To reverse the declining profits of a bank, a few strategies can be implemented.

• Analyze the reasons behind the declining profits, such as increased expenses or decreased revenue.

• Identify areas of cost reduction, such as optimizing operational processes or renegotiating contracts with suppliers.

• Implement strategies to increase revenue, such as launching new products or services, expanding into new markets, or improving customer retention.

• Enhance efficiency and productivity by ...read more

Yes, Alteryx provides data validation options and tools to stop workflow based on data correctness.

• Alteryx offers data validation tools such as the Filter tool, which can be used to filter out incorrect data before proceeding to the next step.

• You can also use the Test tool in Alteryx to create validation conditions and stop the workflow if the data does not meet the specified criteria.

• By setting up conditional statements within the workflow, you can control the flow of data b...read more

The minimum number of steps needed to identify the different sphere is 2.

• Place 3 spheres on each side of the weighing scale. If they balance, the different sphere is in the remaining 2 spheres. If they don't balance, the different sphere is in the heavier group of 3 spheres.

• Take the 3 spheres from the heavier group and place 1 on each side of the weighing scale. If they balance, the different sphere is the one not weighed. If they don't balance, the different sphere is the he...read more

Estimating market share of a pipeline product involves using various methodologies with their own flaws and merits.

• One common method is using sales data from competitors and industry reports to estimate market size and then calculate the product's share.

• Another approach is conducting surveys or focus groups to gather customer feedback and preferences, which can help in estimating market share.

• Using predictive modeling and data analytics can also provide insights into market s...read more

My previous colleagues would likely gauge me as hardworking, reliable, and detail-oriented, but may also see me as overly focused on perfection.

• Colleagues would likely appreciate my strong work ethic and dedication to completing tasks efficiently.

• They may see me as reliable and someone they can depend on to deliver high-quality work consistently.

• Some colleagues may view me as overly focused on perfection, which could potentially slow down projects or cause unnecessary stress....read more

MMX Modelling is a type of pharmaceutical analytics that uses mathematical models to predict drug behavior in the body.

• MMX Modelling involves creating mathematical models to simulate how drugs will be absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

• It helps pharmaceutical companies optimize drug formulations for better efficacy and safety.

• For example, MMX Modelling can be used to predict the release profile of a drug in the gastrointestinal tract and optimize the...read more

I have worked on projects analyzing Patient Level Data to identify trends and outcomes.

• Utilized Patient Level Data to analyze treatment effectiveness

• Identified patterns in patient demographics and outcomes

• Collaborated with healthcare providers to improve patient care based on data insights

A program to check if a given string is a palindrome or not.

• Convert the string to lowercase to ignore case sensitivity.

• Remove all non-alphanumeric characters from the string.

• Reverse the string and compare it with the original string.

• If they are the same, then the string is a palindrome.

International reference pricing is a mechanism used by countries to set drug prices based on prices in other countries.

• International reference pricing is used to determine the price of drugs in a country based on the prices in other countries.

• It is used by governments to negotiate lower prices for drugs.

• The prices of drugs in countries with similar economic conditions are compared to determine the price in a particular country.

• For example, if a drug costs $100 in the US and $...read more

The upper physiology of the body deals with the central nervous system. Common diseases include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.

• The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.

• It controls and coordinates all body functions.

• Alzheimer's disease affects memory and cognitive function.

• Parkinson's disease affects movement and coordination.

• Multiple sclerosis affects the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers.

• Other common diseases include epilepsy, migr...read more

I am consistently achieving my sales targets by building strong relationships with customers and identifying their needs.

• Regularly analyzing sales data to identify trends and opportunities

• Developing and implementing effective sales strategies

• Providing excellent customer service and support

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key customers

• Continuously learning about new products and industry trends

• Collaborating with other departments to ensure customer satisfacti...read more

Novartis has a strong market presence in our city due to its diverse range of pharmaceutical products and effective marketing strategies.

• Novartis has a wide range of pharmaceutical products catering to various therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiology, respiratory, and neuroscience.

• The company has a strong sales force that effectively promotes its products to healthcare professionals and institutions.

• Novartis has established partnerships with key opinion leaders and medi...read more

Epi based forecasting uses epidemiological data to predict trends, while non-Epi based forecasting relies on other factors.

• Epi based forecasting uses data related to the spread of diseases, such as infection rates and mortality rates.

• Non-Epi based forecasting may rely on economic indicators, weather patterns, or social factors to make predictions.

• Epi based forecasting is commonly used in predicting outbreaks of diseases like influenza or COVID-19.

• Non-Epi based forecasting can...read more

Balance sheet and P&L statement sections explained.

• Balance sheet sections: Assets, Liabilities, Equity

• P&L statement sections: Revenue, Cost of Goods Sold, Gross Profit, Operating Expenses, Net Income

• Assets include current and non-current assets such as cash, inventory, property, and equipment

• Liabilities include current and long-term liabilities such as accounts payable, loans, and bonds

• Equity includes common stock, retained earnings, and other equity

• Revenue is the income gene...read more

I have a strong understanding of finance and accounting principles.

• I have a Bachelor's degree in Finance and have completed several accounting courses.

• I have worked as a financial analyst for 5 years, analyzing financial statements and creating financial models.

• I am familiar with various accounting software such as QuickBooks and Excel.

• I have experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

• I stay updated with the latest financial regulations and industry trends.

SWOT analysis between Chennai and Bangalore

• Strengths of Chennai: Rich cultural heritage, affordable cost of living, well-connected transport system

• Weaknesses of Chennai: Poor infrastructure, water scarcity, high pollution levels

• Opportunities for Chennai: Growing IT sector, increasing tourism, potential for development in real estate

• Threats for Chennai: Competition from other cities, natural disasters like floods and cyclones

• Strengths of Bangalore: Thriving IT industry, good i...read more

Engaging customers involves building relationships and providing value. Business is generated through understanding their needs and offering solutions.

• Listen actively to their needs and concerns

• Provide personalized solutions and recommendations

• Follow up regularly to ensure satisfaction and address any issues

• Offer promotions and incentives to encourage repeat business

• Attend industry events and network with potential customers

• Utilize social media and online platforms to reach a...read more

Global Supply Chain refers to the interconnected network of organizations, resources, activities, and technologies involved in the production and distribution of goods and services on a worldwide scale.

• Global Supply Chain involves sourcing raw materials, manufacturing products, and delivering them to customers across different countries.

• It includes various stages such as procurement, production, inventory management, logistics, and distribution.

• Companies often use technologie...read more

There are various tools available for financial analysis such as Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, QuickBooks, etc.

• Excel - used for financial modeling, data analysis, and visualization

• Bloomberg Terminal - provides real-time financial data, news, and analytics

• QuickBooks - used for accounting and bookkeeping

• SAS - used for statistical analysis and data management

• Tableau - used for data visualization

• Python - used for data analysis and modeling

• R - used for statistical analysis and data v...read more

As a Quality Specialist, I led the digitalization process implementation for the Quality System.

• Developed a digital quality management system to replace paper-based processes

• Collaborated with IT department to select and implement software solutions

• Trained employees on new system and ensured compliance with regulations

• Improved efficiency and accuracy of quality processes

• Reduced costs associated with paper-based systems

Access control for data platform with multiple vendors is managed through IAM policies, role-based access control, and centralized identity management.

• Implement IAM policies to control access to resources within each vendor platform

• Utilize role-based access control to assign permissions based on job function or responsibility

• Implement centralized identity management to ensure consistent access control across all platforms

• Regularly review and audit access controls to ensure co...read more

I am not currently drawing anything from my pocket.

• I do not have any money or items in my pocket at the moment.

• I am prepared to purchase any necessary materials for my job as a Medical Representative.

• My focus is on providing excellent service to my clients and representing my company well.

Mean in data step calculates mean within data step while proc means calculates mean for entire dataset.

• Mean in data step is calculated within the data step and only for the variables specified in the data step.

• Proc means calculates mean for the entire dataset or for the variables specified in the var statement.

• Data step mean can be used for conditional calculations while proc means is used for overall summary statistics.

To reduce unintentional human errors, implement standardized procedures, provide training and supervision, use technology, and encourage open communication.

• Implement standardized procedures to ensure consistency and reduce confusion

• Provide thorough training to employees to increase their knowledge and skills

• Offer supervision and feedback to catch errors before they escalate

• Utilize technology such as automation and error-checking software

• Encourage open communication to address...read more

Mobile UI response times can be captured using various tools and techniques.

• Use profiling tools like Android Profiler or Xcode Instruments

• Implement custom logging to capture timestamps for UI events

• Use network monitoring tools to capture network requests and responses

• Perform manual testing and use a stopwatch to measure response times

• Use automated testing tools like Appium or Selenium to capture response times

• Consider using third-party performance monitoring tools like New Re...read more

SDTM stands for Study Data Tabulation Model. It is a standard for organizing and formatting clinical trial data.

• SDTM is used to standardize the format of data collected during clinical trials.

• It helps ensure consistency and accuracy in data reporting.

• When adding a new field on eCRF per clinical team request, the process involves mapping the new field to the appropriate SDTM domain.

• The new field must be documented in the eCRF specifications and the SDTM annotated CRF.

• Any chang...read more

Sensitivity analysis involves examining how changes in input variables affect the output of a model. Interpretation of plots involves understanding trends and relationships in data visualization.

• Sensitivity analysis helps identify which input variables have the most impact on the output of a model.

• Interpretation of plots involves looking for patterns, trends, and relationships in the data.

• Examples of plots for sensitivity analysis include tornado diagrams, scatter plots, and ...read more

Yes, I have a few questions.

• Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of an Associate Analyst?

• What are the key skills or qualifications you are looking for in a candidate for this role?

• Is there room for growth and advancement within the company?

• Can you provide any information about the team I would be working with?

• What is the company culture like?

A good APQR should be comprehensive, well-organized, and provide clear insights into the performance of the product.

• Include detailed analysis of product quality and performance data

• Highlight any trends or patterns observed during the reporting period

• Provide recommendations for improvement based on the findings

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and guidelines

• Include a summary of any corrective actions taken in response to previous issues

I came across the Novartis vacancy through a job search website.

• I was actively searching for job opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry

• I came across the Novartis vacancy on a job search website such as Indeed or LinkedIn

• I researched the company and found that it aligned with my career goals and values

HTML is a markup language used to create the structure of a website.

• HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language.

• Use tags like <html>, <head>, <title>, <body> to structure content.

• Add elements like headings, paragraphs, images, links using tags.

• Use attributes like src, href, alt to specify additional information.

• Save the file with .html extension and open it in a web browser to view the website.

ul is an HTML element used to create an unordered list, while ui is not a valid HTML element.

• ul is used to create a list of items without any specific order

• ui is not a valid HTML element and is likely a typo for ul or li

ChatGPT can assist scientists in developing drugs by providing insights on drug interactions, side effects, and potential drug targets.

• ChatGPT can analyze vast amounts of data to identify potential drug targets for specific diseases.

• It can help in predicting drug interactions and potential side effects, allowing scientists to make informed decisions.

• ChatGPT can assist in literature review by summarizing research papers and identifying key findings relevant to drug development...read more

Utilize effective communication and collaboration to align departmental goals and objectives.

• Establish clear communication channels between departments

• Identify common goals and objectives

• Encourage cross-functional collaboration and teamwork

• Regularly review progress and adjust strategies as needed

• Provide training and resources to support interdepartmental coordination

• Example: Marketing and Sales departments working together to develop a cohesive marketing strategy

• Example: HR a...read more

Bad debt provision and bad debt reserves are accounting measures used to estimate and set aside funds for potential losses from customers who may not pay their debts.

• Bad debt provision is an estimated amount set aside on the income statement to cover potential losses from customers who may default on their payments.

• Bad debt reserves are funds set aside on the balance sheet to cover potential losses from customers who may not pay their debts.

• Both measures help companies antici...read more

Business analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending solutions to help organizations achieve their goals.

• Gather and analyze data to understand the current state of the business

• Identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions

• Work with stakeholders to define business requirements

• Create documentation such as business cases, process flows, and user stories

• Facilitate communication between business stakeholder...read more

AUC stands for Area Under the Curve and is a metric used to evaluate the performance of a classification model.

• AUC is a value between 0 and 1, where a higher value indicates a better model performance.

• It is commonly used in machine learning to compare different models and select the best one.

• The process of fixed assets involves recording and tracking the value of tangible assets owned by a company over time.

• This includes assets such as buildings, machinery, equipment, and veh...read more

Non GxP modules in GxP applications can be handled by following certain guidelines.

• Identify the non GxP module and its impact on GxP processes

• Perform a risk assessment to determine the level of validation required

• Ensure that the non GxP module is properly documented and validated

• Implement appropriate controls to ensure data integrity and security

• Regularly review and update the validation status of the non GxP module

Design a data processing system for 1 pb data per day with Spark cluster configuration

• Use a distributed storage system like HDFS or S3 to store the massive amount of data

• Deploy a large Spark cluster with high memory and CPU resources to handle the processing

• Utilize Spark's parallel processing capabilities to efficiently process the data in parallel

• Consider using Spark's caching and persistence mechanisms to optimize performance

• Implement fault tolerance mechanisms in the Spark...read more

SAP PP (Production Planning) and SAP MM (Materials Management) are modules in the SAP ERP system that help manage production processes and materials procurement.

• SAP PP focuses on planning and controlling the manufacturing process

• SAP MM deals with procurement and inventory management

• Integration between SAP PP and SAP MM ensures smooth production processes

• SAP PP includes functionalities like Bill of Materials (BOM) and Work Centers

• SAP MM includes functionalities like Purchase O...read more

CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. It is used to style the layout and design of web pages.

• CSS is a styling language used to control the look and feel of a website

• It is used to define colors, fonts, spacing, and other visual aspects of a webpage

• CSS can be applied inline, internally within the HTML file, or externally in a separate CSS file

• Selectors are used in CSS to target specific elements on a webpage for styling

• CSS can be used to create responsive designs that adapt to...read more

ul is an HTML element used to create an unordered list, while ui is not a valid HTML element.

• ul is used to create a list of items without any specific order, while ui is not a valid HTML element

• ul stands for unordered list, while ui does not have a specific meaning in HTML

• ul is commonly used in conjunction with li (list item) elements to create lists on a webpage

Depreciation is the allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life to reflect its gradual wear and tear or obsolescence.

• Depreciation is a non-cash expense that reduces the value of an asset on the balance sheet.

• It is charged to match the cost of the asset with the revenue it generates over time.

• Depreciation helps in spreading the cost of an asset over its useful life rather than expensing it all at once.

• Common methods of calculating depreciation include strai...read more

Assumptions of Linear Logistic Regression

• Assumes a linear relationship between the independent variables and the log-odds of the dependent variable

• Assumes no multicollinearity among independent variables

• Assumes independence of observations

• Assumes linearity of the logit for continuous independent variables

• Assumes no outliers in the data

QAA stands for Quality Assurance and Analysis. It is a process that ensures quality standards are met in products or services.

• QAA involves monitoring and evaluating the quality of products or services

• It includes identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions

• QAA helps in maintaining consistency and meeting customer expectations

• Examples: conducting quality audits, analyzing customer feedback, implementing quality control measures

Caching in tools like Redshift and Snowflake improves query performance by storing frequently accessed data in memory.

• Caching in Redshift involves using WLM (Workload Management) to allocate memory for caching frequently accessed data.

• Snowflake uses a feature called Result Caching to store query results in memory for faster access.

• Caching helps reduce the need to access disk storage, improving query performance and reducing latency.

Fuzzy matching is a technique used to find strings that are approximately equal to a given pattern.

• Fuzzy matching compares strings based on similarity rather than exact matches

• It is commonly used in data cleaning and record linkage tasks

• Examples include matching 'John Doe' with 'Jon Doe' or '123 Main St' with '123 Main Street'

I use a variety of tools including Adobe Creative Suite, project management software, and color swatches.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

• Project management software (Trello, Asana)

• Color swatches and Pantone books

HTML is a markup language used for creating the structure of web pages.

• HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language

• It is used to create the structure of web pages by using tags

• HTML tags are used to define elements such as headings, paragraphs, images, links, etc.

• It is the foundation of web development and is essential for creating websites

t statistics is a measure used in hypothesis testing to determine if there is a significant difference between the means of two groups.

• t statistics is used when the sample size is small and the population standard deviation is unknown.

• It is calculated by dividing the difference between the sample means by the standard error of the difference.

• The t statistic follows a t-distribution, which takes into account the degrees of freedom.

• It is commonly used in t-tests to compare mean...read more

Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle.

• Ensuring data is accurate and consistent across all systems and processes

• Implementing data validation checks to prevent errors

• Regularly auditing and monitoring data to identify and correct any issues

• Maintaining data security to prevent unauthorized access or tampering

• Examples: Using checksums to verify data integrity during transmission, implementing access controls to protect...read more

An HTML file is a text file containing code that defines the structure and content of a webpage.

• HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language

• HTML files have a .html extension

• They consist of tags that define elements like headings, paragraphs, images, links, etc.

• HTML files can be created and edited using text editors like Notepad, Sublime Text, etc.

Application of economic models to analyze and predict outcomes in various scenarios.

• Economic models are used to analyze the impact of different variables on economic outcomes.

• They help in predicting future trends and making informed decisions.

• Examples include supply and demand models, cost-benefit analysis, and macroeconomic forecasting.

• Outcome can vary based on assumptions and data inputs used in the model.

SAP T Codes are transaction codes used in SAP systems for various functions such as creating, modifying, and viewing data.

• FB50 - Post General Ledger Accounting Document

• ME21N - Create Purchase Order

• FBL1N - Display Vendor Line Items

• MM01 - Create Material Master Record

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are used for segmenting Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) based on various criteria.

• KPIs can include prescription volume, patient satisfaction scores, adherence to treatment guidelines, etc.

• Segmentation criteria can also include specialty, geographic location, practice setting, etc.

• Examples of KPIs for HCP segmentation: number of prescriptions written, number of patient visits, revenue generated from prescriptions, etc.

The scan function is used to search for a specific pattern within a string, while the substr function extracts a portion of a string based on specified starting and ending positions.

• The scan function is commonly used in text processing to find occurrences of a specific pattern within a string.

• The substr function is used to extract a substring from a larger string based on specified starting and ending positions.

• Example: scan('hello world', 'world') will return the position of...read more

CEAC curves are used to interpret the performance of a classification model by plotting the true positive rate against the false positive rate.

• CEAC curves help in evaluating the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity of a model.

• The area under the CEAC curve can be used as a summary measure of the model's performance.

• CEAC curves are particularly useful when comparing multiple models or algorithms.

• Interpreting CEAC curves involves analyzing the shape of the curve and ide...read more

The three main factors for good design are functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics.

• Functionality: The design should meet the intended purpose and be user-friendly.

• Efficiency: The design should be optimized for performance and cost-effectiveness.

• Aesthetics: The design should be visually appealing and fit the intended environment.

• Example: A well-designed electrical control panel should be easy to operate, use energy efficiently, and have a sleek appearance.

• Example: A well-des...read more

Previous technical stack used includes Java, Spring Boot, Angular, and MySQL.

• Java

• Spring Boot

• Angular

• MySQL

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

• Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

• It involves being truthful, transparent, and accountable.

• Integrity is essential in the clinical research field to ensure the safety and well-being of study participants.

• It also involves maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.

• Examples of integrity in action include reporting adverse events promptly and accurately...read more

I have extensive experience in leading transformation and automation initiatives to drive efficiency and innovation.

• Led a team in implementing a new project management tool to streamline processes and improve collaboration

• Automated manual reporting tasks using tools like Power BI to save time and reduce errors

• Implemented Agile methodologies to increase project delivery speed and adaptability

• Utilized robotic process automation (RPA) to automate repetitive tasks and improve acc...read more

Journal entry for fixed assets involves debiting the fixed asset account and crediting the cash or accounts payable account.

• Debit the fixed asset account for the cost of the asset

• Credit the cash or accounts payable account for the same amount

• Include any additional costs such as installation or transportation in the fixed asset account

• Depreciation expense is recorded separately over the useful life of the asset

The process flow of fixed assets involves acquisition, tracking, depreciation, and disposal of tangible assets.

• Acquisition: Purchasing or acquiring fixed assets such as equipment, machinery, or property.

• Tracking: Recording and monitoring the usage and value of fixed assets over time.

• Depreciation: Calculating and accounting for the decrease in value of fixed assets over their useful life.

• Disposal: Selling, scrapping, or otherwise removing fixed assets from the company's record...read more

I can start immediately and am excited to begin contributing to the team.

• I am available to start as soon as needed

• I am eager to begin working and contributing to the team

• I can start immediately upon acceptance of the offer

SAE reconciliation is the process of comparing serious adverse events reported in clinical trials with data from other sources to ensure accuracy.

• SAE reconciliation involves comparing reported serious adverse events in clinical trials with data from other sources such as medical records, lab reports, and patient diaries.

• The goal of SAE reconciliation is to ensure that all serious adverse events are accurately captured and documented in the clinical trial data.

• SAE reconciliati...read more

Join concepts in SQL are used to combine rows from two or more tables based on a related column between them.

• Joins are used to retrieve data from multiple tables in a single query.

• Types of joins include INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, and FULL JOIN.

• INNER JOIN returns rows when there is at least one match in both tables.

• LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and the matched rows from the right table.

• RIGHT JOIN returns all rows from the right table and the matched ro...read more

CSS and HTML are essential languages used in web development to style and structure web pages.

• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to style the layout and design of web pages.

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is used to structure the content of web pages.

• CSS can control the colors, fonts, spacing, and layout of elements on a webpage.

• HTML uses tags to define the structure of a webpage, such as headings, paragraphs, and images.

My favorite chemistry reaction is the Grignard reaction.

• Formation of a new carbon-carbon bond

• Involves the use of a Grignard reagent and an electrophile

• Commonly used in organic synthesis

• Example: Formation of a tertiary alcohol from a ketone