How will the robot revolution affect your job?

We've all seen the Terminator and RoboCop franchises, yet, the future of robotics is less guns and more work. As the field makes the technological leaps it needs to turn fantasy into reality, the possibility of loosing your job to a robot is no less scary. 

But there is some good news, those undertaking IT project management training or information security training courses are in a much safe position.

How then can we make preparations for a world with robots?

A 2013 study by Oxford researchers found that 47 per cent of the total US employment is at risk.

Computerisation and job prospects

A 2013 study by Oxford researchers found that 47 per cent of total US employment is at risk.

By estimating the chances of computerisation for 702 occupations, the study was able to examine the impacts job automation will have on the US labour market. By detailing the number of jobs at risk researchers showed the connection between computerisation, wages and education. 

A similar report, issued by the Associated Press, found that middle-class workers with a salary between $38,000 to $68,000 are most likely to lose their jobs. 

Robotics sound like a far-off prospect, but companies are using robotics to complement human labour. For example, Amazon currently employ robots called Kiva to move merchandise around their warehouses, while the automobile industry have been using robots for years.

What jobs are most at risk?

One of the questions to arise from the Oxford study was – which half? This is an important question. 

In recent history, computerisation has typically replaced the low-wage, average or low skill routine worker – especially those holding roles in manufacturing and office administration. This is because the tasks executed by these occupations involve the repetition of narrow procedures, which can easily be codified into compute software.

Think about the instances where you run into computerised​ roles, supermarket checkouts, toll booths and assembly workers are just a few. 

But that's not all, recent developments in Big Data, such as algorithms, are moving into previously untouched domains, which rely on pattern recognition and cognitive problem solving. This puts once-thought safe jobs at risk.

How can training help you make the move into a new industry? How can training help you make the move into a new industry?

What can be done?

If you are currently working within one of the at-risk industries, such as manufacturing or hard-labour, a good strategy is to identify skills shortages and make the switch. 

There are a range of developing industries, one of which is the IT industry. The UK, Australia and the US IT sectors are all showing signs of growth, yet, there are not enough jobs to fill the rising number of vacancies. 

In a recent Guardian article, Barinder Hothi, co-founder of global education provider The Knowledge Academy, pointed out that in the UK there will be approximately 750,000 computer science jobs by 2017. Yet there will only be 50,000 students graduates with computer science degrees in 2014. 

Investing in your own education is an investment in your future. The first step is finding a quality training provider

How can you ensure your future?

As the saying goes, when one door closes another opens. In other words, even though your current employment may be on the chopping board, through training, you can find success in another industry. 

Investing in your own education is an investment in your future. The first step is finding a quality training provider. The next step is picking an education pathway. One of the top-rated courses is PRINCE2. 

PRINCE2 is a project management framework heavily used by both private and public sectors. The UK government initially developed the framework and is now one of its most notable users. 

It is a process-based method or framework for quality project management. Training teaches students to better manage resources and manage risk more effectively. 

Embracing technology, including flexible project management technologies like PRINCE2, is likely to increase the possibility of surviving the transformation to come. Get in contact with a training provider today and ensure your future for tomorrow.  

Why do you need a qualification in PRINCE2?

In today's world, where technology is a leading driver of performance, there is no space for project managers to fall behind. But, how can project leaders stay ahead of the game?

Having a strong project management framework in place means that projects are being completely governed from beginning to end, while having a higher chance of delivering better benefits.

PRINCE2's hold at the top has moved into it's tenth consecutive year. It currently hold's 66 per cent of the PPM market.

PRINCE2 continues to reign

PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments and was originally borne out of attempts by the UK government to standardise project management. It has become the go-to framework for both the private and public sector, with the UK government a notable user.

According to the 2015 Project Management Benchmark Report (PMBR), released by UK-based Arras People, PRINCE2 framework remains the UK's favourite project management training resource. 

PRINCE2's hold at the top has moved into it's tenth consecutive year. It currently hold's 66 per cent of the PPM market, although this is slightly less than the 69 per cent reported last year. 

Further, PMBR reported that outside of the Americas PRINCE2 still has a large international following. 

What can PRINCE2 do for me?

A PRINCE2 certificate imparts the required skills needed for confident project management. Utilising PRINCE2 when managing a project offers the user common systems, procedures and language. By making fewer mistakes you can manage both business risk and the projects with ease.  

Becoming qualified in PRINCE2 is more than just a mark on your resume. Of course, having it there does increase the possibility of being hired, yet so do other qualifications. What makes PRINCE2 out is adaptability to any job, industry or market.

As PRINCE2 is a method for governing projects, you could essentially use it to plan your anniversary or a siblings birthday. It is not coupled to any specific sector or industry, so, it is not just specialists and executives who can use it.

How can Prince2 boost project management processes at your workplace?How can PRINCE2 boost project management processes at your workplace?

How can PRINCE2 improve project management? 

Australia's Parliament House draws almost one million visitors a year. Over 3,500 people are employed to work there and the building encompasses 4,700 rooms. 

The Department of Parliamentary services (DPS) governs the House, in conjunction with two other departments. DPS has an estimated 800 staff and an annual budget of $115 million.

The DPS provides a diverse of services including Hansard and broadcasting services, library and research assistance for parliament members and it is responsible for the governance of the building. Unfortunately, prior to 2007 the DPS used several different project management systems that varied the standards and qualities of processes.

In 2007, the DPS decided to integrate all these processes using PRINCE2. After its implementation, staff saw a tangible transformation in how projects were delivered.

In 2007, the DPS decided to integrate all these processes using PRINCE2. After its implementation, staff saw a tangible transformation in how projects were delivered.

These included a rise in accountability shown by staff for their roles and responsibilities. In 2007, the DPS decided to integrate all these processes using PRINCE2. After its implementation, staff saw a tangible transformation in how projects were delivered. 

It also delivered a more competent decision making process built on PRINCE2's management principles. Project managers could now move between projects with ease. They could now offer their expertise where needed and contribute to new areas confidently.

Key to this is the shared language and expectations instilled within staff through PRINCE2 training. It has also offered staff better career prospects due to the qualifications they had attained. 

PRINCE2 has also impacted on the departments strategic vision. It is now more capable of engaging with stakeholders and planning and managing multiple projects. While project reporting has been refined by increasing the frequency that individual reports are used. Further, by streamlining the request approval process scheduling and planning have been enhanced.

The transformation of the DPS is a clear example of not only why PRINCE2 is an exceptional project management method but also why getting accredited is so important. 

With so many firms, enterprises, businesses and organisations turning to PRINCE2 for project management solutions it is important that you do not get left behind. The good news is that getting started with PRINCE2 is easy.

All it takes is getting in touch with a leading training provider and taking part in the necessary courses required to become accredited. 

Why is storytelling essential to management?

Although storytelling has been a traditional form of passing on knowledge and wisdom for thousands of years, it is only recently that it has been utilised by managers and executives. Corporate giants such as Nike, Microsoft and Saatchi & Saatchi are using storytelling as a leadership tool. 

So how can storytelling help IT project managers and leaders? 

The rise of storytelling

Although there are a range of important aspects when managing a project, the ability to communicate your story or that of your company's is also an essential skill. Unfortunately, business organisations tend to prefer other forms of knowledge, ones that can be categorised, ​labelled, organised and calculated.

Yet, in recent years, there has been a push to incorporate the art of storytelling into the job descriptions of executives and CEOs

Yet, in recent years, there has been a push to incorporate the art of storytelling into the job descriptions of executives and CEOs. The renewed interest in the value of narrative and anecdotal information is an interesting phenomenon. Could it be that organisations are moving away from a purely quantitative state by employing qualitative methods?    

Once storytelling was an added bonus, today it is has become a requirement. 

But it is not just executives who can use narratives to get a message across. Storytelling is a handy skill graduates can utilise during a interview. For instance, say you have just graduated from a Cobit 5 course, using a story to introduce yourself may just be the platform that separates you from the other candidates.

Storytelling: the art of persuasion 

Lets look at a case study. Peter Guber, CEO and chairman of Mandalay Entertainment, wrote in a 2010 HBR article that storytelling lies at the heart of our ability to motivate, sell, lead and inspire. 

He wrote about his time working on a programme called Oceanquest. The show revolved around a team of divers and scientists who explored some of the worlds best underwater adventure spots. One of the episodes was set in the Havana harbour, where the sea floor is littered with a treasure trove of sunken galleons and pirate ships.

Yet, both the US and Cuban governments were against having a group of Americans filming in Cuba. After receiving the all clear from the US state department, with the help of Henry Kissinger no less, they set sail for Cuba, gambling they could win approval.

As it turned out Castro was a environmental and scuba enthusiast, and when he arranged a 10 minute visit to the set, Mr Gruber articulated the story of the harbour. He told a story that weaved together 16th century history with his desire to bring to life Cuba's past.  

Storytelling is essential to all forms of project managementStorytelling is essential to all forms of project management

"The seas belong to all humankind and so does history. You are the steward of Havana's history, and it is up to you to share it with the world," he reminded Castro.

After delivering his story, Mr Gruber was granted unlimited access to the harbour and a personal 4 hour visit from el Presidente himself. 

Storytelling and IT management

Although the example came from the movie industry, where stories are already prized, storytelling can still make a difference in whatever IT project you are managing.  

Central to project management is the ability to inspire your employees. Getting across your message and making sure your employees understand what it is you want them to do is essential. 

Many top executives, such as Microsoft's Irada Sadykhova, use stories to open a meeting or during an interview. They are a great way to build relationships with people: they let them know who you are and why your story matters. 

A good narrator always believes in their story. As such, truth is an essential ingredient in any good narrative. 

This can come in many forms, an insightful piece of information about yourself or about your company. Whatever it is, believing in yourself and your tale is essential. 

Storytelling is a key skill every project manager should have. The next time you have to persuade employees to believe in your decision, be it 15,000 or 5 people, telling a good story may make the difference for your project. 

Now you can master the essential skills and knowledge of BRMP with ALC’s powerful 3-day Foundation course.

Business Relationship Management Professional (BRMP) is a world-class professional development program designed to provide a solid foundation-level knowledge of Business Relationship Management.It embodies a set of competencies to foster an effective business value-producing relationship between a service provider and its business partners. These competencies can be leveraged through:

  • organisational roles (e.g. in an IT organisation, the CIO typically has a role of BRM for the enterprise)
  • a discipline (e.g. all business partner facing service provider roles should be skilled in Business Relationship Management)
  • an organisational capability (e.g. a service provider organisation should be effective in shaping and channeling demand to the highest business value opportunities).

BRM’s focus is on increasing the value proposition of services and reducing the perennial challenge of the gap between ‘the business needs’ and that of service provision (often referred to as the ‘Alignment challenge’). As the gap reduces through the skills of the BRM so the value to the business increases and value leakage slows.

The BRM Role therefore is a crucial link between a service provider and the business acting as a connector, orchestrator, and navigator between the service provider and one or more business units.

ALC’s Foundation course on Business Relationship Management is fully accredited by APMG in association with Business Relationship Management Institute (BRMI), the world leading go-to source of up-to-date BRM knowledge and practices and the forum to exchange ideas with other BRM practitioners in the field.

Staying agile: The future of technology and business

IT managers will no doubt be familiar with the importance of agility and innovation in technology. However, businesses are increasingly opening their eyes to the possibilities of technology and the implications for their firm in the future.

Changes to data management

The ability to properly manage data is becoming an increasingly pressing matter for businesses in Australia and around the world. It seems that every process can be quantified and the growing output of information can be a handful.

However, managing this data could become much more efficient in the future. Although software-defined data centres (SDDC) are currently not at the point of universal usability in businesses, Gartner believes that this technology will become more significant in the future. According to their predictions, 75 per cent of Global 2,000 enterprises will consider SDDC a necessity to hybrid cloud systems and other modern applications by 2020.

This system takes existing infrastructures and revitalises them so they can be outsourced to a third party, allowing firms to become more flexible and adaptable to change.

Whether dealing with current or future systems, ITIL training will always be useful for gaining skills in data management. Even if your business moves to third-party providers for its data needs, knowing how to collect, store and categorise this information will be of great value.

Turning to digital becoming key

McKinsey & Company explained that business are starting to see significant financial value and growth potential in adopting digital technologies. Nearly three quarters of executives stated that they expect to see a rise in top line revenues from digitalisation. A further 64 per cent were hopeful that adoption will increase profit margins in their business.

However, there are significant barriers that could potentially hamper these expectations. The most widespread of these in a lack of leadership and talent.

Having strong IT skills within your company is of vital importance. Having strong IT skills within your company is of vital importance.

Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb emphasised the urgency in upskilling in a recent release from the Australian Council of Learned Academics.

“We need to be agile as a nation and we need to decide whether we want to equip ourselves with the skills and knowledge to forge our future or allow others to impose a future on us,” he said.

“In reality, of course, there is no choice about whether – the only choice is about how.”

Upgrading your knowledge through channels such as IT project management training will become critical in keeping your business relevant.

IT influence spreads across industries

Technology application are becoming more commonplace across all sectors, even in professions that are traditionally resistant to new technologies. A survey conducted by GlobalX Legal Solutions found that 60 per cent of law firms are planning to adopt electronic conveyancing software into their practice in the next two years.

60 per cent of law firms are planning to adopt electronic conveyancing software.

Overall, the legal sector is becoming more sensitive to the effects of technology on their operations. While electronic conveyancing was the most popular, 52 per cent of survey respondents pointed to cloud technology as having a significant impact on their organisation. Not far behind was mobile technology (51 per cent), integration (48 per cent) and data security (41 per cent).

“These technologies affect the day-to-day operations of legal professionals, require them to put their trust in new systems and to develop new habits,” said GlobalX Chief Executive Officer Peter Maloney.

The legal industry is a fine example of how far technologies can be successfully applied. With the right knowledge, possibly aided by IT governance training, any organisation in Australia can become agile in the near future.

Get up-to-speed with the latest in project management – AgilePM(R) Foundation/Practitioner Certificate

* Increase project success rates

* Keep up with important trends

Agile Project Management has really taken off in the past couple years as organisations grapple with the frustrations of traditional project management approaches and the need to find ways to increase project success rates.

There are many stereotypes about what traditional project management is and what is Agile. In reality, Agile and traditional project management approaches are complementary to each other rather than competitive. An Agile Project Manager is not someone who only does Agile projects. It is someone who has a deep knowledge of both Agile and traditional plan-driven principles and practices and knows how to blend them together in the right proportions to fit a given situation. Significant rewards await organisations and individuals who get it right.

Key benefits of Agile:

Want to become qualified in the world’s leading framework and certification for Agile Project Management? Sign up to our AgilePM® Foundation / Practitioner Combined course

 

 

How can your business integrate multiple technologies?

Think back to the bygone era of the early 2000s, when we had somehow managed to survive the Y2K bug and chokers, peasant tops and ties as belts were all the rage. Business technology was generally separated into one machine for each single task and the functional capabilities of these were limited, to put it mildly. 

However, the scope of IT has expanded significantly in the past 15 years and companies can no longer afford to idle along without considering how to utilise technology across the breadth of their operations .

Following our new leader's push for an agile Australia, how can business better integrate multiple technologies successfully? 

Technological trends drive business growth 

Cataloguing and analysing information in the most efficient manner possible will become key to business success.

In Deloitte's Tech Trends 2015 report, one of the most important current aspects of IT management is be the ability of a CIO to link technology with business strategy. CIOs must be aware of how innovations can serve a strong purpose in their particular workplace.

Deloitte also highlighted Big Data as a major consideration for all leaders within a company. Organisations that are unable to properly utilise, store and process data will find they have increasing "financial and intellectual frustration, confusion, and exhaustion", as stated in the report. 

When handling larger data sets from across the company, ITIL training should be a key priority for businesses. According to a recent analysis from IDC, there was a 44 per cent increase in the storage capacity of integrated infrastructure and platforms shipped worldwide compared to the same quarter last year. With the rise in data storage, cataloguing and analysing information in the most efficient manner possible will become key to business success.

Platforms become more streamlined

Even the most tech-savvy companies can rethink how to streamline individual processes and emerging technologies are gaining clout. For example, recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan found the value of the global real-time location systems (RTLS) market will grow to over $4 billion in revenue by 2021. More companies are expected to adopt this application, especially in healthcare, industrial and manufacturing sectors.

CIOs need to be aware of growing technology markets. CIOs need to be aware of growing technology markets.

"The development of software platforms that can support numerous technologies will form the basis for next-generation RTLS," said Senior Research Analyst Nandini Bhattacharya.

"This convergence of technologies will also lead to more robust solutions and strengthen the use case of RTLS."

Platform such as this can add a lot of value to many firms, although business leaders will need to careful analyse how exactly they will contribute to existing processes. 

If your business is ready to expand its technological capabilities, IT governance training can be useful in managing these new systems. 

How CRISC impacts your career and your organisation

How CRISC® Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control impacts your career and your organisation.

CRISC is one of the most highly sought-after qualifications. Established in 2010, it has already been earned by nearly 17,000 professionals worldwide.

CRISC is the most current and rigorous assessment available to evaluate the risk management proficiency of IT professionals and other employees within an enterprise or financial institute. It is the only certification that prepares and enables IT professionals for the unique challenges of IT and enterprise risk management, and positions them to become strategic partners to the enterprise.

Those who earn CRISC help enterprises to understand business risk, and have the technical knowledge to implement appropriate IS controls.

This three day CRISC course provides a unique study program that will prepare you for a first-time pass in the CRISC exam.

Key Benefits of CRISC:

  1. Denotes a prestigious, lifelong symbol of knowledge and expertise as a risk professional
  2. Increases your value to your organisation as it seeks to manage IT risk
  3. Gives you a competitive advantage over peers when seeking job growth
  4. Gives you access to a global community of knowledge and the most up-to-date thinking on IT risk management
  5. Helps you achieve a high professional standard for continuing education and ethical conduct
  6. The CRISC certification is completely vendor-neutral.

 

Now you can master the essential skills and knowledge of CRISC with this powerful 3-day course.

What part does IT training play in better marketing?

It goes without saying that the internet has radically changed media over the past few years. For marketing departments worldwide, online channels present opportunities to reach new customers in a wider reach of locations. 

With a strong IT link in their marketing department, businesses can better leverage their promotional messages across this growing channel. 

Australians engaging more with online ads 

According to a survey conducted by Roy Morgan, Australians are increasingly likely to click on advertising on the internet. Compared to 2011 figures, the number of those who viewed this type of content on a computer in a typical four week period rose by 25 per cent to 1,248,000.

Online advertising can now be viewed on tablets.Online advertising can now be viewed on tablets.

Four years ago, there was no advertising on tablets at all and now over 200,000 individuals will click on at least one ad a month on these devices. Similarly, 378,000 Australians now view advertisements on a mobile phone, compared to just 60,000 in 2011. A significant group of individuals (one fifth of those surveyed) even utilise multiple devices to access internet advertising.

Increasing connectivity is not just important for the younger generation. As Tim Martin, general manager of media at Roy Morgan explained, online advertising is also crucial for reaching more mature customers. 

"14-24 year-olds are currently much more likely than the average Australian to agree they often notice ads online, including when watching videos – however they are the least likely to say they've clicked through ads recently," he said.

"YouTube, Facebook and other digital content providers and platforms aiming to boost advertising revenue need to broaden their reach among older demographics – those consumers who are ready to click (and shop) online." 

The importance of data collection

Online marketing isn't just about communicating information. The channel is also useful for collecting customer insights and data that can drive future projects. Having a more intimate knowledge of why, when and how customers interact with your brand can make it easier to meet their future needs.

Gaining an ITIL certification can help manage customer data in a way that makes it easy to store, access and analyse. When it comes to collecting this information, online platforms can offer easy, affordable and wide-reaching methods.

For example, Amazon uses a platform called Mechanical Turk (MTurk). According to research conducted by the University of Texas, this particular service can capture data from a more diverse pool than samples from American colleges. The information obtained is just as reliable as data from traditional methods and survey participants can be recruited quickly. 

How can IT play a part in ad campaigns?

In both the online and offline world, creative technology can create interesting, unique and, most importantly, memorable campaigns.

It is important to understand how the technology will be utilised to engage target audiences.

As consumers become overloaded with information, typical ads may not grip them in the same way and companies will need to think outside the box.

This is where good project management training becomes key. Even for the smallest campaign, it is important to understand how each element will add value and how a marketing department can utilise technology to engage target audiences. 

A fantastic example of simple yet effective campaigns has been seen just across the ditch in the Haka 360 app. In order to capitalise on the excitement surrounding the Rugby World Cup, insurance group AIG created a virtual reality experience that can be viewed on a VR headset or on a mobile phone. In any medium, users are able to get up close to the All Blacks as they perform the famous haka. 

IT and marketing can come together in many effective ways and businesses should consider how these two departments can collaborate on future projects. 

Agile Australia: Will Malcolm Turnbull lead a tech revolution?

Over the past few years, political leadership in Australia has been rather volatile. Prime ministers have come and gone (and come again), each with their own vision for the future of the country.

Like any other new leader, this new head is bringing something a little different to the parliamentary table. As former Minister for Communications, Malcolm Turnbull has been hailed as a technology minded PM and his focus on IT has caused excitement amongst many Australians.

Will his reputation and background help Australia become a leader in IT?

An “agile” government

In his first media address, Turnbull’s words harkened to IT project management training terms as he framed his speech around the terms “agile” and “disruption”.

“The Australia of the future has to be a nation that is agile, that is innovative,” he said, according to a September 15 Sydney Morning Herald article.

“We have to recognise that the disruption that we see driven by technology, the volatility in change is our friend if we are agile and smart enough to take advantage of it.”

The NBN will reach most Australians by 2020.The NBN will reach most Australians by 2020.

One of Turnbull’s most notable campaigns during his time as Minister for Communication was the rollout of high-speed broadband. This was hailed by Senator Mathias Cormann as one of the biggest infrastructure projects that Australia has ever seen and is budgeted at $49 billion through to 2020.

So far, one in 10 Australians are on the national broadband network (NBN) and the recently updated plan is set to connect 2.6 million premises by the end of July 2016. As an increasing number of businesses get on the high-speed grid, gaining an ITIL certification is becoming a key way to stay on top of these new opportunities.

Australians ready for a change

The new prime minister already seems to have resonated with the wider Australian population.

70 per cent of respondents named Malcolm Turnbull as their preferred leader.

According to a September 15 leadership survey conducted by Roy Morgan, 70 per cent of respondents named him as the preferred prime minister. Only 24 per cent highlighted Opposition Leader Bill Shorten as their first choice and 6 per cent were unsure or named another candidate.

“Turnbull leads clearly amongst both genders, across all States & Territories and leads Shorten across supporters of both major parties,” said Gary Morgan, CEO of Roy Morgan.

As technology continues to become a major part of the wider population’s lives, having a like-minded leader is a good step for the IT industry as well as businesses in general. If Malcolm Turnbull can meet these expectations, Australia may see a significant boost to innovation and technology in the coming years.

Australian government joins forces to combat cyber threats

The ongoing risk of cybersecurity breaches is continuing to plague Australian organisations. However, the government has taken steps forward in addressing these concerns.

At a two-on-two meeting in Sydney, the respective Defence Ministers of South Korea and Australia, Han Min-koo and Kevin Andrews discussed a range of issues surrounding security in the region. They were also joined by Foreign Ministers Yun Byung-se and Julie Bishop.

Cybersecurity was a key talking point, as the two countries stated their interest in continuing the development of international standards and shared practices. Both parties also agreed to jointly focus on risk prevention schemes and ensuring that networks worldwide are aware of conflict resolution methods.

Agreements will also be settled between computer emergency response teams from both countries to work together as a united force. For business, keeping on top of information security training will be critical in addressing changes in cyberspace and supporting efforts made by the two nations. 

The Australian government is also looking at developments a little closer to home. On September 30, students from various TAFEs and universities will have the opportunity to participate in the Cyber Security Challenge.

Described as a "hacking" competition, contestants will be tested on their communication and technical skills over a non-stop 24-hour period. This year's challenge takes the form of a traditional "capture the flag" scenario, in which teams will gain ground through each challenge they solve.

The aim of the event is to introduce young people to the possibilities for a career in the field of information security. As Australia starts to focus its outlook on global cybersecurity, preparing the future workforce as early as possible is a great step in providing stability in network safety moving forward.

How can HR take advantage of digital disruption?

The very mention of the phrase digital disruption can bring a sense of apprehension to many business professionals and HR is no exception. However, with the right mindset, technology can radically improve HR processes across the board and offer benefits to both workers and employers.

What does digital disruption mean for Australia?

According to Deloitte, the Australian economy has already seen major changes due to a number of emerging innovations. 

The urgency to address the next wave of technological change is dependant on the industry a company is in. Deloitte's report categorised sectors based on how rapidly disruption will affect firms and to what extent. 

Industries that were pegged for both fast and impactive change included finance, information and communications technology, retail and media. HR professionals in these sectors especially should prepare themselves for oncoming shifts in their operating environment.  

Consulting and outsourcing firm Accenture believe that in the future, HR will start to closely resemble a marketing department. Rather than relying on pre-established management models, HR professionals will become increasingly more reliant on data analysis for solving problems. Seeking ITIL training may be useful in dealing with growing amounts of information.            

HR professionals will need to become accustomed to data analysis.HR professionals will need to become accustomed to data analysis.

HR employees will also work more closely with other parts of the business, including the IT department. This is due to flattening organisational structures and less rigidly defined job roles. 

Lack of software holding HR back

According to an Advanced Business Solution's survey, 73 per cent of HR employees believe that analytics software is important for strategic decision making. However, only 17 per cent have access to the relevant programmes needed.

HR was also the least likely to understand the nuances of this software, highlighting the need for IT governance training to evaluate risks and possible management issues. Out of the HR professionals surveyed, 30 per cent didn't know the difference between business intelligence systems and analytic systems.

"Without the right technology in place, HR departments will struggle to effectively nurture the talent of employees and obtain vital information, which can be transformed into actionable insight to help their company obtain a competitive edge," said Simon Fowler, managing director of Advanced Business Solutions.

As HR departments will likely become more involved with technology, it is vital that business leaders prepare their professionals early. Through improved IT literacy and understanding of how programs can be applied to their pre-existing tasks, HR employees will be better prepared for the future.

Addressing security concerns

Despite the many benefits that technology can bring to the HR department, it is also important to be aware of potential security concerns.

HR professionals were rated as the second-most likely department to cause a security issue.

In a survey conducted by security technology company Clearswift, global data security professionals were asked which parts of a company poised the biggest security risk.  HR professionals were rated as the second-most likely department to cause a security issue, with 42 per cent of respondents highlighting this risk area. 

There were two main issues that affected HR security; a particularly sensitive database and a lack of universal knowledge regarding proper security.

Heath Davies, chief executive at Clearswift, explained that HR intermediaries presented the biggest risk to a company.

"Middle aged, middle managers [have] access to the data but no obvious stake in the consequences of losing it. They are also more likely to be under time and financial pressure, and so may be more inclined to take risks," he said. 

Investing in information security training courses for your HR intermediaries may be a useful solution as the workplace digitises. 

Although technology will spur many changes in the HR department, the right training can help make sense of this new environment. With a strong IT knowledge, this particular area of business will excel in the future.