How can you become a knowledge-based worker?

In the developed nations of the world, there has been a gradual shift away from certain types of low wage, low skill labour towards occupations that run on knowledge. The increasing popularity of ITIL training and certification is just one example of this transition. 

The knowledge economy offers prospective workers new opportunities in a range of industries.

This development has been driven by the innovation in the field of digital technology. Specifically, experts have used the term knowledge economy to define and categorise the new processes that have developed. One example could be the rise of IT service providers that connect companies with customers in new ways. A 2012 Gartner report found that IT outsourcing is a $246.6 billion industry. 

In Australia's economic landscape, the term has become a familiar buzzword. However, its acceptance has led policymakers and business leaders to implement strategies to harness its potential for greater economic activity and thus increased employment. For instance, the New South Wales government has been implementing a strategy that aims to develop an education system orientated towards knowledge-based roles.

Back in 2002, the New South Wales government released its Technology Education Action Plan (2002-2006) aimed at inculcating in young people the capabilities they will need to fulfil these new knowledge-based occupations.

The report emphasised that "innovation, along with the knowledge development and management, are the building blocks of an information society and a knowledge economy".

What does the knowledge-based economy mean for employment?

According to a 2004 annual review by researchers from Stanford University and the Santa Fe Institute, the knowledge economy relies on intellectual pursuits rather than manual labour or natural resources.

"We define the knowledge economy as production and services based on knowledge-intensive activities that contribute to an accelerated pace of technological and scientific advance as well as equally rapid obsolescence," said the authors.

The main transition point for advanced industrial economies has been the reduction of jobs that rely on manual labour and physical characteristics and an upsurge in opportunities that emphasise intellectual capabilities. Further, educational programs in traditional industries such as construction have become less attractive than other courses, such as those related to IT security training. 

What does the new economy mean to you?What does the new economy mean to you?

The article uses the example of an automobile to emphasise this point.

A new vehicle today is a smart machine, whereby the majority of parts utilise computer technology – rather than solely metal, plastic and rubber. Aspects such as safety and performance are no longer the sole responsibility of the metal encasing, instead, technology plays an important part in the form of components such as anti-lock braking systems. 

Further, there has been a general shift in the production of tangible goods to the development of digital products.  

PRINCE2 and job opportunities in the new economy

One of the most important aspects is the types of jobs available to workers.

This is especially relevant to the current state of Australia's economy. With the flattening off of the mining boom, technological and knowledge-based companies are rebalancing the economy.

One of the most popular ways to access this new mode of economic activity is through project management and more specifically PRINCE2 training. 

According to the Knowledge Train, from 2005 to 2012 there has been a 249 per cent increase in PRINCE2 examinations in the Australasian region.

PRINCE2 is a sophisticated management framework that allows users to properly govern large projects, such as the construction of a new building or the implementation of a new data analytics system. 

It was initially developed by the UK government and saw extensive use in the public sector, however since its inception, the best practice framework has been utilised by private industry in a range of fields.

If you would like to find out how PRINCE2 training can help you expand your potential, talk to ALC training today and get your future started,  

What does it take to be a successful Google team?

In the western world, we talk a lot about what it means to be an individual, yet, as all managers who have undergone IT project management training know, the team is one of the core units of production.

However, there has been very little research into what makes a quality and productive team. As always, Google has the answers.

What do you get when you Google 'team'?

Compared to managers, there has been very little research into what makes a quality and productive team.

Google's human relations department, called Google's People Operations, recently released its findings on what it believes makes a great team. The report is based on over 200 interviews with employees, part of an investigation into more than 180 Google teams and their 180-plus characteristics. 

Initially, they hypothesised that a great team was composed of high-quality talent, pulled from strong educational and technical backgrounds. However, their research points to a different conclusion.

The five characteristics of a great Google team

During the course of the research, Google found that what was important to a successful team was how its members interact, govern their day and perceive their contributions.

Specifically, there were five salient dynamics that separated the best from the rest:

Google's HR team believed that psychological safety was the most important metric because it laid the foundation for the other four.

Without a high score in this category, team members would be afraid to engage with the team if there was a chance they might be negatively judged. On the other hand, the safer a team member feels, the higher the chance the individual will admit mistakes and undertake new roles. 

Diversity breeds success

With so many people around the word working towards ITIL certification, it is important that companies embrace diversity whenever they can. Interestingly, Google's findings correlate with a February study by McKinsey. Its research found that organisations with high gender and ethnic diversity are more likely to generate revenue above their industry average.

How can a diverse work force improve a companies revenue? How can a diverse workforce improve a company's revenue?

The survey examined data from 366 public companies across a range of industries from a variety of countries. According to the figures released, companies within the upper quartile for ethnic diversity have a 35 per cent chance of receiving higher profits than the national industry median. 

Gender diversity also helped companies make greater profits, this time they were 15 per cent more likely to develop returns above the national average for their industry. 

The researchers did acknowledge that correlation does not equal causation, however, the study shows that companies that are willing to invest in a diverse leadership team are financially more successful. 

These studies show that diversity is an excellent company-wide policy that can lead to better returns both financially and ethically.  For more information on managing and leading diverse teams, talk to the team at ALC training today. 

Using Enterprise Architecture and cloud computing

Cloud computing is a major technological innovation which ranks alongside the mainframe, the microprocessor and the internet.

As the cloud continues its accession as the preeminent technology trend of 2015, the tech world has seen the rise of a new position: the cloud architect.

Architects come in many forms, there are data architects, infrastructure architects, application architects and enterprise architects. With so many businesses turning to enterprise architecture (EA), one of the most popular frameworks available is TOGAF. 

It is only now that a cloud architect's duties have included the use of multiple cloud services.

Although cloud architects have been around for a few years, it is only now that their duties have included the use of multiple cloud services and an expanded budget. Rather than the small-scale portfolio many architects are used too – such as locally stored applications and small SaaS service delivery – the expansion of cloud-based computing forces architects to turn to enterprise-wide thinking.

What is Cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the process whereby data and applications are stored and accessed over the internet, instead of locating them on local devices. Enterprises use the cloud due to its ability to deliver agile and quality services along with lower costs.

Examples of cloud computing include Google Drive and Microsoft Office Online, both of which utilise the internet to store programs so you can access them from anywhere, at anytime. 

However, there are some disadvantages when using cloud storage software. For instance, due to cloud storage being 100 per cent online, if there are any problems or outages, this can affect all your applications. This problem is compounded when large companies, who provide cloud storage services to other companies, crash – creating a domino effect. 

Nevertheless, the advantages of storing data and accessing it online are too big to ignore.

According to Market Research Media Ltd, the global market for cloud computing is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30 per cent, while in 2020 the industry is expected to reach $270 million.

The market for cloud computing is growing, how can you take advantage? The market for cloud computing is growing, how can you take advantage of it?

Microsoft announced during its second quarter earnings release that commercial cloud computing had grown by triple digits for the sixth consecutive quarter. Revenue from product offerings such as Office 365, Azure and Dynamics CRM Online grew 114 per cent and is currently on a revenue run rate of $5.5 billion.

Further, a survey by Dimensional Research, sponsored by Equinix, found that cloud computing is here to stay. Of the 659 cloud-responsible participants surveyed, 69 per cent believed that their budget for cloud services would increase by 2015. 

Enterprise architecture and cloud computing

Cloud computing is an excellent cost saving practice. As many organisations are characterised by low use of assets and uneven demand for resources, the use of cloud computing can help fix these issues.

By transferring services onto the cloud, an organisation can streamline business services and cut out the excess and redundant spending that may have built up over time.

But where does TOGAF fit in?

TOGAF is a top down, holistic approach to enterprise architecture. Using best practice principles from an architectural perspective ensures that the various aspects of your enterprise are in synch with long-term IT and business goals.

The TOGAF framework leads project development to high level solutions in line with overall business and IT strategy.

The framework leads the project development to high level solutions in line with overall business and IT strategy.

Cloud architects can utilise TOGAF to synch lines of business with new technological developments. As TOGAF is vendor, tool and technology neutral, it can facilitate the implementation of cloud computing by prioritising business strategy and aligning it with possible cloud services. 

It is important to use a successful enterprise architecture when deciding which technology solutions to implement in a business. Certification in TOGAF can allow you to better implement cloud computing and align it with your overall business strategy.

Talk to a team of experienced trainers to find out more about TOGAF training near you. 

Do emotional and rational people have different brains?

One part of a project manager's responsibilities is to govern employee emotions. Whether you are ITIL certified or are currently in IT project management training, empathy is a central component in this task. Yet, there is more than one type of empathy. 

Recent research conducted by Monash University identified physical differences in the brains of those who respond emotionally to other people's feelings.

What's the difference?

Cognitive empathy, sometimes referred to as perspective-taking, is knowing how other people are feeling and what they may be thinking. Emotional empathy refers to physically feeling the emotions of others, as if they were infectious.  

Both forms of empathy are important, although each has an optimal-use scenario. 

Think about it like this, when running a project using PRINCE2 training, it is important to make sure employees emotional states are properly tracked.

Yet, when someone is in the state of emotional empathy, they tend to not be able to manage their own emotions let alone those of others.

In some cases, it can lead to paralysis and psychological exhaustion. 

What were the results? 

Using voxel-based morphometry (VBM), investigators found that participants who scored high for affective empathy had denser grey matter around the insula, the 'middle' part of the brain. 

Participants with high scores for cognitive empathy had greater grey matter density within the midcingulate cortex. This area is close to the corpus callosum, an integral part of human cognition, which connects the two brain hemispheres. 

So what?

The study's findings beg the question, are some forms of empathy learnt, while others are inculcated and can empathy be lost if it is not used frequently?

Robert Eres, from the University's School of Psychological Sciences, explained that future research will investigate whether or not training people on empathy-related tasks can affect these brain structures.

But, why does this matter to me?

In managerial roles, you will be exposed to your employees emotional states. Being empathetic is an excellent ability to have. It will allow you to better connect with them and develop long-standing rapport. 

The study is the first of a series that will identify the effects educational training in empathy has on people's brains. 

It would give weight to the idea that an empathetic manager is in a better position to lead, govern and inspire his or her employees. 

To learn how to be a better manager and govern relationships more effectively, get in contact with a quality training provider. 

Can reading make you a better project manager?

A key component in any IT project manager's toolkit is the ability to be empathetic. A 2013 study, conducted by psychologists at The New School of Social Research, found that reading can improve how you relate to people.

What were the study's findings? 

According to research, reading literacy fiction can improve your ability to understand others emotions. 

According to research, reading literacy fiction can improve your ability to understand others emotions

Over the course of five experiments, 1,000 participants were randomly allocated literacy texts to read. These texts included extracts of bestselling books including Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and more authoritative works such as Orange-winner The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obrehtby or by Anton Chekhov. 

Using a techniques derived from Theory of Mind, David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano measured the ability of participants to identify emotions in others. They found that those who read literacy fictions consistently scored higher than those that read either popular fiction or non-fiction texts.

"What great writers do is to turn you into the writer. In literary fiction, the incompleteness of the characters turns your mind to trying to understand the minds of others," said Kidd.

How does reading make me a better project manager?

As we know, higher emotional intelligence (EI) can improve your ability to build effective working relationships with employees and co-workers. The study provides evidence that by reading literacy fiction, managers and leaders can improve their ability to develop, maintain and utilise social relationships. 

The researchers argued that, "the same psychological processes are used to navigate fiction and real relationships. Fiction is not just a simulator of a social experience, it is a social experience".

How can reading make you more empathetic? How can reading make you more empathetic?

Why is empathy important to me?

Being empathetic is what underlies our ability to navigate the complex and sophisticated social relationships that characterise human life.  

As a project manager, one of your core tasks is to manage people. By being able to understand their emotions you can motivate, lead, inspire and understand your employees.

Further, empathy is a critical aspect of emotional intelligence, higher EI has a positive association with lower personal stress levels. When you are aware and in control of your emotions, you are better able to relate to your staff and improve morale. 

As a project manager, being able to govern personal and employee emotions is an important skill to have. Alongside reading, a good way to improve this characteristic is by attending educational courses such as IT project management training. Get in touch with a quality training service provider today. 

How to make emotional intelligence work for you

Many of us have heard the term emotional intelligence (EI) thrown around at meetings or maybe during a performance report. But what does it mean and how can it help project managers?  

In today's busy workplace, project managers are required to do more than the standard tasks of defining scale, planning and mapping costs. Managers must be able to build relationships, inspire, collaborate and build teams, often in complex and busy environments.

What is emotional intelligence? 

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to govern your emotions and the emotions of others.

Although it was created by Peter Salavoy and John Mayer, it was John Goleman who popularise​ the term through his 1996 book of the same name. 

For many years, those at the top believed that intelligence (IQ) was the main sign that an employee would be a success. But, ever since Daniel Goleman began using the concept in his research, this once 'common-sense' approach has been revised. 

How can emotional intelligence benefit you?

Emotional intelligence is an exceptional skill to have as it can facilitate a range of positive outcomes. It allows project managers to liaison better between departments, while it improves their ability to build effective and productive teams. 

Importantly, those who can successfully manage both their own and other emotions will deliver better results. In a complex environment, where project managers need to be able to utilise relationships to succeed, emotional intelligence is central. 

A 2011 survey, conducted by CareerBuilder, found that 71 per cent of employers valued higher EI over that of IQ. Not only does EI help benefit your abilities as a project manager but it is also a skill valued by employers. 

How can I improve my emotional intelligence? 

The first step is awareness.

Being conscious of your feelings allows managers to understand that their behaviours are driven by their emotions, which can both negatively and positively affect other people. Closely associated with this is the ability to show empathy and identify the impact emotions can have on the environment around you. 

The next step is management.

Being able to properly manage your emotions allows you to make better choices, be more productive and influence others even under pressure.

When you are in control of your own emotions, you are better prepared to handle the needs of your employees, which can improve motivation and reduce team stress levels.  

Making sure you are emotionally intelligent has a range of benefits, the best way to improve your emotional intelligence is by getting in contact with an excellent project management training provider today. 

How is Uber building a digital mesh?

In today's mobile user world, we are interconnected through a range of services, applications, processes and information. Although digitisation can be dangerous, developing a digital mesh is a strategic way of expanding the endpoints used by people to access the virtual world. 

What is a digital mesh?

According to recent research by Gartner, the digital mesh is currently one of the most important technology trends today. They argue that it lies at the centre of a new found connectivity, whereby people are not just becoming more connected with other people, but also, to a whole host of other devices and technological services.

Rather than the existence of one digital mesh, companies, enterprises and organisations develop their own network by offering a range of services that can be accessed from any digital device.

But, with the expansion of a digital network, it is important to make sure your data is safe. Information security training courses are a great way of protecting what you have. 

Uber has already experimented with ice-cream trucks, which delivered frozen treats to those who hail them on their phone.

How is Uber using a digital mesh?

Uber, the ride sharing company, unveiled UberRush in 2014, a bike courier service for New York City. This may be the first step on its way to developing a digital mesh that would provide city residents with a host of services right at their finger tips.

Although Uber started out by offering a service that provided on-demand drivers to a user through their phone app, it now wants to expand into other service areas.

In a 2013 interview with Fortune, Travis Kalanick, CEO of Uber, argued that the company is more than just a car delivery service, rather it is a cross between lifestyle and logistics. A self-styled fulfiller of "instant gratification", Uber aims to give people what they want, when they want it.

Uber has already experimented with ice-cream trucks, which delivered frozen treats to those who hail them on their phone and on-demand Valentines day roses.

Although these have been called marketing promotions, they feel more like test-runs, to see what consumers will and will not pay for. 

How has Uber used a digital mesh to reach its customers?How has Uber used a digital mesh to reach its customers?

In the end, Uber's goal is to create a network of services which can be accessed by anyone with the app. 

Uber investor Shervin Pishevar explained to Inc that "Uber is building a digital mesh – a grid that goes over the cities. Once you have that grid running, in everyone's pockets, there is a lot of potential for what you can build as a platform. Uber is in the empire-building phase".

Digital meshing is a fast growing business strategy for tech companies. IT training courses are an excellent way to build essential skills and be part of this growing tech trend. Is your enterprise ready for a digital mesh?

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. 

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