Six Sigma in Manufacturing | Advantages & Disadvantages

Six Sigma is a technique used to reduce the number of defects or errors in manufacturing. Implementing Six Sigma is to increase the quality of the products manufactured. The manufacturing industry has changed over the years with advancements in technology. Understanding the process and working towards quality improvement is the primary idea behind Six Sigma. Lean manufacturing is an additional concept that works in tandem with Six Sigma to decrease waste in the manufacturing process. So, this blog on “Six Sigma in Manufacturing | Advantages & Disadvantages” will discuss Six Sigma and its advantages and disadvantages in manufacturing.

In today’s competitive marketplace, quality is a crucial and distinguishing attribute in products and services. Lean Six sigma green belt certification is one of the most popular certifications among lean six sigma certification. The LSSBB certification is ideal for quality management professionals who want to keep their careers on the fast track and those who are leading projects for business improvement.

What is Six Sigma?

Every business has its problems while working on its operations. Resolving the issues in the business to increase productivity and revenue is the top priority of the organizations. Six Sigma or 6? is the technique or management approach used to improve business processes. It’s a standard method for developing strategies to improve business processes in the manufacturing industry. In addition, it mainly concerns quality, where faults or defects in the organization found to enhance the business. Therefore, reducing errors or defects is the primary objective of implementing Six Sigma processes.

Companies can increase the revenue or profits of the businesses with increased quality by reducing the faults in the products. In addition, it has various other benefits like cost-cutting, customer satisfaction, increased quality of the products, etc. The methodology has five data-driven stages: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. Before implementing Six Sigma processes in a business, organizations should analyze the various benefits and limitations.

Now, let us discuss Six Sigma in the manufacturing process.

Six Sigma in Manufacturing

Six Sigma methodology is primarily developed for the manufacturing industry, where faults or defects are the main problems. In manufacturing, the outputs will not be 100% accurate. In the production of a particular number, certain tolerances are acceptable. The more this number, the more the loss occurred in the production. Six Sigma helps reduce this number by identifying the core defects in the production and suggesting ways to overcome them. In addition, it explains the defects as the exceptions from the customer requirements. Six Sigma combines with lean manufacturing to reduce waste and thus reduce the defects in the production. It is called Lean Six Sigma, where both waste reduction and defect reduction are attained with a single methodology.

Six Sigma is based on data collected from the manufacturing unit and market. It is a data-driven or measurement-based approach that deals with the number of defects per million. Defects decrease to 3.4 per million industrial goods using Six Sigma. The various advantages and disadvantages of implementing Six Sigma processes in manufacturing are discussed here.

We will now discuss Six Sigma in Manufacturing | Advantages & Disadvantages. First, we shall talk about the advantages.

Advantages – Six Sigma in Manufacturing

1. Quality Control

It is all about quality that matters! In manufacturing, every manufactured product is for delivery in the market. Therefore, any failure or defect in the product is considered a waste, and the product will not go on sale. Six Sigma helps improve the quality of the product by identifying its defects in it. Once the defects are identified, they are removed to improve the quality of the product. 

2. Reduction of Defects

Defects, errors, flaws, faults, and failures are all exceptions from the customer’s perspective. The reduction of defects has fallen to 3.4 per million products made. It helps fix the problem in earlier stages rather than failing at the final production stage. It helps in reducing the costs initially after identifying and fixing the problems. Since rework eliminates, the production stage takes less time and costs.

3. Relies on Data

Six Sigma in manufacturing completely relied on data associated with the manufacturing. The data involved are collected, analyzed, and used to improve the quality of the products. In addition, it improves the prediction rate with which future errors are foreseen. The data regarding the failures and wastes are kept for future reference in the production. Statistical data analysis improves the quality of output. 

4. Increases Revenue

With Six Sigma implementation in manufacturing, the revenue to the business increases as part of the quality. Therefore, the implementation of Six Sigma increases the earnings of the company. The high standard products have a good market, improving the business’s revenue generation. In addition, since the waste is reduced to many numbers, they are converted into sales, increasing the business’s revenue.

5. Focus on Process Improvement

Since Six Sigma helps reduce the defects and flaws in the products, the focus on failure reduces. The focus is then moving to strategy and development of the business processes rather than fixing the current problems. Therefore, complete focus can be on improvement and innovative ideas for product development. Moreover, Six Sigma plays an important part in developing processes depending on customer requirements. 

6. Improved Customer Satisfaction

The application of Six Sigma in manufacturing processes improves customer satisfaction. Customers are happier as quality improves and the number of defects decreases. It is a proactive approach rather than reacting after hearing back from the customers. When Six Sigma incorporates into production processes, product complaints will decrease.

We got some idea of the benefits of Six Sigma in manufacturing. Next, let us discuss some of the limitations in the manufacturing process due to Six Sigma.

Disadvantages – Six Sigma in Manufacturing 

1. Focused Only on the Quality

Six Sigma implementation in the manufacturing industry will only focus on quality by reducing the number of defects identified. It may even lead to an increase in the production costs either directly or indirectly. In addition, there are chances of increasing the time consumed to manufacture a product. Thus, either one of the factors has to be traded with the six sigma implementation in the manufacturing processes.

2. Require More Resources

Since the Six Sigma implementation improves the mode of production with advanced technology products and testing methodologies, the resources required are higher. Apart from material resources, the need for highly skilled and experienced labor is also a drawback of the six sigma implementation. There will be a need for employees with Six Sigma belts called certifications to maintain the processes. Employees will also require training and guidance once Six Sigma introduce. 

3. Addition of Production Costs

The production costs will increase with Six Sigma due to the additional technology products and experienced labor. An increase in production costs may be due to various reasons like an increase in labor costs, materials usage, and time taken for production. An increase in the production rate will increase the costs of the products. Therefore, there are chances that customers will look for low-priced products which are not suitable for Six Sigma and lean manufacturing. 

4. Real-time Barriers

Apart from all these theoretical calculations, there are chances of other real-time issues. It is not secure that only 3.4 defects per million will encounter. There are chances of more barriers developing while in the production. These barriers are hard to predict as this will not be the same for every business. In addition, focusing on the development will have more such problems arising, and all of them require proper strategies to solve effectively.

Source: invensislearning.com

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Ever Wondered What Cloud Computing Is? Let’s Dive Into It

Cloud Computing is the greatest technology developed in recent decades that paved the way for all other technological development. Individuals and business organizations use it to make the job easy and fast. It delivers most of the services online, and hence the benefits it offers are also more. Other technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain, and others, also use it. The following sections will discuss cloud computing in detail with its types and benefits. In addition, uplift your career in DevOps because DevOps Master Certification training is an advanced level course for the individuals/professionals and organizations that look ahead to gain a thorough understanding of DevOps skills, knowledge, and principles.

Cloud Computing – Definition

Cloud Computing is the concept of providing various services over the internet. It transforms the computing infrastructure into an easier and more accessible manner. Moreover, we can easily access applications remotely, store them remotely, and move everything to the cloud-based services. The base of cloud computing is the internet. If you have internet access, you can access all your needs remotely. It is mainly based on the Information Technology resources available physically. The basic concept is to locate all the infrastructure in any different location and access it easily and at any time. Many organizations prefer to move to cloud computing, considering its advantages. In conclusion, it reduces the cost of purchasing different computing components on their own.

Cloud computing is a method of gaining access to actual data centers, servers, storage, computing power, databases, networking components, etc. It’s a capsule that contains all of the infrastructural components. You can access them as per the requirement. In addition, there are many different cloud service vendors in the market, and you have to choose based on your needs and cost. Above all, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure are the top performers in the market with experience and features available.

How Does Cloud Computing Work?

Have you ever wondered how this is possible and how the data and applications are stored?

Yes, there will be a server and storage location located remotely, which you can access through remote credentials. The access provided will be free or paid, depending on the usage. A simple example of cloud computing is ‘Google Drive.’ It is an application most of us will use. The server and storage for Google Drive are located in some locations, and we are accessing the storage and application with the login credentials. Moreover, the front-end application will help access the server and storage stored in a different location. You will not have any private server, and it will be a shared server provided as per the plan you have selected.

For example, Google provides 15GB of storage for free, and if you need more space, you have to choose the plan and pay according to that. The plans are based on monthly rental and annual rental. Thus, this is somewhat related to renting a house. Suppose you think yes, then you got the point right. If the more facilities and space are available, the more you need to pay. Likewise, you need to pay more if you need more space and features.

Who Uses Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is used for both personal as well as organizational needs. To answer who does need cloud computing, you need to know where it is helpful. It widely uses software development, data backup, storage, disaster recovery, virtual desktops for employees, data analytics, etc. In addition, every department in the business organization needs cloud computing to make things easier. Apart from Information Technology, cloud computing is used in various industries like manufacturing, medical, education, gaming & entertainment, agriculture, etc.

The actual need for cloud computing is to reduce the organization’s space, teams, employees, etc., to run the organizational needs. Business organizations demand cloud computing for all their needs. Irrespective of the organization’s size, the processes used are the same. In addition, it helps organizations rent the computing needs from the cloud vendors. With this, the need to set up specialized infrastructure will reduce. Organizations pay as per the need of the features and the usage. In conclusion, the implementation and the maintenance costs of the server, storage, network, and database are reduced.

Types of Cloud Computing

While dealing with the types of cloud computing, two concepts are available. One is the services they offer, and the other is the deployment model. Each of these has three basic categories described in the following.

Cloud Computing Services

It is divided into three categories based on the usage and features provided to the users. The following sections explain three categories in brief.

Infrastructure as a Service

Infrastructure as a Service or IaaS is a cloud service that delivers infrastructure or computational components through the cloud. With the help of the internet, users can easily access the computing components like servers, storage, and networking.

Platform as a Service

Platform as a Service or PaaS is a cloud service in which the computing platform is provided to the users through the internet. In addition, software development tools and other requirements are provided for the developers with which they can develop the software application.

Software as a Service

Software as a Service or SaaS is a cloud service that delivers software applications through an online cloud platform. Most of us use SaaS daily, as Google Drive is an example. It’s also useful to access software applications from a remote location.

Cloud Deployment Models

Depending on the ways of deploying the cloud services in an organization, cloud services are categorized into three models. Following are the cloud deployment models, which give a brief explanation.

Private Cloud

A single business organization uses cloud deployment, and only internal employees have access to the resources. The services and other infrastructure will be privately inside the organization’s premises.

Public Cloud

It is a cloud deployment model for delivering cloud services to the users via the web browser. Third-party cloud service providers will handle this public Cloud where users can access the resources with a single login.

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud is a cloud model that combines both a public cloud model and a private cloud model. The organization can select between the services and infrastructure to provide for the internal employees and the other users with this hybrid Cloud.

Major Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing offers several benefits for both personal usage and business organizations. Following are some of the major benefits of cloud computing.

◉ Cost-saving is the primary benefit as the need for installing servers and storage reduce

◉ As everything is accessible via the internet, the accessibility and the speed highly increases

◉ The organization’s productivity increases with the increase in access, speed, and features with cloud computing

◉ The computing performance is improved compared to traditional computing modes

◉ With cloud computing, your business will be highly reliable along with the boost in security aspects

Source: invensislearning.com

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Significance and Key Benefits of ITIL 4 for Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation has been a hot topic in recent years as data is found to be the greatest asset in the current era. Digital devices and data help in developing Information Technology to the next extent. It is expected that digital transformation will reach around 1.8 trillion USD in the year 2022. Also, in 2025, the projection will reach 2.8 trillion USD. Information Technology and its market are arising huge after the industrial revolution. Moreover, some technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning helps in robust development in the sector. The IT products and services used in every industry are increasing, so effectively managing them is essential. For this purpose, Information Technology Service Management has been developed. As the update and advancement to ITSM, ITIL 4 has emerged in recent years.

If you seek a career-changing opportunity in IT Service Management, ITIL 4 Foundation certification is a way to go! Because, it is an entry-level service management certification course that helps explore the end-to-end IT service model for creating, delivering, and continually improving services that align with the enterprise’s strategy.

What is ITIL 4?

The term ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library. It is the most recognized framework for ITSM, where the available information systems are managed effectively. Businesses can keep track of their IT needs with the help of ITIL. Most organizations are using ITIL as vital support for IT products and services. ITIL 4 is the fourth version of ITIL, launched at the beginning of 2019. It is an updated framework considering modern technologies and the new era of digital computing. Moreover, several benefits are attained by implementing the ITIL 4 framework for business organizations. The benefits will mainly be from managing the IT devices and the services provided to the customers. Above all, business growth and revenue generation are the primary focus of this ITIL 4 implementation.

Significance of ITIL 4

ITIL 4 became a standard for IT Service Management in managing IT devices. It helps people working in different industries improve their service quality and work economically. For adapting the IT services in an organization by identifying, planning, and then delivering the requirements, ITIL 4 will be the standard framework. The primary focus of the ITIL 4 processes is to improve the capabilities of the IT devices and services provided. Besides that, it also provides opportunities to solve the issues in the business.

With ITIL, the risks and the disruption of the services in the businesses are easily managed without making it trouble. The cost-effectiveness is provided, and hence, the services are as per the demand from the customer side. The service management provided to the customers will improve with ITIL 4 and develop the business. A positive customer relationship is possible as the services provided to the customers are improved. The customers’ satisfaction is possible as their needs are fulfilled with the services provided. Moreover, the main focus of this is delivering Information Technology services effectively to improve the business value and performance.

Benefits of ITIL 4

ITIL 4 provides numerous benefits compared to the previous benefits as it is updated for new and modern technologies. The benefits possible with ITIL 4 are implementing the ITIL 4 framework in the organization and training the employees to adapt to ITIL 4 for improved business growth. The following benefits are expected after the implementation of ITIL 4.

Improved Customer Service and Quality

With high-quality service, the IT operations will be smooth, and hence the customers will be satisfied. Furthermore, the service provided to the customers in IT devices and products is also improved with ITIL, and hence the customer expectations are satisfied effectively. Therefore, improved quality and service is the greatest achievement of the ITIL 4 framework.

Better Alignment Between IT and Business

Both the business and Information Technology are aligned better with ITIL 4. IT helps solve business problems with advanced techniques; hence, they are integrated into the business environment. Furthermore, the communication and collaboration between the business teams and IT teams are improved with this framework.

Visibility of IT Costs is More

The costs spent on IT products and services are managed efficiently using ITIL 4. The unwanted costs are cut down and hence end up paying for them. In addition, with ITIL 4 in hand, the cost-cutting decisions in the business are easily taken. In conclusion, the complete visibility of every product and service cost helps improve business revenue.

Managing the Risks Effectively

When you are working on a project, several risks will be available. With ITIL 4, the risk management in the IT and business are resolved. With the strong alignment between IT and business, the technical glitches are solved immediately, reducing further consequences. Moreover, high-quality services reduce the risk, and if the risk occurs, the proper risk mitigations are applied.

Adapting Industry Standards

There are several standards applicable for the service management provided in Information Technology. As ITIL 4 is the most popular and widely used framework, all the industry standards are followed. It also helps in improving service standards at a constant rate. Above all, high-quality standards help improve the way the customers are serviced with IT.

Service Disruption is Reduced

The chances of disruption of the IT service or failure are possible in IT organizations. ITIL 4 standards and principles help reduce the failure of the service. For example, change management, problem management, and service management help improve the quality of the service and reduce the possibility of failure of the services in the organization.

Greater Community

Since ITIL 4 is the standard framework for businesses working on IT and is more widely used, the size of the community is huge. The greater the community, the quality of service is improved by resolving the issues faster. Therefore, the issues are shared among the community to obtain possible solutions from the global community members.

Stay in the Competition

When you work on new technology, the customer market will severely compete, as most competitors will compete. However, the customer service provided will improve satisfaction. The retention rate will be higher when you produce positive customer relationships by meeting their expectations. In conclusion, with that, you are ahead of the competition in the market.

Focusing on Agile and DevOps

ITIL is easy to use and integrated with other frameworks like Agile Project Management and DevOps. Moreover, ITIL 4 framework is compatible with the other frameworks, so any project or organization can easily adapt to ITIL 4. Moreover, the integration helps in collaborating with the teams more easily.

Regular Monitoring

Regular monitoring helps in effective service management and delivery provided to customers. In addition, with past performance and live monitoring, better ways for improvement are identified. Therefore, ITIL’s best practices suggest monitoring your progress will help you improve effective service management.

Source: invensislearning.com

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ITIL Certification vs. Scrum Master Certification – Key Differences

ITIL and Scrum are two fundamental concepts in the current agile software development and IT operations landscape. ITIL focuses on the Operations and Service aspect of IT, while Scrum is a framework for software development. Together, they are essential components of Agile software development and IT operations. This frequently leads to the comparison of ITIL vs. Scrum. You may not recognize the difference between them or their interrelationship. This article will clarify all of these points, allowing you to comprehend the nature of ITIL certification vs. Scrum Master certification. 

Before deepening the core concept, let’s understand ITIL and Scrum Master and later move on to its distinctions.

Overview of ITIL 

ITIL, which stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a set of practices based on ITSM (Information Technology Service Management). It is prevalent in IT organizations and assists them in aligning IT with business objectives and enhancing IT service.

An ITIL certification demonstrates their proficiency in IT service management best practices. It aligns IT with the business and improves overall resource utilization. IT service management training courses are in demand due to the popularity of cost reduction and IT service improvement. 

The latest version of ITIL, is version 4, was released in 2019. This was a significant update that departed from previous versions’ “service lifecycle” model and instead proposed a “Service Value System” with five components:

◉ Guiding principles

◉ Governance

◉ Service value chain

◉ Continual improvement

◉ Practices

The 30 ITIL practices encompass everything from strategy management to change enablement and software development.

ITIL employs a systematic approach and assists businesses in increasing efficiency, enhancing customer relations, mitigating risks, and establishing a scalable and stable environment for effective IT operations. In addition, it emphasizes cost management and includes Asset management.

The ITIL certification is managed by AXELOS, which manages training and examination institutes. It released the most recent guidelines in 2017 and related modules in 2019 and 2020. Each version of ITIL provides administrators with updated documentation and certifications for the current infrastructure.

An Overview of Scrum

Scrum differs significantly from ITIL. They operate in vastly distinct domains.

Scrum is a lightweight framework that enables people to solve complex adaptive problems while maintaining high levels of productivity and creativity by breaking complex projects into short sprints. It also assists individuals, teams, and organizations in generating value using adaptive solutions.

It is centered on three roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developer) collaborating within a cross-functional team. They plan and deliver work in “sprints,” which are short iterations (which are usually two weeks long).

Let’s focus on “Scrum Master” in detail in this section.

A scrum master is a team member who ensures that the software development team has a productive and effective work environment to undertake and complete their projects successfully. Scrum masters also assist others in comprehending values, beliefs, and practices. They are typically people-oriented and have a solid understanding of team members. The certified individual can educate professionals on the Scrum® values, accountability, team performance, and incremental progress. 

A Scrum Master must cultivate an environment in which:

◉ During a Sprint, the Scrum team assigns tasks as increments of value.

◉ A product owner identifies and moves complex tasks into the product backlog.

◉ The Scrum team and stakeholders examine the results and plan for the next Sprint.

ITIL Certification vs. Scrum Master- Key Distinctions 

The following are some of the significant differences between ITIL and Scrum Master Certification: –

ITIL is concerned with operations and service management, while Scrum Masters assist organizations in removing obstacles that could impede a project. Let’s delve into this section to discover the distinctions between ITIL and Scrum Master certifications.

ITIL and Scrum Master Certifications

ITIL certifications are for individuals who wish to learn and improve their IT Service Management skills and perceive the knowledge of ITSM governance framework. Scrum Master certification, however, validates your knowledge of software development techniques, methodologies, and values by emphasizing people and processes. It entails organizing the team and tasks for maximum efficiency.

Project Management

ITIL certification does not require a comprehensive explanation of all project management aspects. Consequently, an ITIL-certified professional does not participate in project management.

A Scrum Master is not a project manager but rather an active project management team member. They ensure better communication with stakeholders and comprehend the project’s requirements and expectations. Scrum Master ensures that the Scrum principles are adhered to and teach Scrum principles to the team. Moreover, they collaborate with project managers to eliminate potential obstacles.

Benefits

ITIL provides the benefit and framework to collaborate within information technology teams to deliver and expand IT and digital services across the enterprise to gain maximum value. The training certification improves service delivery and customer satisfaction and allows for a more substantial alignment between IT and business. The global standard and one of the best IT practices are relied upon by millions of practitioners to manage their IT operations.

In contrast, the team leader provides the advantage of ensuring a smooth, agile implementation and effective team collaboration. It facilitates the acquisition of Scrum principles and skills through career advancement. And it will enable the certified individual to join the Experts Community. The certification enables you to become an Agile coach, scrum master, product owner, and team leader, allowing you to earn more money and improve your team collaboration and management skills.

Salary

Depending on their skills, both certifications are in high demand and are compensated handsomely. Depending on the level of certification, ITIL Foundation professional in the United States is approximately $ 92,080 annually. On the other hand, the average salary for a Scrum Master in the United States is $103,629 annually.

Source: invensislearning.com

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What will I learn on a PRINCE2® course?

According to the 2021 Talent Gap report released by PMI, 25 million new project managers are going to be needed by 2030 to close the talent gap. While specific industries are becoming more project-orientated, creating more jobs in industries such as management and construction (61.4 million by 2030), information and publishing (19.7 million by 2030) and finance and insurance (11.1 million by 2030). This presents a great opportunity for a career in project management, as the demand for project talent around the world is high, making now the perfect time to start yours by certifying in PRINCE2®!

What is PRINCE2?

Well for starters you may be wondering what PRINCE2 even stands for. If you already know then great, but for those who don’t know, PRINCE2 stands for “PRojects IN Controlled Environments”. It is a process-based approach to project management that can be applied to many different projects.

PRINCE2 is an increasingly in-demand skill for all industries and having project management skills can benefit anyone. Did you know that 97% of decision-makers and 84% of individuals say the certification has a positive impact, bringing higher efficiency and employee satisfaction?

PRINCE2 is a globally recognised methodology for managing projects and is comprised of two certifications, Foundation and Practitioner. Having this qualification on your CV will be really beneficial if you’re looking to start a career in project management or for demonstrating that you’ve expanded your skills. Also, for some employers, PRINCE2 is a mandatory requirement in a job description.

How does the qualification work?

The PRINCE2 course is split into two levels, Foundation and Practitioner. Foundation will teach you the theory and gives you a solid grounding in the key principles, themes and processes. While Practitioner will help you to apply your learned knowledge practically using a case study. At the end of each course, candidates will sit two exams, one for Foundation and one for Practitioner. The Foundation exam is closed-book, multiple choice and will last an hour. Whereas the Practitioner exam is open-book, two and a half hours and will involve more preparation as it is more in depth.

What will I learn on the course?

A PRINCE2 qualification will equip you with the fundamental skills needed to be a successful project manager. Here is an outline of what you will learn on each course.

Foundation will teach you:

◉ How to understand key concepts relating to projects and PRINCE2

◉ How the principles underpin the PRINCE2 method

◉ To understand the themes and processes and how they are applied throughout a project

Practitioner will teach you:

◉ How to apply the PRINCE2 principles in context

◉ How to apply and tailor the relevant aspects of the themes and processes in context.

◉ To understand that the methodology, themes and processes are tailorable for different projects that range in scope, length of time and complexity

What are my options for training?

We understand that everyone learns differently, and some possibly require more flexibility. We can offer delegates four different methods of training to cater to your learning styles and preferences.

E-learning:

Our most popular method is e-learning. This is self-paced learning that can be completed remotely and from the comfort of your home. Each e-learning course has been developed by learning development specialists, subject matter experts and technical developers. The course content is based on official syllabi and made into interactive, multi-media-rich training packages.

We have both the Foundation and Practitioner certification available as e-learning, and they come with a 12-month licence. You can book the exam whenever you are ready, within the 12-month validity period. All courses are available in English, but we have some other courses available in German, Dutch and Polish!

Virtual:

Our virtual courses combine the teaching experience of a classroom with the ease and flexibility of a virtual environment. They’re extremely interactive, allowing you and the instructor, and the other delegates to communicate in a collaborative manner.

The Foundation certification is a three-day course, and the Practitioner course lasts for two days. Or you can attend a five-day Foundation and Practitioner course, and get certified in under a week! The exams are not taken during the course – you have the option of booking them whenever you feel ready.

Classroom:

Our classroom courses provide an interactive and collaborative learning environment, where you will benefit from the knowledge and passion our trainers bring to the subject. They provide the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the material you're studying.

Like the virtual courses, the Foundation lasts for three days and the Practitioner for two, or you can do both qualifications in a five-day course. And again, you will be able to book your online exam at a date and time of your choice.

Blended:

Our blended learning gives you the option of studying the Foundation qualification as e-learning, before attending an instructor-led workshop for the advanced Practitioner training. This way, you can work at your own pace as you get to grips and build your knowledge with the Foundation material. And then use the Practitioner workshop to put the theory into practice, learning from our experienced trainers to apply the knowledge you gained through the e-learning – a more effective way to ensure that what you've learnt, sticks!

The duration of the Foundation course is 12 hours of online training plus exam and the Practitioner is a two-day workshop. You book the exams when you’re ready!

Why train with ILX?

We are an internationally recognised provider of accredited professional learning, bespoke consulting, and recruitment solutions with over 30 years of experience. We are a market leader in PRINCE2 training, having provided best practice learning to more than 500,000 people across 5,000 organisations in over 100 countries! We are one of the largest providers of PRINCE2 training globally, with multilingual trainers that can support customers around the world with local offices in the UK, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Source: prince2.com

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Is PMP Certification Exam Hard To Pass? How to Crack It?

PMP or Project Management Professional certification is one of the most highly recognized certifications for professionals’ career advancement. In addition, it is the most important industry-recognized certification for professionals. Achieving PMP certification will add a new milestone to your career and land you high-paying jobs in different industries worldwide.

Hearing this, who doesn’t want to pass the PMP exam on the first attempt? Don’t we all dream of it? But if you look at the statistics, two out of the five aspirants fail to pass on the first try. So, does that mean the exam is very difficult to crack? 

Although most people say “yes,” it is not as impossible as many believe. When analyzing the reasons behind the failure of numerous individuals, certain patterns emerge. For instance, most of them claim they have not written enough practice exams or have run out of time. Therefore, to pass the PMP exam, you must first learn from these errors and avoid repeating them on your own exam. Therefore, let’s examine the crucial steps that determine whether you pass the exam or not. But, before that, let’s see how difficult is PMP exam?

Is PMP Certification Exam Hard To Pass? 

Ranking certifications based on difficulty is academic. However, PMP certification is the gold standard for project management credentials, regardless of rank. And it isn’t easy.

This PMP certification provides a certified professional with abundant opportunities. This certification enables exploitation and a fair advantage over massive and high-risk endeavors. In general, various government agencies and multinational corporations carry out such projects.

PMI has created a rigorous PMP certification procedure. Not only are there prerequisites that PMP candidates must meet in order to sit for the exam, but the exam itself is designed to assess your proficiency and knowledge in every project management-related domain.

The PMP exam is difficult, but PMI does not disclose passing scores or failure rate statistics. Some project expert surveys place the failure rate between 40 and 50 percent, indicating that only about half of first-time test takers pass the PMP examination. However, the official PMP exam failure rate is unknown. On the other hand, it is a well-known fact that approximately 80,000 professionals take the exam annually. This is a pitiful number considering that 22 million new project-based jobs will likely be created by 2027.

Let’s now examine what makes this prestigious PMP certification so challenging. Let’s also consider why your willingness to exert a little extra effort is advantageous from this guide.

1. Exam is Long and Difficult

PMP is a lengthy and exhausting exam. It is one of the most time-consuming professional examinations.

You must answer 180 multiple-choice questions in 230 minutes to pass the exam. However, if you include scheduled breaks, you will need more than four hours to complete the examination. This is because you have about 76 seconds to respond to a question.

The allotted time is sufficient for 180 questions, but it is difficult for a working professional to maintain focus for so long while staring at a computer screen.

2. Complexity of Exam Design

As mentioned earlier, to be exact, two hundred thirty minutes is the exact duration of the PMP Exam. Within this time frame, you must answer 180 questions. If you are taking the examination at a Center, you will not be permitted a break.

Additionally, PMI permits you to take the PMP Exam online. When you take the test online, you can take two 10-minute breaks. Without including break time, the total time required to complete the exam would be 230 minutes.

Before the exam, there is an optional tutorial, and after the exam, there is an optional survey.

The exam questions will be organized into three broad categories. People, processes, and the business environment are three components of the business environment.

PMP encompasses three distinct approaches to project management: Predictive (Waterfall), Agile, and Hybrid.

3. Strict Eligibility Conditions

PMI has established stringent requirements for taking the PMP exam. They intend to grant certification only to candidates with sufficient project management experience.

There are two fundamental prerequisites for exam eligibility:

◉ You should have professional experience in project management

◉ If you possess a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent), you must have either five or sixty months of non-overlapping professional project management experience

OR

◉ If you have a four-year degree (bachelor’s or global equivalent), you must have either three or thirty-six months of unique, non-overlapping project management experience

◉ Unless you are a CAPM-holder, you should have 35 hours of formal project management education

◉ Before applying for the exam, you must possess a minimum level of academic credentials and professional experience. 

4. Exam Questions Are Constantly Evolving

One hundred seventy-five of the exam’s 180 questions are graded, while the remaining five are not. These five questions are called pre-test questions. The random placement of these questions within the exam makes it impossible to determine whether a particular question is scored or not. Therefore, you must respond to each question to the best of your ability.

By posing the pre-test questions to test-takers, PMI can formulate new questions and gauge their difficulty level continuously. As a result, PMI continually modifies its question bank by incorporating qualified pre-test questions.

Due to the constant influx of new questions, adequate exam preparation is impossible. You cannot prepare using outdated historical question banks.

5. Unknown Scoring System

There is no specific passing score or criteria for the PMP exam. Instead, PMI uses psychometric analysis to determine whether an exam candidate passed or failed.

This increases the difficulty and uncertainty of an already challenging exam.

Before taking the actual exam, you should aim for a score of approximately 80 percent on practice exams.

How to Crack PMP Certification?

Passing the PMP exam is difficult and requires extensive preparation. There have been instances in which project managers with years of experience have failed the examination because they undermined it.

The PMP exam is a reputable one and will not be easy to pass unless you approach it with sufficient preparation. Therefore, you must be highly committed and prepare diligently for the PMP exam. Here is a roadmap and the best advice to help you pass the PMP exam on your first try:

1. Understand the PMP Exam Objectives

Understanding the examination’s objective prompts us to consider its applicability and proficiency. Exams are administered to professionals who share senior or middle management positions. These individuals are in charge of leading the team as managers.

Exams are difficult without preparation and adequate exposure to the exam format, type, and duration. The PMP exam questions are usually based on the PMBOK Guide, and taking as many PMP practice exams as possible is advisable.

You can also try accessing the PMP exam simulator online, which simulates the PMP exam sample questions. Passing the exam using PMP mock exams and preparing exhaustively for high-weight topics is assured.

2. Recognize the PMBOK Guide

PMI publishes A Guide to the project managers called the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). Mastering the PMBOK is the most important requirement for passing the PMP exam. Numerous books are available on the market, but none can match the official guide. You could say, “I don’t see many questions in the guide.” True, but it provides you with the conceptual clarity necessary to pass the exam.

The bad news is that the manual is tedious and lengthy to read. As a result, the majority of individuals prefer less unappealing market alternatives. However, ignoring this guide comes at a steep cost. If a large number of individuals complain about failing the exam despite multiple attempts, they have likely circumvented the PMBOK guide.

Overall, beginning your preparation with the PMBOK will aid in laying the groundwork for your preparation. Additionally, ensure that you review the material at least twice before the test.

3. Solve Multiple Practice Questions

The majority of PMP examination questions are situation-based. Therefore, reading a theory does not guarantee that you will be able to apply this knowledge in practice.

In addition, as you answer various questions, you will notice that problems fall into distinct categories. Some questions are brief and straightforward, while others are longer. There are questions based on the formula as well as situational questions. You have been asked ITTO questions about project management tools and techniques.

How does answering practice questions benefit you? First, it will assist you in identifying the various types of questions you study and the skills you must develop to answer them. You should recall the solution strategy on exam day as soon as you read the problem.

There are numerous available sources of familiarity questions. Before selecting a source, be sure to investigate the credibility of the information and the source’s credibility.

4. Create a Schedule for Preparation

Setting aside time to prepare for your exam may be critical to ensuring that you cover all necessary topics. Inform those around you so they will not disturb or distract you during this time. You can even ask your employer for permission to prepare for the examination.

5. Participate in a 4-Day Training Course

With gathering diverse study materials and preparing independently, in my opinion, it is also necessary to exercise futility and a strategy for certain failures.

Regardless, 35 hours of training are necessary. Why not begin your preparation by enrolling in an excellent self-study course or a leading live training program? A training course provides numerous benefits:

◉ The initial impetus to begin exam preparations 

◉ A structured approach to passing the exam 

◉ Focused study materials

◉ Proven study plan Subject matter expert support

You should take training from a trustworthy organization. Invensis Learning is one of them. We, Invensis Learning, reviewed and approved by the PMI Authorized Training Partner Program to provide a 4-day instructor-led PMP Certification training that will ensure the essential 35 PDUs at the end of the training. 

We also have the following advantages for you:

◉ Mock tests to make you confident while appearing for the PMP certification exam

◉ Access to case studies prepared by the industry experts

◉ Personalized LMS with lifetime access to the course resources

◉ Meets the PMI-required 35 contact hours eligibility requirement to get PMP certified successfully

Bottom Line

Any applicant should have a positive attitude toward this certification and not neglect the PMP sample exam. You must be aware of all its advantages regarding earning potential, increased subject knowledge, learning various approaches to a particular setback, and being on time for the closing.

It would be best if you realized that it is optional for you to take this examination. However, if you want to expand your skills and knowledge, you must take the examination.

Of course, a majority of professionals in the field of project management, comprising 40 percent of the workforce, lack certification. However, everyone is aware of the spell of a certified professional.

Furthermore, no one can dispute the fact that PMP-certified professionals are effective. They comprehend the theory and implement it effectively in their work. 

Source: invensislearning.com

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Get Your ServiceNow System Administrator CSA Certification

If you are considering a career in ServiceNow, you should highly consider ServiceNow System Administrator certification as the primary step towards a severe future. Sales Engineers, ServiceNow customers, partners, and those passionate about the ServiceNow platform can attempt this certification.

Over the years, ServiceNow has become one of the market's most popular Enterprise Service Management solutions. The cloud-based enterprise management platform can play a substantial role in business operations. Without question, ServiceNow is certified to have a bright future ahead of them.

The ServiceNow System Administrator Certification attests to a candidate’s ability to configure, implement, and support the ServiceNow platform. Passing the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator test is required to progress through the other ServiceNow Certification paths. CSA certification aids in setting the pace and competencies needed for further certifications.

The Requirements to Attempt a ServiceNow System Administrator Exam

• To take the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator test, you must meet the following requirements.
• Candidates must satisfy the ServiceNow Fundamentals training course for three days or the ServiceNow Fundamentals training system available on demand before taking the Certified System Administrator exam.
• The candidate must know database concepts and have adequate system administration experience.
• The candidate should have entry to the Personal Developer Instance provided by ServiceNow by logging into ServiceNow's official website.
• Fundamental knowledge of IT Help Desk processes is required of the candidate.
• In addition, the candidate should have three to six months of ServiceNow model management and care expertise.

ServiceNow System Administrator Exam Pattern

The exam is divided into multiple learning domains with other learning objectives. There are around 60 questions on the exam. Each question on the exam has different options from which the candidate can select the most correct option/options. The CSA exam result is calculated and presented to the candidate soon after the exam has been concluded and submitted.

ServiceNow CSA Exam Summary:

The ServiceNow CSA exam pattern specifications are outlined in the table below:

• Name: ServiceNow Certified System Administrator
• Code: CSA
• Fee: USD 300
• Duration: 90 Minutes
• Number of Questions: 60 Multiple Choice Questions
• Passing Score: Pass / Fail

ServiceNow Certified System Administrator Exam Syllabus

The knowledge domains and weightings tested by this CSA exam and the percentage of questions in each part are listed in the table below:

• User Interface & Navigation (20%)
• Collaboration (20%)
• Database Administration (30%)
• Self-Service & Process Automation (20%)
• Introduction to Development (10%)

ServiceNow System Administrator Exam Cost

Candidates must use the voucher acquired by completing the ServiceNow Fundamentals training prerequisite to register for the exam on the ServiceNow Webassessor website. Candidates who have completed the fundamentals can sit for the Certified System Administrator test for free if they have a coupon code.

Usually, the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator exam costs $150 if the voucher is not used. After paying a $150 registration fee, candidates who fail the certification exam will be granted the opportunity to retake it. They may reappear for the exam a maximum of three times.

Registration for the ServiceNow System Administrator CSA Exam

The CSA exam can be taken in one of two ways: onsite at a proctored center or online with a virtual proctor.

The candidates can take the certification exam at an Authorised Testing Centre or pick a proctored online option. The Kryterion testing network extends worldwide, and each location offers a secure and safe testing environment.

1. Onsite Proctored Centre

Kryterion, a global network of testing centers, delivers the certification exam. To find a center near you, log in criterion. Exam timetables are created by each testing center so that availability may vary. Exam registration is usually required for at least 24-72 hours. Candidates can register for the exam and pick a date and time slot that is appropriate for them.

2. Online Proctored

The test taker can opt for an online proctored exam if it is inconvenient for them to travel down for the exam. Candidates can take the test on their system if particular conditions are met. A proctor will be present throughout the exams and monitoring through a webcam. Except for major US holidays and some system maintenance events, online proctored tests are available daily. If you have selected online proctoring, you can register and start taking a test on the day of the exam. Confirm that you are all set with your computer if you plan to take your exam through online proctoring.

To Sum Up

Obtaining a ServiceNow System Administrator credential shows your dedication to further professional development. However, many online CSA practice exam providers find getting a certification difficult. But, it would be best if you did not miss any opportunity that comes on your path that will aid you in your professional development.

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What is DevOps Toolchain? How to Build One?

DevOps toolchain isn’t a new term. It’s also not too complex like most DevOps definitions are. A toolchain is a digital array of resources that help you accomplish a particular task. The DevOps toolchain is a set of the most powerful tools for designing, delivering, and sustaining applications in compliance with agile concepts.

A DevOps toolchain is a community of tools that work together to design, develop, test, manage, measure, and operate software and systems. It helps development and operations teams to collaborate throughout the product lifecycle and discusses core DevOps fundamentals such as continuous integration, continuous delivery, automation, and collaboration.

Continuous integration and continuous delivery are the main DevOps concepts. By maintaining a stable software development pipeline, the DevOps toolchain helps companies fulfill the promise of DevOps. Toolchains support team members in completing and simplifying more complex development activities.

Why Do We Need DevOps Toolchain?

Many of the functional elements of your workflow are automated with a DevOps toolchain. It also brings various people together to concentrate on creating a strategic plan to move the company forward.

I’ve come up with few convincing points in favor of introducing the DevOps toolchain. You may use them to persuade the manager that it is worthwhile to spend the time and money in improving it,

◉ Budget and time optimization: By automating manual tasks, the business can save both time and money. The budget is naturally optimized once there are no extra costs incurred due to natural human mistakes or poor time management

◉ Timely incident management: Your incident management record can be enhanced with the aid of a DevOps toolchain. It accomplishes this by reporting IT incidents, escalating them to the required team members, and then following up until the problems are resolved. Since messages are correctly aimed, they are received and acted upon quickly

◉ Faster and more efficient product deployments: The bulk of the software development process is automated with DevOps tools. The company rapidly created new products and solutions, keeping it ahead of the competition

◉ Quality Assurance: It’s difficult to patch software bugs quickly and with precision. However, DevOps tools make it look as if it’s a walk in the forest. Since quality is one of the main selling points for most products, the DevOps toolchain delivers the best product with the best quality

◉ Efficient Development: By eliminating unnecessary delays between various aspects of development work, a DevOps toolchain makes the development process more efficient. Since the work of front-end and back-end developers and quality testers is coordinated, no one has to wait for the other team members to finish their part before taking over

◉ Faster Deployment means higher Quality: A DevOps toolchain ensures that bugs are easily and expertly addressed, resulting in the highest quality and a faster deployment phase. How do you do it? It helps you to send out personalized updates to your team in the event of a major incident. This helps you to avoid future concerns from worsening and adversely affecting your customer service

◉ Fine-tuned incident controls: Humans are reckless and make rash decisions, so it’s easier to trust computers. Using a centralized pipeline and infrastructure helps different teams respond quicker and more efficiently during an incident

What is DevOps Toolchain?

The tools and technologies that allow development and operations teams to collaborate over the entire software lifecycle are referred to as a DevOps toolchain. Continuous integration, continuous delivery, automation, and collaboration are among the main DevOps fundamentals covered.

There is no single tool that facilitates DevOps values and practices since DevOps is a cultural change in which architecture and operations function as one entity. On the other hand, a DevOps toolchain is a set of tools, often from different vendors, that work together to design, construct, test, manage, measure, and operate software and systems.

There are several open-source DevOps software to choose from. A DevOps toolchain is built by combining them based on your requirements. This increases the speed and reliability of product delivery. A toolchain is a set of resources that work together to solve a specific issue.

How to Create DevOps Toolchain?

Because of its widespread acceptance, the DevOps movement has grown an entire ecosystem around it, complete with thought leaders, conferences, DevOps-focused courses, and, of course, a wide range of resources. It evolved into a living, breathing organism. A self-evolving cultural model that improves over time thanks to a committed group of people who work hard to address current challenges.

Naturally, there are various options from which to choose, but DevOps tools are not the usual tools that you can add or remove from your toolbelt at any time. We create amazing monitoring and troubleshooting software at Sematext, and we know how difficult it is to select a product that your whole team can use.

There is an expense to remember, but it is unlikely to be a big factor for most people. What matters most is whether it can meet the clear specifications and the ease with which your team will implement the new tool; does it have sufficient documentation? What’s the state of their customer service team? Is their infrastructure well-balanced to meet your requirements?

Let us look into two main approaches which help us to create DevOps Toolchain:

All-in-one DevOps Toolchain

We’re starting to note how complicated many of the resources we use every day have become. Since we are dealing with complex distributed networks that must self-heal and efficiently deliver all communications, this is sometimes unavoidable. Instead, we may investigate a complicated tool and discover that it has turned a minor issue into a big headache: we may unwittingly introduce layers of abstraction that make it seem as though the problem has been solved when it has actually been renamed and moved to a new imaginary layer that none of us understands.

I’m not going to pretend for a second that I know a lot about Kubernetes, but I can see how it isn’t right for every project. In some situations, teams are adding additional complexity to their projects just because everyone else is. All of us have strong opinions about product preferences and whether source code should contain spaces or tabs. I believe we’ve all been guilty of missing the big picture at some stage in our careers.

We can also see that these systems are overkill when we take a step back. Hundreds of hours of configuration management code in an uncomfortable DSL could have been completed in a fraction of the time using shell scripts. We understand that writing infrastructure as code providers is a bizarrely complex job, and we aspire to find a simpler, faster solution. It seems that all DevOps applications are trying to reflect any fact about the system as YAML; even the DSLs that some services generate sound more like writing YAML than capturing the language’s idiomatic experience and offering a more pleasurable development experience. Unfortunately, the truth of the situation is very different. We all have deadlines to meet, and it’s always easier to purchase a mediocre-to-average toolkit than to write something better.

You will have little time to develop your system if your employer does not encourage you to work on personal projects or engage in the OSS community. In certain situations, teams aren’t given a choice in the tooling they’re given in the first place. Unless you have management approval or are a DevOps startup, you will most likely be purchasing anything you require. I hope that the OSS group continues to innovate and that businesses note and, as a result, become more willing to take chances with in-house apps.

Custom DevOps Tools

It is easier to develop a process if a particular method or functionality already exists. However, it is possible that it will not work 100% of the time, in which case you will need to customize them to fulfill your requirements. (if that is even possible). Writing their own tools can be time-consuming for small businesses and require the attention of people who are focused on adding value to the product.

However, it should be noted that killing an ant does not necessitate the use of a cannon. So, if writing a deployment script suits your needs, you can do so rather than starting from scratch with a deployment pipeline. Only make a strategy, and think about growth and change, not just in terms of the current state of your development pipeline but also how you expect to evolve it.

Must have tools for DevOps Toolchain

◉ Collaboration: Collaboration and communication between various teams are the most critical aspects of the DevOps community. Different departments, such as development, testing, and product management, cooperate and work together to automate the process. Collaboration software allows teams to communicate through time zones and places. Faster app launches are a result of improved communication. Slack, campfire, and skype are few examples

◉ Planning: Stakeholders, customers, and staff from various departments should all have the same goals. As a consequence, full accountability among all participants is crucial. Planning resources create this accountability. Asana and Clarizen are two examples of planning tools

◉ Source control: All of your records, documents, code, settings, files, and other things require a centralized storage location. This source control data can then be split into separate branches for different teams to work on. You may use source management software to take advantage of these features. Git, Subversion, and SVN are examples of source management software

◉ Issue tracking: Increased openness leads to better vision, making monitoring problems simpler and quicker. There are problem monitoring tools available, but there is a requirement that all teams use the same tool. Jira, ZenDesk, and Backlog are a few examples of problem monitoring apps

◉ Configuration Management: Wouldn’t it be awesome if your whole system was automatically installed and upgraded, so you didn’t have to? That’s what configuration management systems are about. These tools assist you in managing your infrastructure as code, preventing configuration drifts through environments. Ansible, Puppet, and Chef are examples of configuration management tools

◉ Continuous Integration: A successful software development cycle breaks down the code into chunks that ad by various teams and then continuously incorporated. Individually, the codes can work perfectly, but when combined, they may cause problems. Continuous integration tools help you to identify and correct errors quickly. Bamboo, Jenkins, and TeamCity are a few examples of continuous integration tools

◉ Binary Repositories: It’s conceivable that a product is being produced on a daily or hourly basis. A repository manager is a good way to bridge the gap between the developer’s machine and the production environment. The code must flow seamlessly from the developer’s machine to the production environment. Binary program objects, metadata, and code are all contained in repositories. Artifactory, Nexus, and Maven are some examples of binary repositories

◉ Monitoring: Monitoring is important in DevOps for smooth execution, as the name implies. Monitoring tools ensure that resources are accessible at all times and work at their best. BigPanda, Nagios, and Sensu are some examples of monitoring tools

◉ Automated Testing: Before moving it to the creation, the entire integrated code must be checked. The faster you complete the feedback loop, the faster you can achieve your goal. Telerik, QTP, and TestComplete are a few examples of automated testing methods

◉ Development: Development is another great DevOps principle that allows for regular and stable application deployment. Deployment tools help you get your goods to market quicker. The Docker toolset and IBM uDeploy are two examples of development tools

◉ Database: Finally, there’s data management. Data is important for obtaining insights, and any application development project necessitates a large amount of data. Database management software makes it easier to handle vast volumes of data. RazorSQL, TeamDesk, and other database management applications are examples

Source: invensislearning.com

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How to Measure Project Success Using Business KPIs

When a project reaches its closure, the project manager would want to determine whether it is a success or a failure. A project’s success is no longer determined by factors such as on-time submission, or completion within budget. A project may have been delivered on time and within budget, yet it may not have been able to deliver the expected value. In such situations, you will not consider the project a success. In order to determine whether the project is a success or a failure, there are a few key questions that need to be answered such as:

◉ Are the benefits outlined in business achieved?

◉ Is the expected ROI achieved?

◉ Is the end user satisfied?

◉ Is the solution provider able to cater to customer needs?

◉ Are the sales in line with what was forecasted?

◉ Is the market demand for the product or service as expected?

What are KPIs?

In the current scenario, project managers are expected to be in close contact with customers to understand their expectations and ensure that the project delivers outcomes as specified in the business case. This is how a project’s success is measured. In order to deliver business value, one has to understand the business drivers: the problems or issues, or objectives that nailed the project and whether they are resolved. One of the best ways to measure business value is by defining the key performance indicators (KPIs) of a project. The actual performance should be measured using the KPIs.

According to experts, ‘KPI is a business metric used to evaluate factors that are crucial to the success of an organization.’ KPIs differ as per organizational culture, objectives, and other factors. A KPI should essentially be a measurable value helping organizations determine whether target objectives have been met. A few examples of KPIs include sales KPIs, marketing KPIs, supply chain KPIs, retail KPIs, call center KPIs, financial KPIs, etc. A marketing KPI measures the return on investments made on marketing campaigns such as advertisements, retargeting, email marketing, etc. The return is measured in terms of specific growth targets. Sales KPIs, on the other hand, analyze the rate at which an organization is growing in terms of sales. On the basis of the analysis, the sales team will be informed which products or services are selling and which are not. The analysis may also act as suggestions for the decision-making body of an organization to identify appropriate areas of investment.

Characteristics of KPIs

KPIs are measurable metrics and usually act as an agreement between a project manager and stakeholders as the success factors of a project. In order to measure success factors accurately, KPIs should be:

1. Aligned:

In line with organizational goals and vision

2. Measurable:

Should be quantifiable units

3. Optimized:

KPIs should be focused on delivering strategic values rather than non-critical business outcomes.

4. Realistic:

KPIs should be achievable within the given timeline.

5. Clear:

KPIs should be clear and concise. Both management and stakeholders should have a clear understanding of what the KPIs are.

6. Achievable:

The targets set should be reasonable and achievable given the current situation of your organization and should be validated individually.

7. Agreed:

Stakeholders should agree on the KPIs and should be ready to share the responsibility of achieving the target.

8. Reported:

Once the project is in progress, regular reports are sent to stakeholders in terms of where the project stands against the set targets. In case, stakeholders are not happy with the progress, they can take corrective measures.

A well-known expert in performance management, Bernard Marr, came up with a list of a few KPIs. The list is quite helpful and should be available to all managers. However, it should be kept in mind that KPIs differ from one organization to another. Here are a few from the list provided by Bernard Marr: gross profit margin, net profit margin, net profit, operating profit margin, revenue growth rate, economic value added, total shareholder return, return of capital employed, return on investment, return on equity, return on asset, cash conversion cycle, debt to equity ratio, operating expense ratio, etc.

KPIs and Organizational Growth

As discussed before KPIs differ depending on organizational vision, mission, culture, and growth. The following are a few examples.

◉ A business may have one of its KPIs as a percentage of income derived from end users.

◉ For a school, the KPI can be the pass rate of students each year.

◉ A customer service sector of an organization may have one of its KPIs as the number of calls handled successfully, or the total number of calls taken in the first hour.

◉ An NGO may have one of its KPIs as the number of donations received in a year.

For example, an organization’s key motive is to be the most profitable organization in the industry. The organization’s KPIs will be in line with measuring profit such as shareholder equity, and pre-tax profit. However, the percentage of profit going towards social causes will not be a KPI for this organization. On the other hand, for an engineering college, the KPI will be, the number of students getting placed successfully after passing out.

Types of KPIs

1. Business Resources – KPIs:

It is interesting to learn how business resources can act as KPIs helping you assess business performance. You being the project manager may want to understand whether resources have been utilized completely to have an appropriate return on investment. Resources such as raw materials, and software licenses electricity usage, act as metrics and are very important when assessing project outcomes. For example, if a software license expires while the project is running, then the outcome will be impacted and the resource will not be used to its maximum level.

2. Process Results – KPIs:

Often process results are used as the most important KPIs by project managers. The success of processes used in projects is used by project managers successfully to deliver similar or better outcomes for other projects. These processes are used as best practice methods to instigate more process developments and in turn, grow to a higher level. Business processes when used as KPIs instigate business growth especially when the process is automated.

3. Quality Assurance – KPIs:

Although we have said before that it is necessary for KPIs to be in quantifiable terms, sometimes quality assurance in projects also acts as KPIs. Project managers use metrics such as technical skills, motivational level of employees, and subject knowledge to determine the performance of a project. Although measuring metrics like team spirit or motivational levels is quite a task, tools such as surveys or questionnaires are used for such purposes.

Therefore, as seen in this article, having key performance indicators is essential to measure project performance. These metrics help you determine whether it is worth making the investment for a project, taking risks, etc which help the business run successfully in the long run.

Source: invensislearning.com

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ITIL Vendor Management – Know How to Do It Right

Learn about how ITIL Vendor management facilitates and manages the vendor and organization relationship, along with its key roles in IT sectors. ITIL, or Information Technology Infrastructure Library, an acronym, was used for the first time by the British government‘s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) during the 1980s. It was used to document best practices used in IT service management and then printed for distribution. However, now it’s a framework designed to standardize IT service’s overall lifecycle, including selection, planning, delivery, and maintenance. Organizations, including IT services, must buy their goods and services from external vendors. It is to ensure proper functioning is going on. Also, they have to sustain relationships too with the vendors. Here in our previous blog you get an understanding on what ITIL supplier management is and in this post you will get know how to get it right, here is what can help.

The demand for ITIL-certified professionals is growing at a faster rate. ITIL 4 Foundation Course is a Foundation level course that introduces the ITIL 4 concepts, where you will learn IT service management through an end-to-end operating model for the creation, delivery, and continual improvement of tech-enabled products and services.

What Is ITIL Vendor Management?

It’s crucial to know what ITIL vendor management is all about, And how it’s effective. 

The basic way to understand vendor management is that businesses don’t have all the resources for successfully executing their project or business objectives most of the time. Due to this, they have to choose resources from outside to get the needed supplies from suppliers or the vendors. 

The process requires finding and managing different suppliers. But not just that, it needs to find the right point of contact, rates, terms, and conditions of the contract. However, don’t confuse vendor management with supplier management. Although, here both primary focus is to ensure day to day running of the business is smooth and with ease.

Vendor management focuses on price comparisons and negotiation in contracts, whereas supplier management is about the influence of suppliers on enterprises. But it’s crucial to get a complete overview of ITIL Supplier Management in order to manage the suppliers in the IT industry. With that, having an ITIL perspective to understand supplier management can help.

Coming to vendor management this procedure might be complex, necessitating the usage of a vendor management system. However, this can help make the process valuable, help find the right supplies, and improve the relationship.

Why Is Vendor Management Necessary In ITIL?

To understand why vendor management jobs are serious in ITIL, it’s crucial to know their role. Also, it’s especially needed when the company requires to choose the vendors for special required supplies. It can help improve the relationship with vendors for the long term, ensuring quality and supply rates. With this help, it gives smoother and faster onboarding to those new vendors and the companies. 

Well, some of the major benefits that companies get from the vendor management process include: 

◉ Helps in better selections of vendors for the organization and companies

◉ Help in maintaining as well as managing the overall cost

◉ Improves the speed of onboarding new vendors

◉ Vendor management reduces the disruption risk in the supply chain

◉ Helps in making the vendor relationship much better

◉ Helps in improving the rate of supplies

Stages Of ITIL Vendor Management

There are six basic distant states that you can find in most of the strategies in vendor management. These are for helping in better organizing as well as solidifying the relationship between buyers and supporters. 

These steps are from the basic framework within the management system. Here the trick is not just to find the suppliers who will be convenient but also to go with the lowest possible price. But find a way to work in harmony and ensure you both receive long-term business benefits with the lowest risk levels. For this, different IT sourcing and vendor management services can guide in maintaining and improving the relationship. 

To understand these stages in chronological order, here is what you need to know :

Establishing Goals 

The first and foremost important stage is to find the business goal. Before you enlist, finding the right vendor with a SMART goal can help improve the results. 

It becomes easier to know what you are looking for, not just for the business but for the prospect. 

Locating And Vendor Selection 

The next stage is to analyze every prospect to ensure they are offering all the resources, experiences, and everything else needed to achieve the goals. 

Risk Assessment 

Vendor management risk is an important aspect of ITIL. Also, you are required to ensure that your prospects are transparently related to their key metrics, including total annual spending, aggregate assessments of internal risk, on-time delivery rates, etc. 

Negotiation In Contract 

The next important stage is to reach the contract terms and agreements that benefit both parties. And once it’s done, it requires setting up to get approval from the vendor and company. 

Monitoring And Risk Mitigation 

The last stage included collecting data that is needed frequently, along with ongoing risk reporting. This ensures the whole process goes smoothly and there are no possible risks affecting the relationship between vendor and company. 

Types Of Vendor Risks In ITIL To Monitor 

Outsourcing operation to a third party is one of the most successful and popular states. This helps in saving time and money and boosting operational efficiency.

However, when the role of vendors expands, they have access to data and celestial systems. These are essential for the business to ensure there are no risks so that the potential threats can be controlled too. 

Here are the vendor risks in ITIL that needed to be monitored. 

Cybersecurity Risk 

These days, cyber threats are growing rapidly, and increasingly, it is much more crucial than ever for businesses to monitor when it comes to cybersecurity posture. 

Here you need to be aware of the organization’s risk that it holds. Once you define all acceptable risks to different levels, it can start with third-party security to make adjustments as needed. 

When you are evaluating the performance, here you need to focus on the compromised systems within your vendor network environment. 

Compliance Risk 

This risk happens when the business has to do something against laws, organizations, or its rules. Of course, the laws are applicable to each organization in a way that makes sense for their industry. But all industries have to follow the same rules, like PCI DSS and GDPR.

In the case of non-compliance, these can lead to substantial fines, which makes it much more crucial to check the cybersecurity compliance of your vendors. Also, see if tier efforts align with all the needed requirements. 

Financial Risk 

Third-party financial risks arise when you choose vendors who cannot meet the fiscal performance requirements the organization needs. 

Here it includes two main forms such as high cost and lost revenue. If the essential costs are addressed properly, it can hinder the company’s growth and lead to debt. 

In case of not addressing the high cost, it can end up hindering the company’s growth. Not just that, it can increase the debt too. 

So you must limit the high cost for that period of audits required to conduct. 

This helps in making sure about the spending that vendors are doing and see if it’s outlined in the contract with the company. 

Reputational Risk 

Another crucial risk to monitor is reputational risk, which is concerned with the public perception of the company. When choosing your third-party vendor, it’s important to check as it might harm your organization’s reputation. 

It includes :

◉ Not having constant interaction with standards that the company have

◉ Loss or disclosing the information of the customer due to a data breach.

◉ The volition of rules and regulations. 

Operational Risk 

It happens when the vendor process shuts down. For example, when a third party became active in the organization’s operations, they could not deliver on their promises.

So it impacts the organization’s daily activities and is unable to perform. To limit the operational risks, the business must create a business continuity plan, So that even if the vendor shuts down, it can help remain operational. 

Strategic Risk

This risk typically occurs when vendors make commercial decisions that are not in line with the company’s strategic objectives.

It can influence the reputational and compliance risk, which also determines the company’s overall worth. 

When you are establishing your KRIs or Key performance indicators, it helps in effectively monitoring the strategic risk in the organization. In addition, it provides insight valuable for the processes and processes of vendors. 

Successful Vendor Management Strategies Tips To Consider 

Vendors play an integral role in IT and their ecosystem. Also, it needed to nurture the relationship among partner networkers. 

Here are some tactics and recommendations to consider to improve vendor management.

Make Sure You Are Evaluating Vendor Landscape 

There is no doubt one size fits all approach is not going to work. So it would help if you were more sure about your vendor or supplier as it will depend on the business’s uniqueness. 

With this evaluating phase, you need to find and analyze the vendors depending on the range of their criteria. Look for what they offer, how they will fit your desired scale, technology integration, data security, and budgets. 

Outline Stay-In-House Functions 

The next important tip you need to focus on is taking a close look at which process is required to be within the house and which is needed to be outsourced. 

Also, see what your business can manage or where the help will be beneficial. It’s important not to overlook these analyses as they can help refine the resource limitation, commitment terms, and talent gaps. 

Keep the Negotiator Win-Win 

Strike to compel the balance between the company and vendor resources. Not just the business but vendors look for a mutually meaningful relationship. This is why keeping the win-win negotiations for both parties is important. 

Establish The Check-Ins On a Regular And Frequent Basis 

Your vendors need you to be aware of the engagement process. So it’s important to schedule a regular meeting that is agenda-driven to keep tabs on how it’s performing. 

It includes sharing the information and encouraging accountability too.

Source: invensislearning.com

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