Week 2 Technical Skills and Business Acumen Flashcards
What is the purpose of a discovery session in a digital transformation project?
The purpose of a discovery session is to understand the current state of the organization’s IT infrastructure, data management, customer touchpoints, and employee workflows. It helps in identifying areas for improvement and establishing a structured assessment framework.
What tools can be used to visualize the current state of an organization’s processes during a digital transformation?
Tools like business capability mapping or value stream mapping can be used to visualize the current state of an organization’s processes.
How would you explain the benefits of a MACH-based solution to a non-technical stakeholder?
MACH (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless) solutions are flexible, scalable, and allow businesses to use the best tools for each function. They ensure that systems can be easily integrated and updated, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
What are some key strategies to gain stakeholder buy-in for a digital transformation project?
Key strategies include developing a clear communication plan, engaging key influencers, creating a change management strategy (e.g., ADKAR framework), and planning for quick wins to demonstrate value early.
What methodologies can be incorporated for process optimization in IT consulting?
Methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma can be incorporated for process optimization. They focus on reducing waste, improving quality, and enhancing efficiency.
Name two process mapping techniques that can be used to analyze current workflows.
Interviews and Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) creation, as well as direct observation methods like ‘gemba walks’. Process mining tools can also be used if digital logs are available.
List some key metrics to measure the efficiency of an order fulfillment process.
Time-based metrics: Order-to-delivery time, processing time per order.
Quality metrics: Error rates, return rates.
Cost metrics: Cost per order processed.
Customer-centric metrics: On-time delivery rate, customer satisfaction scores.
Inventory metrics: Stock turnover rate, stockout frequency.
What are some common challenges in getting staff to adopt new technologies and processes?
Common challenges include fear of job loss or role changes, skepticism about benefits, comfort with existing processes, lack of trust in leadership, and insufficient communication about the changes.
What is WSJF and how is it used in prioritizing improvements?
WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) is a prioritization method that calculates a score by dividing the Cost of Delay by Job Size. It helps in determining which improvements should be implemented first based on their potential impact and effort required.
How can Kotter’s 8-Step Process help in change management during a digital transformation?
Kotter’s 8-Step Process provides a structured approach to managing change by creating urgency, building a guiding coalition, forming a strategic vision, enlisting a volunteer army, enabling action by removing barriers, generating short-term wins, sustaining acceleration, and instituting change.
What is a ‘Digital Center of Excellence’ in the context of digital transformation?
A Digital Center of Excellence is a dedicated team or department within an organization that focuses on driving and supporting ongoing digital initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with digital transformation goals.
What are some techniques for fostering a positive attitude towards digital transformation among employees?
Techniques include using gamification (like leaderboards or badges), creating a Digital Mentor program, establishing an Innovation Lab for experimentation, and implementing a ‘Fail Fast, Learn Fast’ policy to encourage risk-taking in digital initiatives.
