Mudassir Iqbal

In today’s world where we are experiencing massive changes in all facets of life (the largest ever after the third industrial revolution), project management has become quite pervasive. In this era of Industry 4.0, the methodologies we learn in this field are being used in almost every other industry around the world. It’s thought-provoking to consider the upcoming demand for project management—and in turn, project managers—in this fast-changing world where: innovation cycles are becoming shorter and shorter AI and robotics are threatening many jobs (or at least functions within a job) job roles are becoming more competitive and have started to encompass functions that are/were not directly part of the position outsourcing is threatening job functions that are not value added With my current assignment, I am experiencing outsourced project management, with some of the project managers’ usual functions handed over to operations teams.\ Let’s have a look at the future of ...

Strengthening professional networks inside the workplace is as important as the networks you build outside your professional life. Building long-lasting professional relationships require you demonstrate sound business ethics and principles, and that you validate considerations expected of an excellent employee. Help Employees Navigate the Organization Every employee has a certain position in the hierarchy of the organization, however, that doesn’t mean that anyone should feel inferior or demoralized. Every leader must understand the operations within the organization. The company’s culture sets the precedent for the professional personalities it hires. You should help employees to understand why they were hired and why they are the best fit for the particular role eventually leading to overall project success. Invest in Employee Networks and Loyalty Are you confident that your employees feel they can trust you? Do you empower and provide them with tools essential to boost the i...

Business Analysis Core Concept Model (BACCM) Creating the BACCM -  By Julian Sammy, EBA, IIBA The Business Analyst Core Concept Model (BACCM) comprises of six fundamental concepts that are interrelated through a dynamic theoretical system. Undeniably, this is a powerful tool for a systematic understanding of controlled organizational change. This defines the framework for the business analysis profession. Let’s explore the six critical components of the model. Change: It refers to a controlled transformation of a business. The aim is to promote favourable change and avert the downsides. It transforms the organization to improve its value. A change can be achieved by initiating a project or a program. These changes can be managed as consistent improvement initiatives. In terms of its relations with other model components, a change will involve various stakeholders in different ways. Also, it may be revolved otherwise in different contexts. Stakeholder and Need: An ind...

Communication is an essential part of our daily life, and even more crucial to the success of any project. Although all Project Managers agree that success of a project largely depends on effective communication; regular, concise, clear and most importantly sufficient communication has become a rare commodity. Yes! It’s an art, but one can definitely learn that with right training and approach. Project Teams members usually complain about lack of communication during an ongoing project. Failure of effective communication is mostly from the top-down, but it can also be from bottom-up. For an example: The top management fails to convey the vision and purpose of projects clearly hence to motivate the team, or The Project Manager fails to communicate project success as a ‘business success’ in the proper business terminologies and instead dives deep into the technical details, therefore, losing the business support for the project altogether. Interestingly, everybody understands ...

We all know that the world is changing very fast, same is the case with the education field. Both trainers and students have to face a different kind of challenges every day than they used to about 5-10 years back. Following is my take on online Study. Convenience You can attend these courses at your own pace. Most courses are self-paced and can be done during your spare time. If you are a fast learner, you can complete early. If you need a little more time, you are free to go through the details ‘one last time', it’s your choice. Comfortable Only internet access is required. The courses can be attended in the comfort of home, during office lunchtime, the gym or even when lying down before going to sleep. Ease of Communication Or I would say a new and more complex type of communication. Assuming that you already have a Facebook account or a Quora account, collaboration with other students and professionals around the world is just one click away. A Skype call (or similar)...

Here are my two cents on  ERP Implementation Challenges ERP has become a popular option for many businesses since it maximizes profit, productivity and improves efficiency while minimizing costs over a long run. It is important to keep in mind that ROI on ERP Implementation is usually 4 (+-1) years. When ERP implementation fails to succeed, it is not normally because of the software opted but because of poor planning. Involvement of senior management is always necessary for the success of ERP Implementation or as a matter of fact for any new initiative in the company. The following are some common ERP challenges that should be addressed for a successful ERP Implementation. Challenge#1: Planning for ERP ERP system should be implemented step by step. A detailed plan will provide a business with a powerful boost on meeting deadline, priorities, phases, implementation methodology and scope of the work. Proper planning will not only help during Implementation but will als...