1. © 2008the University of Greenwich1 Skills Framework for the Information Age Dr Kevin McManus

2. © 2008the University of Greenwich2 SFIA UK government backed high-level IT skills standard. It describes the typical roles in IT and the skills needed to fulfil them −provides a solid foundation for organisations when setting standards of professionalism in IT −the fundamental standard that underpins both the IT Professional Competency Model published by e-skills and the Government IT Competency Framework

3. © 2008the University of Greenwich3 SFIAplus SFIAplus provides a clear three dimensional model describing categories of work on one axis, levels of responsibility on another and resources/components on the third axis

4. © 2008the University of Greenwich4 SIX main categories of work 1. Strategy and planning 2. Development 3. Business change 4. Service provision 5. Procurement and management support 6. Ancillary skills

5. © 2008the University of Greenwich5 SEVEN levels of responsibility 1. Follow 2. Assist 3. Apply 4. Enable 5. Ensure, advise 6. Initiate, influence 7. Set strategy, inspire, mobilise

6. © 2008the University of Greenwich6 EIGHT skill resources 1. Related functions 2. Technical overview 3. Overview of training, development & qualifications 4. Career & jobs 5. Professional bodies 6. Standards & codes of practice 7. Communities and events 8. Publications & events

7. © 2008the University of Greenwich7 SIX task components 1. Background 2. Work activities 3. Knowledge and skills 4. Training activities 5. Professional development activities 6. Qualifications

8. © 20088 SFIAplus3 Wallchart

9. © 2008the University of Greenwich9 Level 1: follow Autonomy −Works under close supervision −Uses little discretion −Expected to seek guidance in unexpected situations. Influence −Interacts with department. Complexity −Performs routine activities in a structured environment −Requires assistance in resolving unexpected problem. Business skills −Uses basic information systems and technology functions, applications, and processes. Demonstrates an organised approach to work −Capable of learning new skills and applying newly acquired knowledge −Basic oral and written communication skills −Contributes to identifying own development

10. © 2008the University of Greenwich10 Level 2: assist Autonomy −Works under routine supervision −Uses minor discretion in resolving problems or enquiries −Works without frequent reference to others Influence −Interacts with and may influence department −May have some external contact with customers and suppliers −May have more influence in own domain Complexity −Performs range of varied work activities in a variety of structured environments Business skills −Understands and uses appropriate methods tools and applications −Demonstrates a rational and organised approach to work −Identifies and negotiates own development opportunities −Sufficient communication skills for effective dialogue with colleagues −Able to work in a team, plan, schedule and monitor own work within short time horizons

11. © 2008the University of Greenwich11 Level 3: apply Autonomy −Works under general supervision −Uses discretion in identifying and resolving complex problems and assignments −Specific instruction is usually given and work is reviewed at frequent milestones Influence −Interacts with and influences department/project team members −Frequent external contact with customers and suppliers Complexity −Broad range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in variety of environments Business skills −Understands and uses appropriate methods tools and applications −Demonstrates analytical and systematic approach to problem solving −Takes initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate development opportunities −Demonstrates effective communication skills and contributes fully to the work of teams

12. © 2008the University of Greenwich12 Level 4: enable Autonomy −Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability. −Plans own work, to meet given objectives and processes Influence −Influences team, and specialist peers internally and customers at account level and suppliers −Some responsibility for work of others and allocation of resources Complexity −Broad range of complex technical or professional work activities, in a variety of contexts Business skills −Selects appropriately from applicable standards, methods, tools and applications and use −Demonstrates analytical and systematic approach to problem solving −Communicates fluently orally and in writing and can present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences −Able to plan, schedule and monitor work activities in order to meet time and quality targets and in accordance with health and safety procedures

13. © 2008the University of Greenwich13 Level 5: ensure, advise Autonomy −Works under broad direction with full accountability for own technical work or project/supervisory responsibilities −Establishes own milestones, team objectives and delegates assignments Influence −Influences organisation, customers, suppliers and peers within industry on contribution of specialisation −Significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources Complexity −Work requires application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts −Understands relationship between specialism and wider customer/ organisational requirements Business skills −Advises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications in own area of specialisation and can make correct choices from alternatives −Communicates effectively, formally and informally, with colleagues, subordinates and customers −Demonstrates leadership

14. © 2008the University of Greenwich14 Level 6: initiate, influence Autonomy −Has defined authority and responsibility for a significant area of work, including technical, financial and quality aspects −Establishes organisational objectives and delegates assignments −Accountable for actions and decisions taken by self and subordinates Influence −Influences at level of division internally and influences customer/suppliers and industry at senior management level −Decisions impact work of employing organisations, achievement of organisational objectives and financial performance Complexity −Highly complex work activities covering technical, financial and quality aspects and contributing to formulation of IS strategy Business skills −Can absorb complex technical information and communicate effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences −Demonstrates clear leadership skills and the ability to influence and persuade

15. © 2008the University of Greenwich15 Level 7: set strategy, inspire, mobilise Autonomy −Has authority and responsibility for all aspects of a significant area of work, including policy formation and application −Is held fully accountable for actions taken and decisions made, both by self and subordinates Influence −Decisions critical to organisational success −Influences developments within information systems industry at highest levels Complexity −Application of highest level management and leadership skills −Has deep understanding of information systems industry and emerging technologies and implications for the wider business environment Business skills −Full range of strategic management and leadership skills −Understands, explains and presents complex technical ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels up to the highest in a persuasive and convincing manner

16. © 2008the University of Greenwich16 More than simply getting a job Setting out on a career ladder BCS has established levels of responsibility −which level are you on? Not starting at the bottom −but you do need to get a foot in the door −demonstrate that you can deliver Catch 22 −you need to get a foot in the door −placement may have already helped

17. © 2008the University of Greenwich17 What is an employer looking for? 1.Can you do the job? do you have the technical skills? do you have the personal skills? 2.Will you do the job? do you have sufficient maturity? do you have sufficient responsibility? 3.Will you fit in? do you have sufficient inter-personal skills? do you have professional skills?

18. © 2008the University of Greenwich18 Tick all the boxes We have put considerable effort into helping you to tick the boxes −all that PDP stuff When you apply for a position make sure that you tick ALL of the boxes Be enthusiastic −you are probably not in a position to negotiate −not at this stage −but you don't need to beg −tell them how impressed you are with their company

19. © 2008the University of Greenwich19 Conclusions Good luck and happy hunting Any questions?