Strategy CIO – The C Suite https://www.thecsuite.co.uk Business for the CEO, COO, CIO & CFO Thu, 14 May 2020 10:09:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.15 177148869 The Challenges Facing IT in Tech Centric Business Environment https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/the-challenges-facing-it-in-tech-centric-business-environment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-challenges-facing-it-in-tech-centric-business-environment Mon, 14 May 2018 09:34:00 +0000 https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=462 IT has long since held an important role in most modern businesses, but it is not without its flaws. For those in a technology business environment there are a multitude of points to consider, both when implementing new IT technologies and in keeping abreast of existing business software. Cyber Security Last year a report showed […]

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IT has long since held an important role in most modern businesses, but it is not without its flaws. For those in a technology business environment there are a multitude of points to consider, both when implementing new IT technologies and in keeping abreast of existing business software.

Cyber Security

Last year a report showed that two-thirds of large scale UK businesses had experienced a cyber attack of some kind. This type of fraud is dangerous both for your customers and for the reputation of your company. Imagine, if you will, your database holds 100,000 client’s personal details. During a cyber attack each client’s personal details are vulnerable and can be stolen and used for nefarious deeds. Should your clients discover the leak was down to a lack of investment on your businesses part, the financial implications can be dire. A study from Oxford Economics and security firm CGI found that an average decline of 1.8% share price is the norm after such breaches.

It goes without saying then, that cyber security remains an area where funding cannot be scrimped upon.

Staff Training

IT is an evolving creature, but a software’s usefulness is very much determined by the understanding of the user. Basic IT training is a necessity for any employee, but as new software is developed and new skills are learned by your competitors it is vital that your existing staff keep up. Here in the UK a CIPD report suggests that personal development in the workplace is inadequate due to lack of investment. Whereas other areas of Europe invest more.

Investing in IT training will not only improve your staff knowledge, but by proxy, ensure that the IT systems in your business are competitive and right for you.

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Next Generation Workers Demand Next Generation Technology https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/next-generation-workers-demand-next-generation-technology/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=next-generation-workers-demand-next-generation-technology Fri, 09 Feb 2018 10:04:00 +0000 https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=479 Almost 50% of CEOs who have cancelled key strategic initiatives in recent months consider a shortage of skills to be responsible. The financial sector is particularly pressurised, with an inability to recruit accountants. But is it only a lack of skills that many high-powered businesses face? As Millennials continue to enter the workplace, many companies […]

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Almost 50% of CEOs who have cancelled key strategic initiatives in recent months consider a shortage of skills to be responsible. The financial sector is particularly pressurised, with an inability to recruit accountants. But is it only a lack of skills that many high-powered businesses face? As Millennials continue to enter the workplace, many companies are finding this new generation often display an innate criticism of ‘antiquated’ technology. Raised on futuristic PCs and iPhones, they demand the latest in digitalisation and are prepared to reject any job that doesn’t offer it. At least 40% of CEOs proffer a pessimistic scenario where the challenge to recruit talented professionals will only get worse.

Rewarding Careers

Next generation workers are due to account for 50% of a global workforce that is more mobile than any other. 90% take it for granted that they will frequently move to new companies around the world and more disturbingly, 48% who have only just been appointed admit they are actively seeking their next placement. 55% considered they had already compromised by accepting their current positions. Businesses facing an uphill struggle with such a demanding workforce can only hope their transition to digitalisation will mollify their younger generation of employees enough to stay put.

Technology

More than 50% of Millennials use electronic communication in all aspects of office life. Some even claim to feel uncomfortable during face-to-face meetings. Their reliance on technology is paramount. Many ‘stone age’ companies are slowly realising their next generation of professionals are already leaving for their far-flung, technologically advanced competitors. Businesses can only strive to install, at a frantic pace, the very latest in digitalisation technology in a desperate bid to entice the next generation of talent.

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The Next Generation of Software Business Models https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/the-next-generation-of-software-business-models/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-next-generation-of-software-business-models Thu, 09 Nov 2017 22:07:00 +0000 http://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=111 Recent advancements in cloud storage, the Internet of Things (IoT) and virtualisation demonstrate how incredibly fast technology is advancing. Business software is also changing with models predicted to be more concerned about growth through renewable streams of revenue than IP licencing or protection. Software Purchasers to Demand Greater Transparency In recent years no one knew […]

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Recent advancements in cloud storage, the Internet of Things (IoT) and virtualisation demonstrate how incredibly fast technology is advancing. Business software is also changing with models predicted to be more concerned about growth through renewable streams of revenue than IP licencing or protection.

Software Purchasers to Demand Greater Transparency

In recent years no one knew what contributed to software systems unless they discovered it for themselves. In addition to using Software Asset Management tools (SAM) purchasers are expecting producers to combine more transparency with easier usage and assistance. Producers should be reinforcing their customer relationships by revealing the true extent of their software.

Smarter SaaS Management

The transfer to SaaS of software producers will lead to new products. On-premises applications will still be here for some time, but expect some hybridisation. Companies will be able to present their customers with easy to use self-service systems through seamlessly integrated software. If varied deployment models are in use, they’ll be connected to centrally operated software.

Opex Growth as Subscription Increases

Transfer to Opex models is about to happen. Many device and ISV manufacturers have already transferred to subscriptions and will include repeat revenue models. There should be an increase in renewal management, automated subscriptions and subscribers. Consider the renewal procedure as assured when subscriptions commence by providing software of good value.

Increase in Customised Products and Strategies for Monetisation

Customers will continue to seek products that enable them to purchase only the features they want. There’ll be an increase in modular packages and flexible monetisation such as multiple licencing. Expect an increase in hybrids such as pricing SaaS apps for each user and additional fees for online storage of data.

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Nokia Share Price Movements https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/nokia-share-price-movements/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nokia-share-price-movements Sun, 29 Oct 2017 11:22:50 +0000 http://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=143 On Thursday, Nokia’s share price went down for more than 15%. This happened after the company reported a continuing decline in its telecommunication equipment installation business. The decline is expected to continue into the next year. When releasing its third-quarter results, the company reported a 9% year-on-year drop in the networks business revenues. This decline […]

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On Thursday, Nokia’s share price went down for more than 15%. This happened after the company reported a continuing decline in its telecommunication equipment installation business. The decline is expected to continue into the next year.

When releasing its third-quarter results, the company reported a 9% year-on-year drop in the networks business revenues. This decline included a 17% fall in the ultra-broadband division. However, the overall decrease in revenues were 7%. At the same time, adjusted earnings have doubled on a year-on-year basis, hitting $0.11 a share. This is more than the Wall Street target of $0.07.

Earlier in the year, industry analysts predicted a $510 million (EUR 432 million) in operating profits for the networks business in the same quarter. However, the profits tumbled down to EUR334 million. In a statement, CEO Rajeev Suri said, ‘we have made good progress in the quarter. However, the company has been experiencing several challenges in the mobile networks division of the business. Consequently, we have seen a consistent decline in our primary market that may go all the way to 2018.’

Based on the company’s estimate, there would be a continued decline in the range of 2-5%. According to the CEO, there are several reasons for the decline that include competition from the Chinese, increased multiple technology transitions and the shift towards consolidation, as seen with the telecom companies.

According to Suri, the company was fully committed to ensuring that everything is back on track. He also confided that they are making meaningful improvements in various sectors, such as Nokia’s Airscale business and telecom operator equipment sector.

Why is the Share Price Going down Amidst a Strong Bottom Line?

Investors have ignored the healthy bottom line in the third quarter, as seen in the report. They instead focused on the likely fallout in the soft wireless equipment in the future. This gloomy-looking future was the leading cause of the rapid decline in the share price.

Share Prices History and Forecast

According to the annual stock price data, Nokia has been experiencing a negative annual percentage change year on year since the 105.32% jump it experienced in 2013. In 2016, the average share price was 5.60920, with a high of 7.46000 and a low of 4.1200. It closed the year at 4.8100. This was a -31.48% change in the price. With the gloomy future, the stock price is expected to go down throughout two to three years. This year, the stock opened at 4.7700, but has generally been going down until the third quarter. With the report in place, many investors will be looking to offload their shares. According to the estimated movement in price, there should be a decline of between 2.5% and 3.14% decline in the share price.

Nokia is a leader in mobile communications. Over the years, it has shown enthusiasm and innovation in the industry. It is an experienced company that is making revenues in excess of $26.01 billion with a market capitalisation of $20.06 billion. Its market capitalisation is just below Motorola Solutions at $22.520 billion.

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How Black Friday has Changed from a Weekend Fling to a Week Long Love Affair https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/how-black-friday-has-changed-from-a-weekend-fling-to-a-week-long-love-affair/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-black-friday-has-changed-from-a-weekend-fling-to-a-week-long-love-affair Tue, 03 Oct 2017 09:42:00 +0000 https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=469 Black Friday is a marketing strategy that’s been imported into the UK from America. Struggling American stores regularly went “into the black” with huge profits made after customers went on an indulgent spending spree following Thanksgiving Day. Today, Black Friday is identified as an opportunity for customers to purchase goods at incredibly low prices. And […]

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Black Friday is a marketing strategy that’s been imported into the UK from America. Struggling American stores regularly went “into the black” with huge profits made after customers went on an indulgent spending spree following Thanksgiving Day. Today, Black Friday is identified as an opportunity for customers to purchase goods at incredibly low prices. And falling at the end of the November, it’s perfect for buying gifts in time for Christmas.

Black Friday UK

In the UK, the Black Friday phenomenon has only existed since 2010 when Amazon introduced it in its online store. Asda launched the event in its supermarkets in 2013 and made massive profits in just twenty-four hours. Such success prompted other retailers to follow suit. Just four years later, Black Friday has become the biggest High Street sales event of the year with shops besieged by massive crowds.

A Long Week

In 2015, 50% of consumers took advantage of the Black Friday event. Their spending power combined with a need to disperse the huge crowds, first prompted retailers to turn it into a long weekend. It’s now followed by Cyber Monday when shoppers can find even better discounts online. To keep the momentum of the event, many retailers are including the days preceding Black Friday to create an exciting build up to the main event. Consequently, the impact of massive profits on the big day itself has reduced by about half as consumers choose to spread their spending across several days. The dynamic excitement created by one day of bargain hunting has taken hardly any time to become a week long feature of UK shopping trends and shows no signs of abating.

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Not All Websites Are Created Equal Learning From the London Marathon Let Down https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/not-all-websites-are-created-equal-learning-from-the-london-marathon-let-down/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=not-all-websites-are-created-equal-learning-from-the-london-marathon-let-down Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:42:00 +0000 https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=434 Several websites are passive, and you need them to market them. You need AdWords and another paid promotion, which helps websites receive visitors ineptly for search marketing. Many websites are dynamic sites that have mobile search advertising as well as SEO features yet are offering products and services that are constantly available online at no […]

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Several websites are passive, and you need them to market them. You need AdWords and another paid promotion, which helps websites receive visitors ineptly for search marketing. Many websites are dynamic sites that have mobile search advertising as well as SEO features yet are offering products and services that are constantly available online at no cost at the same time. Only using the website’s organic nature.

MI believes that the reason for having a webpage is not just to connect to a digital booklet but also to acquire an active promotional platform that benefits from the current global advertisement as well as sponsorship opportunities. Almost one other employee will work for your company thought day and night just for the cost of hosting on one of the websites.

A dynamically customized custom website to your company, project, style, and the taste is given to all clients of my website. With all developers of the site, that is almost the same.

I assume that many customers would want to consciously increase their business profits by using the internet and their website. Some websites are doing fine; others aren’t. They are written in the way they are. Luckily, this disparity can be calculated using Websitegrader.com, which is a third-party tool. The score for every website you want to test is a valuable segmented summary and comparisons.

My recommendations are that one ought to run website builders reports on respective homepages, with each usage of the Websites, to understand the complexity in the potential marketing search l amongst Websites that were designed by me as well as other developers’ websites that light cross through your mind.

The global economy we operate in is where a customer a degree of using a brand like Xero, this raises the experience as well as the brand story. Certainly this will affect the dynamic as it allows a whole generation of consumers, including local businesses, to expect as well as receive the highest degree of brand success of forgetting user experience. The performance website opens up the opportunity to rise to the challenge.

Security and stability are also vital – upgrading server tech and having the capacity for peaks in traffic is essential. Caching technologies such as lite speed can help, but for websites that experience incredible peaks such as that of the London Marathon the best solution would be a cloud system to avoid paying for machines that are redundant for 90% of the year.

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PSD2 Is an Opportunity for Banks If Embraced Properly https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/psd2-is-an-opportunity-for-banks-if-embraced-properly/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=psd2-is-an-opportunity-for-banks-if-embraced-properly Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:49:00 +0000 http://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=226 The amended Payment Services Directive (PSD2) would implement new protection standards in Europe in September; however, it will also have an impact in the United States and other parts of the world. PSD2 gives the payments industry two significant changes. It requires improved security standards for electronic transactions with Dual-Factor Authentication (MFA) as well as […]

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The amended Payment Services Directive (PSD2) would implement new protection standards in Europe in September; however, it will also have an impact in the United States and other parts of the world. PSD2 gives the payments industry two significant changes. It requires improved security standards for electronic transactions with Dual-Factor Authentication (MFA) as well as allowing banks access to individual bank accounts for third-party payment processing providers if bank customers agree.

What are strong consumer authentication (SCA) requirements?

In PSD2, it is the case that European customers with two-factor authentication (2FA) have financial firms keeping a payment account, which will have to contest electronic purchases, such as card purchases. This enhanced encryption blends what you know, such as passwords or PIN, with what the user owns, like mobile application code or a biometric signature, such as fingerprint or visual recognition. This better encryption For each transaction that connects the consumer and the percentage, the outcome is unique encryption codes.

Such specifications are subject to multiple exemptions. Of example, transactions below €30 and regular operations of the same payee and sum may be excluded, similar to those relating to subscription services. Also, white list traders can be made by consumers.

If the buying bank or company guarantees a low rate of fraud by specific risk assessment approaches – transfers up to EUR 100 for fraud rates below 0.13 percent, EUR 250 for fraud rates less than 0.06 percent and EUR 500 for fraud rate less than 0.01 percent, higher price transfers can be excluded. But the average fraud rate for a majority of the purchasers is well over 0.13 percent, as per a recent study of Aite Group Consultancy and the fraud detection firm location on the PSD2 effect, so whether such low fraud rates can even be achieved is uncertain.

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Digital Transformation Empowering the CIO https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/digital-transformation-empowering-the-cio/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=digital-transformation-empowering-the-cio Fri, 15 Sep 2017 13:27:00 +0000 http://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=167 Digital transformation is the incorporation of digital technology into business. Currently, this is a preeminent advancement that has the potential to improve business performance. In the business world, many organizations have embraced the digital scope, thus changing several dynamics in the departments like the IT section. Below are some of the digital transformations that have […]

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Digital transformation is the incorporation of digital technology into business. Currently, this is a preeminent advancement that has the potential to improve business performance. In the business world, many organizations have embraced the digital scope, thus changing several dynamics in the departments like the IT section. Below are some of the digital transformations that have empowered the CIO.

Customer satisfaction

The primary goal of any venture is to fulfil customer needs and expectations, and this has been achieved through the digital world. Technology has played a pivotal role in transforming customer service, whereby they can receive feedback and solutions immediately. The help of a 24-hour toll-free lines and social media always ensures there is an improvement in the service provided. Additionally, in cases of complaints, they can give their reviews via the online platforms on the products, and this allows the company to implement changes.

Privacy and security

As information of the customer should remain confidential, there is a need for security systems that prevent cyber-attacks. With the digital transformation, new security strategies have been built over time, securing the information. The data privacy has been enhanced by new coding systems such as end-to-end encryption that modernize the security system. Additionally, improved network systems have kept the IT sector on top of the business world.

Decision-making process

Technology can improve the decision making process with the use of the available data on the Internet of Things, which gives the stakeholders the data over the years to make the appropriate decision. Moreover, the digital transformation has analysis tools that convert the business insights, thus providing accurate results that aid the top level in making informed decisions.

Improving partnership

The new technology allows you to network with different companies and, in turn, form partnerships. The digital space will enable you to hold virtual meetings if companies are located around the globe. Additionally, it strengthens the connection whereby there is a free flow of information where there are online agreements that can be stored in the cloud. This technology transformation aids the running of the business successfully with other departments like subcontractors and suppliers in the company.

Workforce affluence

Digital technology has eased the work whereby new technology like computers, the internet, and smartphones allow you to store documents online. It reduces the loss of valuable information compared to the traditional ways of documentation. Subsequently, the technology improves staff skills through online training sessions, which increases productivity.

Increased productivity and reduced costs

Technology reduces the costs whereby; manual interventions can be handled by the new technology hence cost-effective. It promotes savings and increases the quality of production. Moreover, there is increased productivity as digital technology works fast and produces accurate results. The efficiency reduces errors in the work hence impeccable work quality and service, which increases the profits in the company.

Digital technology has modernized the business world through different aspects, all with the aim of better growth and increased profits. The digital transformation should be implemented in organizations, as the results are remarkable.

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Businesses Must Plan for Rise of AI https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/businesses-must-plan-for-rise-of-ai/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=businesses-must-plan-for-rise-of-ai Mon, 04 Sep 2017 17:36:31 +0000 http://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=245 A recent poll conducted by the Alexander Mann Solutions painted a grim picture of the HR profession’s preparedness for artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The survey involved over 2,000 HR practitioners and found that only 23% of them were confident that the next generation of human resource professionals is ready for AI. Yet, 69% […]

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A recent poll conducted by the Alexander Mann Solutions painted a grim picture of the HR profession’s preparedness for artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The survey involved over 2,000 HR practitioners and found that only 23% of them were confident that the next generation of human resource professionals is ready for AI. Yet, 69% of the respondents were convinced that humanoids would be part of the workforce in most work environments by 2030.

When the pollster asked them about the type of skill firms should develop to harness the potential of AI fully, 36% of the respondents thought that workers should be adaptable to change. Meanwhile, 22% thought that creativity would be critical, while 18% insisted that technical and IT skills would be essential.

Laurie Padua, the director of Technology and Operations Consulting at Accenture, believes AI has the potential to improve the productivity of the UK economy by £654bn by 2035. However, this potential will only be realized if the human talent handling the adoption, implementation and management of the technology is competent.

Laurie further notes that successful implementation is premised on strategic planning and execution. Consequently, HR managers have the imperative to implement strategic human resource plans that will enable organisations to hire staff with the requisite technical skills. They also need to recruit workers that have core competencies such as communication skills and creativity since they are hard to produce using machines.

HR executives and strategists must focus on retraining the existing staff and hiring a workforce that is competent in working with robots. However, HR experts are confident that AI will not replace workers. Instead, employees will harness AI to improve their efficiency and productivity. At the same time, innate human skills will be highly valuable. For instance, GE is creating a ‘robotic workforce’ by shifting its machine-learning lab to the cloud as a way of improving organisational efficiency and customer service.

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Digital Transformation Needs Cultural Transformation https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/cio/strategy-cio/digital-transformation-needs-cultural-transformation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=digital-transformation-needs-cultural-transformation Sat, 02 Sep 2017 08:26:00 +0000 https://www.thecsuite.co.uk/?p=418 Today, businesses have to make daily changes on how they operate and interact with their customers. Change is becoming a constant factor, and long term strategies are no longer sustainable without effective cultural change. Cultural change is an essential factor for a successful digital transformation. Change will not be effective if an organization changes its […]

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Today, businesses have to make daily changes on how they operate and interact with their customers. Change is becoming a constant factor, and long term strategies are no longer sustainable without effective cultural change.

Cultural change is an essential factor for a successful digital transformation. Change will not be effective if an organization changes its infrastructure, processes, customer interactions, and technologies but fails to address the human element. The operating system for any organization is culture. It’s very crucial, but often goes unnoticed.

Leaders in any organization need to identify and understand the current business culture for them to map the correct timelines and solutions that will work for their business. Every organization has its own culture. Executives underrate the importance of culture and focus on strategy. Therefore, they need to align their culture to their organisational goals.

Almost all cultures are risk-averse when the most direct line to innovation is to take risk. For an organization to maintain the momentum of any digital transformation, it has to consider the workforce involvement, feedback, and cooperation.

Everyone in the organization needs to be involved when developing an organizational culture that focuses on adopting a successful digital transformation. Leaders and employees need to be psychologically prepared to work transparently and openly. In cases where an organization culture is not built around silos, cultural change must be addressed before beginning any transformation process.

Culture enables the adoption of a new technology. The ability of an organization to innovate depends on the maturity and impatience of its culture. For a business to build and maintain its culture, it has to make time for people to interact, brainstorm, collaborate, share experiences, test and learn what works.

Building and developing a digital culture takes a lot of time. However, if a company acts as soon as possible, it will be able to compete in this digitized, multichannel, and fast-paced world. A company, therefore needs to set clear and defined goals and empower employees to achieve these goals. Leaders should also build a foundation of an organizational culture.

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