Service Archives - Wylie Blanchard Wylie Blanchard | Business Technology Expert, Digital Executive Advisor & Speaker - Wylie Blanchard Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:11:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 /wp-content/uploads/cropped-Wylie-Blanchard-profile-photo_202008_IMG_7092_1100x1100-32x32.jpg Service Archives - Wylie Blanchard 32 32 The Balance Between DIY and Professional Tech Support https://www.wylieblanchard.com/the-balance-between-diy-and-professional-tech-support/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 03:43:53 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=8929 How do you balance empowering employees to create technology solutions while maintaining IT oversight and governance? There’s a growing trend among business decision-makers who are stepping into “citizen developer” roles, using low-code or no-code platforms like Microsoft Power Apps or Power Automate. By leveraging their unique insights into everyday business challenges, these individuals are creating […]

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How do you balance empowering employees to create technology solutions while maintaining IT oversight and governance?

Puzzle pieces connecting DIY Innovation to key business concerns

There’s a growing trend among business decision-makers who are stepping into “citizen developer” roles, using low-code or no-code platforms like Microsoft Power Apps or Power Automate. By leveraging their unique insights into everyday business challenges, these individuals are creating quick, innovative solutions without relying solely on traditional IT teams. The results can be transformative—enabling faster deployment, immediate value, and better alignment with specific organizational needs.


When Enthusiasm Meets Initiative

Embracing a do-it-yourself (DIY) mindset in technology can unlock fresh ideas and jumpstart operational improvements. Here’s why the non-traditional development approach can be so powerful:

  1. Empowerment and Growth
    • Business professionals gain technical confidence and new skills. This can lead to deeper engagement and an inventive culture that encourages continuous improvement.
  2. Rapid Prototyping
    • Low-code/no-code tools allow for immediate experimentation. Teams can quickly roll out prototypes to see what works, gather feedback, and iterate toward a more refined solution.
  3. Cost-Efficiency (Within Reason)
    • Early projects can often be handled with minimal investment, freeing up budget for more complex endeavors or resources that require specialized expertise.
  4. Team Morale
    • Celebrating internally developed solutions can energize an entire department, fostering a sense of ownership and collective pride.

Knowing When to Involve Experts

Even the most driven DIYer can encounter scenarios where professional IT support makes all the difference. Here are some key indicators:

  1. Advanced Security & Compliance
    • Certain projects, especially those involving sensitive data or regulatory obligations, require specialized oversight to minimize risks and ensure proper safeguards.
  2. Integration with Existing Systems
    • Solutions often need to communicate with CRMs, HR systems, or other enterprise platforms. Professional IT can guarantee seamless connections and data flow.
  3. High-Volume Scalability
    • A DIY prototype might work for a small team. However, scaling up can expose performance bottlenecks, architecture issues, or unmet infrastructure needs.
  4. Complex Troubleshooting
    • Hidden complexities or advanced workflows may demand deeper technical skills. IT experts can root out potential problems quickly and permanently.
  5. Future Maintenance & Enhancements
    • Low-code platforms regularly introduce new features and updates. An IT team can help ensure your solution stays aligned with platform changes, security patches, and emerging best practices.

From Collaboration to Cohesion

While citizen developers excel at rapidly bringing ideas to life, collaborating with IT—whether an internal department or an external provider—adds a layer of robustness and future-proofing. By blending each group’s strengths, you can:

  • Refine Architecture – Confirm that the solution’s underlying structure is efficient, reliable, and easy to expand.
  • Verify Security & Compliance – Meet relevant regulations, protect sensitive information, and avoid vulnerabilities.
  • Plan for Growth – Ensure the solution can scale alongside evolving business needs and frequent platform updates.

This balanced approach preserves the agility of citizen development while reinforcing it with specialized expertise for long-term success.


Citizen development represents a powerful shift, allowing business professionals to solve problems with tools that were once accessible only to seasoned developers. It can lead to faster innovation, reduced costs, and heightened ownership. However, it’s also important to know where the limits lie and when to bring in professional support to handle complexities and future-proof solutions.

If you’re exploring your own DIY initiatives or considering how best to maintain them in the long run, connecting with experienced IT professionals—whether internally or externally—can help ensure that you’re building secure, scalable, and sustainable solutions.


This content was originally posted on Medium

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What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Why Does It Matter? https://www.wylieblanchard.com/what-is-artificial-general-intelligence-agi-and-why-does-it-matter/ Sat, 23 Nov 2024 12:13:00 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=8875 Imagine an AI system that could not only assist with routine tasks but also make strategic decisions, transforming industries overnight. This is the promise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a technology poised to reshape the business landscape. Unlike today’s AI systems, which excel at specific tasks like language translation or image recognition, AGI aspires to […]

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Two hands shaking. One human hand and one technology enhanced hand

Imagine an AI system that could not only assist with routine tasks but also make strategic decisions, transforming industries overnight. This is the promise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a technology poised to reshape the business landscape. Unlike today’s AI systems, which excel at specific tasks like language translation or image recognition, AGI aspires to perform any intellectual task a human can do. Think of AGI as a machine with the ability to reason, learn, and adapt across a wide range of problems, rather than being confined to a single skill set.

AGI is often seen as the “holy grail” of artificial intelligence—a system capable of understanding, reasoning, and decision-making with the flexibility of a human mind. While the journey toward AGI began with basic machine learning and narrow AI applications, researchers now envision a future where machines can learn new tasks without explicit programming, solve complex problems autonomously, and collaborate seamlessly with humans.

How is AGI Different from Current AI?

Today’s AI systems, often called “narrow AI,” are highly effective but limited. For instance, a chatbot like ChatGPT can answer questions and generate text, but it cannot diagnose diseases or manage complex project planning. AGI, on the other hand, would integrate a broad spectrum of cognitive abilities into one system, enabling it to tackle entirely different tasks with little or no retraining. This versatility is what makes AGI a revolutionary concept.

Consider an example: Narrow AI might power an e-commerce recommendation engine that suggests products to customers. AGI, by contrast, could analyze trends, predict inventory needs, and create personalized marketing campaigns—all while adapting to real-time shifts in consumer behavior. Similarly, in the healthcare sector, AGI could provide predictive diagnostics, tailoring treatment plans for patients based on genetic data, medical history, and environmental factors.

Creating AGI, however, is a monumental challenge, requiring breakthroughs in data processing, cognitive modeling, and ethical safeguards. Predictions about AGI’s arrival vary widely. Some, like OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, believe AGI could emerge as early as 2025, though skeptics cite the immense technical and ethical hurdles involved.

Why Should Evolving Businesses Care?

AGI has the potential to revolutionize how businesses operate, making it a game-changer for companies looking to scale or remain competitive.

For example:

  • In healthcare, AGI could enable smaller practices to deliver personalized treatments by seamlessly integrating patient data, genetic insights, and the latest medical advancements. This could help level the playing field with larger institutions, allowing even rural clinics to offer world-class diagnostic services.
  • In education, AGI could personalize learning plans for students by analyzing individual performance data and adapting teaching methods to their needs. This would empower small educational institutions to deliver high-quality, customized learning experiences that rival those of elite schools.
  • In professional services, AGI could automate repetitive tasks such as document review or client onboarding, freeing up resources for strategic decision-making and personalized client interactions. Small accounting or consulting firms, for instance, could use AGI to analyze financial records, generate insights, and forecast trends with greater precision.
  • In non-profit organizations, AGI could dramatically enhance impact by optimizing resource allocation, streamlining volunteer coordination, and automating routine tasks like donor outreach and grant management. For example, AGI could analyze community needs, predict trends, and recommend the most effective strategies for deploying aid. This level of operational efficiency and data-driven insight would enable non-profits to amplify their reach and focus more on their mission rather than administrative burdens.

For growing businesses and organizations of all sizes, AGI represents an opportunity to achieve more with fewer resources, improving efficiency and competitiveness in a rapidly changing marketplace. As noted in McKinsey’s Technology Trends Outlook 2024, advancements in AI are increasingly driving innovation and enabling companies to break barriers, leading to new efficiencies and expanded capabilities in enterprise applications. Understanding its potential now can help businesses prepare to harness its benefits as the technology matures.

A Practical Roadmap for SMBs: Preparing for AGI

Preparing for AGI doesn’t require jumping in headfirst. Instead, businesses can begin by adopting narrow AI tools, building a foundation for more advanced AI systems in the future. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap for growing companies to get started:

1. Identify Key Pain Points

Start by identifying specific challenges within your business. Are you struggling with repetitive administrative tasks, inefficient workflows, or slow decision-making processes? Narrow AI tools, such as automation platforms or analytics dashboards, can address these issues.

2. Adopt Narrow AI Solutions

Implement AI tools tailored to your business needs. For example:

  • IT Support: Use AI-driven systems to monitor and resolve technical issues proactively.
  • Customer Engagement: Deploy chatbots to handle routine inquiries, freeing up human staff for complex tasks.
  • Data Management: Leverage analytics tools to uncover insights from customer or operational data.

An outsource IT partner can guide businesses through the implementation of these tools, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

3. Upskill Your Workforce

Ensure your team is prepared to work alongside AI systems by providing training and resources. An experienced technology partner can offer staffing solutions and training programs tailored to growing companies, helping teams stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

4. Optimize IT Infrastructure

Invest in scalable, cloud-based IT solutions to support future AI capabilities. A technology provider with expertise in platforms like Microsoft Power Platform can help businesses set up systems that grow alongside their needs.

5. Build a Long-Term AI Strategy

Collaborate with a technology consultant to develop a roadmap for integrating more advanced AI technologies. This includes identifying opportunities for AGI applications as they become viable.

Preparing for the AGI Era

While AGI may be years—or decades—away, evolving businesses can prepare by embracing today’s AI tools. Start experimenting with AI-powered solutions in your operations, stay informed about advancements, and consider how AGI might integrate with your existing systems in the future. By understanding its potential now, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the changes it will bring.

For companies just starting their AI journey, adopting narrow AI solutions can offer immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for future AGI integration. Automating repetitive tasks, leveraging data analytics, and upskilling teams to work alongside intelligent systems are excellent first steps.

AGI holds incredible promise, but it also raises important questions about ethics, security, and the role of humans in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines. It’s an exciting time to be in business as we stand on the edge of a potential revolution.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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Essential Disaster Preparedness Strategies: Safeguarding Your Business https://www.wylieblanchard.com/essential-disaster-preparedness-strategies-safeguarding-your-business/ Sun, 18 Aug 2024 15:20:00 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=8826 Discover essential disaster preparedness strategies for businesses, including risk assessment, disaster recovery plans, IT infrastructure investment, regular testing, and leveraging advanced technology. Ensure your business's resilience and continuity in the face of natural disasters.

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Frustrated Man in Front of a Laptop

Recent tornadoes in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have starkly highlighted the urgent need for businesses to enhance their disaster preparedness strategies. The destructive storms caused widespread power outages, significant infrastructure damage, and disrupted operations for numerous businesses. These events underscore the vulnerabilities in existing systems and the necessity for robust disaster recovery plans. Being prepared for such unforeseen events is critical to building resilience and ensuring continuity.

The recent tornadoes, which resulted in significant damage and power outages, serve as a stark reminder of the potential for natural disasters to disrupt business operations. As businesses in the affected areas work to recover, the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness becomes evident. Ensuring that a business can withstand and quickly recover from such events is essential to maintaining operations and minimizing financial loss.

Here are some recommendations for businesses across the Midwest:

Assess and Prioritize Risks

Begin by identifying potential risks specific to the business and geographic location. The recent tornadoes, which caused extensive damage and power outages, underscore the importance of this step. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to prioritize threats based on their likelihood and potential impact on operations.

Develop a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan

A robust disaster recovery plan is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity. The plan should include:

  • Data Backup and Recovery: Regularly back up critical data and ensure that backups are stored offsite or in the cloud. This prevents data loss in the event of physical damage to premises.
  • Communication Strategy: Establish clear communication protocols to ensure all stakeholders are informed during a disaster. This includes updating contact information and having alternative communication channels in place.
  • Operational Continuity: Identify key business functions and outline procedures for maintaining these operations during disruptions. This includes having contingency plans for IT infrastructure, supply chain management, and customer service.

Invest in Reliable IT Infrastructure

Modern businesses rely heavily on technology, making IT infrastructure a critical component of disaster preparedness. Cloud services can ensure that IT systems are resilient, scalable, and secure. Important aspects include:

  • Cloud Migration: Transition critical applications and data to the cloud to enhance accessibility and reduce the risk of data loss.
  • System Redundancy: Implement redundant systems to ensure that if one system fails, another can take over without disrupting operations.
  • Cybersecurity Measures: Protect IT infrastructure from cyber threats with advanced security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

Regular Testing and Training

A disaster recovery plan is only effective if it is regularly tested and updated. Conduct regular drills to ensure that all employees are familiar with their roles and responsibilities during a disaster. Comprehensive training programs can prepare the team for various disaster scenarios.

Leverage Technology for Enhanced Preparedness

Utilize advanced technologies to enhance disaster preparedness efforts. Solutions include:

  • Business Intelligence and Analytics: Use data analytics to monitor risks and make informed decisions during a crisis.
  • Automation Tools: Implement automation to streamline disaster recovery processes, such as automated backups and failover systems.
  • Virtual Dashboards: Access real-time information and insights through virtual dashboards that help monitor the status of business operations during a disaster.

Collaborate with Experts

Partnering with experts ensures that disaster preparedness strategies are comprehensive and up-to-date. Professionals with extensive experience in business continuity planning, IT support, and cloud services can work closely with businesses to develop customized solutions that meet unique needs.

Disasters can strike at any time, but with a proactive approach, businesses can be prepared to handle any challenge. Building resilience and ensuring continuity is essential for safeguarding business operations and minimizing financial loss.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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ITIL® Leader: Digital and IT Strategy was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard https://www.wylieblanchard.com/itil-leader-digital-and-it-strategy-was-issued-by-axelos-to-wylie-blanchard/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:55:04 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=8428 View my verified achievement from Axelos. ITIL® LEADER Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard on January 28, 2024. ITIL 4® Leader Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) demonstrates the individual has the practical understanding and application of crafting a digital vision and strategy, shaping and integrating IT and business strategies aligned with the […]

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View my verified achievement from Axelos.

ITIL 4 ® ITIL LEADER Digital IT Strategy by Axelos logo

ITIL® LEADER Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard on January 28, 2024.

ITIL 4® Leader Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) demonstrates the individual has the practical understanding and application of crafting a digital vision and strategy, shaping and integrating IT and business strategies aligned with the wider organizational goals to enable success of the business. They develop cross-functional digital strategy, elevate discussions to strategic levels, drive operational excellence, analyze and respond effectively to VUCA factors.

Learn more.

Skills:

Adaptability, Agile Ways Of Working, Business Case Development, Business Change Management, Business Plan Development, Collaboration And Teamwork, Communication, Creation and Implementation of Target Operating Models, Creativity, Customer Service Management, Data Management, DevOps Methodology Knowledge, Digital Design (including UX and UI), Digital Technology Architecture, Driving Company Culture Change, Education and Training Provision, Emerging Technology Monitoring, Emotional and Social Intelligence, Enterprise Architecture, Financial Management, Information Analysis, Information Security Management, Information Security Strategy Development, Information Systems Governance, Innovation, Knowledge Management, Leadership Development, Negotiation, Planning And Organisation, Problem Solving, Product Development, Product Management, Project – Programme and Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Robotics and Automation Engineering, Service Delivery and Management, Software Development And Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Supplier Management, Sustainable Management, Systems Development and Management, Systems Engineering, UX Design, Experience and Support.

Earning Criteria:

  • Obtained the ITIL 4 Foundation certification designation prior to studying for ITIL LEADER Digital and IT Strategy.
  • Meet the managerial experience requirement.
  • Complete required training.
  • Complete and receive a passing score on four case study assignments.
  • Passed the ITIL 4 ® LEADER Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) exam.

Evidence:

Certification Number
GR679004963WB

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How Non-Profit Health Services firms can use ChatGPT https://www.wylieblanchard.com/how-non-profit-health-services-firms-can-use-chatgpt/ Mon, 08 May 2023 00:51:00 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=7931 As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, health services non-profit firms have become more important than ever. These organizations provide essential care and support to individuals and communities, often with limited resources. In order to maximize their impact, non-profits need to leverage technology and innovation to streamline their operations and improve their […]

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eye glasses on table next to smartphone displaying AI tool ChatGPT.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, health services non-profit firms have become more important than ever. These organizations provide essential care and support to individuals and communities, often with limited resources. In order to maximize their impact, non-profits need to leverage technology and innovation to streamline their operations and improve their services. One such technology that can be immensely helpful is ChatGPT.

ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI that is capable of generating human-like responses to a wide range of queries. It uses machine learning algorithms to understand the context of a question and provide accurate and relevant answers. While ChatGPT has a range of applications, it can be particularly useful for health services non-profit firms looking to improve their operations and provide better care to their clients.

Here are some ways that health services non-profit firms can use ChatGPT:

  1. Automating customer service.

One of the primary uses of ChatGPT is to automate customer service. With the pandemic forcing many non-profits to operate remotely, it can be difficult to provide timely and efficient customer service to clients who are in need of support. ChatGPT can help by providing 24/7 automated support that can answer frequently asked questions, direct clients to the appropriate resources, and even schedule appointments. This can free up staff time and resources, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

  1. Providing personalized health advice.

Many non-profit health services organizations provide advice and support to clients who are dealing with health issues. ChatGPT can be used to provide personalized health advice based on a client’s specific needs and symptoms. By answering questions about symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, ChatGPT can generate personalized advice that can help clients manage their health issues and make informed decisions about their care.

  1. Assisting with medical research.

Non-profit health services firms often engage in medical research to advance knowledge about particular health issues. ChatGPT can be used to assist with medical research by analyzing large volumes of data and generating insights and predictions based on that data. This can help researchers identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent, and can ultimately lead to the development of new treatments and interventions.

  1. Streamlining administrative tasks.

Non-profit health services firms often have to deal with a lot of administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing insurance companies. ChatGPT can be used to automate many of these tasks, freeing up staff time and resources. For example, ChatGPT can schedule appointments, remind patients about upcoming appointments, and even help with insurance billing.

  1. Providing mental health support.

Many non-profit health services firms provide mental health support to clients who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. ChatGPT can be used to provide personalized mental health support by answering questions about symptoms and providing coping strategies. This can be particularly useful for clients who may not feel comfortable talking to a human therapist, or who may not have access to mental health resources in their community.

In conclusion, health services non-profit firms can use ChatGPT to improve their operations and provide better care to their clients. Whether it’s automating customer service, providing personalized health advice, assisting with medical research, streamlining administrative tasks, or providing mental health support, ChatGPT has a wide range of applications that can be tailored to the specific needs of non-profit organizations. By leveraging this technology, non-profits can maximize their impact and provide essential care and support to those who need it most.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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ITIL 4® Foundation was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard https://www.wylieblanchard.com/itil-4-foundation-was-issued-by-axelos-to-wylie-blanchard/ Sat, 31 Dec 2022 18:01:00 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=7250 View my verified achievement from Axelos. ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management (ITIL 4 Edition) was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard on December 25, 2022. ITIL® 4 Foundation demonstrates this individual understands the key concepts of IT and digital service delivery including the key concepts, guiding principles and practices of ITIL® 4 for service management. They […]

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View my verified achievement from Axelos.

ITIL 4 ® Foundation

ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management (ITIL 4 Edition) was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard on December 25, 2022.

ITIL® 4 Foundation demonstrates this individual understands the key concepts of IT and digital service delivery including the key concepts, guiding principles and practices of ITIL® 4 for service management. They have a fundamental understanding of the modern organization’s end-to-end operating model for the creation, delivery and continual improvement of technology-enabled products and services. They have an awareness of how cultural or behavioral principles benefit the wider organization.

Learn more.

Skills:

Adaptability, Availability Management, Business Change Management, Business Relationship Management, Capacity Management, Communication Incident Management, Information Security Management, IT Systems Governance, Problem Management, Release And Deployment, Risk Management, Service Delivery Management, Service Desk, Stakeholder Management, UX Design, Experience and Support.

Earning Criteria:

The individual has passed the ITIL 4 ® Foundation exam.

Evidence:

Certification Number
GR671468197WB

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Project Management Professional (PMP)® was issued by Project Management Institute to Wylie Blanchard https://www.wylieblanchard.com/project-management-professional-pmp-was-issued-by-project-management-institute-to-wylie-blanchard/ Mon, 28 Nov 2022 05:59:00 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=7068 View my verified achievement from the Project Management Institute. Project Management Professional (PMP)® was issued by Project Management Institute to Wylie Blanchard on November 24, 2022. Earners of the globally-recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) have demonstrated their extensive knowledge and mastery of project management concepts, tasks, and techniques that are applicable across virtually any industry and methodology. […]

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View my verified achievement from the Project Management Institute.

Project Management Professional (PMP)®

Project Management Professional (PMP)® was issued by Project Management Institute to Wylie Blanchard on November 24, 2022.

Earners of the globally-recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) have demonstrated their extensive knowledge and mastery of project management concepts, tasks, and techniques that are applicable across virtually any industry and methodology. Earners are able to speak and understand the global language of project management. Individuals that earn this certification have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close a project.

Learn more.


Skills:

Benefit Analysis, Communications Management, Human Resource Management, PMP, Project Assessment, Project Management, Project Management Professional, Project Plan, Quality Assurance, Quality Management
Risk Management, Scope Management.

Earning Criteria:

  • Must have at least 3-5 years of experience leading and directing cross-functional project teams and responsibility for project delivery.
  • Earner must have a minimum of 35 hours of formal project management education
    Successfully complete the 200 multiple-choice questions, 4-hour PMP® certification exam.
  • Earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years to maintain the PMP certification. Education PDUs earned focus on the areas of the PMI Talent Triangle – technical project management, leadership, and business and strategic management.

Standards:

PMBOK® Guide
The PMP certification aligns to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), which is the preeminent global standard for project management and provides the fundamental practices of the profession.

ISO 17024
The PMP certification maintains ISO 17024 accreditation, which outlines industry standards and best practices for certification bodies.

ISO 9001
PMI’s certification program maintains ISO 9001 accreditation, which focuses on quality management and ensuring that products and services consistently meet customers’ requirements and that quality is consistently improved.

Evidence:

Certification Number
3377366

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Website Considerations that Impact Business Communication https://www.wylieblanchard.com/website-considerations-impact-business-communication/ Sat, 16 Dec 2017 14:23:16 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=2962 In this article, we’ll explore three things that businesses should consider when assessing how it communicates through its website. Consider what a website visitor needs from your website prior to other considerations.  It is important to know what users expect to encounter when they use a website. For instance, business communications like marketing messages and informational […]

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Website Considerations that Impact Business Communication - Wylie Blanchard

In this article, we’ll explore three things that businesses should consider when assessing how it communicates through its website.

Consider what a website visitor needs from your website prior to other considerations. 

It is important to know what users expect to encounter when they use a website. For instance, business communications like marketing messages and informational readings need to be to the point while also providing users with only the information needed to relay the business message. Due to this, users expect that the most important information in the website uses bold text or is easily identifiable so that the user can quickly identify information that may require that they take action. It also means that the design does not include a continuous scroll feature that does not hinder the user’s ability to scroll to the bottom of the website. The website needs to have a clear, and easily obtainable, endpoint which ensures that the user understands that the communication has ended. Knowing what the user expects and needs from the website will help to create a user experience that functions and provides information in a way the user wants and needs.[1]

Consider the importance of web design “functionality” and web design “look and feel”.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to decide between a website’s ability to allow a specific action to take place (it’s functional design) or its ability to look attractive to consumers. Both are equally important. For example, a “Call to Action” button on a newsletter opt-in form is an example of web design that needs to be easy to use and functional at the same time.[2] To encourage users to sign up to receive newsletter email content, a sign-up call to action button text should state “Sign-up” instead of “Submit”. This change in text ensures that the button directly relates to the action that the user is taking. Consider the above example, since a user does not submit to receive newsletter content but does sign up to receive the text “Sign up” feels like the action that the user is taking once the button is pressed. After the button is pressed the users expect a feedback/response from the form that will verify that their request to sign up was successful. For this “functional expectation,” an appropriate feedback/response to the clicking of the button is the appearance of a message that the sign-up request is processing and/or has been completed. This quickly and efficiently notifies the user that the action is now complete.

Consider making the website’s written content easy to read. 

Online written content is judge quickly by a user, thus its look and feel needs to appear easy to read in order to convince users to read it.[2]  Therefore a web design should include short-form copy over long form copy that allows the user to easily scan content efficiently. Long form copy can be transformed into short form by restructuring the content to use bulleted and numbered lists, separating long paragraphs into multiple smaller paragraphs, using bolds and italics to make important text identifiable, and using descriptive links that give a quick glimpse into the intended link destination. Using these methods to help make content easier to read will help readers determine whether they wish to continue reading and, more importantly, encourage users to continue reading because the content is easier to read.

 


References. 

  1. Clifton, Rhiannon. “1-1.2 Understanding UX Design – the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.” Coursera, the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Oct. 2017.
  2. Stokes, Rob. EMarketing: the Essential Guide to Marketing in a Digital World. Quirk EMarketing, 2013.

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SpiceWorks Deployment: @SpiceWorks https://www.wylieblanchard.com/spiceworks-deployment-spiceworks/ Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:02:54 +0000 https://www.wylieblanchard.com/?p=1595 Deployed SpiceWorks on Non Profit business server for network monitoring and help desk ticket management. Working with a new client with 150 employees and limited IT resources. Current IT team consists of just one engineer (knowledgeable engineer but overwhelmed with requests and fixes). Leadership asked if there was something that we can do about improving […]

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Deployed SpiceWorks on Non Profit business server for network monitoring and help desk ticket management.

Working with a new client with 150 employees and limited IT resources. Current IT team consists of just one engineer (knowledgeable engineer but overwhelmed with requests and fixes). Leadership asked if there was something that we can do about improving the management of help desk requests.

Reason: Besides calling and/or emailing the engineer on staff there was no system in place to track help desk requests and IT tasks. Leadership was getting reports that requests were getting forgotten or not attended to at all. Leadership also wanted a way to pull reports detailing the amount of requests managed and time spent working on tickets and ticket completion time.

Of course they wanted this system to be low cost (or no cost).

The engineer and I decided to install SpiceWorks.

After the initial install, I used domain control and IIS to create a unique url subdomain that was masked over the spice works install url and was in compliance with the company’s intranet url domain structure. Created and linked a new email account for email requests and setup a web form for online help desk requests. Later I integrated spice works into SharePoint. After two weeks of testing different scenarios and updating the process we deployed the system to employees.

Overall, I was highly impressed at how far SpiceWorks had come. It is a powerful tool for network monitoring tool and help desk management tool.

In many ways it’s a lot better than most corporate systems that I’ve worked with.


Duration: 1 Month
Users: 100-249
Devices: 100-249

COMPLETION DATE: November 19th, 2014

CATEGORIES: Windows, Databases, Software

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