Businesses that don't control their costs don't stay in business. How well are you doing? Is everyone in your organisation sufficiently aware of costs, managing them effectively and maximising opportunities to reduce them? If there is scope for improvement, this course will help get you back on track. It will demonstrate that cost reduction is so much more than cost control and cost cutting. True cost management is about being aware of costs, seeking to reduce them through good design and efficient operating practices whilst taking continuing action on overspending. This course will develop the participants' skills in: Being aware of costs at all times Seeking cost reduction from the start (including life-cycle costing) Appraising projects / production to identify and take out risk Understanding real budgeting Using techniques such as ZBB and ABC where appropriate Ensuring cost reports lead to action Managing a cost reduction process that delivers Benefits to the organisation will include: Identification of cost reduction and business improvement opportunities Better reporting and ownership of costs Greater awareness and control of everyday costs 1 Introduction - the cost management process The risks of poor cost control Capital and revenue costs The importance of cost awareness The importance of cost reduction Cost management - the key aspects How to build a cost management and control process checklist for your areas of responsibility 2 Cost removal - taking out costs Cost awareness Costs of poor design / poor processes Value engineering Removing redundant costs 3 The need for commercial, technical and financial appraisals Understand the problems before cash is committed and costs incurred Making the effort to identify commercial and technical risk The time value of money - DCF techniques for long term projects Cost models for production processes and projects Costing models - project appraisals The use of spreadsheets to identify sensitivity and risk How to focus on risk management 4 Budgeting - proper budgeting challenges costs The philosophy of the business - are costs an issue? The importance of having the right culture The need for detailed business objectives Budgetary control measures Designing budget reports - for action 5 Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) - the principles Much more than starting with a clean sheet of paper What ZBB can achieve The concept of decision packages - to challenge business methods and costs Only necessary costs should be incurred A review of an operating budget - demonstrating what ZBB challenges and the costs it may lead to being taken out 6 Awareness of overheads and other costs Definitions of cost - direct and indirect Dealing with overheads - what is meant by allocation, absorption or apportionment? The apparent and real problems with overheads Different ways of dealing with overheads Review of overhead allocation methods and accounting and reporting issues 7 Overheads and product costing Activity-based costing (ABC) - the principles Where and how the ABC approach may be helpful Know the 'true' cost of a product or a project Should you be in business? Will you stay in business? Identifying weaknesses in a traditional overhead allocation How ABC will help improve product or service costing Identifying which products and activities should be developed and which abandoned 8 Cost reduction culture The need for cost reports What measures can be used to identify over-spends as early as possible Cost control performance measures and ratios 9 Design of cost control reports Reports should lead to action and deliver Selecting cost control measures which can be acted upon Practice in designing action reports 10 Course summary - developing your own cost action plan Group and individual action plans will be prepared with a view to participants identifying their cost risks areas and the techniques which can be immediately applied to improve costing and reduce costs
This five-day programme empowers participants with the skills and knowledge to understand and effectively apply best practice commercial and contracting principles and techniques, ensuring better contractor performance and greater value add. This is an assessed programme, leading to the International Association for Contracts & Commercial Management (IACCM)'s coveted Contract and Commercial Management Practitioner (CCMP) qualification. By the end of this comprehensive programme the participants will be able to: Develop robust contracting plans, including scopes of work and award strategies Undertake early market engagements to maximise competition Conduct effective contracting and commercial management activities, including ITT, RFP, negotiated outcomes Understand the legalities of contract and commercial management Negotiate effectively with key stakeholders and clients, making use of the key skills of persuading and influencing to optimise outcomes Undertake effective Supplier Relationship Management Appreciate the implications of national and organisational culture on contracting and commercial activities Appreciate professional contract management standards Set up and maintain contract and commercial management governance systems Take a proactive, collaborative, and agile approach to managing commercial contracts Develop and monitor appropriate and robust KPIs and SLAs to manage the contractor and facilitate improved contractor performance Appreciate the cross-functional nature of contract management Collaborate with clients to deliver sustainable performance and to manage and exceed client expectations Understand the roles and responsibilities of contract and commercial managers Use effective contractor selection and award methods and models (including the 10Cs model) and use these models to prepare robust propositions to clients Make effective use of lessons learned to promote improvements from less than optimal outcomes, using appropriate templates Effectively manage the process of change, claims, variations, and dispute resolution Develop and present robust propositions Make appropriate use of best practice contract and commercial management tools, techniques, and templates DAY ONE 1 Introduction Aims Objectives KPIs Learning strategies Plan for the programme 2 The contracting context Key objectives of contract management Importance and impact on the business 3 Critical success factors Essential features of professional commercial and contract management and administration The 6-step model 4 Putting the 'management' into commercial and contract management Traditional v 'new age' models The need for a commercial approach The added value generated 5 Definitions 'Commercial management' 'Contract management' 'Contracting' ... and why have formal contracts? 6 Stakeholders Stakeholder mapping and analysis The 'shared vision' concept Engaging with key functions, eg, HSE, finance, operations 7 Roles and responsibilities Contract administrators Stakeholders 8 Strategy and planning Developing effective contracting plans and strategies DAY TWO 1 Contract control Tools and techniques, including CPA and Gantt charts A project management approach Developing effective contract programmes 2 The contracting context Key objectives of contract management Importance and impact on the business 3 Tendering Overview of the contracting cycle Requirement to tender Methods Rationale Exceptions Steps Gateways Controls One and two package bids 4 Tender assessment and contract award I - framework Tender board procedures Role of the tender board (including minor and major tender boards) Membership Administration Developing robust contract award strategies and presentations DAY THREE 1 Tender assessment and contract award II - processes Pre-qualification processes CRS Vendor registration rules and processes Creating bidder lists Disqualification criteria Short-listing Using the 10Cs model Contract award and contract execution processes 2 Minor works orders Process Need for competition Role and purpose Controls Risks 3 Contract strategy Types of contract Call-offs Framework agreements Price agreements Supply agreements 4 Contract terms I: Pricing structures Lump sum Unit price Cost plus Time and materials Alternative methods Target cost Gain share contracts Advance payments Price escalation clauses 5 Contract terms II: Other financial clauses Insurance Currencies Parent body guarantees Tender bonds Performance bonds Retentions Sub-contracting Termination Invoicing 6 Contract terms III: Risk and reward Incentive contracts Management and mitigation of contractual risk DAY FOUR 1 Contract terms IV: Jurisdiction and related matters Applicable laws and regulations Registration Commercial registry Commercial agencies 2 Managing the client-contractor relationship Types of relationship Driving forces Link between type of contract and style of relationships Motivation - use of incentives and remedies 3 Disputes Types of dispute Conflict resolution strategies Negotiation Mediation Arbitration DAY FIVE 1 Performance measurement KPIs Benchmarking Cost controls Validity of savings Balanced scorecards Using the KPI template 2 Personal qualities of the contract manager Negotiation Communication Persuasion and influencing Working in a matrix environment 3 Contract terms V: Drafting skills Drafting special terms 4 Variations Contract and works variation orders Causes of variations Risk management Controls Prevention Negotiation with contractors 5 Claims Claims management processes Controls Risk mitigation Schedules of rates 6 Close-out Contract close-out and acceptance / completion HSE Final payments Performance evaluation Capturing the learning 7 Close Review Final assessment Next steps
Better Business Cases™ Practitioner: Virtual In-House Training Better Business Cases™ is based on the Five Case Model - which is the UK government's best practice approach to structuring spending proposals and making effective business decisions. Using this best-practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the practitioner course is to develop a candidate's ability to deliver a comprehensive business case, through encouraging expanded knowledge to guide the practical application of theoretical foundations. Upon the completion of this Practitioner course, a candidate will be able to start applying the model to a real business case development project. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Develop the lifecycle of a business case and to establish the relationships between the five cases Apply the steps in the business case development framework, in order to support the production of a business case, using the Five Case Model, for a given scenario Overview of Better Business Cases Alignment with the strategic planning process Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model Overview of the Five Case Model Purpose of the key stages in the development of a spending proposal Purpose of a Business Justification Case Business Case Development Process Purpose of project / programme assurance and assurance reviews Responsibility for producing the Business Case Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment Scoping the Scheme and Preparing the Strategic Outline Case Planning the Scheme and Preparing the Outline Business Case Procuring the Solution and Preparing the Full Business Case Implementation and monitoring Evaluation and feedback Making the Case for Change Agree on the strategic context Determine spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs Determine potential business scope and key service requirements Determine benefits, risks, constraint, and dependencies Exploring the Preferred Way Forward Agree on critical success factors Determine long list options and SWOT analysis Recommend a preferred way forward Determining Potential Value for Money Revisit the short list Prepare the economic appraisal for short-listed options Undertake benefits appraisal Undertake risk appraisal Select preferred option and undertake sensitivity analysis Preparing for the Potential Deal Determine the procurement strategy Determine service streams and required outputs Outline potential risk apportionment Outline potential payment mechanisms Ascertain contractual issues and accountancy treatment Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement Prepare the financial model Prepare the financial appraisals Planning for Successful Delivery Plan programme / project management Plan change and contract management Plan benefits realization Plan risk management Plan programme / project assurance and post project evaluation Procuring the Value for Money Solution Revisit the case for change Revisit the OBC options Detail procurement process and evaluation of best and final offers (BAFOs) Contracting for the Deal Set out the negotiated deal and contractual arrangements Set out the financial implications of the deal Ensuring Successful Delivery Finalize project management arrangements and plans Finalize change management arrangements and plans Finalize benefits realization arrangements and plans Finalize risk management arrangements and plans Finalize contract management arrangements and plans Finalize post-project evaluation arrangements and plans
Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner Using this best-practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the combined foundation and practitioner course is to develop a candidate's ability to deliver a comprehensive business case through encouraging expanded knowledge to guide the practical application of theoretical foundations. Upon the completion of this course, a candidate will be able to start applying the model to a real business case development project. The outline presented in the course overview will be addressed in the first 2 days, with the Foundation exam conducted on the morning of Day 3. Then the topics will be revisited at a deeper level, for 2 more days, with the Practitioner exam conducted on the afternoon of Day 5. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Develop the lifecycle of a business case and establish the relationships between the five cases Apply the steps in the business case development framework, in order to support the production of a business case, using the Five Case Model, for a given scenario. Overview of Better Business Cases Alignment with the strategic planning process Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model Overview of the Five Case Model Purpose of the key stages in the development of a spending proposal Purpose of a Business Justification Case Business Case Development Process Purpose of project / programme assurance and assurance reviews Responsibility for producing the Business Case Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment Scoping the Scheme and Preparing the Strategic Outline Case Planning the Scheme and Preparing the Outline Business Case Procuring the Solution and Preparing the Full Business Case Implementation and monitoring Evaluation and feedback Making the Case for Change Agree on the strategic context Determine spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs Determine potential business scope and key service requirements Determine benefits, risks, constraints, and dependencies Exploring the Preferred Way Forward Agree on critical success factors Determine long list options and SWOT analysis Recommend a preferred way forward Determining Potential Value for Money Revisit the short list Prepare the economic appraisal for short-listed options Undertake benefits appraisal Undertake risk appraisal Select preferred option and undertake sensitivity analysis Preparing for the Potential Deal Determine the procurement strategy Determine service streams and required outputs Outline potential risk apportionment Outline potential payment mechanisms Ascertain contractual issues and accountancy treatment Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement Prepare the financial model Prepare the financial appraisals Planning for Successful Delivery Plan programme / project management Plan change and contract management Plan benefits realization Plan risk management Plan programme / project assurance and post-project evaluation Procuring the Value for Money Solution Revisit the case for change Revisit the OBC options Detail procurement process and evaluation of best and final offers (BAFOs) Contracting for the Deal Set out the negotiated deal and contractual arrangements Set out the financial implications of the deal Ensuring Successful Delivery Finalize project management arrangements and plans Finalize change management arrangements and plans Finalize benefits realization arrangements and plans Finalize risk management arrangements and plans Finalize contract management arrangements and plans Finalize post-project evaluation arrangements and plans
Learn how to use this innovative tool to analyse and validate your schedule, to add and model uncertainty and risk and to work with updated plans to compare project progress. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This course looks at the powerful features of Nodes and Links. It looks at analysing and validating your schedule, adding uncertainty and risk and working with updated plans to compare project progress. Hands on practice will be gained throughout the course to ensure you can confidentially put your new skills into practice back in the workplace. This course is designed for new users of Nodes and links, no previous experience is required. You should however be familiar with risk management processes and terminology. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Import and validate plans Analyse and review plans Add and model uncertainty Add and model risk Load updated schedules Re run analysis on updated schedules Content Validating your plan Importing a baseline plan Running a health check Analysing the results Reviewing the plan Analysing critical paths Reviewing activities Reviewing resources Adding Uncertainty Setting uncertainty templates Distributions Adding uncertainty Using Inherit Using AI Reviewing activity distributions Modelling Uncertainty Running the Analysis Reviewing the results Reviewing activity results Risk Drivers Filtering for activities Setting up the Risk Register Setting Risk Templates Adding Risks to the Risk Register Independent vs Dependant Events Setting Probability and Impact Modelling Uncertainty and Risk Mapping risks to activities Running the Analysis Reviewing the results Updated Plans Importing a new plan version Comparing plans Tracking progress Trend analysis Analysing Updated Plans Using updated plans Synchronising uncertainly and risk Rerunning analysis
Discover the powerful schedule and cost risk analysis features of PRA. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) Our Primavera Risk Analysis course gives a detailed introduction to the schedule and risk analysis features of Primavera Risk Analysis. It shows the powerful features of the tool and give hands on practice throughout the course to ensure you can confidentially put your new skills into practice back in the workplace. This course is designed for new users of Primavera Risk Analysis, and no previous experience is required. You should however be familiar with risk management processes and terminology. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Import schedules into PRA Add three point estimates onto plans Perform schedule and cost analysis Use templated quick risk Run risk analysis Interpret results from the Risk Histogram and Tornado graph Add task percentiles to a Gantt chart Set up a risk register Add qualitative and quantitative risks Link risk to activities in the plan Create reports Use the Distribution Analyser Content Importing schedules Importing MSP and Primavera Schedules Running import checks Checking schedule integrity Schedule risk analysis 3 point estimating Entering uncertainly Different distributions Using quick risk Updating plan Importing plans with 3 point estimates Cost/Resource uncertainty Resource loadings Creating 3 point cost estimates Resource distributions and escalations Simple cost estimates Templated quick risk Setting up and applying templated quick risk Assessing risk at WBS level Running risk analysis Running risk analysis Interpreting results on the Risk Histogram Setting analysis options Task percentiles Setting task percentile options Including task percentiles on the Gantt chart Tornado graph Creating a Tornado graph Viewing sensitivity Analysing sensitivity against activities Setting up the risk register Setting Schema levels Defining criteria and tolerances Setting up a Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) Working with manageability and proximity Saving scoring matrices Adding custom fields Exporting data Exporting to Excel, Word and PowerPoint Qualitive risks Setting risk IDs Adding risk cause, description and effect Setting up risk details Entering mitigation actions Quantitative risks Linking risks to activities Adding schedule and cost impacts Defining how multiple risks impact Correlation Migrating your plan Adding mitigation actions to your plan as tasks Linking tasks to mitigation actions Actioning your risk register Progressing risks Importing progressed plans Linking register to progressed plans Risk history The Waterfall chart Saving and reporting Exporting the risk register Running reports Creating new reports Building and comparing risk plans Using the distribution analyser Comparing dates and cost
Getting Started MSc Finance and Management is a globally recognised finance qualification suitable for experienced finance professionals who like to kick start their career in finance. The programme is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in financial management, enhancing their career prospects in the finance industry. UCLAN awards the degree and is suitable for those who have completed a relevant postgraduate diploma. The Master's in Finance and Management is a 9-month Top-Up programme focused solely on the dissertation module. Students must undertake independent research, demonstrating their ability to apply advanced research techniques to a finance-related topic. This module carries 60 credits and enables students to showcase their knowledge, understanding, and research skills in financial management. Throughout the programme, students receive support from experienced academics and industry professionals who provide guidance and feedback on their research projects. The programme is delivered through online webinars and independent study, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. The MSc Finance and Management Top Up is awarded and delivered by the University of Central Lancashire through distance learning. School of Business and Technology London partners with Chestnut Education Group to promote this programme. About Awarding Body Founded in 1828, the University of Central Lancashire is a public university based in Preston, Lancashire, England. Today, UCLAN is one of the largest in the United Kingdom, with a student and staff community of nearly 38,000. At present, the University has academic partners in all regions of the globe, and it is on a world stage that the first-class quality of its education was first recognised. In 2010, UCLAN became the first UK modern Higher Education institution to appear in the QS World University Rankings. In 2018, the Centre for World University Rankings estimated Central Lancashire to be in the top 3.7 per cent of all global universities, highlighting the growth the University has made in offering students real-world learning experiences and reflecting the University's extensive pool of academic talent. Ranked in the top 7% of universities worldwide. Student Communities from more than 100 countries WES Recognised Qualifi is a UK Government (Ofqual.gov.uk) regulated awarding organisation and has developed a reputation for supporting relevant skills in a range of job roles and industries, including Leadership, Enterprise and Management, Hospitality and catering, Health and Social Care, Business Process Outsourcing and Public Services. Qualifi is also a signatory to BIS international commitments of quality. The following are the key facts about Qualifi. Regulated by Ofqual.gov.uk World Education Services (WES) Recognised Assessment Major Project No examinations Entry Requirements Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance Applicants should normally have a good first degree or equivalent and be working in or have recently worked within the accounting and finance arena. If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification. Progression Upon completion of the degree, graduates will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue various career opportunities in finance, including roles in financial analysis, investment banking, risk management, corporate finance and financial planning. Additionally, the programme serves as a solid foundation for further study or research in finance. Upon completion, students will have produced an original research piece demonstrating expertise in financial investigation. This provides a significant advantage in the job market, particularly for roles requiring advanced research skills or knowledge of financial investigation techniques. Graduates of the MSc Finance and Management programme are well-prepared to pursue careers in law enforcement, regulatory agencies, financial services, and consulting. Learners must request before enrolment to interchange unit(s) other than the preselected units shown in the SBTL website because we need to make sure the availability of learning materials for the requested unit(s). SBTL will reject an application if the learning materials for the requested interchange unit(s) are unavailable. Learners are not allowed to make any request to interchange unit(s) once enrolment is complete. Structure MSc Finance and Management Top Up Programme Structure Dissertation Module Delivery Methods The MSc Finance and Management Top Up is awarded and delivered by the University of Central Lancashire through distance learning. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers a range of distance learning options for students who require the flexibility to study remotely. These options include online courses, blended learning, and supported distance learning. UCLan's distance learning courses are designed to provide students with the same high-quality education as on-campus courses, with access to resources such as video lectures, online discussion forums, and interactive assessments. The University also provides a range of support services for distance learning students, including academic support, technical support, and access to the University's library and online resources. Resources and Support School of Business & Technology London is dedicated to offering excellent support on every step of your learning journey. School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal. Our support team liaises with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receives a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and streamline all the support processes efficiently. Quality learning materials made by industry experts is a significant competitive edge of the School of Business & Technology London. Quality learning materials comprised of structured lecture notes, study guides, practical applications which includes real-world examples, and case studies that will enable you to apply your knowledge. Learning materials are provided in one of the three formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, or Interactive Text Content on the learning portal. How does the Online Learning work at SBTL? We at SBTL follow a unique approach which differentiates us from other institutions. Indeed, we have taken distance education to a new phase where the support level is incredibly high.Now a days, convenience, flexibility and user-friendliness outweigh demands. Today, the transition from traditional classroom-based learning to online platforms is a significant result of these specifications. In this context, a crucial role played by online learning by leveraging the opportunities for convenience and easier access. It benefits the people who want to enhance their career, life and education in parallel streams. SBTL's simplified online learning facilitates an individual to progress towards the accomplishment of higher career growth without stress and dilemmas. How will you study online? With the School of Business & Technology London, you can study wherever you are. You finish your program with the utmost flexibility. You will be provided with comprehensive tutor support online through SBTL Support Desk portal. How will I get tutor support online? School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal, through which our support team liaise with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receive a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and to streamline all the support process efficiently. Learners should expect to receive a response on queries like guidance and assistance within 1 - 2 working days. However, if the support request is for assessment feedback, learners will receive the reply with feedback as per the time frame outlined in the Assessment Feedback Policy.
PfMP® Exam Prep: Virtual In-House Training This is an intensive PfMP® Exam preparation course. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. First and foremost, this is an intensive PfMP® exam preparation course. Over the course, we go beyond exam prep to provide selected practice in applying key portfolio management skills, tools, and techniques. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. The journey zooms in and out between governance context and specific operational activities. The ultimate goal is practical application, with the bonus of certification along the way. What You Will Learn By the end of this program, you will be able to: Align and manage the portfolio, strategically, to satisfy organizational objectives and priorities, through benefit realization Articulate and emulate the role of a portfolio manager Apply the principles and skills of a portfolio manager to your real-world environment Study and prepare for the PfMP® Examination Apply for the certification, per the PMI PfMP Handbook and pass the initial panel review on your application Getting Started Course Overview Details of the PfMP® Certification process Foundation Concepts Projects, program, and portfolios A portfolio management process Strategy and value The role of the portfolio manager The role of key stakeholders Life cycle management The Portfolio Life Cycle Overview of Life Cycle Portfolio Management Information System (PMIS) Governance within the Portfolio Life Cycle Strategic Management Strategy concepts Supporting documentation and the strategic plan Planning and optimization Organizational risk appetite Managing strategic change Governance Management Overview and Guiding Principles The Concept of Governance Effective Design Factors Governance Roles Capacity and Capability Management Overview and Guiding Principles Capacity Management and Planning Supply and Demand (Management and Optimization) Organization Capabilities (Assessment and Development) Performance Management (Reporting, Analytics, and Balance) Stakeholder Engagement The Importance of Stakeholders Overview and Guiding Principles Definition and Identification Analysis and Planning Communications Approaches and Management Value Management Overview (Guiding Principles, Definition, and Components) Negotiating Expected Value Maximizing Value Assuring Value Realizing Value Measuring and Reporting Value A Look at Tools Risk Management Overview and Guiding Principles Portfolio Risk Planning Portfolio Risk Identification Portfolio Risk Assessment Portfolio Risk Response Examination Content Outline (ECO) Overview Structure Strategic Tasks Mapping Governance Tasks Mapping Performance Tasks Mapping Risk Tasks Mapping Communication Tasks Mapping List of Knowledge and Skills Exam Prep and Practice Overview Documenting experience Submitting the application Preparing to sit for the exam
Technology and innovation and its profound impact on financial operations Technology adoption indeed comes with risks, particularly around data security and privacy. As CFOs, we must ensure robust cybersecurity measures and adhere to strict data protection regulations. It requires ongoing investment in secure systems, staff training, and proactive monitoring to mitigate risks and protect sensitive financial information. Change management is also crucial. The adoption of new technologies requires proper planning, training, and cultural adjustments. As CFOs, we need to foster a culture that embraces innovation and continuous learning. Clear communication about the benefits and objectives of technology adoption is essential to gain buy-in and drive successful implementation. Fantastic insights! Now, let’s discuss the future. What emerging technologies do you foresee shaping the future of finance functions? One area that holds immense potential is blockchain technology. Its decentralised and transparent nature has the potential to streamline financial transactions, enhance auditability, and revolutionize supply chain finance. We’re closely monitoring blockchain’s development and exploring pilot projects to leverage its benefits. I agree, blockchain is a game-changer. Additionally, as the internet of things (IoT) expands, we anticipate new opportunities and challenges. CFOs will need to adapt to the influx of real-time data from interconnected devices, leveraging this information to optimize financial processes, enhance risk management, and improve operational efficiencies. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts or advice for our CFO audience? Embrace technology and view it as an opportunity rather than a threat. Invest in understanding the technological landscape and its implications for finance. Stay curious, adapt, and be open to change. Technology will continue to evolve, and as CFOs, we must evolve with it. Absolutely. Collaboration is key. Engage with IT teams, industry peers, and external experts to stay informed about the latest technological advancements. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, we can collectively navigate the ever-changing technology landscape and drive innovation within our organisations. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/technology-and-innovation-and-its-profound-impact-on-financial-operations/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Science & Tech Conferences #technology #innovation #financial #impact #operations
The Fintech Frontier: Why FDs Need to Know About Fintech,” the podcast where we delve into the world of financial technology There are numerous areas where fintech can make a significant impact. For example, payment processing and reconciliation can be streamlined through digital payment solutions and automated tools. Data analytics and artificial intelligence can enhance financial forecasting, risk management, and fraud detection. Blockchain technology can revolutionize supply chain finance and streamline processes involving multiple parties. By understanding the capabilities of these fintech solutions, FDs can identify areas for improvement and select the right technologies to optimise their financial operations. Additionally, fintech can greatly enhance financial reporting and analysis. Advanced data analytics tools can extract meaningful insights from vast amounts of financial data, enabling FDs to make data-driven decisions and identify trends and patterns. Automation of repetitive tasks, such as data entry and reconciliation, reduces the risk of errors and frees up valuable time for FDs to focus on strategic initiatives. The adoption of cloud-based financial management systems also provides flexibility, scalability, and real-time access to financial data, empowering FDs to make informed decisions on the go. With the rapid pace of fintech advancements, how can FDs stay up to date and navigate the evolving fintech landscape? Continuous learning and engagement with the fintech community are key. Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars and workshops, and engage with fintech startups and established players. Networking with professionals in the field, joining fintech-focused associations, and following relevant publications and blogs can help FDs stay abreast of the latest fintech developments. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and adaptability is crucial in navigating the ever-changing fintech landscape. I would also encourage FDs to foster partnerships and collaborations with fintech companies. Engage in conversations with fintech providers to understand their solutions and explore potential synergies. By forging strategic partnerships, FDs can gain access to cutting-edge technologies and co-create innovative solutions tailored to their organisation’s unique needs. As we conclude, do you have any final thoughts or advice for our FD audience regarding fintech? Embrace fintech as an opportunity, not a threat. Seek to understand its potential and how it can align with your organisation’s goals and strategies. Be open to experimentation and pilot projects to test the viability of fintech solutions. Remember that fintech is a tool to enhance and optimize financial processes, and as FDs, we have a crucial role in driving its effective implementation. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/the-fintech-frontier-why-fds-need-to-know-about-fintech/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Business Conferences #event #fintech #knowledge #fds #frontier