Category Archives: Operations Management

Tech Fluency

Contributed article by Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International and Silicon Valley Alliance Associate.

Technological fluency is a major part of global business skills and in the age of remote work, the need for companies to have Tech Fluency has become more and more apparent. I work mainly with Japanese companies and although many major corporations are proactive in utilizing technology to the fullest, I find that an equal number are not. Whether, small, medium, or large, many Japanese companies are behind in using technology tools for maximum benefit and suffering for it.

This first article provides a general introduction to the theme,  a look at what is missing and the state that a lot of companies found themselves in when the pandemic propelled all of the world into remote work. Some companies seamlessly adapted, but for many others, it was and continues to be more of a challenge. Going forward, I will be writing more on this theme and what companies can and should be doing to increase fluency.

‘Tech Fluency’ was first published on JapanCulture-NYC where, as Business Editor, I write a bi-monthly column. I am re-posting the complete article here.

Technological Fluency

That is a mouthful. I call it Tech Fluency.

What is Tech Fluency?

Let me define it by looking at its components.

Technology: Techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives.

Fluency: The quality or condition of being fluent. In addition, it is also defined as the ability to express oneself easily and articulately. It is usually applied to languages.

In this article, I am taking creative license and applying fluency to the language of technology to describe the level of proficiency and/or comfort in using the technological tools and applications that are needed to perform work responsibilities.Continue reading→

Why should you clean your windows regularly?

Contributed article in our anti-viral cleanliness series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Why should you clean your windows regularly?

The idea of cleaning a window regularly may not sit well with everyone, but the truth is that we must do it regularly. While some people may view this as absurd, it is imperative to ensure that we live in a clean environment, to protect ourselves from disease-causing organisms. Actually, that is the main reason we also take a bath and brush our teeth.

Now back to it, what could the compelling reasons as to why you should clean your window regularly? Why should you ask for a professional Scottsdale window cleaning service? Well, other than their reputation of making customers happy through excellent service, here are the reasons as to why regular cleaning of your window  is necessary:

  • Natural light

Maybe you’ve been missing that natural light experience because you’ve refused to clean up your windows. Sunrises and sunsets are beautiful, and if your window doesn’t tell that, then you need to do something. Cleaning your window helps remove impurities from acid rain, salts, and other wastes such as dirt and birds’ waste. Otherwise, if you wipe the windows casually, the debris may still pile in small quantities until the panes start depicting something close to translucent.Continue reading→

BOOK: Innovating Like a Startup Executing Like a Corporation

Contributed article in our business series. We’re delighted to feature this book, written by our brilliant and experienced colleague Dr. Jean-Claude Junqua. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Why did I write this book?

Through the experience acquired with large corporations and working with many startups, I could understand the strengths and weaknesses of these two worlds, and also the gaps that currently exist with both types of organization to innovate and create new business. It became clear to me that the front-end and the back-end of innovation were often disconnected or had severe weaknesses that would prevent startups and corporations from effectively searching for new business and, when deciding to go forward with an opportunity, to execute it successfully. This realization prompted me to write this book and share my understanding, experience, and knowledge with the innovation and business community at large. This book will benefit innovators, entrepreneurs, founders, managers, and executives who are trying to break through innovation barriers by avoiding common mistakes and getting answers about practical challenges.Continue reading→

Supplier Collaboration: How To Do It Right

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

A relationship with a supplier should not be viewed as an “us and them” scenario. It is much more productive for all parties to see your relationship as a collaborative one as you both want the supply chain process to be as smooth as possible and the best way to achieve this is to work closely alongside one another. So, how do you go about establishing a collaborative relationship with a supplier? There are a few effective methods for doing this, but it can take some time and effort to get on the same page and to optimize the process.

Joint Strategy

First, it is helpful to come together with your supplier to develop a joint strategy. All businesses have different outlooks and approaches to working which can make integration a challenge, but if you sit down together, you can outline a vision and strategy for success which is beneficial for both parties.Continue reading→

7 Pieces Of Advice Small Business Owners Should Live By

Contributed article in our small business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

As a small business owner, you have a big job with a lot of responsibility and pressure riding on your shoulders. It only makes sense you’d want to take the time to review a few pieces of valuable advice that will help you get along better and succeed.

Be proud of how far you’ve come but be aware that you also have a lot of challenges ahead of you to tackle. You’re going to need to not only work hard to get ahead, but also do more of what’s going to help move the needle for you in a positive direction and commit fewer mistakes as you gain more experience.

1.   Document Specific Goals

You’re going to have a lot to keep track of, and be pulled in several different directions as a small business owner. It’s a wise idea to document specific goals for what you want to focus on and achieve early on. Continue reading→

Easy Tips For Keeping A Productive Office

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

In the working world, making sure you run a productive office is essential if you want to garner results and turn your business into a profitable, hardworking enterprise. Below are some easy tips to keep your office both a productive and welcoming work environment.

  • Consider the layout

The layout of an office can have an impact on the overall workflow. With correctly positioned desks, you can encourage collaborative discussion, or singular work when necessary. Maximizing on the space you have to ensure a comfortable flow in the office will help employees feel relaxed. Plus, in an environment where they can feel comfortable, employees are less likely to get distracted and can get on with the tasks in hand.Continue reading→