Tag: managers

Ireland’s IT managers prepare for increased AI and cloud investment in 2025

A new survey from Red Hat shows the planned increase in investment for two key areas next year: cloud and AI. Polling 300 IT managers in Ireland from large businesses, the research sheds light on their strategic priorities and main challenges in adopting transformative technologies.

Cloud and AI investment on the rise

93% of IT managers surveyed say their organisation plans to increase investment in cloud technology by 2025, with a majority of them (43%) planning growth by 5-20%; 38% planning growth by 21-50%, while 10% plan an increase of 51% or more. 

While organisations hope to leverage cloud strategy for growth, it may also help them combat tightening purse strings. In fact, the top priority for cloud strategy for the next 18 months is cost optimisation, cited by 71% of respondents. Other priorities include cloud-native application development and DevOps (67%); security, compliance and sovereignty regulatory requirements (67%); and moving to hybrid / multi cloud, reducing dependence on a single provider (67%). 

Investment in AI is set to increase over the next year for 95% of organisations, according to respondents, with a majority (42%) planning an increase in the range of 5-20% and 33% planning a 21-50% increase, while 19% plan an increase of 51% or more. 

When it comes to selecting solutions for predictive and generative AI, all IT managers surveyed see benefits in adopting enterprise open source. They see the top advantage being enhanced agility in hybrid cloud environments (31%), followed by improved ecosystem collaboration and integration (30%).

Cloud innovation is a focus, yet siloed teams slow adoption

To prime their organisation for development amidst a competitive landscape, over a third (37%) of IT managers in Ireland are planning for a strong focus on innovation and new technologies in 2025. Meanwhile roughly a third (31%) will take a balanced approach, focusing equally on new technologies and enhancements to existing systems. 18% are focused on essential services only.

Regarding challenges when adopting cloud, 96% of respondents said they face siloed teams, with half (51%) saying this is a frequent issue. The most common impacts this has on cloud strategy are increased costs, limited control and visibility over cloud resources, operational inefficiencies and difficulty in implementing new technologies. 

Addressing AI readiness and challenges 

When asked about their ability to take advantage of the growing AI opportunity, 42% of IT managers surveyed state that their organisation has scalable, flexible and accessible IT platforms to support AI use and feel well positioned to benefit from them. This compares to 23% that have the necessary platforms but lack the right skills sets to fully harness AI’s potential. Meanwhile 34% still need new platforms.

As enterprises increasingly explore generative AI to solve existing problems or seize new opportunities, the survey looked to identify factors that determine trust in an enterprise model for generative AI. Multiple factors were shown to be important, in the 80-85% range, including: transparent, modifiable models with explainable sources; cost-effectiveness; domain-specific models (as opposed to generic LLMs); and compliance with data privacy and security standards. 

While organisations are keen to invest in AI for growth, there are some obstacles preventing CTOs or equivalent decision makers from advancing generative AI initiatives. The top listed challenges were integration with existing systems (30%); concerns about data privacy and security (27%); high costs of implementation and maintenance (23%) and sustainability concerns (23%).


Ireland’s tech talent pipeline

Respondents highlighted skills gaps in key areas like AI and cloud. However, there was less strength of agreement compared to respondents in other countries in another recent Red Hat survey, which could suggest that respondents in Ireland see greater progress in filling the tech talent pipeline. 

The top named skills gap from respondents in Ireland was not in technology itself, but in strategic thinking and ability to tackle business-level issues, cited by 44%. This compares to the top skills gap in the UK which was AI, cited by a majority of 88% respondents in the aforementioned survey. The next three top listed skills gap among respondents in Ireland were found to be cybersecurity (42%), AI (41%) and cloud computing (39%). 

Robbie Byrne, Country manager, Ireland at Red Hat, describes the balancing-act faced by IT leaders today. 

“The survey results reflect the challenging dynamics we are seeing with our customers: a keen focus on innovation as they look to drive their digital transformation to the next level, while also needing to optimise costs,” he commented. “Contemporary technologies such as automation, AI and cloud-native applications can bring efficiencies, but there are also headwinds such as internal silos, skills gaps and in some cases a lack of access to the right IT platforms.” 

Byrne described how Red Hat is supporting enterprises with their modernisation efforts: “we believe that having greater choice, flexibility and independence at a platform level is going to be crucial for businesses looking to harness AI’s potential and navigate unknown disruption ahead. We see enterprise open source playing a more important role than ever as organisations seek agility in a hybrid world.” 

PMI survey says 46% of project managers feel AI will help to reduce stress

A survey from the Ireland Chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI) has found that nearly half (46%) of project managers feel that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will help to reduce stress in the workplace, but 72% feel that advancements in technology have led to unrealistic expectations from stakeholders who do not understand its capabilities.

Conducted by PMI, the survey of 122 project managers was carried out ahead of its annual conference, the Work Smart Summit 2024, in association with EY. The event, which takes place in Dublin’s Convention Centre on April 23rd, will discuss the future of project management and will feature David Rowan, founding UK Editor-In-Chief of WIRED magazine and author of the bestselling book Non-Bullshit Innovation as keynote speaker.

Feedback was positive on the potential impact of AI on project management as a whole. In fact, some 70% say it would have a permanent transformative effect on the industry, and 74% say it is driving innovation.

Three-quarters (75%) agree that AI has already had a significant positive impact on the profession, with 41% saying that the technology is improving project completion rates and delivery times.

In terms of project completion, the survey found that the average cost of failed projects in the last 12 months was €710,896.23*, and only 11% of project managers’ ten most recent projects met all project success metrics of schedule, cost, project benefits and resources.

On the topic of resources, constraints in this area were cited as the top cause of stress by 52% of project managers. The other leading causes of stress were competing priorities (50%), and frequent scope changes (45%).

However, the survey did find that nearly two thirds (63%) of respondents feel their workplace has open channels of communication to discuss mental health issues such as stress, burnout, and fatigue.

Commenting on the findings, Peter Glynne, Ireland Chapter of PMI President, said: “Project management can of course be a high-pressure profession, but it is clear that – as well as adequate training and effective ways of working – emerging technologies like AI can streamline projects and boost success.

“In turn, this enables project managers to work smarter – the theme of our annual conference in April – as opposed to longer or harder. AI can also play a pivotal role in driving automation and innovation, something which we will be discussing at the Convention Centre next month and which makes the future of the industry very exciting.”

Jennifer Ryan, EY Ireland Business Transformation Partner added: ““EY Ireland is proud to once again sponsor the PMI’s national conference, the Work Smart Summit. Project managers are at the heart of transformational change, and harnessing systems, technologies and strategies that simplify complex endeavours and enable people and organisations work smarter, comes naturally to them.

“Artificial Intelligence, in particular Generative AI, offers project managers the opportunity to further embed innovation and efficiency into their projects, automating routine or process driven tasks and enabling people to focus on higher value tasks and most crucially, enabling more human interactions.”

Play hard, work hard – gamers make better managers, says study

There was a time, and not so long ago, when a propensity for video games was seen as the polar opposite of having what it takes to be successful in business. Now, however, as we enter the mid-2020, things are different. In key markets like Australia, where migration patterns are dictated by industry need, tech is now a top three sector, and gaming is one of the fastest growing niches. 

But even in careers that have no direct correlation with gaming, skill with a game controller can be an indicator of success in the board room. That at least, is the conclusion drawn by a study published by Alexander Simons of the University of Lichtenstein. Let’s dig a little deeper. 

Video gaming skills correspond to managerial skills

Dr Simons used the 2011 strategy game Civilization to explore whether gaming skills in this context are in any way indicative of managerial skills and, if so, of what specific skills. He and his team worked with 40 volunteer business students and asked them to play the game and participate in a set of exercises under controlled conditions. 

The study found that students with higher scores in the game were the same as those who exhibited better skills related to problem-solving, planning and organizational tasks in the context of their business studies. Dr Simons has also performed some analysis on more qualitative in-game data such as player interactions and in-game messages. He believes that these could provide further insights into personality traits. 

Dr Simons concluded that there is certainly value in using games like Civilization to assess specific management skills related to problem-solving, planning and organization. He recommended the gathering and analysis of in-game data to derive useful insights for profilers, head hunters and others searching for talent. 

The deeper analysis into more qualitative aspects is still ongoing, and Dr Simons commented that he intends not only to continue with the analysis of data from this study, but also to carry out more studies over the coming months. These will look at how Civilization, and indeed other games, can help with assessing management capabilities.

Taking the studies beyond the casino

This is not the first study to compare gaming performance with business success. However, past studies have usually focused on gambling games, especially in nations like Australia, where gambling is part of the national culture. There has been plenty of discussion over the past year or two in the Australian media about gambling, and not just the negative aspects that always seem to hit the headlines. We also see studies correlating poker success with business success in Australia or comparing the way someone plays online pokies in Australia to their risk appetite at work.

In addition, these studies have looked at how the more successful gamblers are the ones who are best at eliminating bias and seeing what is before them – whether it is a hand of cards, a set of symbols on a pokie or perhaps a draft contract drawn up by a potential client. This provides an interesting perspective, as it takes the study of gambling behavior beyond the usual formulaic territories of risk and return – important though these are. 

Saving time and money for recruiters

Dr Markus Weinmann, who worked alongside Dr Simons on the study, remarked that the assessment process employed was broadly similar to that which is already used by many large organizations in their recruitment processes, but with one notable difference. While they spend thousands developing specific games in-house, this method uses a real game that anyone can download for the price of a couple of cups of coffee. 

The next phase of results from the study will be released later this year, and we await their publication with interest.

 

Ways Fleet Managers Can Improve Time Management

Time management is absolutely crucial across all areas of business. However, the parameters for it can vary slightly between departments. 

Fleet managers, in particular, have a sizeable undertaking before them. Not only do they need to save time in all of their work processes, but they also need to ensure that the cars they preside over run like clockwork and that drivers face no issues in their roles too. Their efficiency is other workers’ efficiency, too. 

Tech plays a role in certain areas here too. After all, many different aspects of the business world are becoming digitised, and fleet management is no exception. Optimising time management will require some measure of innovation. Here are some of the best ways fleet managers can improve time management.

Lease EVs 

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is sometimes painted as a costly endeavour. However, in the enterprising world, time is money, and EVs save a significant amount of it. 

EVs can be safely charged overnight. Consequently, this drastically reduces the need for fleet drivers to pull over mid-journey and lose valuable commute time. It also means they can spend more time doing the part of the job they likely love most; cruising behind the wheel and seeing new places as the world rushes by. All of this might enable you to guarantee faster delivery times to customers and clients, too. 

Overhauling your gas-guzzling fleet to EV counterparts isn’t a hefty task. Read the ultimate guide for leasing an electric car written by LV ElectriX. Not only can it enlighten you of the perks of these efforts, but the guide can also instruct you on how to make the transition successful. They also manage your expectations when waiting for factory orders, giving you an idea of supply chain complications. Much more is discussed, too, and you can also browse leasing and insurance offers with them to secure your fleet EVs more efficiently.    

Optimise Route Potential

Optimum routes are always in flux. If fleet managers are constantly playing catchup with any changes, it can lead to a host of other logistical problems that they must overcome. 

The most obvious suggestion is to devise shortcuts for drivers to take. Still, this isn’t always the most viable path forward. After all, fines are now in place to reduce emissions in key areas, so certain roads that seemed primed to cut travel times shouldn’t be used. Research where those measures may apply as you optimise travel routes and ensure drivers only go where they’re allowed. Otherwise, you’ll no doubt have fines and related admin to sort. 

Furthermore, road closures can frequently materialise due to accidents or maintenance works. If these circumstances aren’t noted ahead of time, it can lead to a stressful series of diversions. Keep tabs on the health of the traffic in your firm’s areas of operations, and remind your workers to receive real-time updates, whether through smartphone notifications, live radio, or fleet management software (more on that later). That way, you won’t have to put other duties on hold as you scramble at the last minute to course-correct your drivers. 

Installing Fleet Trackers

You should trust your drivers to cruise along the most promising routes only. Still, there are other reasons to track their movements to improve time management. 

Fleet drivers can get lost or may even have their vehicles stolen. More than locations can be discerned too. The tech also provides statistics on how long engines have been left on and idle for and how much fuel is being consumed. All of this data can give you important insights into the fleet and reduce the amount of time you spend detecting irregularities, identifying the culprits, and generally tending to all other related fleet management duties. 

It’s important to be careful here about what trackers are used. Fleet drivers have been wrongly fired due to faulty GPS trackers incorrectly tracking their movements, leading superiors to believe unnecessary detours were taking place. Ensure you’re using a reputable supplier and perhaps have more than one system running in case of errors occur. 

Accommodate Fleet Management Software

Fleet managers must have a comprehensive overview of all the matters that require their attention. It all needs to be fed through to them in one centralised location. A state-of-the-art fleet management system provides those assurances for the most productive professionals in this arena.  

Optimising routes and keeping tabs on fleet trackers can all be done through a fleet management system. There are also custom reporting tools, routine maintenance notifications, and supports real-time updates about dangerous driving habits your workers may be practising. Very few things escape your notice here, which means you can address them all sooner. 

Because of the in-depth nature of fleet management software, you’ll have a better sense of the issues that immediately require your attention and a built-upon awareness of tasks that can be comfortably delegated elsewhere. Consider outsourcing some of the more tedious administration procedures to fleet management specialists. That way, you can devote more time to the most pressing issues your fleet management software highlights.