If you check the history behind every invention you will find the magical fact that “Every invention starts with an Idea which is very small and basic.” Time will take that to the invention by adding more idea by brainstorm to enhance the idea.

Idea born with imagination, to start its journey towards invention. Invention process become faster while idea meet idea / ideas after brainstorming. For example invention of wheel is the base idea, while it met with few more idea [concepts] and get enhanced & grown. The basic idea of wheel took the mankind in sky by helicopter or airplane by using wheel base movement.

In the same thing we could apply in your own domain by using our observation to innovate the idea for invention. For example In my domain of IT, we started with intranet and share multiple computers and reach up to invention like internet and today we reach up to cloud computing. In the same way we start with static web-site and enhance idea to social networking and dynamic flash or flax sites.

Each idea will need two key elements to grow.

1.Time and
2.Brainstorm.

While we say time it contains these key points:

A: Consistent efforts towards “idea” enhancement
B: Evaluation of Idea and its Utility for current and future Trend
C: Believe in your idea and wait for right time/opportunity to execute it.

While we say Brainstorm it contains these key points:

A: Add more idea towards your end objective of invention
B: Enhance idea with filter it through multiple aspects.
C: Start to Think out of the box and go beyond boxes.
D: Observe your idea with similar platforms.
E: Derive USP or your idea

Your idea need to be innovation or enhancer.

Key difference between innovator and enhancer are:

Innovator is the idea which take us to the completely new objective. who is unique at itself.
Enhancer idea is use to replace current idea.

EG: social networking is innovator idea while tweeter is enhancing idea which works on the social networking but with its own USP.

In every business success depend upon your mind and thoughts which produce and idea. so Journey towards success starts with an IDEA which is simple yet full of opportunities.
So, lets innovate idea for invention and take our imagination to the next level.

Success,
Vision Raval

Process Capability is the strategy to study of capability or the ability of a process. “Process Capability” study answers the key questions like , “Is this process capable enough to meet its objective?” It refers to the capability of any process to produce a defect free product or services when the process is in a phase of statistical control.

Process capability study is useful to appraise the ability of any process to meet the needed specifications. We can judge that how capable is the process in terms of producing output within the specification limit.

There are two methodology of calculating Process Capability:

1. Based on measuring the variability of the process directly.
(the inherent variation within a sample)

2. Based on counting the number of defects produced by the process.
( DMPO or Six sigma )

Phases of Process capability analysis.

A. Bringing the process in a state of statistical control for a given period of time by use of control charts.
B. Comparing to what extent the long-term process performance complies with the management or engineering specifications.

Process capability studies following Six sigma strategy at very initial phase and It also used at the end of a study to check the degree of improvement in the attained state.

It observe and studies the overall capability of a process in ideal conditions over predefine span in Hours or in Days.

Process engineers are responsible resources for the process capability studies. Knowledge of the short term stability and capability at the end is one if the core benefits of this study.

Process performance studies also includes long term performance of a process along with short term study. It determine the long term stability and capability of the process by using the total process variability in the standard capability computations.

In simple words you can get an idea by measurement of efficiency and effectiveness of any process, and its performance with end result or final outcome by this method.

Success,
Vision Raval

Consulting an IT company is very challenging task for any consultant. I analyzed and come across many IT consultants for international IT software domain and checked their comprehensive yet ready consulting plans to deploy, which shows their expert suggestions and methodology to streamline an IT company with processes and cultural changes. I find that most of them are following pre defined template only and do not design the plan base upon detailed analysis of company which they going to consult.

Consultant need to design plan with proper study and detailed analysis of the factors affecting the company in past, present and future.

These are 8 Must Do analysis factors during consulting an International Information Technology company an ideal consultant need to analyze.

1 – Team Analysis:
o SWOT Analysis of Team
o Leadership analysis
o Motivation & Inspiration factors [ Psychometric analysis ]
o Skill set Analysis
o Experience Analysis

Team analysis is done for checking out-put efficiency of resources and project execution capability of entire division. All division will define team capability matrix to judge the company strength.

2 – Finance Analysis:
o Current status
o Loss recovery / equilibrium status
o Profit ratio & Collection record
o Investment and recovery matrix

To design strategy to control expenditure to improve current status and plan budget at core area of priority investments. It also set a priority of effort investment on current pipeline or new projects.

3 – Portfolio Analysis
o Average Project size
o Average project in each Technology / Domain
o Expertise matrix base upon portfolio
o Product and Service ratio

To ensure that company’s efforts are going on the direction of company’s expertise. And to identify the right model which help us to define our expertise.

4 – Client Analysis
o Proactive & Reactive ratio
o Geographic Analysis
o Technology Analysis
o Business Flow analysis

Client analysis helps to identify ratio between repeat and one time client, geographic reference and business opportunity. It will help to design campaign for marketing activities.

5 – Market Analysis
o Market Rate Analysis
o Market Need Analysis
o Economy analysis of targeted market / segment

Market Analysis is to ensure compatibility of our approach and market conditions. It helps to focus on specific growing technology base segment to cover maximum output of our efforts base input.

6 – Trend Analysis
o What next coming in technology
o What next coming which is relevant to our expertise
o Are we upgrading as per the trend?

To evaluate future prospects about upcoming technology trends due to changes in user base and innovations. Tablets are the latest example of changing trend of computers during 2010 -2011.

7 – Infrastructure Analysis
o Min and Max cost [ fix & Variable]
o Min and Max resource allocation
o Technical analysis
o Networking analysis
o Software and Hardware analysis

To verify that can we able to match the per hour rate in terms of resource costing along with infrastructure cost. We may quote higher or lower quote to clients as we did not conducted analysis on the same.

8- System & Process Analysis
o Process flow
o HR Policy
o Hierarchy
o SDLC
o Project Management Process
o Marketing Team capabilities

To ensure the right processes are in right place to get optimum productivity in the company. It will also help to ensure proper documentation for audit to meet quality parameters and standards.

This 8 basic analysis will help any consultant or company for self enhancement. It will also measure capability and help to define future plan for expansion or trend base marketing focus for business development

Success,

Vision Raval

Many fresher has fear in mind about saying “NO” to the interviewer about bond period, joining date or salary expectation etc. however they are not aware about post interview situation which going to impact their entire career.

So, before choosing any company employee need to check on these key areas:

A: Financial Background of Company: Financial background indicates how strong the company is in terms of financial back up. It analyzes the funding source to ensure credentials of the organization. Ideal company use to get strong financial support or self financial back up to sustain with 1 year of on hand working capital.

B: Skill Match: Do the company has domain, or strong technology base to match your skill matrix? Sometime developer of one technology or framework realizes that this company does not work on it. Or he started learning new things base upon his academics. So ensure skill set of the company do match with your job profile before you give your nod.

C: Infrastructure: Infrastructure is the key element which gives you positive vibration towards work environment and comfort of utilizing your skills at the best level. It includes things like space between two PC, Type of PC monitor and its configuration, Bandwidth of internet etc. In IT company Sports room, Meditation room & well equipped wash room definitely effect productivity of employee.

D: Certification: Certification evaluates company for their authenticity, processes, quality and work environment. Check process & technical certifications like ISO, CMM level, TQM, DOT, COPC, Six sigma, Kaizen, Microsoft certified partner, Nasscom listing, W3C on website etc. This added employment value and proves authenticity of the company.

E: Top Management: Top management is the rout of the banyan tree who have multiple branches or division. If top management is the person with proven academic and professional record, well qualified and experienced; that will make company strong and steady.

F: HR Policy and Bond: Before taking the things further towards finalization do confirm HR policy and Bond structure. I find many company has very sharp hidden agenda like they put a clause of 2 or 3 months of notice period for leaving. No/rare company could wait for 2 or 3 months to join new resource. So, safe exit is again a question mark for employee after joining. Some time bond get auto renewed with training or foreign trips. You can ask draft or sample document of contract or bond before joining and refer it in detail before sign.

G: Market Presence: These number shows how strong the company is in terms of market impression and brand reputation. It shows about since how long company sustain in the market and faced ups and downs and economical fluctuation successfully during the tenure. It also defines your reputation with long term sustainability in market after joining it.
For example Wipro may pay less then new developed company in some area however employee love to join it due to brand and long

H: KRA & KPA justifying remuneration: Last and very important point is H. Job position and JD some time do not show the KPA [ Key Performance Area ] and KRA [ Key Result Area ] .
After confirming your role, you need to make sure about commercial part. As company definition said that “Come together for Penny” and you need to justify your salary base upon your past experience, market standards and given KRA & KPA.

- Your past experience: It counts with domain relevancy. How many years or months you spend working for the same domain which match your JD or KRA will be considered. For example for Andorid developer’s opening, Java experience may counted but .Net experience will not be counted.

- Market standards: As per the current market scenario is concern, minimum 10 to maximum 30 percent hike is offered by any IT company on switching for right candidate. That’s subject to your performance in interview process and filters. In exceptional case company may offer up to 50 or 100% hike or 0% hike with designation or role increment.

So , make sure on joining the right company who match your skill set, mind frame and culture at the best. But remember one thing that switching before one year may be injurious to your credentials if you do not have valid reason.

All the best .. !!

Success,
Vision Raval

Many company in India survive on International project of IT, software, application and website designing and development. Their business development head, managers and executives are using multiple options to fetch business from different sources and geographic places. However before choosing right model for company we need to analyze the probability of outcome from each source. Its easy to get small or law budget projects from the market however mid level and high level project also have their own market place and model to approach.

More then 78% companies follows their traditional model for business development. They simply follow the model which suits their capabilities. They do not try new and if they try then expect quick result. More then 61% new companies try to fetch leads and business from all the models to get fast business but can not judge which one need to be taken for their skill matrix and long run vision.

Here the most important thing is to evaluate the market and after self analysis of company capability we can choose the right model. I have analyze these model with my 12 years of experience of international market for project size of 99$ to 15M $ tendering and also verified with online data of last 4 years. [Wiki] I find the ratio of business from each model base upon project size are as under.

Analysis of Business Development Model by Vision Raval

For what objectives you can use this chart :

1- To chose right business development model for your company

2- To get right model for your capability base project execution

3- To streamline business development domain’s focus

4- To judge best way to invest marketing and sales resources

5- To design time investment matrix for BD & Sales activities

Note : These data is updated as per April 2011. These Data is subject to change due to market changes and trend wave,

Success,

Vision Raval

Change to the Project Scope is one of the most common issues at entire IT development industry. In spite of many standard methodology of project execution like Agile or Water fall model, Change to the Project Scope make entire flow disturbed with many uncertain issues.

During the life cycle of project development, “changes to the project scope” affects internal as well external projects due to resource allocation issue. There are six main sources which affect the project scope.
Before we think upon how we should manage the changes to project scope, we need to know what possible key changes to Project Scope are.

Possible key changes to Project Scope:

A. Scope creep: Any change in project scope from client’s end or development’s end will be count as scope creep. For example client says now I want the entire site to be designed in wordpress instead of joomla due to user-friendly CMS. Then it’s called scope creep.

B. Staff changes: Change in staff from bottom to top level effect the project, As before starting the project every system hierarchy get understanding of client’s vision, concept and process flow for strategic execution. For example: If any of the project leader or project manager replaced due to other deadline urgency, then team will take some time to get adjust with resource, and project leader also take some time to get grass rout understanding for the client requirements.

C. Schedule changes: Schedule change has maximum impact on your resource balance. This part will be very hard to balance if it changes negatively by shorten the span of delivery. For example, If client decrease his deadline of delivery on e commerce website due to Christmas festival. Then the team has to define action plan to manage this project with other pipeline and current projects.

D. Requested changes to project deliverable: As per SDLC life cycle, project delivery has different milestones base upon project type, coding structure and modules to install and integrate. Now if the deliverable get changed due to change to project scope then it will be one of the major road blocks for the project execution. For example, Client want to have beta release with core modules by 5th milestone of project, then PM and BA need to restructure the delivery milestones base upon change in project scope.

E. Changes to materials or technology: Change in technology is very painful for an IT company as they already invested time and efforts toward execution of the project with one technology. Now change in it means they need to start entire project from scratch again. For example, after designing static website client says, I want to have customized CMS to upload contents. Then entire site need to restart apart of HTML template of design.

F. Changes to policies and processes: This factor affect big size companies where policies use to be implemented on mass bases. If policy change affects working hours or work modules then project get procrastinated by this. Most common policy changes are as under:

- Change in Shift timings
- Change in holiday or leave calendar
- Change in daily schedule due to Training program
- Change in documentation due to ISO or CMM certification ETC.

….

Once you identify about the key changes at project after any or some of above characteristics, you can start working on how to improve the situation of changes in project scope. These are seven key steps, which need to be taken to execute project or balance project deliverable. [ View Image ]

Here are seven key steps to manage or Balance the change in project scope:

Step 1. Identify from the source about type and nature of the change:
Step 2. Analyze total impacts to the project resulting from the change
Step 3. Develop a response or action plan (strategy building)
Step 4. Get approval from project stakeholders to implement the change management strategy
Step 5. Implement the change plan with the core team
Step 6. Monitor the effects of change and result base approach
Step 7. Revise and adjust the plan for executing those changes

By these seven steps you can face and enhance entire project execution and also balance the resource allocation once you identify the amount of change in to the project scope.

Success,
Vision Raval

Schedule dependencies designed to measure and define activities done by multiple resources for single process flow. In IT, we can manage proper utility of team according to the role of responsibility by designing Schedule dependency matrix.

Schedule dependencies helps to ensure optimum utilization of resource. In IT, once company grow with more then 100 front line developers, then it is very hard to manage process flow with best resource investment plan for capability utilization. By identifying schedule dependency event matrix, we can stream line entire project execution process more effectively.

Lets check Schedule Dependency Matrix with relevant example:

A: FS [ Finish to Start]

Task “A” FS Task “B”

The first task (A) finishes before the second task (B) can start

Example : Once client approve design, developer can start coding or HTML conversion of PSD.

B: FF [Finish to Finish]

Task “A” FF Task “B”

The first task (A) should be finished before the second tasks (B) could get finish

Example : BD can not send project status mail to client before Project Manager calculate progress report.

C: SS [ Start to Start ]

Task “A” SS Task “B”

The second task (B) cannot start until the first task (A) get started

Example: Client should escrow [ pay ] Advance payment to start Project SRS / Coding.

D: SF [ Start to Finish ]

Task “A” SF Task “ B”

The second task (B) cannot finish before the first task (A) has started

Example: The first shift’s online chat support executive cannot leave office until the second shift’s online chat support executive come to office.

Schedule Dependency matrix is very simple yet effective to identify and streamline project and process flow. If we know the cycle of finishing task A then we can arrange task B accordingly. That helps in project execution plan, change request, client communication or PMS, and resource arrangement for better service.

Success,

Vision Raval

Lets elaborate the formula of RACI matrix:
- Responsible (R) – “R” stands for the person who owns the task or work, perform on pre decided objectives. Several people can be jointly responsible to create or produce the assigned task / Work / Project.

- Accountable (A) – “A” stands for the owner of the work and must got authority to sign off or approve when the work / task / objective is completed according to pre define objective. Only one person or small team with multiple domain could be accountable for the task or project.

- Consulted (C) – “C” stands for team members, who give input before the work get started or completed. These members should have domain knowledge, process expertise of the task which team members are performing or experienced with relevant knowledge base towards objective of project / task.

- Informed (I) – “I” stands for those people, who should be acknowledged during the process, task or project. They should also be kept informed or notified during progress or roadblocks, but do not need to be consulted as they are not domain expert.

RACI Matrix is useful for following objectives :

A. Objective base work assignment
B. Get clear with individual responsibilities
C. For workload analysis to define individual work status of availability or overload
D. Manage project with team sprit and share credit of success at different levels.
E. Enables area of focus at each level of the project

Steps To Produce a RACI Matrix
The RACI model is used to identify and allocate roles and responsibilities in chart format for project.

Step 1 – Design project charter with grid on spreadsheet or Microsoft visio.

Step 2 – Define project activities, list down resource who can execute the project, list down senior or experienced resource who can manage team for the project, list down experts for that particular domain who can guide you towards the project, identify whose permission or approval is required to perform all activities or task based upon objective.

Step 3 – Assign who is (R)esponsible, (A)ccountable or is be (C)onsulted & (I)nformed in each cell base upon above lists.

PS: In some cases, C and I may be the same person or team. In rare cases we find A , C and I as a same person or team. However this matrix make the entire process very clear and allow each level to focus upon their task base performance.

Success,

Vision Raval

According to survey of “Flurry” these are the outcome with the ratio of market share of different application base development of devices & Platform like mobile and portable devices. This comparison shows ratio of last 60 days from April with 2009 – 2010. We can derive these key notes from this analysis.

Since iPad launched in January, initial booking and application traffic shows the success ratio in terms of sales and user base. Still there are lots of area of improvement in that like camera and USB however the first sales booking looks impressive due to the branding impact of apple.

What makes iPad capture huge market which are already shared by Kindle and many other devices till dte? Its because of creative launch and media publicity with strategic apps store concept to reach to user base and IT providers. Only book store of iPad have wide market of publishers and apple tie up with aggregator to launch the iPad e-book applications while they start.

So the bottom line is strategic branding with plan and concept is the key of successful market penetration of any new or competitor product.

Success,
Vision Raval

As time is running towards future, an IT development is taking place on quick and rapid bases towards enhancement. Idea of Improvement with technical innovation could be set as the great combination to change the world and make life simple. In 2010 some of these concept get very good exposure to enhance human life at multiple directions.

During an event at my workplace I get an opportunity to meet professor of Florida university Dr. Borko Furht . As a speaker he talked on vision of future at data first seminar. I find him one of the best visualizer for upcoming technical tycoon in IT. I found during brainstorm about these key developing technology to rule and shape coming future with their techno impact.

Cloud Computing : Being a part of Data First team I feel Cloud computing is one of the revolutionary concept in IT domain. It is very useful for SBU and Mid -Large size businesses as well. Cloud computing is technology base concept which get used with the internet to manage central remote servers to maintain data and applications. Cloud computing allows end user to use all applications without installation and access their data or files at any computer in Internet network.

This video shows basic concept with their advantages and win win functionality. Cloud computing is faster , smoother and zero maintainability base concept for client.

It is something which offer win win deal for user and provider both. With cloud computing user can save on infrastructural investment and avoid all maintain cost. and This technology allows for much more efficient computing by centralizing storage, memory, processing and bandwidth. At the same time data center can get cost effective hardware from market due to shared cost and more users. User can also save on resource cost as they do not have to hire more resources too.

3 D Technology : 3D is the concept designed few years ago, Only movies are released with 3D till date. however due to lack of hardware support it could not be executed. now you can see 3D laptops and camera in market. Now 3D photo and movie are recommended for event like wedding and seminars. 3D view and sharp clarity is making good waves in to photography industry.

I consult one of our client and India’s first photo networking company “Photometic” few months ago and during conceptualization discussion their CEO Mr Amit Patel visualize that next big thing will hit in to IT and Photography domain together will be 3D photography. People love to view more eye friendly, sharp and focus picture from all dimensions for their occession . 3D will make their memorable moments more impressive and clear.

Usage of games is also a part of 3D technology, High Defination [ HD ] games will be the next big thing in to the gaming industry, People love to watch and play games with best effects and graphical visualization. Today more then 15 different 300 mm 3D IC pilot lines running or being installed world wide. That shows that huge opportunity of 3D in gaming at upcoming market.

More clarity and higher resolution with more mega pixel view are the normal trend to buying any television or desktop now a days. so, platform is getting set for launch more eye friendly and high definition programs like movies , games and pictures. So, Its next big thing for photography and technical future.

Social networking:

” 7 % of human population are on Face book” and that was in 2010 April !! Social media and networking are one of the fastest growing domain related to web base Information Technology. Myspace, Faccebook and twitter are an example of innovation of social networking in last few years. That shows that e-society rapidly improving ahead with virtual presence.

This video shows future of social networking where you can get your Avatar and do the gesture base activity during your social networking navigation. High bandwidth internet is mandatory to run such heavy website and their basic software. Technical growth now open ways to make this concept run in India and Europe too after USA.

Combination of 3D and social networking is next big thing, Godrej design Gojiyo base upon a concept of the model of http://secondlife.com . Success of animated movie Avatar identified the scope of opportunity for 3D in to the social networking and virtual world concept.

Mobile Wallet : Till now , bunch of notes get replaced by plastic money like credit card , then mini credit card came in to picture. and now credit or debit cards will be history. Mobile wallet is next big thing for financial domain. Simplicity is the key to make any thing popular in gizmo world. If you can design one function in one touch then two touch can make you out from the market. At the same time if one device can get you freedom to carry your wallet is make your life more easy and simple.

You can see video of one of the company who design mobile wallet software and explained it in very simple way.

Mobile wallet also allow you to get discount coupons, special offers, ability to use multiple credit card and also refill the cards. It is also tested on security and other features like coding stability with functional area during transduction. The best part is mobile wallet supports environmental policy and save trees for go green concept. It minimize the usage of paper and help the world to be Eco friendly financial system.

Success,

Vision Raval