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This issue of Logically Speaking focuses on digital transformation (DX) projects and training that supports DX. DX projects are one of the most prominent project types, which means that DX skills are in demand - and that companies doing DX projects need training at multiple levels. Take a look! As always, we are here to help if you need support working with your clients.
Jim Gabalski
VP, Sales and Marketing
In this issue:
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Digital Transformation Defined: What Project Managers Need to Know
by Jon O'Keefe, Technology Education Jedi
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Digital transformation, or DX, is one of the hottest topics your customers are talking about right now. According to BCG, 80% of all companies are considering taking on a DX project in the next 12 months, and this percentage is likely to rise as COVID-19 continues to hang around.
Let’s look at three important questions related to digital transformation projects:
- What is digital transformation?
- What areas of an organization are impacted by DX?
- How is this impacting Project Management?
What Is Digital Transformation (DX)?
“Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to create new — or modify existing — business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. This reimagining of business in the digital age is digital transformation.” – SFDC
 What better place to find the definition of DX than Salesforce.com, one of the companies that is defining the move to digital processes and practices for businesses across the globe. However, it is important to note that DX isn’t just digitizing records. True, DX involves moving physical records to digital storage, but that doesn’t mean that organizations are getting the most value out of their information. New workflows, new terminology, and new buy-in from leadership are all critical drivers of a digital transformation project being successful. Additionally, successful DX projects require institutional and organizational changes at all levels, and in some cases require a complete reworking of leadership vision as well as adoption of best practices around managing goods, people, and projects.
What Areas Are Impacted by Digital Transformation (DX)?
DX impacts the entire organization. There are key areas that project managers will need to examine as they embark on DX projects. DX projects typically incorporate new and emerging technologies, like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Internet of Things (IoT), with an emphasis on understanding data and technology terms, developing new workflows, adjusting communication flows, and creating completely new team structures. Under a DX project, the results measurements are likely to be much more customer centric, require working with cutting-edge technologies and could result in different teamwork dynamics. The whole organization from top to bottom needs to be prepared for these types of changes, and that includes project managers.
How Is This Impacting Project Management?
Project managers are increasingly being asked to lead or be a part of digital transformation projects at their companies. Often these projects will challenge the old way of doing something and update it to use a more efficient or modern technology, like how Amazon has changed the way all of us shop. The result is the same, but the processes and steps we go through to make a purchase on Amazon, and what goes on behind the scenes is quite different than what happens in a basic brick and mortar storefront. The biggest challenge currently facing PMs is that DX projects are using technologies that have their own language associated around them, and without some basic knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cloud, Cybersecurity, etc., even the most experienced PM can easily get lost.
All of this is leading to an increase in demand for experienced project managers who also understand the emerging technology landscape and have been trained in how to best handle digital transformation projects.
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Courses That Power DX Projects
by Jim Gabalski, VP, Sales and Marketing
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 Digital transformation (DX) projects touch just about every part of an organization. A critical part of the success of any DX project is upskilling the people so that they can operate within the new “digital” business paradigm. From foundational Microsoft Office topics to advanced Artificial Intelligence skills, there are many competencies that are required within a digitally transformed company. To keep it simple, here are a few courses that your clients running DX implementations will need training on:
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CyberSAFE – to conduct business digitally, more people within an organization will leverage technology, most typically computers, laptops, tablets, and cell phones that are connected to critical systems. CyberSAFE provides an understanding of the risks with using technology, why security is important, and how to use devices securely.
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Data Analysis and Visualization Using Excel (D.A.V.E.) – Within digitally transformed organizations, data-driven decision-making becomes part of the culture. DAVE teaches analysts from throughout an organization how to aggregate and analyze data more efficiently while creating compelling visuals that tell a simplified story.
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ET4PM – The Language of Emerging Technology for Project Managers. All project managers involved with leading a DX project need a base understanding of the terminology of information technology. This course, designed for project managers, examines the terms used by Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Data Science professionals. The result is that the PM has the ability to hold meaningful conversations with these important DX team members.
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Cyber Secure Coder (CSC) – trains application developers in the principles of Security by Design. Every DX project involves the design and development of new systems, even if an out-of-the box solution is utilized. CSC provides the skills needed to ensure security considerations are taken into account throughout the software development lifecycle.
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Certified Internet of Things Practitioner (CIoTP) – IoT applications are enabling an extended enterprise. From cellphone applications to self-reporting refrigerators, IoT apps are critical components of many DX projects. Just think about where you would be without Netflix on your iPhone…CIoTP teaches how to build IoT applications properly and securely.
The list of training courses that support digital transformation projects is much more extensive than the five noted above. The most important thing to do is to ask your customers if they are engaging in digital transformation and what skills they need to build most in their organization. If they don’t know, then talk about the five above. In fact, share this article and see where the conversation goes. And ask your LO account manager if they bring up something that you need help mapping to one of our course offerings.
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The Data Science Learning Path
by Nancy Curtis, VP, Content
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 Digital transformation projects typically generate a ton of data. That means data analysis and data automation skills form the backbone of data-rich digital transformation projects that really work.
Logical Operations has a curriculum line to take learners through a complete data science and analysis path -- from baseline spreadsheet skills, right through to advanced data science topics.
Here’s our suggested learning path to get your students skilled up for the digital revolution:
- Microsoft® Excel® (any current version): Part 1 and Part 2
- Data Analysis and Visualization with Microsoft Excel® (aka “DAVE”)
- Programming and Data Wrangling with VBA and Excel®
- Tableau® Desktop (Second Edition): Part 1 and Part 2
- Microsoft® Power BI®: Data Analysis Professional or Data Analysis Practitioner (Second Edition)
- DSBIZ™: Data Science for Business Professionals
- Introduction to Programming with Python®
- Advanced Programming Techniques with Python®
- Using Data Science Tools in Python®
- Certified Data Science Practitioner
- Database Design: A Modern Approach
- SQL Querying: Fundamentals and Advanced (Second Edition)
- AIBIZ™: Artificial Intelligence for Business Professionals
- Certified Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practitioner
- Certified Ethical Emerging Technologist™
Find more information at https://logicaloperations.com/data-science-learning-path/, and add these titles to your training program today!
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You Don't Need to Be a Data Scientist to Teach Data Science
by Nancy Curtis, VP, Content
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 As an instructor, does teaching data science skills seem like a daunting prospect? Have no fear! You should have confidence in your ability to come up to speed on these cutting-edge topics and train them effectively, even without field experience as a professional data science practitioner. Why? Because, just like everything else you’ve mastered in your career, you can succeed if you have the aptitude and interest in the subject matter, combined with the motivation to explore and prepare.
The CHOICE instructional model is designed to promote and support this kind of success for you as well as for your learners. Let’s take a look at how:
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Extensive student instructional text is the foundation for all the key concepts presented in every piece of courseware. All the essentials of a given content area are captured and documented in concise and logical chunks. This means that you take the student text and use it as the framework for your own instructional preparation.
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Illustrations and graphics in the instructor slide decks help bring processes and relationships to life visually, to enhance understanding for you as well as for your students. And, unlike many curriculum providers, with CHOICE materials, you are free to adjust and tweak the visuals to suit your own instructional and intellectual style.
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Our activity format makes data science exercises easy. We hear complaints that other publishers provide “too much theory and not enough ‘do’!” Not a problem in the CHOICE model: no-fail practical exercises accompany every key skill and instructional objective. Each activity is scaffolded with the detail needed for success, including framing real-world scenarios; explanatory narrative; click-by-click instructions; reference screencaptures; modular starter files; pre-built sample code; and suggested solutions for discussions and case studies.
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Our setup and configuration options make it easy for you to create the technical learning environment for each course. You might opt to utilize our LogicalLABs. Or, you can set up on-premises using our detailed configuration guides, many with companion virtual machine (VM) files.
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Our just-in-time marginal instructor notes and up-front presentation tips give you the additional insights and guidance you need to create a complete, well-rounded delivery plan.
We wish you all the best as you help your learners acquire the key data science skills most in demand in the professional workplace of today.
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Latest Product Highlights
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Content Revisions
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Logical Operations revises student and instructor materials based on technical changes, customer feedback, and our own assessment of necessary changes. The revision notes for the most recent updates are below as well as posted on the Content Revisions page. Use this page as a resource to quickly access and view all revision details for any of our recent course updates.
Reminder: When viewing a product on the store, check the Revision Information tab to see the summary description of the most recent revision for that product at any time.
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Exciting Updates Ahead: Tech Talks and Trends in Technology Education Videos
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Jedi Jon gives us some insight into the changing marketing strategy at Logical Operations, focused on helping you grow your business, including new Tech Talks and Trends in Technology Education videos. Click below to watch the video and keep an eye on your inbox as well as our social channels next week for information about how to participate!
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January 2022 Instructor Excellence Award: Jeffrey Peterson
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Jeffrey Peterson
Applications InstructorUnited Training |
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Jeffrey Peterson is an Applications Instructor at United Training Academy, where he is recognized for his excellence. While in college, he explored many career avenues, often introducing himself as a future culinary school student when asked the “fun fact” question. While never attending culinary school, he eventually graduated college with a degree in French and Communications. So, how did he become a top applications trainer?
Jeffrey dabbled a bit in computer science, taking a few classes, but was, self-admittedly, “by no means particularly gifted for it”. Needing a job, he started teaching application and tech classes. Although his knowledge was fairly limited when he started teaching, Jeffrey gave it a shot, found he had a passion and a knack for it, and is now one of United Training’s top instructors. While Jeffrey never expected to become an instructor, especially in technology, he realized that he had a strong interest in cybersecurity, networking technology, and applications which turned into 4.5 years of teaching, which he now believes will be a great career for him.
Although being an instructor is a challenge at times, a big part of the enjoyment of teaching for Jeffrey comes from the variety of areas in which he teaches, “I love feeling like I don’t have to go into work every day and do the same things over and over. Teaching for me is always unexpected and there is always something new to learn or improve on, and that is something I really love about this occupation.” One of his recent students had this to say about Jeffrey, “Jeff was excellent. He kept the audience engaged with genuine energy and a focus on the topics. The content was presented in a way that addresses the needs of a wide spectrum of users, allowing everybody to get something out of the training. Jeff was clear and concise, made great references, gave relatable examples, and kept it light and fun while still delivering the facts.” Jeffrey’s excitement about technology allows him to keep his classes light and fun. “I really try to match my students’ excitement, because if I’m excited about a topic, it will translate better to them and they will also show that same enthusiasm,” says Jeffrey.
Before COVID-19, Jeffrey was splitting his time between teaching virtually and in person, so, he was prepared for the new shift in learning that this pandemic caused. Jeffrey refers to the saying “the grass is always greener” when comparing the two types of learning and admits there are pros and cons to each. When teaching virtually, he misses being in a room with people, but when he is traveling to teach in person, he misses being home. A big benefit of virtual training is having the ability to record classes. According to Jeffrey, this takes the pressure off since students and instructors can refer to it when needed.
Recently, United Training entered a partnership with Tableau, and Jeffrey became one of the two instructors certified in Tableau. This proved to him that he has what it takes in the training world, and now sees that the sky is the limit. In the future, Jeffrey looks forward to utilizing his French degree as an instructor, or possibly another language, to train students around the world, or working in translation in some capacity to support a technology program. Jeffrey is also currently working on his certification for Microsoft Power Platform and learning more about web development.
Although Jeffrey did not attend culinary school, he still cooks all the time, and it is now one of his hobbies when he’s not working!
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January 2022 Instructor Excellence Award: Desmond Devendran
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Desmond Devendran
Director, Project Consulting,Master TrainerLogical Operations |
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Desmond Devendran has more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity with an emphasis on information security and consulting. In his current role as the Director of Project Consulting at Logical Operations, Desmond’s job is to enrich customers with targeted training as well as Key Skill Indicators. Desmond splits his time between being a consultant who provides a detailed level of training, from top level management to the support staff, and a master instructor, teaching all topics related to information security and compliance.
Being a part of the world of information security since 2002, in both the technical and managerial domains of information security, Desmond has worked alongside banking and military contractors on threat intelligence and incident response, where he consulted on a host of different topics including security assessments, security architecture, business and systems analysis, and software design. Since becoming an instructor, Desmond has managed training programs on short timelines all over Asia on a myriad of topics in the realm of information security including, CyberSec First Responder™, Certified IoT Practitioner, and project management. Most recently, Desmond obtained his PMI ACP certification, which he had struggled to get for the last 5 years and is now excited to put to use.
According to Desmond, his intense curiosity about how things work is to thank for his interest in what he teaches. He believes that it is important to teach others what he has experienced throughout his career, as well as pass the knowledge he has gained to his students. “Aside from being a technical person, I have realized that I am also able to interact with people and bring on positive change in their career. So, being an instructor to me is all about bringing on change and not simply a 9 to 5 classroom teaching. It is beyond the training and professional networking and mentoring that comes from being an instructor,” says Desmond.
So, what’s next for Desmond? With the evolution of technology being so unpredictable, Desmond has always been ambitious in enhancing VILT by creating a disruptive learning capability of his own that will challenge the conventional teaching method used in the current virtual classroom. “One of my ambitions is to develop an augmented reality coupled with virtual learning. Judging by the way the pandemic will be with us for the next decade, we will need to exploit newer technologies to make learning fun and interactive at the same time. I am hopeful that the next few years will allow for some breakthrough in AI and Augmented Reality for learning.”
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Submit Your Instructor Nominations
 We're recognizing instructors who have reached key milestones and made a meaningful impact in the training world. Do you want to nominate an instructor who you feel deserves to be recognized in the next Logically Speaking? Visit the Instructor Spotlight page to get more insight into what the Instructor Spotlight is all about.
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We'll Teach It for You!
by Jon O'Keefe, Technology Education Jedi
 Logical Operations wants to help you offer classes that will prepare your project management students for the digital transformation projects they will be working on in the next year and beyond. As mentioned above, we offer several courses that would be of interest for an experienced or new PM that can help them prepare for a DX project.
To help you get these classes on your schedule and get them up and running quickly, Logical Operations will help facilitate these classes for you. This means we will provide the instructor, for free, to help you run any of the BIZ-level classes.
This includes:
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AIBIZ™
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DSBIZ™
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IoTBIZ™
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DEBIZ™ (when available)
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ET4PM
This means you promote the course to your students, and LO covers the instructor and courseware, giving you an excellent way to introduce these topics to your students. If you are interested in offering these courses, please contact JediJon@Logicaloperations.com to begin the scheduling process.
2022 is the year of digital transformation, so don’t let your training schedule fall behind because you don’t have an instructor for these classes!
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Looking for a Digital Transformation Product?
by Chandra Foster, VP, Global Client Services
Contact the Client Services team and we will help you! We will assist you in locating the correct product, and we will provide you with an evaluation copy of the material to review before you purchase. Reach out to us today for assistance at assist@logicaloperations.com or 1-800-456-4677 option 2.
Our products are located on our store at store.logicaloperations.com.
Need a store demo? We can help with that too!
Chandra Foster
VP, Global Client Services
assist@logicaloperations.com
1-800-456-4677 option 2
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Our Founder’s Father
The FANTASTIC Life of Bernard Rosenthal: 1931 - 2021
by Jim Gabalski, VP, Sales and Marketing
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Bernard RosenthalFather of Bill Rosenthal,CEO, Logical Operations |
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We all find inspiration from our parents, in one form or another, and Bill Rosenthal, who is a founder of Logical Operations, is no exception. Just this past month, our company and founder lost a great patriot, father, and friend when Bill’s dad, Bernard, passed away unexpectedly. So, we are celebrating the FANTASTIC life of Bernard who was, in so many ways, a big part of our company.
Bernard was full of life and would always answer “fantastic” when asked how he was doing. A smile and a warm handshake accompanied his full attention when I answered his question about how I was doing with many more than his single word response. He was always excited to attend a company event and a regular attendee of our potluck lunches, summer food truck picnics, and holiday events (for which we all eagerly await a return post COVID) and would mingle with every employee often telling fun and funny stories and listening patiently to ours. When I watched Bill and his dad interact, I saw a strong bond formed over many years between a caring father and a loving son and took inspiration from it.
An inspiration in many ways, Bernard was a patriot. Putting his college studies on hold to serve in the military, he became a medic and treated countless wounded soldiers during the Korean War. Upon his safe return, he resumed his studies which resulted in a dentistry degree and a successful practice based in the Greater Boston area. With the caring of a doctor, he often treated patients who could not afford his services with the same dignity as those who could. And if I learned anything about Bernard through my interactions with him, he did it with a smile and cheerful disposition.
Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit likely came from Bernard who was always adventurous and trying new things. One time during a Sunday drive, the family passed a sign that said, “NYC 220 Miles,” with Bill’s mom remarking that they should drive there and get some coffee. Sometime later, on a different Sunday drive, when Bill’s mom said that again, Bernard calmly pointed the car in that direction and 4 hours later, they were having coffee in Times Square. True story!
Bernard’s service started with Military Honors that opened reflections of a young man in a foreign land helping to keep soldiers alive. It quickly moved to memories shared from his children that revolved around the word “fantastic”. As I listened to the marvelous stories of a dentist and a father and a husband and the inspiration of our founder, Bill, I could only come back to that one word he so commonly used and say to him, thank you for your friendship. Your FANTASTIC life is an inspiration to all of us at LO and you will always live in our memories.
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