Search results for ""BCS Learning Development Limited""

With the ability to upload files securely and access them from anywhere, cloud computing has been positioned as today's ideal IT platform. However this has been claimed before for many different IT architectural approaches, how is cloud different? Is what is being offered now an end point, or just the beginning of an evolution of how cloud is instantiated and used? This book looks at how we have got where we are, what cloud is promising now, and how cloud is likely to evolve and change as the future unfolds. Readers will be better able to ensure that decisions made now will hold them in good stead for the future, and they will have a better understanding of how to use cloud to deliver the best outcome for their organisations.

Read more less

Change management is about the control of all changes that have an effect on the IT services and hence, the business of an organisation. This practical book describes the change manager role in depth including purpose, typical responsibilities and required skills. Change management methods, techniques, useful tools and relevant standards and frameworks are also covered, and career progression opportunities are discussed.

Read more less

Computational thinking (CT) is a timeless, transferable skill that enables you to think more clearly and logically, as well as a way to solve specific problems. With this book you'll learn to apply computational thinking in the context of software development to give you a head start on the road to becoming an experienced and effective programmer. Beginning with the core ideas of computational thinking, with this book you'll build up an understanding of the practical problem-solving approach and explore how computational thinking aids good practice in programming, complete with a full guided example.

Read more less

Cyber security has never been more essential than it is today, it’s not a case of if an attack will happen, but when. This brand new edition covers the various types of cyber threats and explains what you can do to mitigate these risks and keep your data secure. Cyber Security explains the fundamentals of information security, how to shape good organisational security practice, and how to recover effectively should the worst happen. Written in an accessible manner, Cyber Security provides practical guidance and actionable steps to better prepare your workplace and your home alike. This second edition has been updated to reflect the latest threats and vulnerabilities in the IT security landscape, and updates to standards, good practice guides and legislation. • A valuable guide to both current professionals at all levels and those wishing to embark on a cyber security profession • Offers practical guidance and actionable steps for individuals and businesses to protect themselves • Highly accessible and terminology is clearly explained and supported with current, real-world examples

Read more less

Information risk management (IRM) is about identifying, assessing, prioritising and treating risks to keep information secure and available. This accessible book is a practical guide to understanding the principles of IRM and developing a strategic approach to an IRM programme. It is the only textbook for the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Information Risk Management and this new edition reflects recent changes to the syllabus and to the wider discipline.

Read more less

In alignment with BCS AI Foundation and Essentials certificates, this introductory guide provides the understanding you need to start building artificial intelligence (AI) capability into your organisation. You will learn how AI is being utilised today to support products, services, science and engineering, and how it is likely to be used in the future to balance the talents of humans and machines. You will explore robotics and machine learning within the context of AI, and discover how the challenges AI presents are being addressed. You will delve into the theory behind AI and machine learning projects, examining techniques for learning from data, the use of neural networks and why algorithms are so important in the development of a new AI agent or system.

Read more less

Large-scale data loss and data privacy compliance breaches continue to make headline news, highlighting the need for stringent data protection policies, especially when personal or commercially sensitive information is at stake. While regulations and legislation exist to address these issues, how organisations can best tailor their compliance approaches to their own operational circumstances has remained an open question. The focus of this book is on operationalising a truly risk-based approach to data protection and compliance, beyond just emphasis on regulatory frameworks and legalistic compliance.

Read more less

In today’s technology-driven environment there is an ever-increasing demand for information delivery. A compromise has to be struck between security and availability. This book is a pragmatic guide to information assurance for both business professionals and technical experts. Written in an accessible manner, Information Security Management Principles provides practical guidance and actionable steps to better prepare your workplace and your home alike, and keep your information secure. This book is a primer for those new to the subject as well as a guide for more experienced practitioners. It explains the fundamentals of information security, how to shape good organisational security practice, and how to recover effectively should the worst happen. This third edition has been updated to reflect the latest threats and vulnerabilities in the IT security landscape, and updates to standards, good practice guides and legislation. It also includes updates to the BCS Certification in Information Security Management Principles, which this book supports. A valuable guide to both current professionals at all levels and those wishing to embark on an information security career Offers practical guidance and actionable steps for individuals and businesses to protect themselves Highly accessible and terminology is clearly explained and supported with current, real-world examples

Read more less

Agile testing brings many advantages to software testing teams, from increasing overall product quality to providing greater scope for flexibility. Building on the ISTQB Foundation Level Agile Tester syllabus, this book covers Agile principles, methods and tools in the context of software testing. The book is perfect for software testers interested in the benefits of Agile testing, working in an Agile environment or undertaking the ISTQB Foundation Level Agile Tester exam.

Read more less

Even amazing products can be let down by poor user interfaces. It is the job of front-end developers to make software products and websites engaging and attractive for users. This book covers the role of front-end developer in terms of typical responsibilities, required skills and relevant tools, methods and techniques. Career progression for front-end developers is also discussed.

Read more less

This book is a highly accessible guide to being a project manager (PM), particularly a project manager working within an IT field. The role is set out with reference to required skills, essential competencies and responsibilities. Tools, methods and techniques for project managers are covered, including Agile approaches; risk, issue and change management processes; best practices for managing stakeholders and financial management. Career progression opportunities for project managers are also discussed. Case studies are included throughout and tips and useful resources are included at the end of every chapter.

Read more less

Service level management provides a framework in which IT services are defined, agreed upon and delivered. The role of service level manager is a critical one in that the agreements negotiated with customers should inform most if not all of the activities of the service provider. Rarely is this the case however, and there are many tripwires awaiting the inexperienced or unwary. This practical book is aimed at helping those whose role is to establish, negotiate, manage or update service level agreements and to use these as the basis of continual service improvement. It covers areas such as purpose, required skills, responsibilities, interface and career progression as well as tools, standards and frameworks related to the role.

Read more less

Systems development is the process of creating and maintaining information systems, including hardware, software, data, procedures and people. It combines technical expertise with business knowledge and management skill. This practical book provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic and can also be used as a handy reference guide. It discusses key elements of systems development and is the only textbook that supports the BCS Certificate in Systems Development.

Read more less

Method and process are important in project management, but knowing how to use them is even more so. As a project manager you can increase your effectiveness most by developing your soft skills, recognising that finesse can be more effective than force. Once developed, you will find that these skills are transferable across project types and whole industry sectors. This book illustrates the application of NLP to develop competencies - better equipping you to communicate across cultures, reframe problems, manage stakeholder groups, resolve conflicts, motivate teams and become an even better leader.

Read more less

Data is a valuable corporate asset and its effective management can be vital to an organisation’s success. This professional guide covers all the key areas of data management, including database development and corporate data modelling. It is business-focused, providing the knowledge and techniques required to successfully implement the data management function. This new edition covers web technology and its relation to databases and includes material on the management of master data.

Read more less

ITSM Value Streams is a comprehensive guide to organizations on how to effectively utilise IT services to achieve business outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the value streams that flow through an organization and how IT services can be configured and applied to co-create value between IT service providers and consumers. The book provides practical insights on how to identify and eliminate anti-patterns, while introducing ways of working that reduce waste and frustration. By focusing on the bigger picture and providing fast feedback, teams are able to improve their work and contribute to the overall success of the organization. This is an essential resource for people in IT service management, IT managers, IT service managers, consultants and offers the chance to learn how to apply value stream thinking to achieve their IT service management objectives and also to get familiar with value management concepts.

Read more less

Agile principles and values transform the way organisations carry out business and respond to change. To realise success, an agile mindset needs to be adopted throughout an organisation, not just within the IT team. This book is an introductory guide to agile principles, values and mindset that will equip individuals and teams, regardless of role, to apply Agile from first principles. Practical examples are used throughout to illustrate agile theory with real-world context. This book is ideal for those wanting to achieve the BCS Foundation Certificate in Agile.

Read more less

This book is for executives, practitioners, and project managers who are tasked with the movement of data from old systems to a new repository. It is designed as a practical guide and uses a series of steps developed in real-life situations that will get you from an empty new system to one that is populated, working and backed by the user population. This new edition is updated to take account of changes in technology and the maturing of the market for data migration services, with two brand new chapters. It guarantees to get the dirty old data out of your legacy systems and transform it into clean new data for your new system.

Read more less

This comprehensive guide for management professionals discusses the IT-related legal issues faced by businesses on a daily basis. Legal concepts and terminology are notoriously difficult for non-specialists, but this book explains in plain English the relevant legal frameworks and gives examples from actual cases. New material in this edition include chapters on GDPR, cyber security, cloud computing contracts and Agile.

Read more less

Business analysis is a crucial discipline for organisational success, it enables organisations to rise to the challenges presented by today's increasing pace of change. It is a broad field and has matured into a profession of its own, with its own unique career roadmap. This practical guide explores the business analyst role including typical responsibilities and necessary skills. It signposts useful tools; commonly used methodologies and techniques, and beneficial professional development activities. A visual career roadmap for business analysts is also included, along with case studies and interviews with practising business analysts, to enable aspiring and existing business analysts at all levels to successfully plan and advance their careers.

Read more less

Every week brings news of an organisation that has distributed data that shouldn't have been shared, or has lost out to a competitor who is using data to drive business in an innovative way. Data is fundamentally changing the nature of businesses and organisations and the mechanisms for delivering products and services. This book is a practical guide to developing strategy and policy for data governance, in line with the developing ISO 38505 governance of data standards and best practice frameworks. It will assist an organisation wanting to become more of a data driven business by explaining how to assess the value, risks and constraints associated with collecting, using and distributing data.

Read more less

Problem management is the one IT service management process that tends to return more benefits more quickly than any of the others. This book offers practical, real-world guidance on all aspects of implementing and running an effective problem management function. Offering advice and recommendations tailored to different types of organisations, it gives IT practitioners, consultants and managers the tools to add real value to their businesses.

Read more less

With technical skills in ever increasing demand and software updates coming thick and fast, the need for technical training is rising rapidly. To be successful in the provision of technical training in IT requires a solid commercial understanding of how to establish, develop, control and deliver results that provide the customer with an expected return on their IT investment and deliver strong shareholder value. This book provides you with this understanding, along with guidance on applying a strong execution plan to drive customer retention, grow the technical training business, and monitor progress for continual success.

Read more less

Mobile testing is the process of testing the functionality, usability and consistency of mobile software. While similar to standard software testing, efficient and effective mobile testing requires an additional set of skills on top of those usually required by software testers. With this essential guide, in line with the ASTQB Certified Mobile Tester syllabus, you will gain the understanding and skills you require to begin your journey to becoming a proficient mobile tester.

Read more less

Technical writing is about communicating key information to the people who need it. It might be a manual for an application, a guide to using heavy machinery, a diagnostic aide for medical practitioners or a guidance note about new legislation. It needs to be clear and it needs to be precise. This book shows you how to achieve this and more. Whatever the content or context, in this book you’ll discover the essential tools and resources that you need to create technical writing that works for everyone.

Read more less

Penetration testing is the attempt to professionally break in to an organisation's systems by exploiting any vulnerabilities, with the goal of determining whether an organisation's IT systems and resources are secure. As hackers and would-be cyber attackers become increasingly more brazen, penetration testing has become an essential practice. This BCS guide for business and IT managers, developed in collaboration with CREST, explains the process of penetration testing and the benefits it brings. With contributions from practising penetration testers and information security experts, the book brings together a wide range of expertise, insight, and tips for setting up a penetration testing programme, maintaining it, and responding to the results of penetration tests.

Read more less

Solution architecture is a relatively new specialism but is at the very heart of the relationship between business and IT. This book is an authoritative and practical introduction, suitable for new entrants to the field but also of benefit to experienced professionals wishing to consolidate their knowledge and skills. The tools and techniques of solution architecture are presented in the context of a framework and life cycle, taking a problem or idea through logical steps to design a holistic and evidence-based solution. There is a focus on collaboration with the business as well as other disciplines such as enterprise architecture, business analysis and cyber security.

Read more less

Finance is as fundamental to the IT world as it is to most other aspects of life. However, many IT professionals lack knowledge of the particular financial principles on which decisions about IT should be based. Assuming no prior knowledge, this new edition covers all relevant aspects of finance and is updated with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) terminology. It is ideal for all IT decision makers who wish to conquer their fear of finance or refresh existing knowledge.

Read more less

This practical guide is written for organisations that are implementing a business continuity management system and certification in line with ISO 22301. The development of a BCMS requires commitment, time, resourcefulness and management support. This book will fully equip those new to business continuity management or to management systems with survival skills for the ups and downs of the journey. Enriched with checklists, worksheets and invaluable top tips.

Read more less

The imperative of cyber security has never been more pronounced and organisations must remain proactive, anticipating potential risks and evolving their strategies in response. Cyber Security and Business Analysis provides the necessary techniques, tools and framework to help business analysts include cyber security holistically in their approach, equipping them with the required knowledge to recognise risks at all levels and deliver a complete analysis. The versatile framework this book provides can be deployed adaptively, either as tailored individual components or as a whole to support the construction of secure and resilient systems.Enriched with accessible real-life experiences, security incidents and analogies, the content goes beneath the surface to provide a deeper understanding. Woven with the collective wisdom of business analysis and cyber security, this book forms a holistic guide for shaping secure, resilient and robust systems.

Read more less

Digital transformation and data projects are not new and yet, for many, they are a challenge. Driving Data Projects is a compelling guide that empowers data teams and professionals to navigate the complexities of data projects, fostering a more data-informed culture within their organizations.With practical insights and step-by-step methodologies, this guide provides a clear path how to drive data projects effectively in any organization, regardless of its sector or maturity level whilst also demonstrating how to overcome the overwhelming feelings of where to start and how to not lose momentum. This book offers the keys to identifying opportunities for driving data projects and how to overcome challenges to drive successful data initiatives.Driving Data Projects is highly practical and provides reflections, worksheets, checklists, activities, and tools making it accessible to students new to driving data proj

Read more less

All professionals need strong interpersonal skills as they are a fundamental requirement in any business environment. The importance of these skills cannot be overstated in today’s business world particularly in the light of current economic conditions. Numerous books cover interpersonal skills, but none specifically address their application within professional job roles, in particular those within the IT industry. This book fills that gap, providing guidance on all of the key skills and forming a comprehensive reference manual that will be relevant to a huge variety of situations. Topics include: building rapport; team working; leadership; negotiation; written communication; managing conflict; presentation skills; coaching and mentoring; problem solving.

Read more less

Learn how to use ChatGPT, Bing Chat / Copilot, and Bard to get the most out of these powerful tools. ChatGPT has become a tool hundreds of millions use every day - yet few have mastered the art of sweet-talking these new AI chatbots into providing detailed and accurate responses to user prompts. It's vital for every professional tech user to have an understanding of how AI chatbots work, and how best to put them to work. While the fear is that AI will take people’s jobs, it is more likely to be someone using AI that will! Getting Started with ChatGPT and AI Chatbots explores the ‘big three’ AI chatbots - OpenAI ChatGPT, Microsoft / Windows Copilot and Google Bard - demystifying their operation, and providing a wealth of tools for thinking about how to talk to these smart tools. Whether you're a business user, a tech student, or a curious professional, this book is for you to understand and demystify Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative AI tools, harnessing them to enhance your role.

Read more less

Data is a valuable corporate asset and its effective management is vital to an organisation’s success and survival. With this book you will learn to master the key principles of data management and use them to implement best practices in your organization. This professional guide covers all the key areas of data management, including database development and corporate data modelling. It is business-focused, providing the knowledge and techniques required to successfully implement the data management function. This fully updated new edition provides new chapters on the most important data topics such as big data, artificial intelligence, linked data and concept systems. Principles of Data Management is fully aligned with syllabus for the BCS Professional Certificate in Data Management Essentials, making this the go-to text to unlocking the value of your data. Ideal for business managers and all involved in the development of information systems as well as data management professionals Comprehensive and descriptive view of data management Suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners Must-read for anyone involved in the development of systems to manage data

Read more less

Business Analysis has never been more important, and valuable, to organisations as they strive to adapt to an ever-changing and faster-changing environment. This expanded edition of Business Analysis Techniques provides detailed guidance on the range and application of the techniques available to assist business analysts and others in their work. Business Analysis Techniques provides a foundation for the effective specification, design and development of digital solutions, solutions that are based on a proper understanding of the real business need and the requirements for solutions to meet them. With 123 of the most widely used techniques covered, this book is an essential resource for any business analyst. This book: Places a large number of techniques into the context of the Business Analysis Service Framework, providing clear guidance on the applicability and use of 123 of the most-used techniques available in the business analyst’s toolbox Provides detailed information on the use of each technique Accessibly written with worked examples of all of the techniques described Offers practical tips for using and adapting the techniques in the real world Pair it with Business Analysis, also published BCS for even greater insights.

Read more less

The growth of digital media, products and services have changed the way companies do business. With technology moving to the forefront and consumers demanding simplicity, it is now more important than ever to understand how to deliver an end-to-end, integrated product experience. Digital Product Management demonstrates how to develop new products, launch them into the market and deliver business outcomes through the maturity of your product. With this book, you’ll learn how to deliver results, through developing your influence, creating a supportive team culture and managing your own time. You’ll also learn how to understand the needs of external customers without requirements elicitation or sign-offs, plus the difference between customer and business value, and why your product needs to create both. This practical and comprehensive guide is suitable for Product Managers looking to increase the impact of their digital products or for Business Analysts, Project Managers, Software Developers and other IT Professionals interested in transitioning into a digital-product focussed role. Recommended reading for the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Digital Product Management

Read more less

Software developers are responsible for producing fully functioning and secure software products, this encompasses design, programming and testing. With a growing need for software for everything from business to games to everyday items such as fridges, there is increasing demand for professional software developers. This book explains the software developer role in the context of the industry, including the relevant skills and competencies you will need to become a software developer. Discussion of popular programming languages is covered, as well as tools and techniques of the trade. Career progression tips and software developer case studies round off the book, providing you with the insider knowledge you need to kick start your software development journey.

Read more less

Reliable test design is important in software testing; without it, defects in software may remain undetected, making the software poor quality and causing dissatisfaction among users. This book presents the key test design techniques, in line with ISTQB, and explains when and how to use them, including in combination, with practical, real-life examples. Automated test design methods are also discussed. Tips and exercises are included throughout the book, allowing you to test your knowledge as you progress.

Read more less

Data is constantly increasing; everything from app usage, to sales, to customer surveys generate data in an average business. Out on the streets data is everywhere too, from speed and security cameras, weather monitoring and measuring footfall to name just a few examples. Against this backdrop, data analysts are in higher demand than ever. This book is an essential guide to the role of data analyst. Aspiring data analysts will discover what data analysts do all day, what skills they will need for the role, and what regulations they will be required to adhere to. Practising data analysts can explore useful data analysis tools, methods and techniques, brush up on best practices and look at how they can advance their career.

Read more less

Agile is an iterative approach to software development that has rapidly gained popularity in the IT industry as the preferred alternative to traditional project management. For business analysts, adopting an Agile approach can revolutionize working practices. It enables clearer vision and success measure definitions, better stakeholder engagement and a greater understanding of customer needs, amongst other benefits. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Agile methodologies and explains these in the context of business analysis. It is ideal for business analysts wanting to learn and understand Agile practices, working in an Agile environment, or undertaking Agile certifications.

Read more less

This book is the definitive guide to understanding web3 and NFTs, offering insights and guidance for individuals, educators and brands who are affected by this transformative technology.As the world becomes increasingly digitised, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) offer a novel way to represent, authenticate and own unique digital assets providing new commerce opportunities for brands. Getting Started with web3 and NFTs supports professionalsnavigating this new field and provides guidance on operating within this space, best practices to follow and how to lead others in doing so too.This book also addresses the challenge of navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of NFTs and their impact on brands, consumers and society at large, while helping to provide new and curious consumers with advice on how best to stay safe.

Read more less

The development of technical leadership capabilities is often overlooked as a training requirement in organisations but these are key to business success. In this book, management experts Brian Sutton and Robina Chatham describe six management techniques to help you develop your leadership capabilities and deliver benefit to your customers, team and organisation. With real life examples, tips and mini exercises, you'll also boost your soft skills as you improve your professional value.

Read more less

In the digital age of today, digital marketing is essential to making products and services a success and digital marketers are more and more in demand. This book is your guide to becoming a digital marketer and succeeding in this fast moving, technology-driven profession. Topics include the expertise and array of skills you will need; how to stay current and future-proof your career; useful digital marketing tools, channels, frameworks and procedures; how to measure campaign success, and how to take the next steps to advance in your digital marketing career.

Read more less

Adopting an Agile approach can revolutionise business analysis working practices. Agile focuses on iterative development and incremental delivery of software solutions, enabling a clear focus on customer needs and early delivery of new or enhanced software products.This revised edition reflects the latest Agile developments and provides a comprehensive introduction to Agile methods and techniques, explaining how they may be applied within the business analysis and holistic business change contexts.Written by industry experts, this new edition is ideal for any business analysts who work in an Agile environment and wish to understand or extend their understanding of Agile practices. Recommended reading for BCS Professional Certificate in Agile Business Analysis.

Read more less

Whether you're preparing for your service management foundation exam, or simply want to understand service management better, this new edition of our popular book covers the latest thinking and provides a comprehensive, practical introduction to IT service management. Building on their collective service management experience, the authors walk you through essential concepts including processes, functions and roles and illustrate these with real-life examples.

Read more less

Business analysis is a key discipline within business transformation projects. Too often business changes are introduced without such analysis, leading to failed projects, wasted investment and unnecessary business disruption. Effective business analysis enables greater project success, informed investment and beneficial business outcomes. Business Analysis describes the entire landscape for successful business change, explaining the range of services offered by business analysts, the lifecycles and approaches that may be applied, and the techniques that aid analytical thinking, visualisation and modelling. The new edition of this bestseller has been updated extensively to ensure that the guidance offered is highly practical and encompasses the latest developments within the business analysis profession. This is a seminal text for business analysts, helping them to develop their understanding and skills and enabling them to develop their business analysis careers. It is also a key text for anyone working in organisations, whether driving change initiatives or enabling successful change outcomes. This book is: A practical and informative text, enabling business analysis and other business change professionals to develop their key knowledge and skills A readable and engaging journey through the business change lifecycle, the business analysis services and the toolkit required of a proficient business analyst Supports the BCS Business Analysis Certification Portfolio

Read more less