Even globally recognised technology companies face challenges with digital skills gaps and business transformation. In 2019 Dell Technologies identified that in order to continue their business’s successful growth and remain competitive, they would need to modernise the core business, while also expanding into new markets. To do this, they would need everyone in their business to:
- Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset;
- Understand new technologies the business plans to develop at a high level including multi-cloud services, data management software, and edge computing capabilities;
- Share common language in relation to digital transformation for better alignment across different functions; and
- Have a good base level of digital skills to make data-driven decisions and collaborate efficiently across different regions
SOLUTIONS
We worked with the customer to design an academy which developed professional skills alongside introductory modules to technologies which would be key to their transformation.
We delivered four units of training, each delivered over two days:
1. Becoming a Digital Organisation
- Digital Transformation Lifecycle
- Innovation Techniques and Concepts
- Business Models
- Digital Mindset & Culture
2. Harnessing the power of Cloud Computing, Data Analytics and APIs
- Cloud Computing – Deployment solutions and structure
- Edge Computing – computation and data storage
- Next generation computing – Quantum Computing & Neuromorphic Chips
- Cyber Security – Security fundamentals & strategies
- Big Data
- Business Data Analytics
3. Achieving a digital edge
- Internet of Things
- Future of Connectivity
- Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Blockchain
- Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Platforms
4. Empowering a Digital Workforce
- Change and Transformation
- Collaboration
- Cognitive diversity
- Customer centricity
Learning was reinforced with a Business Innovation Challenge where project teams developed and presented detailed business proposals for a change project based on what they had learnt during the academy.
While we had initially planned for in-person delivery, we adapted swiftly to fully virtual delivery due to the global pandemic.
WHAT WORKED
- The academy was designed to develop people in all functions (technical and non-technical) ranging from senior leaders, to people at an early career stage. This helped build networks and develop a culture of psychological safety
- The Academy was accredited by TU Dublin, leading to a Diploma in Digital Transformation & Business Innovation. This makes the programme aspirational to people across the business
- All training focussed on the business strategy and vision, their customers and took into consideration their corporate structures and systems
OUTCOMES
- Over 980 participants
- Employees in lower demand functions have transitioned into roles which support digital transformation – helping the customer to retain business knowledge and pivot people to hard-to-fill roles
- Ideas from the Business Innovation Project have been adopted and are delivering demonstrable benefits to our customer
- Created shared knowledge of technological terms – supporting collaboration and decision-making
“Enabling our staff to progress and excel in new areas and competencies ,which will drive our company and the customers that we serve, is one of our highest priorities. The Transform Programmes…enable us to pivot our talent point towards the workplace of the future”.
Declan Nolan, Senior Director, Dell Technologies Services
“TRANSFORM was one of my best learning experiences ever. A fantastic experience for me and my team, with the generation of innovation projects making a real business impact. Thoroughly enjoyable, challenging and rewarding” – Participant
“TRANSFORM has enabled me to develop my technical capabilities, increased productivity and strengthen relationships with my customers. It made me more fluent in emerging technologies, especially blockchain and cloud, and I now have confidence and presence with all technologists on my team” – Participant
“The TRANSFORM programme affords an opportunity to become digitally forward looking and allowed me to develop critical faculties which will be essential for the adoption of future technologies in our next generation workplace” – Participant