ACEN Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria National Conference

ACEN Association of Consulting Engineers, Nigeria National Conference, Lagos – November 1999 Under-Utilization of the Nigerian Consulting Engineer in Our National Development "The Consulting Engineer as a Catalyst in National Wealth Creation" Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst. by Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz, MNSE

ACEN About Me Principal Consultant - Afri-Projects Consortium B. Eng. (Civil), M. Sc. (Struct. ) - Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Professional Bodies Member, Nigeria Society of Engineers y Member, Computer Association of Nigeria y Member, Internet Society y Contact: Aliyu. Aziz@Aliyu. Aziz. com http: //Aliyu. Aziz. com November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 2

ACEN Objective arm the consultant with modern strategic tools for survival in the 21 st century examine what is necessary to improve his strategic tools and allow him to achieve desired goals from knowledge management; strategic management; reengineering; and leadership prepare the consultant to response to sudden, unforeseen changes, understand overcome obstacles to success, easily collaborate with every conceivable discipline and from every conceivable source November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 3

ACEN Topics Introduction The Challenge Information Technology Infrastructure Strategic Business Tools Conclusion November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 4

ACEN Introduction Knowledge is the raw material for creating all economic wealth in the 21 st century Professional Consultants are expected to develop unique strategies and skills that will enable them to create opportunities out of challenges Challenges in knowledge management, lifecycles, strategic management, reengineering and leadership require more urgent attention of the Consultant November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 5

ACEN Introduction. . . Interdependence is fast replacing independence. New power lies in the ability to n n n November 2000 adapt assume responsibility have a shared vision empower others negotiate successful results and assume control of one’s ethical behaviors Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 6

ACEN Introduction. . . Data Processing Information Processing Knowledge Sharing & Wisdom Project Lifecycle Project Circle Project Spiral Project Dynamics Strategic Issues Environmental Internal Systemic Management Planning Implementation Control Development, Evaluation, & Selection Implementation & Follow-up Business Process Reengineering Leadership – Vision, Values, Ethics & Culture Decision Making Reengineering Investigation Total Quality Management Table 1. 0: Challenges to the Consulting Engineer in the 21 st century November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 7

ACEN Introduction. . . As catalyst in national wealth creation, we must n n November 2000 Rethink the nation’s needs, its problems and issues in current perspectives State the positive outcomes the nation requires Recommend solutions that solve the problems effectively and deliver efficient results Show we are competent to deliver on time and within budget Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 8

ACEN Introduction. . . We should guide the government to concentrate on its Major Goals, by assisting it to: n n n November 2000 Lift barriers to innovation and not to impose new obstacles Help develop and maintain a workforce, appropriate to its needs and the aspiration of the general public Establish a stable environment for research and innovation, without governmental direction Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 9

ACEN The Challenge The Goal - Knowledge n A knowledge-driven information network that will help solve many kinds of business problems effectively Challenges n n n November 2000 Knowledge Management Project Cycle Strategic Management Reengineering Leadership Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 10

ACEN Challenges: Knowledge Management A managerial discipline that treats intellectual capital as a managed asset The primary tools applied in KM are n n n organisational dynamics process engineering technology It is important that engineering consultants equip themselves with the proper incentives and tools to share knowledge as well as design solutions with specific business problems in mind November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 11

ACEN Challenges: Knowledge Management Information is derived from data processing, knowledge from information processing. Wisdom can only be gleaned from knowledge management. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 12

ACEN Challenges: Project Cycle The project life cycle defined: The four sequential phases in time through which any project passes, namely: conception; development; implementation; and termination Circle November 2000 Spiral • Systematic explanation • Evolutionary explanation Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 13

ACEN Challenges: Strategic Management… A technique for evaluation and measurement often employed at the highest management level. It addresses jugular issues touching the heart of business entities with grave implications on their future. § Competition and competitiveness § Customer/Supplier power § Government and legal regulation § Barriers to entry It eliminates conflict between long-term development and short-term profitability. It focuses on the complexities of the total business environment, with well-defined aims, well-developed means to achieve them, and by pursuing viable opportunities wherever they can be identified, which may be regardless of the current operations. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 14

ACEN Challenges: Strategic Management… Requirements Focus Strategic management Goals Values November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 15

ACEN Challenges: Strategic Management… Relies heavily on a continuous supply of information about the environment. Main features of strategic management § External § Internal § Systemic Internal System November 2000 e x t e r n a l Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Level 0 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 16

ACEN Challenges: Strategic Management… Main components of strategic management § Environmental issues § Planning direction § Planning strategy § Implementing the strategy Environmental issues Implementation November 2000 Planning direction Planning strategy Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 17

ACEN Reengineering and Leadership Conventional thinking n firms assume that variables are stable in their marketplace, that boundaries (industrial, geographical, etc. ) are clearly articulated, that the endgame is known or predictable Reengineered thinking n four drivers that enable firms to be focused and accountable w leadership w governance w competencies w technology November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 18

ACEN Challenges: Reengineering and Leadership… Research found six distinct leadership styles, each springing from different components of emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence: Self-Awareness Self-Management §Emotional self-awareness: the ability to read and understand your emotions as well as recognise their impact on work performance, relationship, and the like. §Accurate self-assessment: a realistic evaluation of your strengths and limitations. §Self-confidence: a strong and positive sense of self-worth. §Self-control: the ability to keep disruptive emotions and impulses under control §Trustworthiness: a consistent display of honesty and integrity §Conscientiousness: the ability to manage yourself and your responsibilities. §Adaptability: skill at adjusting to changing situations and overcoming obstacles. §Achievement orientation: the drive to meet an internal standard of excellence. §Initiative: a readiness to seize opportunities. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 19

ACEN Challenges: Reengineering and Leadership… Emotional Intelligence: Social Awareness Social Skill §Empathy: skill at sensing other people’s emotions, understanding their perspective, and taking an active interest in their concerns. §Organizational awareness: the ability to read the currents of organizational life, build decision networks, and navigate politics. §Service orientation: the ability to recognize and meet customers’ needs. §Visionary Leadership: the ability to take charge and inspire with a compelling vision. §Influence: the ability to wield a range of persuasive tactics. §Developing others: the propensity to bolster the abilities of others through feedback and guidance. §Communication: skill at listening and at sending clear, convincing, and well-tuned messages. §Change catalyst: proficiency at initiating new ideas and leading people in a new direction. §Conflict management: the ability to de-escalate disagreements and orchestrate resolutions. §Building bonds: proficiency at cultivating and maintaining a web of relationships. §Teamwork and collaboration: competence at promoting cooperation and building teams. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 20

ACEN Challenges: Reengineering and Leadership… The six styles of leadership Coercive Authoritative Affiliative The leader’s modus operandi Demands immediate compliance Mobilizes people toward a vision Creates harmony and builds emotional bonds The style in a phrase “Do what I tell you “Come with me” “People come first” Underlying emotional intelligence competences Drive to achieve, initiative, self-control Self-confidence, empathy, change catalyst Empathy, building relationships, communication When changes require a new vision, or when a clear direction is needed Most strongly positive To heal rifts in a team or to motivate people during stressful circumstances Positive When the style works best In a crisis, to kick start a turnaround, or with problem employees Overall impact climate Negative November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 21

ACEN Challenges: Reengineering and Leadership… The six styles of leadership Democratic Pacesetting Coaching The leader’s modus operandi Forges consensus through participation Sets high standards for performance Develops people for the future The style in a phrase “What do you think? ” “Do as I do, now. ” “Try this. ” Underlying emotional intelligence competences Collaboration, team leadership, communication Conscientiousness, drive to achieve, initiative Developing others, empathy, selfawareness When the style works best Overall impact climate November 2000 To build buy-in or consensus, or to get input from valuable employees Positive To get quick results form a highly motivated and competent team Negative To help an employee improve performance or develop long-term strengths Positive Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 22

ACEN Challenges: Reengineering and Leadership… Getting Molecular: The Impact of Leadership Styles on Drivers of Climate Coercive Authoritative Affiliative Democratic Pacesetting Coaching Flexibility -. 28 . 32 . 27 . 28 -. 07 . 17 Responsibility -. 37 . 21 . 16 . 23 . 04 . 08 Standards -. 02 . 38 . 31 . 22 -. 27 . 39 Rewards -. 18 . 54 . 48 . 42 -. 29 . 43 Clarity -. 11 . 44 . 37 . 35 -. 28 . 38 Commitment -. 13 35 . 34 . 26 -. 20 . 27 Overall impact on climate -. 26 . 54 . 43 -. 25 . 42 November 2000 . 46 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 23

ACEN Challenges: Reengineering and Leadership… Six distinct leadership styles: n Coercive leaders – demand immediate compliance n Authoritative leaders – mobilize people toward a vision n Affiliative leaders – create emotional bonds and harmony n Democratic leaders – build consensus through You’llparticipation agree with me that most engineers belong to the last two n Pacesetting leaders excellence selfgroups. We, therefore, need–toexpect move up the ladder, and to the most direction strongly positive authoritative leadership style for effective performance andleaders results – develop people for the future n Coaching November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 24

ACEN Information Technology Infrastructure The empires of trade and nations are fast giving way to the imperishable empire of knowledge and leadership. Information Technology (IT) is providing the currency of immeasurable value to aid this new empire The new IT is a combination of all available information media, including computer, telephone, data networks, cable television, satellites, fiber optics, and software. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 25

ACEN Information Technology Infrastructure. . . Primary objective: To develop an economy-wide network that can support an ever-growing range of business processes, within and between corporations. Computer companies and leading telecommunication carriers allied themselves with transnational enterprises. These alliances were based on the axiom that corporate capital’s ownership and control of networks should be beyond dispute or discussion. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 26

ACEN Information Technology Infrastructure. . . Over the last five years the reliability, speed and security of the internet have improved. Internet offers a splendid new medium through which to transact business. It has become the primary platform for essential business / government activities. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 27

ACEN Information Technology Infrastructure. . . What stops our banks from joining the bandwagon? n n November 2000 FEAR - Fear of the unknown, precipitated by lack of understanding security issues, among others This phobia will also apply to consultants. If we continue to fear to participate in present day B 2 B Exchanges, it will be impossible to remain competitive. Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 28

ACEN Information Technology Infrastructure. . . What do we do? n November 2000 We need to expend heavily on training and reorientation, adopt new technological tools and study how the society affects technology, and not the other way round. Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 29

ACEN Strategic Business Tools Hot technologies for Consulting Engineers: n n November 2000 use the Internet both inside and outside our firms as the common networking infrastructure use the World Wide Web itself as the development environment for most of our application interfaces Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 30

ACEN Strategic Business Tools Smart Cards Digital Certificates XML JAVA November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 31

ACEN Strategic Business Tools: Smart Cards Smart card is an intelligent ID card with the ability to store information and perform transactions. It can be in the form of plastic card, a ring, a watch or anything you carry around. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 32

ACEN Strategic Business Tools: Digital Certificates. A digital certificate enables two entities to establish each other’s identity for electronic commerce transactions. It can be stored on smart cards and in computer systems. It certifies the authenticity of the person performing the transaction. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 33

ACEN Strategic Business Tools: XML “XML” Stands for Extensible Mark-up Language It is the basis for storing and shipping data on the web Rapidly becoming the lingua franca of electronic commerce. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 34

ACEN Strategic Business Tools: JAVA The hottest programming language. Programs written in JAVA take less time to produce, because it is much less error-prone. JAVA will run on any platform, from TV, to a cell phone, to a web site without modifications. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 35

ACEN Conclusion In today’s interdependent, hyper-competitive environment, the professional engineer needs the power of vision, people, knowledge, strategic business tools and technology to overcome obstacles and easily collaborate with every conceivable discipline to deliver projects November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 36

ACEN Conclusion. . . In the near future, what will drive success is the ability to initiate, sustain and profit from interdependent relationships. The outcome will be innovative products, creative services and possibly new technology. To get there, however, we will have to develop our leadership intelligence. Why leadership? Because leaders hold the key to success. November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 37

ACEN Thank you The End Visit me @ http: //Aliyu. Aziz. com November 2000 Challenges of the 21 st Century and Strategic Tools for the Catalyst 38