The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

SFIA View: Digital technology enablers

Digital technology enablers

The skills needed to execute digital technology enablers

- adaptation of processes to build in short cycles and to test with real users,

- place new digital applications and services into production quickly, reliably and securely

- using the power of data analytics to generate insights

Requirements definition and management REQM

The elicitation, analysis, specification and validation of requirements and constraints to a level that enables effective development and operations of new or changed software, systems, processes, products and services. The management of requirements throughout the whole of the delivery and operational life cycle of the software, system, processes, products or services. The negotiation of trade-offs that are both acceptable to key stakeholders and within budgetary, technical, regulatory, and other constraints. The adoption and adaptation of requirements management lifecycle models based on the context of the work and selecting appropriately from plan-driven/predictive approaches or more adaptive (iterative and agile) approaches.

User experience analysis UNAN

The identification, analysis, clarification and communication of the context of use in which applications will operate, and of the goals of products, systems or services. Analysis and prioritisation of stakeholders’ user experience needs and definition of required system, product or service attributes, behaviour and performance. The definition and management of user experience and user accessibility requirements for all potential users.

User experience design HCEV

The process of iterative design to enhance user satisfaction by improving the usability and accessibility provided when interacting with a system, product or service. The design of users’ digital and offline tasks, interactions and interfaces to meet usability and accessibility requirements. The refinement of designs in response to user-centred evaluation and feedback and communication of the design to those responsible for design, development and implementation.

Analytics INAN

The application of mathematics, statistics, predictive modeling and machine-learning techniques to discover meaningful patterns and knowledge in recorded data. Analysis of data with high volumes, velocities and variety (numbers, symbols, text, sound and image). Development of forward-looking, predictive, real-time, model-based insights to create value and drive effective decision-making. The identification, validation and exploitation of internal and external data sets generated from a diverse range of processes.

Data visualisation VISL

The process of interpreting concepts, ideas, and facts by using graphical representations. Condensing and encapsulating the characteristics of data, making it easier to surface opportunities, identify risks, analyse trends, to drive effective decision-making. Presenting findings and data insights in creative ways to facilitate the understanding of data across a range of technical and non-technical audiences.

Methods and tools METL

The definition, tailoring, implementation, assessment, measurement, automation and improvement of methods and tools to support planning, development, testing, operation, management and maintenance of systems. Ensuring methods and tools are adopted and used effectively throughout the organisation.

Solution architecture ARCH

The design and communication of high-level structures to enable and guide the design and development of integrated solutions that meet current and future business needs. In addition to technology components, solution architecture encompasses changes to service, process, organisation, and operating models. The provision of comprehensive guidance on the development of, and modifications to, solution components to ensure that they take account of relevant architectures, strategies, policies, standards and practices (including security) and that existing and planned solution components remain compatible.

Business analysis BUAN

The methodical investigation, analysis, review and documentation of all or part of a business in terms of business goals, objectives, functions and processes, the information used and the data on which the information is based. The definition of requirements for improving processes and systems, reducing their costs, enhancing their sustainability, and the quantification of potential business benefits. The collaborative creation and iteration of viable specifications and acceptance criteria in preparation for the deployment of information and communication systems. The adoption and adaptation of business analysis approaches based on the context of the work and selecting appropriately from predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches.

Business modelling BSMO

The production of abstract or distilled representations of real world, business or gaming situations in traditional or trans-media applications, to aid the communication and understanding of existing, conceptual or proposed scenarios. Predominantly focused around the representation of processes, roles, data, organisation and time. Models may be used to represent a subject at varying levels of detail and decomposition.

Systems design DESN

The design of systems to meet specified requirements, compatible with agreed systems architectures, adhering to corporate standards and within constraints of performance and feasibility. The identification of concepts and their translation into a design which forms the basis for systems construction and verification. The design or selection of components. The development of a complete set of detailed models, properties, and/or characteristics described in a form suitable for implementation. The adoption and adaptation of systems design lifecycle models based on the context of the work and selecting appropriately from predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches.

Customer service support CSMG

The management and operation of one or more customer service or service desk functions. Acting as a point of contact to support service users and customers reporting issues, requesting information, access, or other services. The delivery of customer service through multiple channels including human, digital, self-service and automated.

Supplier management SUPP

The alignment of an organisation’s supplier performance objectives and activities with sourcing strategies and plans, balancing costs, efficiencies and service quality. The establishment of working relationships based on collaboration, trust, and open communication in order to encourage co-innovation and service improvement with suppliers. The proactive engagement of suppliers for mutual benefit to resolve operational incidents, problems, poor performance and other sources of conflict. The use of clear escalation paths for discussing and resolving issues. The management of performance and risks across multiple suppliers (internal and external) using a set of agreed metrics.

User experience evaluation USEV

Validation of systems, products or services, to assure that the stakeholder and organisational requirements have been met, required practice has been followed, and systems in use continue to meet organisational and user needs. Iterative assessment (from early prototypes to final live implementation) of effectiveness, efficiency, user satisfaction, health and safety, and accessibility to measure or improve the usability of new or existing processes, with the intention of achieving optimum levels of product or service usability.