Change requests
Please add your change request below. Anyone can add a change request. Log in using your usual SFIA website id and password. If you don't have a login id you need to register as a user first. This is very simple to do, costs nothing, and means we can keep you up to date with SFIA 8. Wherever possible please link your change request to the relevant part of SFIA during the 'add request' process.
The SFIA team and key stakeholders have been through the change requests for the next version of SFIA and have decided that they are:
- Accepted: change requests which will be incorporated into requirements and solutions for the next version of SFIA. They may be combined with other change requests and/or themes.
- Declined: change requests which have been rejected. Reasons for rejection are given.
- Deferred: change requests which have merit but which are not yet fully agreed. Deferred requests will be considered for the next-but-one revision of SFIA.
Pending change requests are awaiting a decision.
We invite your comments on how we plan to meet the accepted change requests in the upgrade to SFIA 8.
Search change requests
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Pending (9)
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Accepted (169)
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Declined (3)
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Deferred (36)
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Splitting PROD for Product Management and Product Ownership 0 #1450 29 Jul 2021
Hi, could you please strongly consider splitting PROD to 2 competencies. One focused on Product Management and the other Product Ownership. these are very distinct roles with distinct competencies and having the two competencies joined under one will ultimately result in a need to split them later o…
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RLMT (SFIA 8 Beta) - Proposed changes 0 #1449 6 Jul 2021
Three changes are proposed to "Relationship management" (RLMT), as detailed in attached Word document.
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Grammar 0 #1448 29 Jun 2021
For level 5 Takes responsibility for managing the design, procurement, installation, upgrading, operation, control, maintenance and effective use of specific technology service. Monitors the performance or technology services. In the last sentence or should be of
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System software SYSP absorbed into IT infrastructure ITOP 0 #1447 28 Jun 2021
The skills in 'System software" (SYSP) that relate to software updates are covered in the proposed SFIA 8 "IT infrastructure" (ITOP). If the proposed ITOP changes are implemented, SYSP is no longer required in SFIA.
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Removal of SYSP 2 #1443 25 Jun 2021
Text from Garry Tyrrell Lead Editor for SFIAplus. Cannot add the comments himself. What is the rationale behind the loss of SYSP? This has been an important aspect of SFIA that I have used with Clients on many occasions. The Change Log does not indicate that there has been any change request to remo…
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Business Analysis Replaced? 1 #1442 25 Jun 2021
What is the justification behind the loss of the term Business Analysis?
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BUAN split into Business situation analysis and Feasibility assessment 1 #1441 25 Jun 2021
Happy with splitting off Feasibility assessment BUT cannot fathom why change Business analysis title which is universally recognised and understood by everybody. Please re-think as this would be a real retrograde step and could open SFIA to ridicule.
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software/systems engineering professionals - alignment to ISO/IEC 24773 0 #1312 25 Jun 2020
ISO/IEC 24773 references some standards that can be used to define tasks. As SFIA skills descriptions are activity based, perhaps we should check these standards to ensure that we have covered all the tasks.
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Move Security component from the Business Skill generic 0 #1302 27 Apr 2020
Security is addressed at all levels in the Business Skill generic attribute. It should be brought out as a generic attribute in its own right.
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PDSV - review reference to skills/capability framework and make more generic 0 #1446 25 Jun 2021
Review some of the skill descriptions in PDSV to reflect industry working practices.
What we decided:
Accepted as broader review of "people and skills" for SFIA 8.
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ETMG Add reference to skills/capability framework 0 #1445 25 Jun 2021
The selection and use of skills/capability frameworks can be an important part of learning and development.
What we decided:
Accepted as broader review of "people and skills" for SFIA 8.
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ORDI Add reference to skills/capability framework 0 #1444 25 Jun 2021
The selection and use of skills/capability frameworks can be an important part of executing organisation design work.
What we decided:
Accepted as broader review of "people and skills" for SFIA 8.
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Split Teaching and Subject Formation (TEAC) into Teaching (TEAC) and new skill Subject Formation (SUBF) 0 #1440 22 Jun 2021
Acknowledge that teaching is separate from the proposed description for Learning Delivery (ETDL) which is aligned to training activities (see CR#1439). Split the subject formation aspects of teaching from the delivery of teaching so these can be evaluated separately. Acknowledge that pedagogy is an …
What we decided:
Accepted into review of Teaching skill.
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Clean up of Learning Delivery (ETDL) - level alignment and separation from Teaching (TEAC) 0 #1439 21 Jun 2021
Update to Learning Delivery (ETDL) to increase alignment to training activities and provide separation from the activity of teaching. Review and update of level descriptions for level alignment. Addition of level 2 for those who actively assist in learning delivery.
What we decided:
Included in review of the Teaching and Learning delivery skills
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HSIN - improvements 0 #1438 16 Jun 2021
(1) The vintage SFIA skill "Systems installation/decommissioning" (HSIN) has become degraded so the skill-level descriptions for Levels 2, 3 and 4 include similar statements, which blur the distinction between levels of responsibility. Revised wording suggested. (2) The skill name is cumbersome. …
What we decided:
Accepted into review of Systems Installation/Decommissioning skill.
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Refresh of Porting/Software Configuration (PORT) 0 #1437 27 May 2021
Update of PORT to: (1) change the name to Software Configuration (2) provide clarity that the skills is for the design and deployment of configurations not for operational configuration (which should be covered in the relevant operations skill, e.g. ITOP, ASUP, NTAS, etc)
What we decided:
The proposed changes will update the context and description of this skill to be more relevant to current practices.
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Network planning - NTPL - Remove from SFIA 0 #1436 18 May 2021
Network planning (NTPL) covers similar ground to Network design (NTDS) but adds no value beyond the more practical descriptions for NTDS. As NTDS is developed in SFIA 8, the proposal is to drop NTPL from the framework.
What we decided:
Include in review of Network design and related skills
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Extend Network support to include network configuration 1 #1435 17 May 2021
Extend Network support (NTAS) to cover operational network configuration necessary to resolve issues and and implement design changes.
What we decided:
Accepted as part of broader review of Network support skills.
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Refresh of IT Infrastructure (ITOP) Levels 1-4 0 #1434 17 May 2021
IT infrastructure (ITOP) - A SFIA 8 draft already includes readability improvements and Guidance Notes. Revised descriptions are proposed to give greater coverage of two key infrastructure activities: platform configuration and automation of sysadmin tasks. Skill-levels 1 and 2 to indicate that sk…
What we decided:
Helps to provide a better and more flexible description of current working practices - and as a complementary skill for IT Infrastructure ITMG.
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Create Systems Design (DESN) at level 3 0 #1433 17 May 2021
Proposal to extend Systems Design (DESN) down to level 3.
What we decided:
The proposes a lower level which can be used for jobs/career steps in systems design.
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Create IT Infrastructure (ITOP) level 5 0 #1432 17 May 2021
Create IT Infrastructure (ITOP) at level 5 with a focus on owning IT Operations as a team lead / manager. This would be in line with other operational skills (e.g. Application Support (ASUP) or Network Support (NTAS) at level 5). See also CR#1431 - https://sfia-online.org/en/sfia-8/change-requests/…
What we decided:
Helps to provide a better and more flexible description of current working practices - and as a complementary skill for ITMG.
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Reshape ITMG to Technical Service Delivery Management (and create ITOP5) 1 #1431 17 May 2021
Shift the focus of IT Management (ITMG) to be Technical Service Delivery Management... not technical management of IT Infrastructure. This provide a little more leeway for other technical managers outside of IT Infrastructure to claim the skill whilst fairly recognising their technical owner/managem…
What we decided:
Helps to provide a better and more flexible description of current working practices - and as a complementary skill for IT Infrastructure ITOP.
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Enhancements to ITOP-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1430 16 May 2021
Enhancements to ITOP-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0124
What we decided:
ITOP has been reviewed for SFIA 8
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Enhancements to ITOP-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1429 16 May 2021
Enhancements to ITOP-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0124
What we decided:
Considered as a part of ITOP and NTAS review
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Addition of PEN-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1428 16 May 2021
Addition of PEN-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0124
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Enhancements to PBMG from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1425 15 May 2021
Enhancements to PBMG from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard (Reference ST0116)
What we decided:
Align with apprenticeship standards.
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Enhancements to PBMG from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1424 15 May 2021
Enhancements to PBMG from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard (Reference ST0116)
What we decided:
Align with apprenticeship standards.
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Enhancements to RELM-3 from Software Developer Apprenticeship Standard 1 #1422 15 May 2021
Enhancements to RELM-3 from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard (Reference ST0116)
What we decided:
Considered on review of RELM and ASUP - Application support skills
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Enhancements to BUAN-3 from Software Developer Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1420 15 May 2021
Enhancements to BUAN-3 from Software Developer Technician Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0116.
What we decided:
To check against proposed split of BUAN (Business analysis)
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Enhancements to REQM-3 from Data Analyst Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1419 15 May 2021
Enhancements to REQM-3 from Software Developer Technician Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0116.
What we decided:
Reviewed against skill descriptions and guidance notes for REQM.
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Enhancements to PROG-3 Generic from Data Analyst Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1418 15 May 2021
Enhancements to PROG-3 from Software Developer Technician Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0116.
What we decided:
Include in review of programming/software development skill descriptions.
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Enhancements to SWDN-3 from Software Developer Technician Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1417 15 May 2021
Enhancements to SWDN-3 from Software Developer Technician Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0116.
What we decided:
Reviewed against Software design (SWDN) and Software development (PROG)
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Enhancements to DATM Generic from Data Analyst Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1415 15 May 2021
Enhancements to DATM from Data Analyst Apprenticeship Standard
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of big data and data science skills for SFIA 8.
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Extend Learning Delivery (ETDL) to level 6 and merge in aspects of Teaching and Subject Formation (TEAC) 1 #1414 13 May 2021
What if we extended Learning Delivery (ETDL) to level 6 and wrapped in the delivery part of Teaching and Subject Formation (TEAC)? See also CR#1413 - https://sfia-online.org/en/sfia-8/change-requests/update-teac-to-not-be-focussed-on-teaching-it If we remove the requirement for Teaching and Subjec…
What we decided:
Teaching and Learning design and delivery have been reviewed.
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Update TEAC to not be focussed on teaching IT 3 #1413 13 May 2021
The professional activity of teaching doesn't depend on the subject matter. Currently teachers outside of IT are "relegated" to other skills like ETDL and TMCR purely on the basis of the subject matter they teach.
What we decided:
Accepted into review of Teaching skill.
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Addition of Level 4 to VISL 0 #1412 3 May 2021
The Data Analyst (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0118) standard defines a number of competencies aligned with VISL at level 4. These are less complex than the definitions in INAN.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of big data and data science skills for SFIA 8.
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Add a level 3 skill to BENM 0 #1410 3 May 2021
The Business Analyst (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0117) defines a benefits management competency at level 3 which is not in SFIA 7.
What we decided:
Reviewed against business analysis skills proposed for SFIA 8
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Add a level 3 skill to BPRE 0 #1409 3 May 2021
The Business Analyst (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0117) defines a business analysis, business modelling, requirements gathering and business process improvement. However many duties (competencies) are not currently in SFIA7.
What we decided:
Reviewed against proposed changes for Business analysis and Business process testing
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Enhancements to RELM-3 from DevOps Engineer (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0825) 0 #1408 3 May 2021
The DevOps Engineer (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0825) enhances the definition of Release and Deployment at level 3.
What we decided:
Provides specific examples and guidance in a DevOps context.
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Enhancements to SINT-3 from Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship Standard 1 #1407 3 May 2021
The DevOps Engineer (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0825) enhances the definition of Systems Integration and Build (SINT) at level 3.
What we decided:
reflects usage of SINT in a DevOps environment
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Enhancements to PROG-3 from DevOps Engineer (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0825) 0 #1406 3 May 2021
The DevOps Engineer (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0825) enhances the definition of programming/software development at level 3.
What we decided:
Include in review of programming/software development skill descriptions.
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Enhancements to SMLO-2 from Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) 0 #1405 3 May 2021
After reviewing the Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) apprenticeship standard it is suggested that SMLO-2 is enhanced.
What we decided:
Reviewed against SLMO and ITOP.
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Enhancements to HSIN-2 from Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) 0 #1404 3 May 2021
After reviewing Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) apprenticeship standard it is suggested that HSIN-2 is enhanced.
What we decided:
Accepted into review of Systems Installation/Decommissioning skill.
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Enhancements to USUP-2 from Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) 0 #1403 3 May 2021
After reviewing the Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) it is suggested to enhance the definition of USUP-2.
What we decided:
Reviewed against USUP and ITOP.
USUP (Incident management) is the management process to ensure issues are resolve d- ITOP is the skill needed to resolve technical issues.
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Enhancements to NTAS-2 from Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) 0 #1402 3 May 2021
The Information Communications Technician (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0973) enhances the definition of NTAS as level 2.
What we decided:
Network support and Network design have been reviewed for SFIA 8
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Rename Penetration Testing to Threat and Vulnerability Management 0 #1401 3 May 2021
PENT includes threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment as well as penetration testing. This change request is to ask that the skill name is reconsidered to cover threat and vulnerability management.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Rename Penetration Testing to Threat and Vulnerability Management 0 #1400 3 May 2021
PENT includes threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment as well as penetration testing. This change request is to ask that the skill name is reconsidered to cover threat and vulnerability management.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Extend PENT to level 2 - from Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1399 3 May 2021
The Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship standard (Level 3, Standard Reference ST085) enhances the definition of penetration testing at Level 2.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8. -
Extend SCTY to level 2 - from Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1397 3 May 2021
The Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship standard (Level 3, Standard Reference ST085) enhances the definition of security and this change is to request the addition of a level 2 security skill.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Enhancements to SCAD-2 from Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1396 3 May 2021
The Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship standard (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0795) enhances the definition of security administration at Level 2.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Addition of Level 3 to VISL 0 #1395 3 May 2021
The Data Technician Apprenticeship standard (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0795) defines a set of competencies for data visualisation at lower levels that in SFIA 7.
What we decided:
Added to review of data-related skills
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Addition of Level 3 to VISL 0 #1394 3 May 2021
The Data Technician Apprenticeship standard (Level 3, Standard Reference ST0795) defines a set of competencies for data visualisation at lower levels that in SFIA 7.
What we decided:
Reviewed as part of Big data/Data science theme and Employability theme
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DGFS - broaden scope from computer-related evidence 0 #1393 18 Apr 2021
minor but important clarification from being specifically "computer-related evidence" to material on any device capable of storing digital data.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Add a new skill “Data Science” at levels 4, 5 and 6 (see also RFC#1359) 0 #1392 16 Apr 2021
SFIA v7 identifies a range of roles which collectively provide the ‘data science’ function. While it is true that no one individual can adequately deliver ‘data science’, it is also the case that many organisations hire data scientists, and many individuals describe themselves thus. In relat…
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of data-related skills for SFIA 8.
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Move assessment of Learning activities from competency assessment. 0 #1391 1 Apr 2021
Move "... assessing impact of learning/educational activities ..." from LEDA to Learning Design and Development (TMCR) or Teaching and Subject Formation (TEAC).
What we decided:
This helps to clarify and removes potential overlaps.
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Risk Mitigation not countermeasures 1 #1390 28 Mar 2021
Suggesting a simpler and more common term for use in BURM etc.
What we decided:
Include in review of risk management for SFIA 8
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Overlap with CORE and TEST 0 #1388 8 Mar 2021
the testing of Services in TEST and business processes in CORE (and proposed AUDT CR#1379) overlap with BPTS
What we decided:
CORE has been removed.
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consider CR#56 CR#1331 1 #1387 8 Mar 2021
CRs raised against PENT SCAD but seems more appropriate here
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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CORE SUPP overlaps 0 #1385 8 Mar 2021
there are overlaps between Supplier Management and CORE (independent appraisal)
What we decided:
Accepted into review of CORE, QUAS
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audit of service provision overlap with other skills 2 #1384 8 Mar 2021
SLMO audit of service overlaps with CORE and process audits elsewhere (e.g. QUMG, CR1379)
What we decided:
The use of the word "audit" is not critical to the meaning of SLMO and can be safely removed.
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CFMG - improving definition of CI and configurations in guidance 0 #1383 8 Mar 2021
CFMG - inadequate definition of CI (configuration items) in description and guidance to show that CIs should have a relationship and coherence between them. Services as human activities are not "assets and artefacts" and cannot be fixed as a version or state (the documents and process definitions …
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CORE PENT TEST overlaps to not draw sufficient differences between skill sets 5 #1381 8 Mar 2021
Testing, Penetration Testing and Testing skills have overlaps Level 6 CORE 6 review of implementation and use of standards and the effectiveness of operational and process controls PENT 6 seeking vulnerabilities across the full spectrum of organisation policies, processes Level 5 TEST 5 Defines…
What we decided:
This change request has been reviewed alongside other SFIA skills in the area of testing, quality assurance, conformance, audit.
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add skill for Audit 2 #1379 25 Feb 2021
Consider adding an Audit skill to SFIA 8 to describe a range of audit responsibilities including - but not limited to - audits related to information and cyber security systems and processes.
What we decided:
This change request has been reviewed alongside other SFIA skills in the area of Governance, risk and compliance.
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SCAD - rename this skill to Security operations 2 #1378 25 Feb 2021
Consider changing the name of the skill to a more contemporary term - Security operations.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
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HWDE3 additional Skill at a lower Level requested 0 #1377 22 Feb 2021
New lower Level (HWDE) is to ensure adequate coverage for Digital Apprenticeships. This has already been added to the BCS SFIAplus detailed standard. All details including the additional six HWDE3 component descriptions are available on the BCS members protected site. Skill at a Level description is…
What we decided:
Suggestions have been reviewed and they appear to be better aligned to IT infrastructure - ITOP.
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NTDS3 and NTDS4 additional Skills at a lower Level requested 0 #1376 22 Feb 2021
New lower Levels (NTDS3 and NTDS4) are required to ensure adequate coverage for Digital Apprenticeships. These have already been added to the BCS SFIAplus detailed standard. All details including the additional six NTDS3 and NTDS4 descriptions are available on the BCS members protected site. Skill a…
What we decided:
Include in review of Network design and related skills
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NTDS3 and NTDS4 additional Skills at a lower Level requested 0 #1375 22 Feb 2021
New lower Levels (NTDS3 and NTDS4) are required to ensure adequate coverage for Digital Apprenticeships. These have already been added to the BCS SFIAplus detailed standard. All details including the additional six NTDS3 and NTDS4 descriptions are available on the BCS members protected site. Skill a…
What we decided:
Include in review of Network design and related skills
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NTPL4 additional Skill at a lower Level requested 0 #1374 22 Feb 2021
A new lower Level (NTPL4) is required to ensure adequate coverage for Digital Apprenticeships. This have already been added to BCS SFIAplus detailed standard. All details including the additional six Task (Skill at a Level) descriptions are available on the BCS members protected site. Task (Skill at…
What we decided:
Include in review of Network design and related skills
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Add new skill "Data Engineering" at levels 4, 5 and 6 0 #1373 19 Feb 2021
Over the last decade, data infrastructure teams were stood up in larger companies and the new competency or profession of a “Data Engineer” became to emerge while Data Science also became a new discipline and was maturing. Inspired by software engineering, data engineers build tools, infrastruct…
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of big data and data science skills for SFIA 8.
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Move "development" skills from "business skills" over to "autonomy 1 #1372 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Move "development" skills from "business skills" over to "autonomy 0 #1371 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Move "development" skills from "business skills" over to "autonomy 0 #1370 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Move "development" skills from "business skills" over to "autonomy 0 #1369 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Move "development" skills from "business skills" over to "autonomy 0 #1368 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Move "development" skills from "business skills" over to "autonomy 0 #1367 16 Feb 2021
Move development skills from "business skills" over to "autonomy". Allthough development can greatly help one's business skills, it is more intrinsically part of "autonomy".
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence" 0 #1366 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence" 0 #1365 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence" 0 #1364 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence" 0 #1363 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence" 0 #1362 16 Feb 2021
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence" 0 #1361 16 Feb 2021
Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence"
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Transfer communication skills from "Business skills" to "Influence" 0 #1360 16 Feb 2021
Remove references to communication and leadership skills that are found under "Business skills" over to "Influence" in the 7 levels. Allthough communication and leadership are both important parts of business skills and influence, it can be argued that it is more importantly tied to influence. Bu…
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Add Machine Learning and Data Science skills 0 #1359 9 Feb 2021
Add 2 new skills covering Machine Learning and Data Science and a related change to the existing Analytics skill.
What we decided:
Included in SFIA 8 AI and machine learning theme.
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ICPM - Rename and refresh Information Content Publishing 0 #1358 4 Feb 2021
Rename to Content Publishing or just publishing? and refresh content of readability
What we decided:
Skills to be re-named for SFIA 8 and content refreshed - see also the UX-related skills.
Included in overall readability review for SFIA 8 - including addition of guidance notes.
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INCA - Rename and refresh Information Content Authoring 1 #1357 4 Feb 2021
The word information in the name is unnecessary and this skill needs updating for readability.
What we decided:
Skills to be re-named for SFIA 8 and content refreshed - see also the UX-related skills.
Included in overall readability review for SFIA 8 - including addition of guidance notes.
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CHMG - rename to Change control 4 #1354 20 Jan 2021
The latest update of ITIL (ITILv4) has changed the name of “Change management” to “Change control". There are some benefits in SFIA doing the same.
What we decided:
Skill to be renamed for SFIA 8 and content updated where required. Also included in overall readability review for SFIA 8.
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RESC - Resourcing: refocus and separate out Workforce Planning 2 #1353 19 Jan 2021
As part of the review of people management coverage in SFIA, it is proposed that Resourcing RESC is refocused to exclude workforce planning aspects and these are to be covered in a new "Workforce planning" skill.
What we decided:
Included in review of People management skills for SFIA 8.
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Proposed new skill: Employee experience (EEXP) 3 #1352 19 Jan 2021
A new skill is proposed that will address "employee experience" aspects of people management, in contrast to - and complementary to - work / performance management.
What we decided:
Include in review of People management skills for SFIA 8
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PEMT - update to widen applicability and improve wording 0 #1351 13 Jan 2021
Performance Management - PEMT falls within a wider review of People Management coverage in SFIA. Current skills descriptions don't reflect the need to follow organisational direction and wording/content is not consistent through the skill-levels 4, 5 and 6. New descriptions are proposed, overall a…
What we decided:
Included in review of People management skills for SFIA 8.
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FMIT - Widen the applicability beyond IT 3 #1350 31 Dec 2020
Remove references to IT from SFIA Financial management (FMIT) overall and level descriptions, in order to widen the relevance of this skill.
What we decided:
Skill description to be updated for SFIA 8 - including readability and addition of guidance notes.
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BURM – consider making risk management skills applicable across more domains. 2 #1349 31 Dec 2020
Risk management is applicable in a number of business and technology domains. At first glance the name of the skill and some of the description may get in the way of wider adoption.
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GOVN – consider making governance skills applicable across many domains 2 #1348 31 Dec 2020
Governance is applicable in a number of business and technology domains. At first glance the name of the skill and some of the description may get in the way of wider adoption.
What we decided:
This change request has been reviewed alongside other SFIA skills in the area of Governance, risk and compliance.
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Computational Science skills 1 #1347 15 Dec 2020
The Australian SFIA user community suggests some new skills related to scientific computing: Scientific Modelling, Numerical Analysis and High Performance Computing.
What we decided:
New skill descriptions have been prototyped for SFIA 8. Category and sub-categories to be confirmed.
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Privacy 2 #1346 2 Dec 2020
Privacy to be addressed when cybersecurity will be revisited in SFIA8.
What we decided:
Include in
- review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
- generic attributes
- review of IRMG skill - readability and the Data protection references in IRMG 7
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Ethics in the Levels of Responsibility 4 #1345 2 Dec 2020
Changes to the Levels of Responsibility (LoR) are proposed that more comprehensively and consistently reference ethics.
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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GOVN - Enterprise IT governance - amend level 7 0 #1341 17 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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INAS - Information assurance - add level 4 0 #1340 17 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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OCDV - Organisational capability development - response to security incidents 0 #1339 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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RLMT - Relationship management - consider coverage of "public relations" 1 #1338 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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SUPP - Supplier management - amend level 4 0 #1337 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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ITOP - IT infrastructure - amend level 3 0 #1336 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8 and review of Infrastructure related skills.
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SCAD - Security administration - amend level 3 0 #1335 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
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IRMG - Information governance - amend level 4 0 #1334 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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USUP - Incident management - addition to level 5 description 0 #1333 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
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ITCM - Contract management - add a level 3 skill level description 0 #1332 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
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PENT - Penetration testing - separate research and testing elements 0 #1331 16 Nov 2020
Separated into the skills that ‘research, discover and develop exploits, reverse engineering and researching of mitigation bypasses’ and the skills to implement and test etc.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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PENT - Penetration testing - add level 2 and 3 skill level description 1 #1330 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
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COPL - Continuity Management add skill level descriptions for level 2, 3 and 6 2 #1329 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
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BURM - Business risk management - add a level 3 skill level description 0 #1328 16 Nov 2020
From review of SFIA in the context of information and cyber security and the US government NIST cybersecurity framework.
What we decided:
Include in review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8 and for review of Risk management skill to be more generic
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Add a new SFIA Service Design skill and rename the current ITIL-based service design to something more accurate. 1 #1327 10 Nov 2020
Add SFIA Service Design role Rename the current "service design" category to better reflect the ITIL concept it is trying to define. Once renamed add a new correct Service design skill that reflects the service design work that service design practitioners do.
What we decided:
Include in review of SFIA sub-categories and also creation of SFIA view or guidelines to highlight the SFIA skills relevant to Service design
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SFIA Levels of Responsibility 1 #1326 3 Nov 2020
SFIA Levels of Responsibility summary inclusion at https://sfia-online.org/en/sfia-7/responsibilities.
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Digital Credential Design 1 #1325 28 Oct 2020
Digital Credentials, sometimes known as Open Digital Badges, are a relatively new form of digital asset that provide a visible, verifiable, immutable and portable form of credential that is awarded on completion of learning and assessment. The design of Digital Credentials and credential programme (…
What we decided:
Credential design is of growing importance and needs skills to implement effectively. The other learning related skills in SFIA were analysed in detail to see if they could be extended. This analysis concluded that a new skill was the optimum solution - but it should not focus only on "digital"
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QUAS - too much focus on audit? 1 #1324 14 Oct 2020
Change request based on a review of skills associated with the Testing profession.
What we decided:
This change request has been reviewed alongside other SFIA skills in the area of Governance, risk and compliance.
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TEST - suggested changes for level 5 and level 6 0 #1323 14 Oct 2020
Change request based on a review of skills associated with the Testing profession.
What we decided:
Included in review of Testing skills for SFIA 8.
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RFEN updates 0 #1322 9 Oct 2020
During training this week, one customer organisation was saying that they think the language in RFEN seems a little dated and would benefit from review.
What we decided:
RFEN has not been reviewed/updated for some time.
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Radio frequency engineering – add RFID & SDR 0 #1321 8 Oct 2020
Expand the scope of this skill to embody the software engineering related aspects of radio frequency engineering, including RFID.
What we decided:
RFEN has not been reviewed/updated for some time.
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Explanation of difference between generic and specific BoKs in Knowledge generic LoR characteristic 0 #1318 1 Oct 2020
One of the people I was training this week mentioned that it would be useful to have some guidance within the reference guide on how to interpret the difference between 'generic' and 'specific' bodies of knowledge in the Knowledge generic level of responsibility characteristic/
What we decided:
Include in review of Levels of responsibility/generic attributes for SFIA 8
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Make inheritance from lower levels explicit in generic (level of) responsibility characteristics 0 #1316 30 Sep 2020
To make the framework and model more accessible to *users*, revisit the presentation of the incremental model implicit in SFIA, to reduce the risk that components of either the generic (level of) responsibility characteristics or a skill defined at one level, and not expanded at the next higher, mig…
What we decided:
Added to review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility.
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Business Analysis 3 #1315 5 Sep 2020
The BA Service Handbook identifies seven skills within the BA Service Framework. The SFIA BUAN skill encompasses all of these services. In addition, there are other SFIA skills that relate directly to some of the services. For example, Requirements definition (BA service) and REQM.
What we decided:
Included in overall review of business analysis skills for SFIA 8
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Quantum Computing Programming 1 #1314 29 Jul 2020
Programming a Quantum Computer requires unique skills that are not readily transferrable from the realm of binary computing. This change request is a placeholder for a future set of skills around Quantum Computing code design, development and testing.
What we decided:
Requested from a number of sources and detailed investigation work has been performed to define skill requirements.
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Review LORs and Generics - several CRs in this area 1 #1311 25 Jun 2020
The Generics probably need a general review and overhaul. The Industry wants additional generics and this aligns with the general view that 'Business Skills' is overloaded.
What we decided:
Include in review of levels of responsibility and generic attributes for SFIA 8
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Update LEDA to better reflect skills/competency assessment for use in determining suitability for a role and/or development. 2 #1310 11 Jun 2020
Enhance LEDA (Competence Assessment) to additionally be explicit for skills/competency assessment to be used for suitability for a defined role or for the professional development of an individual.
What we decided:
This will help a broader understanding of when to apply this skill.
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New Skill: Learning Experience Design 0 #1309 6 Jun 2020
Learning Experience Design is a new skill that is born of the digitisation of learning and a shift in focus from learning content to learner centric context
What we decided:
This is new industry development and SAFIA should be able to support this.
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Definition of Competency in context of Skills 1 #1308 6 Jun 2020
SFIA needs to clearly define what competency is.
What we decided:
SFIA reference material to clarify the distinctions. One of SFIA's design principles is that the SFIA framework supports organisations/people to develop and manage their people without needed a detailed definition of skills, competencies.
Individual SFIA skills such as Competency assessment LEDA were reviewed to ensure they are aligned.
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Inclusion of Organisational Change Management (OCM) aspects in ORDI, OCDV and CIPM 1 #1306 21 May 2020
Currently these skills lack any specific mention of OCM and stakeholder management.
What we decided:
Organisational change management is important. SFIA 7 has 2 skills which refer to change management. CHMG and CIPM.
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NTDS - Additional NTDS4 Skills 3 #1305 21 May 2020
Add level 4 NTDS skill for network design. This is required for a major network company that specialises in design and management.
What we decided:
Include in review of Network design and related skills
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Language and Bullets 0 #1304 29 Apr 2020
Move the descriptions and texts into bulleted lists
What we decided:
Accepted into overall review of SFIA's readability.
Points to consider..
- SFIA is used in many different ways by many different people and orgs
- what works for some doesn't work for others
- concerns have been raised that a bullet points may suggest a "check list" approach to skills and competency assessment
- bullet points/html don't work well with excel sheets. Many people use the Excel sheets as their source for data
- SFIA is developing an API - which has similar constraints with bullet points/html
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Agile Software Engineering 2 #1303 28 Apr 2020
A new sub-category is needed to address the lack of clarity around agile software development.
What we decided:
Its important that agile software engineering skills and working practices can be described in SFIA.
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USUP Incident management - skill-level descriptions 1 #1301 24 Apr 2020
Skill-level descriptions for Incident management, particularly Level 5, needs to be better aligned to SFIA Levels of Responsibility.
What we decided:
Useful additions and also include in readability and security review.
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Extend some skills down to Level 3 0 #1300 19 Apr 2020
Capturing this as reported to me some time ago. A number of skills would be useful to have a Level 3 as a recognition of achievement for apprenticeships.
What we decided:
We will work closely with apprenticeship scheme designers to reflect industry apprenticeship roles and their corresponding SFIA skills and levels.
Where there are gaps - we will propose new skills/levels.
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Address Privacy 0 #1299 16 Apr 2020
Theme for consideration: Privacy has an overlap with security practices but is not the same thing as security. How will SFIA8 ensure we address privacy alongside security in the generics and perhaps in specific skills?
What we decided:
Include in
- review of information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
- generic attributes
- review of IRMG skill - readability and the Data protection references in IRMG 7
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IT Infrastructure ITOP skill 0 #1298 23 Mar 2020
Change to the general description of IT Infrastructure ITOP Skill/ Italian Version
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Decouple Test from Release Management 0 #1296 23 Jan 2020
The description of Release Management and skill levels make extensive reference to test as part of release management. This should be decoupled.
What we decided:
RELM reviewed for content and readability.
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CIPM - introduce level 4, refresh wording across the skill descriptions 1 #1291 27 Nov 2019
The importance of effective change management in order to deliver business value from investment in new digital, data and technology capabilities.
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How SFIA works page 0 #1290 6 Nov 2019
Missing word in sentence "These descriptions provide a detailed definition what it means to practice the skill at each level of competency."
What we decided:
simple change required to reference text
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LoR 3 - Knowledge attribute 0 #1289 29 Oct 2019
Check grammar - is there a missing word?
What we decided:
Include in review of levels of responsibility and generic attributes for SFIA 8
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LoR 1 - Knowledge attribute 0 #1288 29 Oct 2019
check the grammar on the sentence - is there a missing word?
What we decided:
Include in review of levels of responsibility and generic attributes for SFIA 8
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QUMG - change skill description to start with the word "The " 0 #1286 18 Sep 2019
This is largely a cosmetic change to achieve a consistent syntax to all of SFIA's skill descriptions. 98 of the SFIA overall skill descriptions start with the word "The" . 4 skill descriptions do not follow this rule. (BENM, ISCO, QUMG, USEV). This change request is to change QUMG overall skill…
What we decided:
These will be input to the SFIA 8 readability theme.
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USEV - change skill description to start with the word "The " 0 #1285 18 Sep 2019
This is largely a cosmetic change to achieve a consistent syntax to all of SFIA's skill descriptions. 98 of the SFIA overall skill descriptions start with the word "The" . 4 skill descriptions do not follow this rule. (BENM, ISCO, QUMG, USEV). This change request is to change USEV overall skill…
What we decided:
These will be input to the SFIA 8 readability theme.
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ISCO - change skill description to start with the word "The " 0 #1284 18 Sep 2019
This is largely a cosmetic change to achieve a consistent syntax to all of SFIA's skill descriptions. 98 of the SFIA overall skill descriptions start with the word "The" . 4 skill descriptions do not follow this rule. (BENM, ISCO, QUMG, USEV). This change request is to change ISCO overall skill…
What we decided:
These will be input to the SFIA 8 readability theme.
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BENM - change skill description to start with the word "The " 0 #1283 18 Sep 2019
This is largely a cosmetic change to achieve a consistent syntax to all of SFIA's skill descriptions. 98 of the SFIA overall skill descriptions start with the word "The" . 4 skill descriptions do not follow this rule. (BENM, ISCO, QUMG, USEV). This change request is to change BENM overall skill…
What we decided:
These will be input to the SFIA 8 readability theme.
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PRMG - remove the "typically" statement 0 #1282 19 Aug 2019
SFIA v3 introduced a caveat to the description of a project; I don't think this is needed anymore and in some use cases of SFIA (e.g. software engineering) it is unhelpful as it emphasises "Enterprise IT" SFIA users to the detriment of others.
What we decided:
These will be input to the SFIA 8 readability theme.
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VISL Data visualisation - Level 3 required 0 #1281 6 Aug 2019
Data Visualisation descriptions start from Level 4, with wording that suggests significant experience is already in place. A level 3 description is proposed for those working on visualisation tasks, without the breadth of technical skills to align with Level 4.
What we decided:
Supports entry level roles using this skill
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Mapping SFIA to COBIT 2019 0 #1280 27 Jul 2019
Mapping SFIA to COBIT 2019 and ISO 20000
What we decided:
This is a useful addition to help COBIT and SFIA users
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Introduce Level 3 for SALE skill 0 #1279 2 Jun 2019
SALE skill starts on level 4 and level 3 can be useful.
What we decided:
Supports entry level roles in selling
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PROD - review use of phrase "product collateral" 0 #1278 3 Aug 2018
It has been highlighted that this phrase may not have universal understanding or interpretation. We should maybe include a more descriptive phrase. It has also caused some issue with translation in to Spanish.
What we decided:
Helps to clarify the meaning and application of this skill.
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Change Management 1 #1276 16 May 2018
There is no skill level that includes the skills that the Change Manager uses - this is essentially a governance role ensuring that RFCs are submitted in the correct format, with adequate plans, and then ensures the change is communicated and approvals sought. Its a non technical role whereas most o…
What we decided:
Include in review of CHMG for readability.
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BSMO - proposed wording changes for clarity and readability 0 #1275 15 May 2018
From Jim Owens. Details attached below.
What we decided:
Include in overall review of business analysis skills for SFIA 8
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BUAN - proposed wording changes for clarity and readability 0 #1274 15 May 2018
From Jim Owens. Details attached below.
What we decided:
Included in overall review of business analysis skills for SFIA 8
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PROF - proposed wording changes for clarity and readability 0 #1273 15 May 2018
From Jim Owens. Details attached below.
What we decided:
Included in overall readability review for SFIA 8
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PRMG - proposed wording changes for clarity and readability 0 #1272 15 May 2018
From Jim Owens. Details attached below.
What we decided:
Included in overall readability review for SFIA 8
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PGMG - proposed wording changes for clarity and readability 0 #1270 15 May 2018
From Jim Owens. Details attached below.
What we decided:
Included in overall readability review for SFIA 8
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SFAS - review examples used 0 #1269 15 May 2018
From Pete Brink - SWEBOK Evolution team: IEC 61508 Safety Integrity level Level 3 is usually just referred to as SIL3 or Safety Integrity Level 3. Also, I don’t think we want to vary the level by SFIA level, everyone should be able to assess any SIL based on the specification. Do you want to …
What we decided:
Include in readability review of SFAS.
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'Service design' is ambiguous and inaccurate 0 #1268 29 Apr 2018
'Service design' has come to describe a specific set of processes for conceiving of and validating a service. This subcategory describes service delivery or service level management and should be renamed.
What we decided:
These will be input to the SFIA 8 service design theme.
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Rename to "Implementation" rather than "Installation" 0 #1265 16 Apr 2018
The term "installation" alludes to implementaiton of physical infrastructure. Renaming this skill to "Systems Implementation/Decommissioning" better reflects the "cloud-first" world we operate in today.
What we decided:
Accepted into review of Systems Installation/Decommissioning skill.
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Cybersecurity 0 #1245 26 Feb 2018
Cybersecurity is a growing aspect of all IT professionals roles and as such should be included in the framework. The description below highlights particular areas missing from our organisations perspective.
What we decided:
Include in review of Information and cyber security skills for SFIA 8
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BPTS - Is Business process testing the best name / description. 2 #1243 31 Jan 2018
Is Business process testing the best name / description? Does it exclude other approaches to broader User Acceptance Testing that we may see in Systems Engineering. Is User Acceptance Testing acceptable?
What we decided:
Include in overall review of business analysis skills for SFIA 8
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Skills needed for creation and maintenance of a Service Catalogue 0 #96 2 Jan 2018
Change Request raised on behalf of itSMF International via Barry Corless (Director - itSMF International) The creation and maintenance of a service catalogue is touched on very briefly in portfolio (POMG) and in more (but still insufficient ) detail in Service Level Management (SLMO). Suggest this…
What we decided:
This change request also supported by the mapping of SFIA 7 to ITIL 4.
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New skill - Team/Exec Support 0 #84 30 Dec 2017
The currently isn't a specific skill that covers the role of Team Administrator / Personal Assistant / Exec Assistant adequately.
What we decided:
This skill will help fill a gap at a number of responsibility levels - from entry level to senior management. Although not a technical skill - these skills can be essential in the successful and effective operation of technology organisations.
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Cognitive Computing and Robotics 0 #80 20 Dec 2017
Welcoming our new computer overlords to SFIA
What we decided:
Include in review of artificial intelligence and machine learning skills for SFIA 8
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PEMT - review content and format of the Performance Management skill 0 #77 8 Dec 2017
This was a new skill introduced in SFIA6. I feel it needs some review to ensure it addresses the key aspects of Performance Management in the work place and is complementary in approach to other people management skills in SFIA.
What we decided:
Include in review of People management skills for SFIA 8
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SFIA as a Platform 0 #73 4 Dec 2017
Is there is an case to port SFIA and making it a cloud based service? 1. SFIA as a Platform 2. SFIA as a nation-wide skills inventory 3. APIs to others in the eco-system 4. LinkedIn (& MSWord) integration 5. Ability to map SFIA with CoBIT, ITIL, TOGAF, eTOM and others More details below.
What we decided:
No specific changes to the framework but these elements form part of the SFIA eco-system development.
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Recognition of a broader set of People Management skills 0 #72 30 Nov 2017
There are some areas of people management which are recognised as critical for an effective and high performing IT workforce but which aren’t really touched by SFIA. Broadly these can be captured under 2 headings: • Employee engagement and satisfaction, attraction and retention of high performin…
What we decided:
Include in review of People management skills for SFIA 8
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RESC - Resourcing - separate out recruitment and talent planning skills? 0 #68 28 Nov 2017
This skill description combines 2 strands which may be better separated: 1. recruitment 2. workforce / talent planning Although the 2 dimensions are related they are often (typically) found in different roles / different teams / different functions. Having the skills merged as they are in SFIA6 m…
What we decided:
Include in review of People management skills
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CORE COMPETENCIES 0 #67 28 Nov 2017
Add ACCURACY to Autonomy, Influence, Complexity and Business Skills.
What we decided:
Include in review of Levels of Responsibilities for SFIA 8
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TEST - Improvements to address the more technical aspects of a Test Engineer role 1 #61 8 Nov 2017
Some changes required to the wording of the SFIA 4 / 5 skills levels to address the more technical elements of the modern Test Engineer to cover Test Automation and Performance Testing or alternatively consideration given to creating a separate skill for these common Test roles.
What we decided:
Include in review of Testing related skills
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Review each skill description to establish if it should reflect the SaaS 0 #58 6 Nov 2017
With an increased focus on the end user (general public), consider each skill description to see if it should reflect the need to include the "service" element of the skill as all participants in delivery need to consider and often work with the end user.
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Language refresh 0 #57 31 Oct 2017
A general comment about refreshing the language such as using ‘cyber security’ instead of ‘security’ as well as ‘digital’ and ‘cloud’ in some places to add relevance or specifically draw in the new aaS world.
What we decided:
SFIA 8 is planning to introduce guidance notes . These can be used - in part - to give examples of the application of skills.
This can help us use contemporary references at the same time as allowing the underlying skills to be unchanged.
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Security Administration - Consider Blockchain and Cryptography 0 #56 31 Oct 2017
Consider whether dealing with Blockchain and Cryptography would be skills in their own right. Suggested adding administration of these to Security Administration
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Pen Testing - reflect how this has evolved as a component of acceptance testing 1 #54 31 Oct 2017
Consider adding in as a component of Acceptance testing or adding acceptance testing into the description of Pen testing.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Information Security - Minor change around risk and consideration of security architect 0 #53 31 Oct 2017
This change identifies a minor change to wording and also raises a couple of points about the security architect role.
What we decided:
Accepted into broader review of security skills for SFIA 8.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) - New skill or skills? 1 #35 6 Sep 2017
The importance of AI needs to be considered and introduced.
What we decided:
Include in review of artificial intelligence and machine learning skills for SFIA 8
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Extend Skills one level down to address trainees or allow entry paths 2 #26 6 Sep 2017
Some individuals do not have the skills as identified at the lowest level in SFIA but are working in this area - could we recognise the lower level as a trainee?
What we decided:
- Guidance captured in SFIA skills assessment guidelines.
- Include in Employability theme for SFIA 8 - cover apprenticeships, industry placements etc
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Currency to be addressed 0 #25 6 Sep 2017
The issue of currency needs to be addressed
What we decided:
Needed to provide guidance for skills assessment
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TEST - Improvements to address needs of Software Engineering 0 #20 10 Aug 2017
Some changes in emphasis and wording across the Skill description and skill level descriptions to ensure Software Engineering is addressed.
What we decided:
Include in review of Testing for SFIA 8.
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PORT - Improvements to address needs of Software Engineering 1 #17 9 Aug 2017
Some changes in emphasis and wording across the Skill description and skill level descriptions to ensure Software Engineering is addressed.
What we decided:
See change request #1437 Refresh of Porting/Software Configuration (PORT) — English (sfia-online.org)
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SYSP - Improvements to address needs of Software Engineering 0 #13 8 Aug 2017
Some changes in emphasis and wording across the Skill description and skill level descriptions to ensure Software Engineering is addressed.
What we decided:
SYSP was reviewed as part of SFIA 8 consultation
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Ethics 0 #1035 2 Oct 2014
Security: Professionals should comply with ethics in order to safe guard business entities and activities carried out in an organization
What we decided:
Include in review of generic attributes and levels of responsibility for SFIA 8.
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Enhancements to DATM Generic from Data Analyst Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1416 15 May 2021
Enhancements to DATM from Data Analyst Apprenticeship Standard
What we decided:
duplicate of CR #1415
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Version 7 Release date 0 #1277 4 Jun 2018
Is there a date for v.7 release?
What we decided:
This is a query not a change request
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Project Definition (Workshop) PDW 0 #1266 18 Apr 2018
This is the process of defining where we are today (A point), where we wish to be (B point) and the activities to move the organisation from A to B. It sounds corny but it works and provides valuable documentation for future changes, uppgrades or trouble shooting.
What we decided:
A Project Definition Workshop is a technique - the skills needed for the design and delivery of a Project Definition are already in SFIA
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Enhancements to SCTY-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1427 16 May 2021
Enhancements to SCTY-3 from Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Standard Reference ST0124
What we decided:
Skills have been updated and added for security including - INAS, SCTY, VUAS, THIN, PENT, SCAD.
These statements should be checked against the proposed SFIA-8 skill descriptions.
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Enhancements to ITOP-3 from Network Eningeer Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1426 16 May 2021
Enhancements to ITOP-3 from Network Eningeer Apprenticeship Standard (Reference ST0127)
What we decided:
Network support and Network design have been refreshed for SFIA 8
Propose that they are reviewed for coverage against these statements.
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Enhancements to SLMO Generic from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1423 15 May 2021
Enhancements to SLMO from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard (Reference ST0116)
What we decided:
Check whether this could be part of PROG or is it a generic attribute. Not sure we would expect a s/w developer to be using SLMO as a skill.
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Enhancements to TEST-2 from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1421 15 May 2021
Enhancements to TEST-2 from Software Development Apprenticeship Standard (Reference ST0116)
What we decided:
For SFIA 8 - Testing TEST has been rewritten for readability. This Change Request lists a large number of detailed statements which provides too much content for SFIA skill description. These these statements should be reviewed to see whether SFIA 8 level descriptions and/or guidance notes can incorporate these.
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Enhance TEST-3 0 #1411 3 May 2021
The Software Tester (Level 4, Standard Reference ST0129) defines a wider set of competencies for a level 3 software testing which should be considered to enhance the TEST-3 definition.
What we decided:
For SFIA 8 - Testing TEST has been rewritten for readability. This Change Request lists a large number of detailed statements which provides too much content for SFIA skill description. These these statements should be reviewed to see whether SFIA 8 level descriptions and/or guidance notes can incorporate these.
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Enhancements to SCTY-3 from Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship Standard 0 #1398 3 May 2021
The Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship standard (Level 3, Standard Reference ST085) enhances the definition of security at Level 3.
What we decided:
Skills have been updated and added for security including - INAS, SCTY, VUAS, THIN, PENT, SCAD.
These statements should be checked against the proposed SFIA-8 skill descriptions.
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Smart Systems 2 #1389 12 Mar 2021
Include 'Smart Systems' in the SFIA theme, 'Artificial intelligence and machine learning skills'.
What we decided:
RESD for SFIA 8 references intelligent systems.
We will retain this change request (as deferred) so that we can keep smart systems under review and decide if additional skills, guidance notes etc are required.
- Can fit with the review of Systems engineering also.
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Types and levels of testing 1 #1386 8 Mar 2021
Include distinctions between types of testing, the point in the lifecycle and scope of test
What we decided:
review as part of SFIA 8 beta release
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Overlap of TEST with CORE - re Services 0 #1382 8 Mar 2021
Suggested that services are removed from scope of TEST to focus this skill more directly on product (hardware, software, etc) rather than activity.
What we decided:
review as part of SFIA 8 beta
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DGFS level 7 - for development? 1 #1380 8 Mar 2021
more senior Digital Forensics skills that provide an external commentary, policy making or expert witness role.
What we decided:
"An expert witness, particularly in common law countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, is a person whose opinion by virtue of education, training, certification, skills or experience, is accepted by the judge as an expert. The judge may consider the witness's specialized (scientific, technical or other) opinion about evidence or about facts before the court within the expert's area of expertise, to be referred to as an "expert opinion". Expert witnesses may also deliver "expert evidence" within the area of their expertise. Their testimony may be rebutted by testimony from other experts or by other evidence or facts. "
Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expert_witness
This does imply something beyond a SFIA level 5 - it implies the expertise is recognised outside the organisation and in fact enough to influence/determine legal proceedings.
Defer to see if there is industry demand for this level of expertise to be reflected in SFIA descriptions.
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Add a new skill “DevSecOps Engineering” at levels 4, 5 and 6 0 #1356 2 Feb 2021
With the adoption of cloud computing services the traditional functions and roles of Software Engineers, Cyber Security Experts and Operations/Information Technology (Ops/IT) Specialists are blurring, and a new discipline known as Development Security Operations (DevSecOps) Engineering has emerged. …
What we decided:
- SFIA has good coverage of the skills that practitioners working in DevOps roles/teams need
- This change request and the IEEE/ISO DevOps standard highlight a gap around developing and improving the collaborative & technical environment associated with DevOps
- “In practice, DevOps is a full life cycle endeavor which gives equal consideration to each stage. DevOps is a set of principles and practices which enable better communication and collaboration between relevant stakeholders for the purpose of specifying, developing, continuously improving, and operating software and systems products and services. It is not just a matter of technical practices affecting other life cycle processes. ”
- Agile needs DevOps to fulfil full potential, DevOps does not need agile
- There was a skill in SFIA called Software process improvement
- The provision of advice, assistance and leadership in improving the quality of software development, by focusing on process definition, management, repeatability and measurement.
- So .. We have an opportunity to update the concept of SPIM for modern software engineering and operations - and in the same spirit focussing on business value and practitioners establishing and improving their own practices - not just providing advice and assistance
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Add a new skill “Cloud Engineering” at levels 4,5 and 6 0 #1355 2 Feb 2021
Over the last years Cloud engineering emerged as a new field of engineering that focuses on cloud services, such as "software as a service", "platform as a service", and "infrastructure as a service". The term of cloud engineering is at least ten years old. Extensive research has been conducted on s…
What we decided:
Currently cloud is referred explicitly or implicitly in a number of SFIA skills - such as Solution architecture, Systems design, IT infrastructure. There maybe opportunities to increase references in relevant skills.
For SFIA 8 - the design choice was between...
- adding new cloud-named skills versus
- cloud being a specific application of a number of SFIA 8 skill
Option 2 was chosen for SFIA 8 - but this CR is being kept in the deferred list to be re-visited for future SFIA updates.
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Role of embedded systems and edge processing design 0 #1344 30 Nov 2020
Embedded systems design and peculiarities of edge processing must reflect at level 5 at least.
What we decided:
Retain this CR so we can monitor developments to see whether this justifies a separate SFIA skill or additional guidance notes.
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Role for edge processing system design and development 0 #1342 30 Nov 2020
Skills related to design of edge processing systems should be part of embedded systems design.
What we decided:
Keep a watching brief to see whether edge systems are a specific type of system and so - for example - can be addressed by knowledge of edge systems used in combination with skills such as Solution architecture, Systems design, Systems installation, Hardware design, IT infrastructure,. Network design
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Software Engineering Economics 0 #1320 8 Oct 2020
Introduction of an additional skill covering economics and estimation at levels 2 to 6, separate from Systems Development Management (DLMG) and considering SWEBOK 3.0 Chapter 12
What we decided:
Retain this CR so we can monitor developments to see whether this justifies a separate SFIA skill.
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Sustainability – Software Engineering 0 #1319 8 Oct 2020
Expand the scope of this skill to embody the software engineering related aspects of energy consumption, expanding the descriptions for application at Levels 2 and 3
What we decided:
Retain this CR so we can monitor developments to see whether this justifies a separate SFIA skill or additional guidance notes.
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Consider splitting skills descriptions (and level descriptions) into atomic sentences 0 #1317 30 Sep 2020
Some approaches to assessment of competence against SFIA look for evidence of repeated, successful application of a proportion of the facets of a skill. However, some skill / level descriptions are single paragraphs. It would support such assessment approaches if the skill descriptions published i…
What we decided:
include in review of SFIA document/web page design for SFIA 8.
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Alignment with ISCO-08 1 #1313 14 Jul 2020
Consideration should be given to the relationship between SFIA and ISCO-08. the International Standard Classification of Occupations.
What we decided:
A mapping to ISCO-08 for SFIA 7 skills has been posted as a community resource.
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Need to cater for Service Integration and Management (SIAM) 1 #1307 2 Jun 2020
Service Integration and Management (SIAM) is being increasingly used to improve end-to-end service quality and value in complex multi-vendor environments.
What we decided:
Proposal is that SIAM can be catered for by application of existing skills. This CR is retained in the deferred list to monitor developments and whether a separate SFIA skill is required.
SINT is a technical skill rather than the management skills implied by SIAM.
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LoRs - add horizontal presentation 0 #1297 6 Mar 2020
It can be very useful to compare the generic attributes (autonomy, influence, complexity, knowledge, business skills) across levels
What we decided:
Review as part of SFIA document/web page design
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A-Z skills lists - add the relevant skill levels 0 #1295 14 Jan 2020
The A-Z is a popular way of viewing the framework and the addition of the applicable skill levels will enhance its usability and value to people browsing the framework online.
What we decided:
Review as part of SFIA document and web page design for SFIA 8.
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Compatibility with COBIT 2019 and KING IV 0 #1294 27 Nov 2019
KING IV and COBIT 2019 have changed the definition of the term "IT" in line with the requirements of the fourth industrial revolution. SFIA should also align with them.
What we decided:
Note that COBIT refers to I&T (Information and technology).
This naming is not widespread in the industry yet - so is one to monitor.
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Digital Signal Processing (DSP) 1 #1287 26 Sep 2019
We should review whether DSP is sufficiently covered in SFIA
What we decided:
This analysis suggest that DSP is a specific technology which can have application in a number of SFIA skill areas.
If there is sufficient demand this could be added to guidance notes for relevant skills to make the coverage explicit.
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New Skill - Coaching/Mentoring 1 #85 30 Dec 2017
Transfer of skills and knowledge through hands-on mentoring/coaching is an important part of the professional environment. At present this kind of skills/knowledge transfer is not well articulated by a skill in SFIA.
What we decided:
Changes have been made to the generic attributes and levels of responsibilities.
Employee experience and professional development provide some coverage.
We can keep under review to see if they address the need.
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Create a glossary of SFIA terminology 0 #79 15 Dec 2017
It may be helpful to new or inexperienced SFIA users if we create and publish a glossary of SFIA related terms.
What we decided:
Consider as potential for development post SFIA7.
The guidance notes can provide some of the solutions for a glossary of terms.
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Review Skills from an IT Supplier's Perspective 0 #78 10 Dec 2017
When viewed from an IT supplier or vendor perspective, and the skills required for that organisation, SFIA throws up some interesting white areas. Among others these include marketing, HR, finance, pre-sales & sales & education. Consulting or professional services while being pretty well covered ma…
What we decided:
This is a very broad set of suggestions.
Some of the topics are covered in SFIA, some are not.
Further work needs to be done to decompose this into specific change requests and/or requests for changes of scope for the SFIA framework as a whole.
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Digital Entrepreneurship 0 #69 29 Nov 2017
This is a request to stretch the boundaries of SFIA to encompass the skill needed to identify a business opportunity using novel digital technologies, and then acquire and deploy the necessary resources required for its commercial exploitation.
What we decided:
Add to roadmap for potential development.
See also change request #27.
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Include responsibilities for Diversity and Inclusion 0 #63 21 Nov 2017
Promoting and supporting diversity in the workplace is an important aspect of good people management - it’s about valuing everyone in the organisation as an individual. To realise the benefits of a diverse workforce it’s vital to have an inclusive environment where everyone feels able to parti…
What we decided:
Deferred. Additions made to generic business skills level 6 & 7. There maybe more to be done.
Will be kept in the backlog of change requests and considered during continuous consultation.
See also change request #49.
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Blockchain, Distributed Ledger Technology, Smart Contracts, Crypto 0 #44 1 Oct 2017
Blockchain, DLT, SmartContracts, Crypto are topics I believe SFIA need to incorporate into the scheme without delays.
What we decided:
This was reviewed as part of SFIA 8 see SFIA and Blockchain — English (sfia-online.org).
- Our working assumption is that "Blockchain" is a not an additional set of SFIA skills
- It is best treated as the application of a new technology
- Using the SFIA capability model - see graphic - we can identify many SFIA skills which can be applied
- People with these skills will need some new knowledge in Blockchain technologies
- Some knowledge will be technical - e.g related to security, programming, APIs, data management
- Other knowledge required will be commercial, business and industry focussed
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What about automation / engineering skill sets? 0 #43 1 Oct 2017
Skills focused Operational Technology? With industry 4.0 and IT/OT convergence bringing IT and OT skill sets closer than ever, it would be great to see how these skills sets might work closer together with in the SFIA framework.
What we decided:
Will be kept in the backlog of change requests and considered during continuous consultation.
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Digital Use Skills - introduce this area 0 #28 6 Sep 2017
Introduce a number of 'digital Use skills'
What we decided:
Some additions made to SFIA 8 levels of responsibility and the work on behavioural factors.
Add to SFIA development roadmap.
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New Entrants and repositioning - guidance needed 0 #23 6 Sep 2017
Consider introducing guidance around new entrants to IT and repositioning
What we decided:
Not a change to core framework - SFIA assessment guidelines provide one solution to this.
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Verification, Validation & Testing - Improvements to address needs of Software Engineering 0 #19 10 Aug 2017
Should the description of skills related to verification / validation activities be standalone or embedded in each individual software engineering related skill.
What we decided:
Will be kept in the backlog of change requests and considered during continuous consultation.
Consider wrt to mapping of SFIA to Systems engineering life cycle models as well.
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Skill description in structured fashion 0 #10 8 Aug 2017
It will be easy for reader of the SFIA framework document , if skill description is written in terms of bullet points and keywords are highlighted ..
What we decided:
These will be input to the SFIA 8 readability theme.
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Audio Visual skills 0 #3 27 Jul 2017
A couple of user organisations and individuals have suggested that the AV aspects could be developed further.
What we decided:
Deferred. Will be kept in the backlog of change requests and considered during continuous consultation.
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Add in an entry point at responsibility level 4 for the CNSL skill 2 #92 11 Jul 2014
I have worked in a consulting firm for 20 years and we have found that our entry point is actually at SFIA level 4. Our senior consultant role is at level 5 and our principal consultant role is mainly at level 6. This should not be confused by the fact that may contractors refer to themselves as …
What we decided:
Deferred. Will be kept in the backlog of change requests and considered during continuous consultation.