It was 41 years ago that I started my physics degree at Strathclyde University. I found physics a challenging and demanding area of study, especially the mathematical knowledge that it required. In 1980 I was introduced to the world of Fourier transforms, FT, I froze, I was afraid, I just…
For many years, I have advised teams of engineers and scientists on how to adopt lean thinking to improve processes and systems. Recently I have been reflecting on how I can use lean practices at a personal level to make me more effective at achieving my own personal and professional…
I often hear companies complain that they have an overload of data. They complain that they have more data than they can process. My exploration of the Readiness of Irish Manufacturing for Industry 4.0 determined that the primary focus area of Industry 4.0 in Irish manufacturing was the area of…
I am dreadful at chess. I remember in 1983 trying to beat my Atari 800XL at chess, but even on level one, I could never win. In 1983 the predetermined intelligence of a computer program had me defeated. Fourteen years later, IBM’s Deep Blue chess computer beat the intellectual titan of…
Many of us have key performance indicators, (KPI’s), that are used to measure our and our team’s success. During my career, I have observed senior managers apply tremendous pressure to people to try to achieve KPI targets. The pressure was often intense, with some managers adopting browbeating behaviours that were…
In the world today, it is essential to view education as a lifelong activity. What we learn about the world at university becomes outdated within ten years of graduating. (Rosling 2019) The rate of change in today’s workplace is relentless and we need to keep upgrading ourselves to stay relevant….
It is approaching that most wonderful time of the year; the end of year performance review. Millions of people over the world are desperately trying to remember their achievements, elicit their strengths and confess their opportunities for improvement. I have had thirty-five end of year performance reviews, and I did…
During my 36 year career, I have come across some senior managers who have attempted to create a sense of urgency around expectations but failed. They failed, as they lacked the ability to make a personal connection with their employees and to share their confidence and vision in an energetic…
The following is my examination of what a culture for successful project management looks like. Organisations can create a culture that promotes project success through a process of employee role clarification, training and empowerment. Larson and Gray, in their seminal book on project management, defined ten cultural traits to be…
The following is an extract from my pocket guide to Industry 4.0. My pocket guide to Industry 4.0 mini-book is given free to everyone who attends one of my Industry 4.0 courses. Introduction The first three industrial revolutions spanned almost 200 years. The first industrial revolution began in the…
