How To Become An Information Technology Consultant

Transcription

1 Developing Tomorrow s Workforce Today Information and Communications Technology Council Conseil des technologies de l information et des communications Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Competency Profiles Software Products Cluster Analysis Design Analysis Programming Application Software Implementation Business Analysis and Service Level Management Programming Software Design and Delivery (Engineering) Technical ICT Architecture Web Design Web Development Infrastructure Cluster Data Administration Database Administration Capacity and Performance Help Desk Network Planning and Support Operations Problem Management Security Systems Programming User Technical Support Management Cluster ICT Management Intellectual Property Management Production Management Project Management Supply Chain Management ICT Consultancy Hardware Products Cluster Design Engineering Hardware Scientist Manufacturing Engineering Product Line Management Technical Marketing Testing/Quality Control Cluster Audit Validation Quality Assurance Quality Professional Documentation and Training Cluster Education/Training Management Technical Writing

3 Introduction Are you curious about what the ICT Competency Profile framework is all about? Do you need to understand the difference between a cluster and a work stream? Or maybe, you need to be 100% sure this resource will meet your needs? To give you a preview of what this human resource tool has to offer, ICTC has prepared this condensed version of the ICT Competency Profiles framework. It defines several key terms used throughout the framework and provides a high-level summary of six ICT career clusters and the key activities and competencies of 36 ICT work streams that comprise these clusters. Over 400 pages of information condensed into 20 pages just for you! If you like what you see, you will be very impressed with the full version of the ICT Competency Profiles framework. As the only national standard for ICT occupations in Canada, it will provide you with a comprehensive description of all six ICT career clusters to guide successfully through your human resource management of ICT professionals. The full version outlines work streams, relevant education and experience, sample job titles, and tasks and performance indicators for key activities within each stream. Not only does it give you a complete list of technical competencies, it also identifies the business and interpersonal competencies needed by ICT workers to perform their job successfully, including the behavioural indicators for each of these competencies and the preferred level of proficiency. Without a doubt, the ICT Competency Profiles framework is the most innovative and complete human resource tool you will find in Canada. Remember, ICTC is committed to helping you manage your ICT human resources in a simple and cost-effective way. If you have any questions about the ICT Competency Profiles framework don t hesitate to contact us at competencyprofiles@ictc-ctic.ca. Definitions Career Clusters There are six career clusters within the ICT Competency Profiles framework. Career clusters are made up of work streams that share common competencies. Career clusters can be used for instances where work streams provide a focus that is too narrow. Examples of uses for career clusters include collecting aggregate labour market intelligence, designing curriculum for ICT programs and courses and evaluating the competencies of ICT professionals for the purposes of mobility, competency recognition and immigration. Work Streams Thirty-six work streams are profiled in the ICT Competency Profiles framework which include a high level description of the nature of the work associated within the work stream. are defined as observable abilities, skills, knowledge, motivations or traits defined in term of the behaviours needed for successful job performance. They are what is needed to get the job done. Describes what a person is expected to do or to produce in a role the measurable deliverables. The key activities are the basis for declaring the skills and level of competency needed by someone to carry out a role in the workplace Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 1

4 Software Products Cluster Work Stream Analysis Design: In the field of analysis, you apply investigative skills to business, technical or organizational problems to determine if and how ICT could be used to provide and define solutions for systems. In design, you prepare and ensure, as far as possible, that the detailed specifications for all information system components are valid and meet a defined set of requirements. Documentation/Reports Management Operations Service Level Agreement Processes Systems Analysis Systems Design Supervise/Manage Teams Creativity and Innovation Database/Information Design and Management ICT Architecture Product/Intellectual Property Management Work Stream Analysis Programming: This occupation requires you to utilize analytical, design, problem-solving and interpersonal skills to interpret requirements, utilize design concepts, and write programs that meet specifications and customer needs. Architecture and Standards Systems Analysis Systems Design Teamwork Database/Information Design and Management Service Management Processes Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 2

5 Work Stream Application Software Implementation: In this occupation, you provide technical expertise and functional support for software package implementation to meet business requirements. You install, configure, customize, integrate, support and maintain the software package. Capacity Management Contract Management Incident/Problem Management Operations Planning Supervise/Manage Teams Training Creativity and Innovation Service Management Processes Work Stream Business Analysis and Service Level Management: In this occupation, you perform investigatory, feasibility and analytical studies to produce practical outline specifications for the construction of systems that meet users needs. You must also match the quality level and scope of services to the facilities and capabilities of existing systems. Change Management Documentation/Reports Service Level Agreement Processes Strategy/Policy Supervise/Manage Teams Systems Design Business Perspective Results Management Competitive Knowledge ICT Architecture Service Management Processes Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 3

6 Work Stream Programming: As a programmer, you construct properly engineered software assemblies from specifications, combine these assemblies into systems, and verify that the resulting assemblies or systems are correctly tested to meet specifications. Documentation/Reports Operations Research Software Development Supervise/Manage Teams Database/Information Design and Management Infrastructure Platforms Work Stream Software Design and Delivery (Engineering): In this occupation you plan, evaluate, advise, report, co-ordinate or supervise software intensive products or processes, including commissioning, system integration and retirement of real time, embedded and other complex software systems, that requires the application of engineering principles, but does not necessarily constitute the practice of professional engineering. Communications Software Development Developing Others ICT Procurement and Asset Management Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 4

7 Work Stream Technical ICT Architecture: You design, develop, evaluate and integrate a wide range of systems and components. These include business applications, technical environments, information warehouses, operating systems, databases, telecommunications networking, etc. In this occupation, you also define models, plan projects, develop standards and lead and guide systems staff. Architecture and Standards Contract Management Research Strategy/Policy Supervise/Manage Teams Business Perspective ICT Architecture Work Stream Web Design: In this occupation, you produce practical designs and outline specifications for the construction of websites that meet client requirements with an equal emphasis on the technical and creative aspects. In doing so, you must consider the concepts of quality, accessibility and usability, as well as underlying technology and delivery mechanisms. Architecture and Standards Software Development Systems Design Database/Information Design and Management Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 5

8 Work Stream Web Development: In this occupation, you apply analytical and programming skills to produce and implement properly engineered and tested web-based applications that meet identified requirements and specifications, using programming and development tools, within an internet technology framework. Documentation/Reports Operations Software Development Systems Design Database/Information Design and Management Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 6

9 Infrastructure Cluster Work Stream Data Administration: You will manage and organize electronic data to ensure that it meets ICT needs including shareability, coherence, availability, quality and integrity. Additionally, you will deal regularly and effectively with corporate data administration policies, standards and technology. Architecture and Standards Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Contract Management Security Strategy/Policy Supervise/Manage Teams Systems Analysis Database/Information Design and Management ICT Architecture Work Stream Database Administration: In this occupation, you provide specialized expertise and practical assistance in the use of database management systems, and in the manipulation of data for systems. This includes work at any stage of the system life cycle, such as feasibility, design, development and service delivery. Architecture and Standards Operations Planning Security Systems Analysis Systems Design Database/Information Design and Management Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 7

10 Work Stream Capacity and Performance: You match hardware, operating system software and applications systems capacity to present or predict the ICT needs of users to meet the service level requirements for throughput, response time, turnaround time and availability. This also includes throughput performance measurement and acceptance testing for new applications against targets set through experience. Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Incident/Problem Management Performance Management Creativity and Innovation ICT Architecture ICT Procurement and Asset Management Work Stream Help Desk: In this occupation you provide a rapid response inquiry service regarding ICT for users or customers (usually by telephone) to solve problems they have in using the relevant features/functions of the company s products/services. Incident/Problem Management Service Level Agreement Processes Systems Analysis Adaptability Developing Others Security/Information and Application Protection Service Management Processes Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 8

11 Work Stream Network Planning and Support: You plan, install and provide routine control over and manage exception situation in relation to quality communications network services in an information system. Normally, this involves evaluating communications hardware, software and transmission service alternatives against changing business requirements; maintaining links with network suppliers; monitoring network performance; providing support for attached systems; localizing and rectifying faults in networks and handling non-routine user/customer problems; and providing expertise and practical assistance in delivering service that complies with statutory and other standards, as well as strategic and tactical plans. Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Contract Management Incident/Problem Management Operations Supervise/Manage Teams Service Management Processes Telecommunications (Data and Voice Network) Work Stream Operations: You carry out the daily routine physical and logical operation of hardware and software to support quality service delivery. These operations include the initial handling of incidents, routine system start up and shut down, and maintaining planned schedules. Operations Supervise/Manage Teams Developing Others Service Management Processes Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 9

12 Work Stream Problem Management: In this occupation, you are responsible for diagnosing, assessing, circumventing and finding remedies for service incidents (deviations from planned or expected information system behaviour). If needed, you would also ask for specialized expertise and take the initiative in giving advice to prevent service incidents. Incident/Problem Management Supervise/Manage Teams Service Management Processes Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Work Stream Security: In this occupation, you provide specialized expertise and practical assistance for the physical, electronic and technical security of ICT at each stage of the life cycle. In addition, you plan, design and test procedures and mechanisms to protect systems and services from catastrophic failures. Architecture and Standards Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Operations Security Strategy/Policy Business Perspective Creativity and Innovation Security/Information and Application Protection Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 10

13 Work Stream Systems Programming: In this occupation, you provide specialist technical expertise for developing, installing, testing, tuning, upgrading and maintaining externally and internally supplied systems software. You also provide advice on operating and technical standards, and ensure that systems are designed and assembled within operational and technical constraints. Contract Management Incident/Problem Management Operations Planning Software Development Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Work Stream User Technical Support: In this occupation, you provide direct technical help to users and customers of an ICT service to guide them in using the tools and resources effectively and efficiently. Contract Management Incident/Problem management Operations Service Level Agreement Processes Analytical thinking Developing Others Security/Information an Application Protection Service Management Processes Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 11

14 Management Cluster Work Stream ICT Management: In this occupation you manage all resources needed to plan for and deliver properly architected IS/ICT services to users at all stages of the system s life cycle. This includes managing the development of services in the definition, design, construction, testing and delivery phases. You are also usually responsible for strategy, systems, hardware, software, manpower infrastructure operation and service delivery. Other responsibilities include scheduling and controlling a quality informatics service, and acting to correct any non-scheduled or non-routine incident affecting service delivery. Architecture and Standards Management Planning Strategy/Policy Supervise/Manage Teams Developing Others Resources Management Product/Intellectual Property Management Work Stream Intellectual Property Management: In this occupation, you provide professional services guided by technical, legal, and business knowledge to develop, protect, and commercialize the organization s Intellectual Property. Marketing and Entrepreneurship Manage Intellectual Property Communication Teamwork Competitive Knowledge Industry Knowledge Sales/Marketing Product/Intellectual Property Management Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 12

15 Work Stream Production Management: In this occupation you are responsible for all aspects of production in accordance with orders received, including planning, operations, P&L, budgeting, facilities/maintenance, safety, quality assurance, supervision of personnel and supplier/client/customer relationships. Performance Management Planning Supervise/Manage Teams Results Management Teamwork Industry Knowledge ICT Architecture Service Management Processes Production Management Work Stream Project Management: In this occupation you plan and control projects to meet quality, budget and time objectives, to lead and motivate resources, to coordinate with organizations, clients and stakeholders. You deliver a high quality output in compliance with agreed time and budget constraints and to the satisfaction of the clients and stakeholders. Adaptability Business Perspective Creativity and Innovation Planning and Organizing Resources Management Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 13

16 Work Stream Supply Chain Management: In this occupation you are responsible for the supply chain in order to properly and efficiently manage the material and information resources needed to fill the orders of internal and external clients, from order taking to delivery of the product/service. Contract Management Operations Performance Management Supply Chain Adaptability Business Perspective Planning and Organizing Competitive Knowledge ICT Procurement and Asset Management Production Management Work Stream ICT Consultancy: This occupation spans a variety of specialized applications and fields. As a consultant, you provide strategic advice and high-level assistance for strategy and policy; architecture; technology; procurement; management; development methods; definition, design, construction and installation; and use and service delivery. The ICT Consultancy Stream includes both the technical specialists and the business strategy consultants. Architecture and Standards Contract Management Documentation/Reports Marketing and Entrepreneurship Industry Knowledge ICT Architecture Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 14

17 Hardware Products Cluster Work Stream Design Engineering: In this occupation you are involved in the specification, planning, design and verification of products. You assist in the development of engineered deliverables from feasibility and functional specification through design and physical implementation to production. Performance Management Strategy/Policy Business Perspective Creativity and Innovation Competitive Knowledge Design Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Product/Intellectual Property Management Work Stream Hardware Scientist: In this occupation you develop and implement applied and/or fundamental research programs with a view to resolving various types of issues. This could lead you to produce a prototype, fine-tune a new product, or even improve a production process in response to market requirements or in collaboration with other companies. Performance Management Planning Research Strategy/Policy Business Perspective Creativity and Innovation Resource Management Industry Knowledge ICT Architecture Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 15

18 Work Stream Manufacturing Engineering: In this occupation you are critically involved in providing manufacturability feedback during the design process and the transfer and improvements of products from development to manufacturing. You are to maintain and improve the process to balance between efficiency, quality and cost and understand the implications of liability, safety, health, and environment issues on the manufacturing process. Contract Management Performance Management Achievement Orientation Initiative Communication Resource Management Stress Management Teamwork Service Management Processes Manufacturing Engineering Industry Knowledge Supply Chain Management Work Stream Product Line Management: In this occupation you are responsible for a timely and cost effective product management program, from concept development to production. You are a key player in cross-functional teams focused on delivery of new products for the company. Contract Management Incident/Problem Management Marketing and Entrepreneurship Service Level Agreement Processes Strategy/Policy Business Perspective Competitive Knowledge Design Engineering Industry Knowledge Product/Intellectual Property Management Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 16

19 Work Stream Technical Marketing: In this occupation you have responsibility to shape the organization s product portfolio through discovery, development and commercialization and ensure delivery of a successful marketing strategy to the prospective client base. Marketing and Entrepreneurship Planning Strategy/Policy Business Perspective Creativity and Innovation Communication Planning and Organizing Competitive Knowledge Industry Knowledge Product/Intellectual Property Management Technical Marketing Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 17

20 Testing/Quality Control Cluster Work Stream Audit: You provide an independent third party review or assessment of systems and software production quality management against acknowledged internal and external criteria (e.g., ISO 9000 and EN29000). Architecture and Standards Documentation/Reports Communication Resource Management Results Management Stress Management Application Development/ Support and Maintenance Database/Information Design and Management Security/Information and Application Protection Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Work Stream Validation: You test deliverables to ensure that they meet the approved specifications. This work includes activities throughout the complete product and project life cycles. Contract Management Documentation/Reports Supervise/Manage Teams Business Perspective Database/Information Design and Management Security/Information and Application Protection Service Management Processes Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 18

21 Work Stream Quality Assurance: You provide expertise for applying quality assurance techniques to all stages of the hardware/software life cycles; and ensure that these techniques are used wherever appropriate. Communications Training Business Perspective Results Management Work Stream Quality Professional: In this occupation you have a broad cross-functional scope including product definition, design and development, supplier procurement, manufacturing and customer satisfaction. You are driven by a focus on continuous improvement, reduction in variation, systematic problem solving and factual decision making. Software Development Adaptability Results Management Industry Knowledge Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 19

22 Documentation and Training Cluster Work Stream Education/Training Management: You manage the teaching, training and instruction at all levels to include any aspect of expertise within the scope of ICT (systems development, support and operations, technical skills). Documentation/Reports Strategy/Policy Communication Developing Others Database/Information Design and Management ICT Architecture Service Management Processes Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Work Stream Technical Writing: You design and create all material that will guide and help users to use the product or service provided by ICT. Documentation/Reports Communication Teamwork Database/Information Design and Management ICT Architecture ICT Procurement and Asset management Security/Information and Application Protection Telecommunications (Data and Voice) Network Highlights of the ICT Competency Profiles framework 20

23 ICTC Overview The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a not-for-profit sector council dedicated to creating a diverse, prepared and highly educated Canadian ICT industry and workforce. ICTC is a catalyst for change, pushing for innovations that will provide standards, labour market intelligence, career pathways and immigration initiatives for the Canadian ICT industry, educators and governments. We forge partnerships that will help develop the quantity and quality of ICT professionals needed to maintain and improve Canada s position as a leader in the global marketplace. ICTC s has identified a five pillar approach are to guide the development of strategies, partnerships and initiatives to deal with ICT labour market issues. Standards identifies the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully work in the Canadian ICT market. In addition to the HR reference tools, ICTC is currently assessing the feasibility of a single, integrated and reliable recognition/certification system for ICT professionals. Labour Market Intelligence provides our stakeholders with data, analysis and projections of ICT occupations in Canada. ICTC s LMI is used to develop strategies that focus on addressing the human resource issues. Career Pathways provides programs and tools to explore the career possibilities in Canada s ICT sector, and we are dedicated to presenting an accurate picture of the sector s exciting and diverse work environment. Immigration Initiatives aims to improve the integration of Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) into Canada s ICT workforce through online learning workshops, competency-based self assessment tools, the IEP Tech Network, Mentorship Initiatives, ICT Employer Directory and many more tools and resources for both Employers and IEPs. Partnership provides ICTC with input, guidance and direction from ICT companies to help solve the HR supply challenge facing the ICT sector in Canada.

24 This project is funded by the Government of Canada s Sector Council Program.