Monday, April 21, 2008

Andres Agostini Zone !!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

The Andres Agostini Times (http://TheAndresAgostiniTimes.blogspot.com/)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT REVISITED BY ANDRES AGOSTINI (UPPING, BROADENING THE SCOPE OF TRANSFORMATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT).

Andres Agostini (Ich Bin Singularitarian!)
Executive Associate for Global Markets
OMEGA SYSTEMS GROUP INC.
Arlington, Virginia, USA

Project Management is the discipline of organizing and managing resources (i.e. .... The discipline of project management is about providing the tools and…….But that would be unfair as project management is not only about planning but ... Project management is all that mix of components of control, leadership, …..Project Management - [ Traduzca esta página ]Project management is a carefully planned and organized effort to accomplish a specific (and usually) one-time effort, for example, construct a building or ……future of the profession of project management is in the focus. ..... that project management is based on a theory of project and on a theory ofmanagement, ….. "eXtreme Project Management" is now live! read more……Project management is a philosophy and technique that enables its practitioners to perform to their maximum potential within the constraints of limited…..THINKING BEYOND LEAN: HOW MULTI PROJECT MANAGEMENT IS TRANSFORMING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AT TOYOTA ……Project management is a booming profession that is only going to get bigger in the ... Project management is becoming one of today’s fastest growing degree……In such an environment, a good axiom for project management is, Do It, Do It Right, Do It Right Now. Creating clear direction, efficiency, timely response,…..]A key component of successful project management is the ability to glean key learning’s from the experience throughout the lifecycle of the project, ..... However, the perception regarding project management is quickly changing. Companies now recognize that successfully managed projects increase productivity,……The Art of Project Management is relevant for any technical professional who becomes involved in any aspect of projects of any size…..CRITICAL CHAIN AND RISK MANAGEMENT - PROTECTING PROJECT VALUE FROM UNCERTAINTY -- Project management is the practice of turning uncertain events into ……Project Management is of fast growing importance to organisations because ... The University of Limerick, through the Centre for Project Management is the……Today's project management is less an arcane technical discipline than a set of ... Project management is simply guiding a project from inception to …….If ever there was proof needed that project management is a misunderstood role, you only have to look as far as prime time TV. In the last year or so,……Project management is a social problem. It is 99.5% about getting everyone who knows something about the state of the project to share what they know with……The Office of Management and Budget says its latest management watch and…….Project Management is growing by leaps and bounds to become one of the fastest growing professions and likely one right at the cutting edge of many …….Here is the main definition of what project management is: ... The role of the project manager in project management is one of great responsibility…….Project management is applicable in a wide range of business activities as it ... A Master of Science degree with an emphasis in project management is…….One consistent tension within project management is the extent to which a ... Project management is an essential way to keep discovery projects on track…….Good Project Management Is the Key to the Privatization Decision ... Sound project management is a two-way street. A project manager who is on top of the……project management is the ability to manage and share the company’s documents. This is achieved by removing certain core……Project management is a skill valued in every major industry. ... Project Management is a core or concentration option in the Management and Business Track…..If you're a fair idea of what project management is and want a fare .....The simple breakdown of the processes involved in project management is priceless!.......Project Management is a type of competence which is in great demand in ... The Master of Science degree in Project Management is an attempt by NTNU to …….Successful project management is better achieved by the intelligent application of sound ... 50% of project management is simply paying attention……The role of Project Management is to assist in turning uncertain events and ... Critical Chain-based project management is more than just Critical Chain……Project Management is an increasingly popular field among professionals who ... A nine-credit Advanced Certificate in Project Management is available for ……

Andres Agostini (Ich Bin Singularitarian!)
Executive Associate for Global Markets
OMEGA SYSTEMS GROUP INC.
Arlington, Virginia, USA

http://TheAndresAgostiniTimes.blogspot.com/

http://AgostiniHerald.blogspot.com/

http://www.geocities.com/AGOSBIO/a.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Andres_Agostini

The Andres Agostini Times (http://TheAndresAgostiniTimes.blogspot.com/)

MATRIX MANAGEMENT REVISITED BY ANDRES AGOSTINI (UPPING, BROADENING THE SCOPE OF TRANSFORMATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT).

Andres Agostini (Ich Bin Singularitarian!)
Executive Associate for Global Markets
OMEGA SYSTEMS GROUP INC.
Arlington, Virginia, USA

Matrix management is a type of organizational management in which people with similar ... The disadvantage of matrix management is that employees can become…..Matrix management is not a metaphysical experience. Its profundity is…..Matrix management is a type of project organization that facilitates strategic ... The relevance of this definition to matrix management is that the matrix …..Matrix management is a type of management used by some organizations . Under matrix management, all people who do one type of work…..Matrix management is an inherently a stressful ... Matrix management is traditionally believed to ... The desirability of matrix management is perceived ….Matrix management is a process driven methodology that allows a collaborative ... Matrix management is the buy-in across the organization, top to bottom, ….Matrix Management: Is It Really Conflict Management. - [ Traduzca esta página ]This report provides the potential project manager with a basic knowledge of the key features of matrix management and a comprehensive understanding of one ……Matrix management is the interface of an organization both vertically and ... One of the biggest challenges to matrix management is getting "buy-in" from .....]Matrix management is typically viewed as the endpoint in a sequence of lateral ... Finally, researchers conjecture that matrix management is a transitional …..The new matrix management is not the same old technology that existed in the 70’s and 80’s for managing matrix organizations. The new matrix technology …..Matrix management is not a new concept. Since the 1970’s organizations have ... Managers like Mark Jones understand that matrix management is more than just …..Matrix Management Is Failing With Current Employee Performance Evaluation. A recent global research study from management consulting firm Business…..]The relevance of this definition to matrix management is that the matrix matters less than the ... Matrix management is not a metaphysical experience…..Matrix management is a type of project organization that facilitates strategic ... In this context, the dynamics of matrix management is also discussed….."The new matrix management is the management of an organization in more than one dimension..." …..Organisations end up with matrix management; Which leads to problems with resource allocation and responsibility for work; And matrix management is blamed ….. matrix management is described as maintenance of. suitable habitat at multiple spatial scales, ... themes relevant to matrix management is probably .....Matrix Management is probably the ideal form of organisation for dealing with ... You see, matrix management is a mindset first and an organisational form .....Matrix management is a type of project organization that facilitates strategic management. Matrix management structure allows for speedy procurement of ……Matrix management is a multi-dimensional management system that attempts to complete large projects, such as. National Programs, by organizing teams along…..Matrix management is traditionally believed to incur. higher management and administrative costs ... The desirability of matrix management is perceived ……Matrix Management Features Matrix management is a response to increasing com- ..... Nature of Matrix Matrix management is a way to bring conflict to the…… Matrix Management Structure and Development Matrix management is ... Finally, researchers conjecture that matrix management is a transitional ……Matrix management is not for everybody and requires careful planning. It violates some of the most “sacred cows” of organizational theory…..Matrix Management is Dead. This move corrects a problem that came out of the '70s and '80s where there was a belief that matrix organization would be the ……The relevance of this definition to matrix management is that the matrix matters less than the projects or multidisciplinary processes which emerge from ……Business Improvement Architects Shows Matrix Management is Failing With Current Employee Performance Evaluation from Business Wire in Business & Finance ……Understanding Matrix Management: Matrix management is a system based on…..Matrix management is a system of management based on two or more reporting systems, linked both to the vertical organisational hierarchy, and to horizontal ..... The key point is that matrix management is project-driven, not organizationally-driven. The benefits are both near-term and long-term…..Matrix management is based on two. key principles. The first is specialisation ... Matrix management is. managing the degree of integration……A key part of matrix management is the presence of team members empowered to make precise decisions with the ability to freeze the dialogue at ad hoc points……IRRI Management is fully aware that matrix management is a complex endeavor. In a world where financial resources, hence human resources, are unconstrained……Matrix management is a technique employed by many corporations in an attempt to better distribute the responsibility and authority for implementing its……The concept of matrix management is to make special talent available for more than one task. This creates a situation where the talented individual has more…..The goal of matrix management is to bring together the best expertise and ensure ... benefit of matrix management is that it improves coordination without……Often there is a mistaken belief that matrix management is the same as group decision making, and there are tendencies toward anarchy and power struggles…...I am building a training presentation on what Matrix management is…..Matrix management is one strategy used by top industry leaders in response to developments such as globalization, the intensification of competition,…..Matrix management is not a new concept. Since the 1970’s organizations have known that there was a need to find new ways of handling the…..Army Program Management System Integration: Structuring for……]The key to successful matrix management is a cohesive program office with close ties to the PM and to the user. Through responsible managers and employees……Matrix management is an organizational structure that gives one person two or more bosses. Technical. communicators may be in a formal or informal matrix……Matrix management is also exposed as not being a great idea for software developers. The author also points out how the overly busy organization is often……Matrix management is a "mixed" organizational form in which normal hierarchy is "overlayed" by some form of lateral authority, influence or communication……Second, instead of just measuring the extent to which matrix management is occurring, we need to assess how well it is working……reserves is essentially applied island biogeography theory per Diamond, 1975a), while its relationship to matrix management is less direct (focusing on…..In academic jargon "matrix management" is in vogue. Matrix management is the administrative equivalent of the tactical task force. A separate activity would…..Matrix management is not new to the Navy. It’s when resources and organization is aligned by program as opposed to a formal chain of command structure……It is a mistaken belief that matrix management is the same as group decision-making; ... Another important factor in designing a matrix management is that,…..matrix direction (английский -> русский translation glossary ...Matrix management is a type of management used by some large organizations. Large projects are organized with teams that work on a functional, rather than a…..Since matrix management is so difficult. to. work with, what are the reasons for using it? Matrix is the preferred. structural choice when all three of the……Not Magic, Strategic Futures Matrix Management is an organizational model organizing teams in the functional elements of an organization…….As we now know, matrix management is the hardest form of project organization for the project manager to lead and manage in, and requires real discipline in……A potential weakness of matrix management is that often no one is really in charge because responsibilities are dispersed among a number of organizations……Another feature of matrix management is quoted as follows:. *The identifying feature of a matrix organization is that some managers/staff……Matrix Management is the management of an organization in two dimensions: vertical and horizontal. The vertical dimension includes the traditional authority……CONCLUSION: The Lone Ranger days are over and MATRIX Management is in. MATRIX MANAGEMENT ... 1) The client using MATRIX MANAGEMENT is best served……What are your thoughts on matrix management? Is this old fad of management style regained it's popularity??? Anyone living it? ..... Matrix management is a technique of managing an organization (or, more commonly, part of an organization) through a series of dual-reporting relationships …..Matrix management is the buzz today in the corporate world but understanding the concepts that make the matrix system function can be less than clear…….Matrix Management is seen by staff as completely irrelevant. ... Top heavy with management - very bureaucratic and Matrix Management is a joke and ……industry, rather the degree of utilization of matrix management is depen- .... Matrix management is difficult and complex. It does test the adaptabil- ……The most frustrating part of “matrix management” is that it often becomes the easy scapegoat for poor performance. We would have done better but the…..Making matrix management work Matrix management is a controversial concept. Some people have had. bad experiences operating in a matrix…….suggested Matrix Management (Matrix management is a descriptive term for the management environment where projects cut across organizational…..Matrix Management is a cooperative approach to managing programs that span across two or more ... The Goal of matrix management is to improve …….Matrix Management is the Administrative Contact for the contested domain name, with someone being its registrant, with both having the same address in……Matrix Management is not a new concept; it has been a fixture in the private sector for 20 years or more. It is a flexible way to structure and execute ...

Andres Agostini (Ich Bin Singularitarian!)
Executive Associate for Global Markets
OMEGA SYSTEMS GROUP INC.
Arlington, Virginia, USA

http://TheAndresAgostiniTimes.blogspot.com/

http://AgostiniHerald.blogspot.com/

http://www.geocities.com/AGOSBIO/a.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Andres_Agostini

The Andres Agostini Times (www.geocities.com/agosbio/a.html)

Risk Management Glossary (brief)

(All definitions from Australian/New Zealand Standard for Risk Management AS/NZS 4360:1999)

ConsequenceThe outcome of an event expressed qualitatively or quantitatively, being a loss, injury, disadvantage or gain. There may be a range of possible outcomes associated with an event.

Cost. Cost of activities, both direct and indirect, involving any negative impact, including money, time, labour, disruption, goodwill, political and intangible losses.

Event. An incident or situation, which occurs in a particular place during a particular interval of time.

Frequency. A measure of the rate of occurrence of an event expressed as the number of occurrences of an event in a given time.

Hazard. A source of potential hard or a situation with a potential to cause loss.

Likelihood. Used as a qualitative description of probability or frequency.

Loss. Any negative consequences, financial or otherwise.

Monitor. To check, supervise, observe critically, or record the progress of an activity, action or system on a regular basis in order to identify change.

Probability. The likelihood of a specific event or outcome, measured by the ratio of specific events or outcomes to the total number of possible events or outcomes.

Risk. The chance of something happening that will have an impact upon objectives. It is measured in terms of consequences and likelihood.

Risk acceptance. An informed decision to accept the consequences and the likelihood of a particular risk.

Risk analysis. A systematic use of available information to determine how often specified events may occur and the magnitude of their consequences.

Risk assessment. The overall process of risk analysis and risk evaluation.

Risk avoidance. An informed decision not to become involved in a risk situation.

Risk control. That part of risk management which involves the implementation of policies, standards, procedures and physical changes to eliminate or minimise adverse risks.

Risk evaluation. The process used to determine risk management priorities by comparing the level of risk against predetermined standards, target risk levels or other criteria.

Risk management. The culture, processes and structures that are directed towards the effective management of potential opportunities and adverse effects.

Risk management process. The systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the tasks of establishing the context, identifying, analysing, evaluating, treating, monitoring and communicating risk.

Risk retention. Intentionally or unintentionally retaining the responsibility for loss, or financial burden of loss within the organisation.

Risk transfer. Shifting the responsibility or burden for loss to another party through legislation, contract, insurance or other means. Risk transfer can also refer to shifting a physical risk or part thereof elsewhere.

Risk treatment. Selection and implementation of appropriate options for dealing with risk.

Stakeholders. Those people and organisations who may affect, by affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by, a decision or activity.


Andres Agostini (Ich Bin Singularitarian!)
Executive Associate for Global Markets
OMEGA SYSTEMS GROUP INC.
Arlington, Virginia, USA

http://TheAndresAgostiniTimes.blogspot.com/
http://AgostiniHerald.blogspot.com/
http://www.geocities.com/AGOSBIO/a.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Andres_Agostini

Friday, June 8, 2007

The Andres Agostini Times (www.geocities.com/agosbio/a.html)

The Technological Singularity!!!. The technological singularity is a future event where humanity will get a lot of power from scientific and technological breakthroughs. This exaggerate amount of power will make us better and will give us a better comprehension of who we are. The trend of technological growing is exponential-like. The predictions are based on the law of accelerating returns. That is, once we develop new technologies, these technologies will serve to develop new and better technologies, and so on. According to many scientists and futurists, technological singularity is supposed to arrive on 2050. Will humanity control and benefit from the power that science and technology will give us or this power will control us or maybe destroy everything? That is a hot ethical debate to analyze. There are so many benefits and dangerous risks too. Singularity has many controversial ethical connotations that will be analyzed here. Genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics (GNR) are the three intertwined sciences that will lead us to the singularity. Each year, billions of dollars are invested in GNR. Many advances are planned to come in 5, 10, 20, and 40 years. Scientists are now making the future. Some computer scientists have calculated that the maximum computational power (MCP) of a piece of matter with mass M (in kilograms) is: MCP=4.75 x 1050 x M [cps] (in calculations per second). The coefficient of this formula is pi times the speed of light squared (a very large number) divided by the Planck's constant (a very little number). Some neuroscientists have conservatively calculated that the human brain capacity is 1019 [cps]. The adult mass of the human brain is about 1.35 Kg. So, the maximum computational power for a piece of matter with the same mass of a human brain is 6.41 x 1050 [cps]. It can be inferred that this piece of matter could be 6.41 x 1031 times more powerful than the human brain. With that computational capacity, all the human thought during the last 10 thousand years can be emulated in just 1 second. What could happen if it is used more matter? One of the most important steps to achieve the singularity is the reverse engineering of the brain. That is a Herculean task that will allow us to develop the strong artificial intelligence. Once strong A.I. is created, it will help us to comprehend the most elusive mysteries of the universe and even to create new life because strong A.I. will be trillions of times greater than the entire human race. Living things are the most complex systems in the universe, but at the same time, these systems are simple: the complete human genome has been characterized by using 4 letters and it occupies less than 1 gigabyte of storage. This gigabyte can even be compressed. So, the information necessary to reconstruct a human like you could be stored in a pen drive. One of the most powerful and versatile technologies in the singularity will be the use of nanobots. There will be tiny but massive nanofactories creating trillions of nanobots everyday. These nanobots will be organizing the matter atom by atom in order to create intelligent materials. Nanotech will construct real objects in the same manner the printer makes books. If the invention of the printer was astonishing, because books were available to everybody; just imagine the advent of nanotech where everything could be created just by organizing atoms at a very low price. The intellectual property will be a hot issue since everything (even you) could be replicated from information stored in a computer. Nanobots will even enter in your bloodstream and will cure all the diseases and body malfunctions. 99% of the health problems will be overcome. Radical life extension will be a reality after circa 2050. Nanobots will replace every delicate and inefficient cell in our bodies. Death will be an option but some mystics will prefer to die because, according to their beliefs, death gives meaning to their lives and it is the beginning of the afterlife. Neuroscience has overwhelmingly demonstrated that the afterlife is the most famous human invention and that the soul and the mind are the same thing and it cannot exist without a functioning brain. In the world, there are no prestigious neuroscientists who believe in the afterlife. Nanobots will even permeate the blood brain barrier and will add more intelligence to our brains. This non-biological part of our brains will be billions of times greater than our current capacity. Nanobots will recreate vivid experiences and brain images like feelings, scents, tastes, touching, hearing and visions. We could even have wireless connections with other brains and with super entities in order to share knowledge. Fully immersion virtual reality will fool our sensations and will make us experiment situations that are improbable, impossible, desirable, exciting, and charged of knowledge that cannot be understood with our current minds. Brain extensions are now a reality. Neural implants for Parkinson's disease makes a dramatic change in patients who suffer from that illness. If the implant is turned off, their hands start shaking. And they stop shaking when the implant is turned on. Cochlear neural implants are now projecting auditory information to the temporal lobe in order to make deaf people hear. It is really amazing to observe the brain's neuroplasticity that can even adapt to the electronic signal of those implants. Electroencephalographic readings of the motor cortex are now used to control prosthetic limbs. Many U.S. soldiers who were injured in the Irak conflict are using these artificial limbs. There are attempts to emulate the sight: electronic visual projections to the V1 area. But the patients reported that they can only see blur images. One form of immortality will be attained by brain uploading and downloading. The technology to scan the brain activity and topology will be perfected and will serve to download a replica of the brain. Since the supercomputers of the future will exceed our brain capacity, the computer will run a simulation or a virtual personality who will claim to be conscious. By using neural nanobots, they will reconstruct the neural pathways to represent the knowledge acquired by somebody else. That will be called brain downloading. The reconstruction could be performed in a biological brain or in a non-biological brain. The last one will be better since it will have more computational capacity. Genetics, with a complete understanding of life sciences, will be creating new kinds of life and perfecting the ones we know. For example, muscle cells from one animal will be grown in large scales to supply meat to us. No animal suffering will exist anymore. Nanotechnology, with trillions of nanobots in each nanofactory, will be constantly constructing whatever you want for example: metals, biological wood, stones, plastic, oil, or even intelligent materials. Robotics, with strong A.I.s and ubiquitous computing, will be controlling everything and constantly innovating. Robots will be our most careful servants: even better than our right hands. The end of poverty, money, and world hunger will be inevitable. Everything will be fairer and all the world problems will be solved. But maybe new kinds of problems will emerge. I hope not. Singularity is described by some authors as the deepest art, the most beautiful science, and the most powerful technology. Some others don't agree and they say that singularity will destroy the world. The technological singularity is named after the physics' singularity, that is, the black hole. Inside a black hole, all the known physics laws break down and nobody can predict what happen there with precision. In the same manner, after the advent of the singularity, nobody can predict what would happen next. The more complex a system is the more unpredictable it becomes. Solar energy is the source of almost all the energy in our planet. Oil, winds, water movements, temperature changes, weather, plants, and animals are in some manner created, derived or affected by sun light. So, the best way to obtain energy in the future will be to create nano solar panels that will efficiently transform solar energy into electricity. Our best solar panels today have an efficiency of 3%, whereas nano solar panels' will be more than 30%. Many scientists say that if we capture and transform the 0.3% of all the sun light that hits the Earth in one day, this percentage will cover and exceed the energy demand of the entire human race for that day in the future. However, 3 existential risks will be present for the human race: nuclear bombs, nano-particle contamination (gray goo), and pathological strong A.I.s. The only thing we can do to protect ourselves is to be cautious. What-if scenarios and virtual models will be indispensable to assess the impact of each and every technology that is supposed to be launched to the public. Although, terrorism and mad scientists will be present in the future, so we will have to be aware of them. When creating strong A.I.s, it is strongly necessary to program them with good and hardwired values and principles like biodiversity, tolerance, freedom, peace, and organization. The market acceptance is another way to regulate the new technological products. But I think that too much regulation will only prevent the development of good technologies that will bring a lot of satisfaction and will stop the suffering of many people. I think the main concern in the future will be to acquire more knowledge. Traditional forms of power will be purposeless since we will live forever, with lives full of satisfactions, with an extreme abundance, and in a more controlled and supervised world where everything will be fairer and more civilized. The origin of evil will be completely understood (neurological causes) and every conflict will be solved by negotiation. The human race will not be precariously exposed anymore to comets, collision of galaxies, and the lure of the dumb natural forces because the human intelligence will be expanding at the speed of light throughout the rest of the Universe. All the efforts will be focus on circumventing the light speed limit. A complete knowledge of the wormholes could be a solution to overcome this problem. Circa 2100, pico-technology will be a reality and it will bring the possibility of transforming this dumb Universe into a conscious Universe. This does sound crazy right now. But, with the technological tools of the future, it could be possible. Remember the law of the accelerating returns.

Monday, June 4, 2007

The Andres Agostini Times! (Ich Bin Singularitarian!) - Arlington, Virginia, USA

FEATURE LINKS



ANDRES (ANDY) AND THE SCIENTIFIC
http://www.geocities.com/intoappliedscience/1.html

BIOGRAPHY OF ANDRES E. AGOSTINI
http://www.geocities.com/agoscv/1.html

LEONARDO DA VINCI BY ANDRES AGOSTINI
http://www.geocities.com/davincianleo/1.html

SUPER-SUCCESS BY ANDRES AGOSTINI - ICH BIN SINGULARITARIAN!
http://www.geocities.com/transformationalriskmanagement/1.html

REFLECTING ON STRATEGIC PLANNING BY ANDRES AGOSTINI
http://www.geocities.com/beyondconsultancy/2.html

AGOSTINI UNPLUGGED (ANDRES AGOSTINI)
http://agostiniunplugged.blogspot.com/

BEYOND LEADERSHIP (ANDRES AGOSTINI)
http://beyond-leadership.blogspot.com/

BEYOND SERENDIPITY (ANDRES AGOSTINI)
http://beyondserendipity.blogspot.com/

THE SUPER-SUCCESS (ANDRES AGOSTINI)
http://thesupersuccess.blogspot.com/

TRANSFORMATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT BY ANDRES AGOSTINI
http://transformativeriskmanagement.blogspot.com/

ENTERPRISE HAZARD TERMINATION (ANDRES AGOSTINI)
http://enterprisehazardtermination.blogspot.com/

SUPER-SUCCESS BY ANDRES AGOSTINI - ICH BIN SINGULARITARIAN
http://www.geocities.com/transformationalriskmanagement/1.html

MANAGEMENT'S BEST PRACTICES BY ANDRES AGOSTINI
http://bestmanagement.blogspot.com/

ENTERPRISE RISK TERMINATION (ANDRES AGOSTINI)
http://enterpriserisktermination.blogspot.com/
Andres Agostini
Executive Associate for Global Markets
OMEGA SYSTEMS GROUP INC.
Arlington, Virginia, USA

The Andres Agostini Times! (Ich Bin Singularitarian!) - Arlington, Virginia, USA

MANAGEMENT REFLECTIONS (BUSINESS-plus) BY ANDRES AGOSTINI

Moral responsibility in corporate medical management is a function of the exercise of authority over different aspects of the medical decision making ...... management is a function of hazards mitigation and vulnerability reduction. This is a very simple understanding for people in disaster studies……Effective management is a function of developing proper individual or team performance measures and then monitoring those ....... Natural resource management is a function of managing County parks, reserves, and recreation areas. The Department of Parks and Recreation has developed and ....... Emergency management is a function of the department as well. This is a co-managed function of both the City of Kearney and Buffalo County……Management is a function of position, while leadership is a function of skill. Some of the most effective leaders I meet and observe in my work have no ....... GOOD STRATEGIC LEARNING MANAGEMENT IS A FUNCTION OF HOW WELL PREPARED THE COMPANY'S PSYCHE IS IN PRO-ACTIVELY BLENDING THE MASSIVE CHANGES TAKING PLACE IN ....... risk management is a function of impact management. Define project support function…….Management is a function of planning, organizing, controlling leading, and staffing. Management is function of activities and ........ Management is a function of every stakeholder in an oganisation. If all this "management" is working towards well defined and appropriate objectives then it ....... Money management is a function of determining how much of your account to risk...on any given trade or for that matter, any given strategy…..Crisis management is a function of all public, private and non-profit organizations, supporting their fundamental strategic objective of ensuring ....... Public Sector Financial Management is a function of the Department of Treasury and Finance and Budget Management is one of its activities……that ecological pest management is a function of “many little hammers, but no silver bullet.”……. management is a function of the socio-economic factors;….. management is a function of the quality and consistency of routine operations……It is recognised that people management is a function of partners and managers, no matter how senior they might be. Psychological profiling can help firms……SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION, AND, THEREFORE, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IS A FUNCTION OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE.THE TOOL IS CALLED SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS……the management is a function of the management’s forecast and actual aggregate demand of the next period……Collateral management is a function of ever-growing. importance to the futures industry. With operating margins. coming under increasing scrutiny,….. Introduction to crisis management as it is applied in public, private, and non-profit organizations; crisis management is a function of all organizations ……advancement and participation in project management is a function of the type of organizational culture which has traditionally…..Discusses how strategic management is a function of the cognitive, experiential and informational skills of the manager…….Request For Proposal management is a function of creating a detailed and concise document…….Nursing management is a function of the personnel department of a business. It deals with a system in high tension, with a network of interrelated ....... The proportionality of the two chosen by management is a function of values, acumen, environment, and situation. How do purchasing professionals reach some ....... Budget management is a function of the chair that requires teamwork with individuals both inside and outside the department…….The cost of memory management is a function of the allocation cost of memory associated with an instance of a type, the cost of managing that memory over ....... Management is a function of position and authority, leadership is not dependent on either, but is a function of personality……Therefore, disaster risk management is a function of hazards mitigation and vulnerability reduction…….Today in team-based knowledge-centric enterprises, management is a function of consensus building, motivating employees and convincing others……Crisis management is a function of anticipation and planning before the crisis occurs. ¨ Client information. Information about clients that should be shared ....... advertising management is a function of marketing starting from market research continuing through advertising leading to actual sales or achievement of ....... Inventory Management is a function of central importance in manufacturing control. It is an evolving discipline which encompasses the principles, ....... Knowledge management is a function of the generation and dissemination of information, developing a shared understanding of the information, ........ Today crisis management is a function of information management. Respond! aims at improving emergency management communication and enlarging the knowledge ......... time management is a function of how we manage the passing of time, we have little control over the situation…….The effectiveness of the application to stormwater management is a function of the hydraulic design of the bioretention system…….management is a function of the difference between the benefit received from management and that which can be acquired from alternative outcome ....... Contract management is a function of both project management and financial management. The functions of contract……Territory management, like time management, is a function of many attitudes, habits, values, skills and beliefs. It is also a function of: ....... Vegetation treatment and management is a function of site Development Scale – development scale will determine the intensity of treatment activities, etc. ....... The ability to self-manage is a function of individual differences and. is, therefore, dependent upon many variables, including specific biological,…… How you manage is a function of your personality. Two extremes:. Too much management. Too little management…...

By Andres Agostini

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Andres Agostini Zone ! - Arlington, Virginia, USA

Andy's Blogging...
COMMENTS: WISH I COULD BRING MYSELF TO GIGGLE (OR AT LEAST SMILE) IN PUBLIC

Some regulations will be required. In public, private, and NGO sectors, the Monarchs are mostly the mediocre. The Global Financial Systems, beginning with China, must be reviewed and harmonized. Clearly, no one but the USA can make a difference.

Besides regulations, new harbingers, extremely over-watching of the American financial system, I wonder if the White House has enough science-based experts on economics, finance, and innovation to start offsetting these horrendous trends.

I wonder why so many scientists cannot enter the USA and get the green card and a fellowship and some strong R&D&I(nnovation) for America. Will America send them STRAIGHT to China, India, U.K., E.U., Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, or Russia? Hay, it is your prerogative indeed! Yes, get the RULE OF LAW to RULE the BORDERS. But get the rule of law to capture any relevant “knowledge bearer” for the Innovation War III+.

The US Americanized the world. Let America Americanized the granting of visa and citizenship of “adding-value people.”

I know many international entrepreneurs and professionals with a global sophistication that will SHOCK the highest representatives of the Pentagon, the Silicon Valley, the Los Alamos National Laboratories, with a VAST AND ROBUTS (1) knowledge base, and (2) relational-capital repository.

What can the professional of the previous paragraphs do for the USA? With the backing and institutions and resources and infrastructures (beginning with communications) of United States, said professional can bring into America lucrative business, say, from Japan, Germany, Britain, Singapore, that, otherwise, will never get to American shores in the form of NEW, LUCRATIVE EARNINGS AND INVESTMENTS.

Yes, undocumented citizens must be obligated to OBEY THE RULE OF LAW. Get mean and lean and humane with the borders. But demolish bureaucracy pertaining to capturing forever these professionals, entrepreneurs, creativitists, and scientist. IF THE USA OPTS NOT TO MAKE IT THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR THE AGENDA OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, THE USA WILL NOT BE THE SUPER POWER #1.

Ask Bill Gates III. He explained to the U.S. Congress. Every talented BRAIN of the world must be welcome and given all the documents and even the naturalization easily. If they operate on sensible areas of the field of knowledge, subject them to Draconian contracts, but capture them expedite-ly.

John Kao is on a crusade on the American urgent need to bring in, and assimilate TALENTED PEOPLE the fastest. America must remember that there are too many strong and rich players that will pay these professionals handsomely. What does America envision to be—geopolitically and towards the totality of the world—in the next 7 years?

If a foreigner is a talented person and is trained in US/UK/Canada colleges/universities and speak and write fluent English+ and has a client in Tokyo and two in western Europe—that with the backing of a US reputable firm—can land a millionaire/billionaire contract in continental USA, What will Congress/ICE (Immigration/Customs) tell the many unemployed that could be working otherwise if the visa policy were formally facilitate?

Do we wish consumer spending to spend infinitely more and be able to pay up their loans and other financial obligations? Will you keep the overseas professional from outside the American Heartland so that unemployed, as many businesses have been transferred to ‘Chindia’ or Singapore, to live with dignity, integrity and in pursuit of a True American Dream, achievable?

If one knows a foreigner that goes to a U.S. embassy, ask him/her what is like. They tell them that they feel pressured, prosecuted a priori, having done nothing illegal anywhere in the world. Many go immediately to U.K., Australia, and Canada, and Germany.

‘American Innovation Thrust’ cannot wait for kids of 14 to reassured and armor America’s leading role as a Super Power. Yes, they will have a relevant future, but in due time and DEPENDING ON LEGISTATION-DRIVEN BY MODERNITY AND DIVERSITY.

We need in-reversal outsourcings, not to re-capture American expatriates only, but also foreigners that admire American values, which were trained and indoctrinated in the U.S. and the U.K.

On the other side, this crisis offers an opportunity to make America even more innovative and with leading innovation more universal inside its borders and more universal within its legitimate interests worldwide. American spheres of influences can be taken to the greatest level without shooting a weapon, just by doing innovation-based businesses.

Get Silicon Valley to work with Los Alamos National Laboratories with MIT with CALTECH with Microsoft with HARVARD with San Diego Innovation Hubs with the Pentagon with DARPA with GOOGLE with every College/University with any relevant ‘wiki’.

Yes, everything is connected with everything else. But, at a more visible and tangible scale, IMMEDIATELY CONNECT EVERYTING WITH EVERYTHING TO BRING ABOUT THE UTMOST OUT OF LUCRATIVE TECHNOLOGY. Skunk Works is urgently needed. The ethos of the Manhattan Project and the Apollo Program can be a pervasive starting point. Get every significant talent on the boat.

Otherwise, What position would American like to hold?

Andres Agostini Zone ! - Arlington, Virginia, USA

Andy's Blogging...

Arlington, Virginia, USA...



ON THE FUTURE OF QUALITY !!!

"Excellence is important. To everyone excellence means something a bit different. Do we need a metric for excellence? But, Why do I believe that the qualitative side of it is more important than its numericalization. By the way, increasing tsunamis of vanguard sciences and corresponding technologies to be applied bring about the upping of the technical parlance.
These times as Peter Schwartz would firmly recommend require to “pay” the highest premium for leading knowledge.
“Chindia” (China and India) will not wait for the West. People like Ballmer (Microsoft) and Ray Kurzweil insist that current levels of complexity –that one can manage appropriately and timely- might get one a nice business success.
Yes, simple is beautiful, but horrendous when this COSMOS is overwhelmed with paradoxes, contradictions, and predicaments. And you must act to capture success and, overall, to make sustainable.
Quality is crucial. Benchmarks are important but refer to something else, though similar. But Quality standards, as per my view, would require a discipline to be named “Systems Quality Assurance.” None wishes defects/waste.
But having on my hat and vest of strategy and risk management, the ultimate best practices of quality –in many settings- will not suffice. Got it add, (a) Systems Security, (b) Systems Safety, (c) Systems Reliability, (d) Systems Strategic Planning/Management and a long “so forth.”
When this age of changed CHANGE is so complex like never ever –and getting increasingly more so- just being truly excellent require, without a fail, many more approaches and stamina."
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 22, 2008 9:18 PM


COMMENTING ON THE FUTURE OF QUALITY….
Excellence is important. To everyone excellence means something a bit different. Do we need a metric for excellence? But, Why do I believe that the qualitative side of it is more important than its numericalization. By the way, increasing tsunamis of vanguard sciences and corresponding technologies to be applied bring about the upping of the technical parlance.
These times as Peter Schwartz would firmly recommend require to “pay” the highest premium for leading knowledge.
“Chindia” (China and India) will not wait for the West. People like Ballmer (Microsoft) and Ray Kurzweil insist that current levels of complexity –that one can manage appropriately and timely- might get one a nice business success.
Yes, simple is beautiful, but horrendous when this COSMOS is overwhelmed with paradoxes, contradictions, and predicaments. And you must act to capture success and, overall, to make it sustainable and fiscally sound.
Quality is crucial. Benchmarks are important but refer to something else, though similar. But Quality standards, as per my view, would require a discipline to be named “Systems Quality Assurance.” None wishes defects/waste.
But having on my hat and vest of strategy and risk management, the ultimate best practices of quality –in many settings- will not suffice. Got it add, (a) Systems Security, (b) Systems Safety, (c) Systems Reliability, (d) Systems Strategic Planning/Management and a long “so forth.”
When this age of changed CHANGE is so complex like never ever –and getting increasingly more so- just being truly excellent require, without a fail, many more approaches and stamina.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 22, 2008 9:18 PM

COMMENTS: HARD WORK MATTERS
"Clearly, hard work is extremely important. There is a grave lack of practices of this work philosophy in the battlefield. Practicing, practicing and practicing is immeasurably relevant.
Experience accumulated throughout the years is also crucial, particularly when one is always seeking mind-expansion activities.
With it practical knowledge comes along. When consulting and training, yes, you’re offering ideas to PRESENT clients with CHOICES/OPTIONS to SOLUTIONS.
How to communicate with the client is extremely difficult. Nowadays, some technical solutions that the consultant or advisor must implement has a depth that will shock the client unless there is a careful and prudent preparation/orientation of the targeted audience.
Getting to know the company culture is another sine qua non. The personal cosmology of each executive or staff involved on behalf of the client is even more important. Likewise, the professional service expert must do likewise with the CEO, and Chairman.
In fact, in your notes, a serious consultant must have an unofficial, psychological profile of the client representatives. One has to communicate unambiguously, but sometimes helps to adapt your lexicon to that of the designated client.
From interview one –paying strong attention and listening up to the customer– the advisor must give choices while at always being EDUCATIONAL, INFORMATIVE, and, somehow, FORMATIVE/INDUCTIVE. That’s the problem.
These times are not those. When the third party possesses the knowledge, skill, know-how, technology, he/she now must work much more in ascertaining you lock in your customer’s mind and heart with yours.
Before starting the CONSULTING EFFORT, I personally like to have a couple of informal meetings just to listen up and listen up.
Then, I forewarn them that I will be making a great number of questions. Afterwards, I take extensive notes and start crafting the strategy to build up rapport with this customer.
Taking all the information given informally in advance by the client, I make an oral presentation to assure I understood what the problem is. I also take this opportunity to capture further information and to relax everyone, while trying to win them over legitimately and transparently.
Then, if I see, for instance, that they do not know how to call/express lucidly/with accurateness their problem, I ask questions. But I also offer real-life examples of these probable problems with others clients.
The opportunity is absolutely vital to gauge the level of competency of the customer and knowledge or lack of knowledge about the issue. Passing all of that over, I start, informally, speaking of options to get the customer involved in peaking out the CHOICE (the solution) to watch for initial client’s reactions.
In my case and in many times, I must not only transfer the approaches/skills/technologies, but also institute and sustain it to the 150% satisfaction of my clients.
Those of us, involved with Systems Risk Management(*) (“Transformative Risk Management”) and Corporate Strategy are obliged to scan around for problems, defects, process waste, failure, etc. WITH FORESIGHT.
Once that is done and still “on guard,” I can highlight the opportunity (upside risk) to the client.
Notwithstanding, once you already know your threats, vulnerabilities, hazards, and risks (and you have a master risk plan, equally contemplated in your business plan), YOU MUST BE CREATIVE SO THAT “HARD WORK” MAKES A UNIQUE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR INDUSTRY.
While at practicing, do so a zillion low-cost experiments. Do a universe of Trial and Errors. Commit to serendipity and/or pseudo-serendipity. In the mean time, and as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair says: “EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION.”
(*) It does not refer at all to insurance, co-insurance, reinsurance. It is more about the multidimensional, cross-functional management of business processes to be goals and objectives compliant."
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 23, 2008 4:56 PM

COMMENTS: SNIDE ADVERTISING
Advertising and campaigning must enforce a strong strategic alliance with the client. The objective is to COMMUNICATE the firm’s products, services, values, ethos in a transparent and accountable way. Zero distortion tolerance as to the messages disseminated.
Ad agencies cannot make up for the shortcomings of the business enterprise. Those shortcomings consequential of a core business sup-optimally managed. Get the business optimum first. Then, communicate it clearly, being sensible to the community at large.
A funny piece is one thing. To make fun of others is another (terrible). To be creative in the message is highly desirable. If the incumbent’s corporation has unique attributes and does great business, just say it comprehensibly without manipulating or over-promising.
Some day soon the subject matter on VALUES is going to be more than indispensable to keep global society alive. The rampant violations of the aforementioned values should be death-to-life matter of study by ad agencies without a fail.
The global climate change, the flu pandemia (to be), the geology (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis), large meteorites, nuke wars are all among the existential risks. To get matters worse, value violations by the ad agencies, mass media, and the rest of the economy would easily qualify as an existential risk.
Humankind requires transparency and accountability the soonest.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 27, 2008 8:34 PM

COMMENTS: WHERE'S THE WOW?
Talent is absolutely a sine qua non. Nowadays – while at the over-revolution of knowledge– is even more important, in fact without precedent.
When I went to college to sign up for diverse courses, my counselor forewarned me that my education (about to commence) would have a validity (not be outdated) for the first five years of completion. I got the message clearly and have never stop to attempt to better myself.
I mentioned the above because I know many people with doctoral degrees from Harvard, Oxford, MIT that, once completed their studies, don’t read anything more that ambiguous news headlines. They think that the economy is a snapshot (static) and, therefore, not making quantum progresses. Today sci-fi has been superseded by the world-class news media alone.
Likewise, many company and countries captains worship mediocrity. It’s unbelievable how universal this is, beginning with the most advanced nations. Friedman tells his siblings that they had better study not to give away their jobs to people from China and India and Russia.
In the mean time, knowledge repository is growing to ruthless proportions. The direct consequence is for economy to get more and more automated with more and more Artificial Intelligence. I wonder if the people from China and India and Russia will give away their jobs to Asimo and other robots (now in the womb).
Should we expect “WOW” from the forthcoming robots since the subjects of mediocrity-dom are accelerating the automation described?
In 1970 a fellow by the name of Alvin Toffler in a book titled “Shock of the Future” told us many things to get prepared for in advance. How many have pay attention? Those who are not interested in the granularity (atomic/sub-atomic scale) of details and have paid no heed cannot complaint. Get ready!
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 27, 2008 9:01 PM
COMMENTS: FUTURE SHAPE OF QUALITY

Thank you all for your great contributions and insightfulness. Take a Quality Assurance Program, (e.g.), to be instituted in a company these days, century 2008. One will have to go through tremendous amounts of reading, writing, drawing, spread-sheeting, etc. Since the global village is the Society of Knowledge, these days, to abate exponential complexity, you must not only have to embrace it fully, you have to be thorough at all times to meet the challenge. One must also pay the price of an advanced global economy that is in increasingly perpetual innovation. Da Vinci, in a list of the 10 greatest minds, was # 1. Einstein was # 10. Subsequently, it’s highly recommendable, if one might wish, to pay attention to “Everything should be made as simple [from the scientific stance] as possible, but not simpler.” ¬Albert Einstein. Mr. Peters, on the other hand, has always stressed the significance to continuously disseminate new ideas. He is really making an unprecedented effort in that direction. Another premium to pay, it seems to be extremely “thorough” (Trump).
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 28, 2008 3:11 PM
COMMENTS: COOL FRIEND: C. MICHAEL HIAM
We need, globally, to get into the “strongest” peaceful mind-set the soonest. Not getting to peace status via waging wars. Sometimes, experts and statesmen may require “chirurgical interventions,” especially under the monitoring of the U.N. diplomacy are called to be reinvented and taken to the highest possible state of refinement. More and more diplomacy and more and more refinement. Then, universal and aggressive enhance diplomacy instituted.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:02 PM
COMMENTS: SUCCESS TIPS AT CHANGETHIS
I appreciate current contributions. I’d like to think that the nearly impossible is in you way (while you’re emphatically self-driven for accomplishments) with determined aggressive towards the ends (objectives, goals) to be met. Churchill offers a great deal of examples of how an extraordinary leader works out.
Many lessons to be drawn out from him, without a doubt. Churchill reminds, as many others, that (scientific) knowledge is power. Napoleon, incidentally, says that a high-school (lyceum) graduate, must study science and English (lingua franca).
So, the “soft knowledge” (values) plus the “hard knowledge” (science, technology) must converge into the leader (true statesman). Being updated in values and science and technology in century 21 –to be en route to being 99% success compliant- requires, as well, of an open mind (extremely self-critical) that is well prepared (Pasteur).
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:19 PM

COMMENTS:
WIKI CONTRIBUTIONS
My experience tells me that every client must be worked out to be your true ally. When you’re selling high-tech/novel technologies/products/services, one must do a lot of talking to induce the customer into a menu of probable solutions. The more the complications, the more the nice talk with unambiguous language.
If that phase succeeds, it’s necessary to make oral/document presentations to the targeted client. Giving him – while at it- a number of unimpeachable examples of the real life (industry by industry) will get the customer more to envision you as an ally than just a provider.
These continuous presentations are, of course, training/indoctrination to the customer, so that he understands better his problem and the breadth and scope of the likely solutions. If progress is made in this phase, one can start working out, very informally and distensibly, the clauses of the contract, particularly those that are daring. One by one.
When each one is finally approved by both. Assemble and get approved and implemented the corresponding contract. Then, keep a close (in-person) contact with your customer.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:32 PM
COMMENTS: IT'S GOOD TO TALK!
I like to meet personally and working together with my peers. So, I can also work through the Web as I am on my own with added benefits of some privacy and other conveniences. A mix of both –as I think- is optimal.
How can one slow down the global economy trends? The more technological elapsed time get us, the more connected and wiki will we all be. Most of the interactions I see/experience on the virtual world with extreme consequences in the real world.
I think it’s nice and productive to exchange ideas over a cappuccino. The personal contact is nice. Though, it gets better where is less frequent. So, when it happens, the person met becomes a splendid occasion.
As things get more automated, so will get we. I, as none of you, invented the world. Automations will get to work more than machines. Sometimes, it of a huge help to get an emotional issue ventilated through calm, discerned e-mails.
Regardless of keeping on embracing connectedness (which I highly like), I would say one must make in-person meetings a must-do. Let's recall that we are en route to Vernor Vinge's "Singularity."
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:46 PM

COMMENTS: A FOCUS ON TALENT
The prescription to make a true talent as per the present standards is diverse. Within the ten most important geniuses, there is Churchill again. He is the (political) statesman # 1, from da Vinci’s times to the current moment. In one book (Last Lion), it is attributed to Churchill saying that a New Yorker –back then–transferred him some methodology to capture geniality.
A great deal of schooling is crucial. A great deal of self-schooling is even more vital. Being experienced in different tenures and with different industries and with different clients helps beyond belief.
Study/researching cross-reference (across the perspective of omniscience) helps even more. Seeking mentors and tutors helps. Get trained/indoctrinated in various fields does so too. Hiring consultants for your personal, individual induction/orientation add much.
Got it have an open mind with a gusto for multidimensionality and cross-functionality, harnessing and remembering useful knowledge all over, regardless of the context. I have worked on these and published some “success metaphors” in the Web, both text and video. Want it? Google it!
Learning different (even opposed) methodologies renders the combined advantages of all of the latter into a own, unique multi-approach of yours.
Most of these ideas can be marshaled concurrently.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 5:11 PM
COMMENTS: NEW COOL FRIEND: DAN ROAM
Pictures and exhibits and graphics are extremely VITAL, in my case, to reinforce and facilitate what I am trying to communicate. I believe that Arquimedes stressed the relevance of adding illustrations to his workings. Leonardo did so extensively. He’s a prime example of this.
The book REIMAGINE by Tom Peters does this splendidly. You seem to be holding a text book of the future with a plethora of pleasant colors, shapes, forms, symbols, and, above all, messages.
Leading The Revolution by Gary Hamel (Strategos Chairman and Professor at The London Business School) is similar to that of Tom’s. Tom has reminded his audiences to “think in slides.” This aids the thinking process immeasurably.
MindMaps by Dr. Tony Buzan is extremely fun and so pervasive. I find it so tedious to read a great book made up of only words, without frequent illustration.
Posted by Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 1:59 PM
COMMENTS: SNIDE ADVERTISING
An ad campaign must be a project abiding by standards and ethics and values. Rule #1 is to be honest, not push/pressure your product/service at any cost (not just economically), not to incur into negative advertising. I agree that this is a mind-set and also an ingrained talent (born with).
While managing the different pieces (components, elements, phases, contexts that stem from the system, namely the “ad campaign”), everything must be unimpeachably true, verifiable, and deliverable. Otherwise, What would the incumbent be doing to his branding strategy as the public at large become increasingly disturbed by this one company?
Creativity and innovation are invited to the utmost to make the ad so relevant. Soberness, at all times, is beyond crucial. Some basics are in due place. Former U.K. prime minister, Tony Blair officious words of his chief preference, “education, education, education.” To up quality, he/she must pay heed to this essential saying.
Whatever the ad message, What does the incumbent wish to accomplish? What EXPERIENCE does the exchange presented by the “live” ad take place? That answered, Where does he expect to be in his industry in the forthcoming 5 years? I wonder!
Posted by Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 2:29 PM
COMMENTS: COOL FRIEND: C. MICHAEL HIAM
Tom, then, as per your posting, it seems that you raised these story to offer some ideas of great leadership. Many people ask about leadership traits and how to execute it. So any further story like this allows one to place his/her mind on a greater perspective.
I believe his story is inspirational. Without the inspiring effect, there’s no leadership in due place. I, personally, scan around for all theses stories in different places. Century-21 Leaders must meet dynamic challenges that will require any and every piece of savvy insight.
Posted by Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 2:38 PM
COMMENT TO BBC WORLD (as per an E-Survey)
We are living in extreme times. As Global Risk Manager and Scenario Strategists I know we have the technology and science to solve many existential risks. The problem is that the world is over-populated by –as it seems- a majority of psycho-stable people. For the immeasurable challenges we need to face and act upon them, we will require a majority of extremely educated (exact sciences) people who are psycho-kinetic minded. People who have an unlimited drive to do things optimally, that are visionaries. That will go all the way to make peace universal and so the best maintenance of ecology. One life-to-death risk is a nuclear war. There are too many alleged statesmen willing to pull to switch to quench their mediocre egos. If we can manage systematically, systematically, and holistically the existential risks (including the ruthless progression of science and technology), the world (including some extra-Erath stations) a promissory place. The powers and the superpowers must all “pull” at the unison to mitigate/eliminate these extraordinarily grave risks.
Andres Agostini
www.AndyBelieves.blogspot.com/
Arlington, Virginia, USA
9:32 p.m. GMT/UCT
March 14, 2008

COMMENTS: SO, WORK REALLY DOES MATTER ...
There was a time that I had that problem. Now, it’s long gone. The more I focus, the more I wish to do what I like to do. You can both have fun of what you do and execute the branding appropriately. The branding is though more affected by the enormous competition and openness that Internet+ offers everyone. So now competition is more democratic and more rampant too.
The more I do what I like, the more I refine my thinking/acting process in real-time. As I refine my gusto brought at work, regardless of approaches, methodologies, techniques, as long as I feel that I’m playing in the Toy-Field (although in actuality it’s a rogue battlefield), I’m okay.
My increasing liking does not equate with not having to surmount—in some cases—the insurmountable. The world economy, therefore the fabrics of firms and organizations globally, is getting more sophisticated, but also more daring. Got to make your enjoyment more cultivated, so that you encounter challenge charming and carry on without a fail.
Never underestimate the challenges once you get to like your “craft.” For one thing, not forgetting that now is more obvious that “…everything is related to everything else…,” managers, entrepreneurs, leaders must used connectedness, group-thinking online plus much more than just one discipline.
This TIME is not about just MBAs and Ph.D.s, in the current epoch it will require paying the highest for education/formation daily for the optimum knowledge. Teach to learn, teach to yourself.
Posted by Andres Agostini at April 10, 2008 4:22 PM
BODY LANGUAGE RELEVANCE!
From my experience and research, most definitely body language is crucial. Although in paying attention to someone, I also want to listen up to the quality of his words, pitch of voice, if he/she uses para-language and/or meta-messages and/or overt/covert agendas, so forth. Put simply, I go envision the person gestaltically (holistically, systemically, and systematically).
Posted by Andres Agostini at April 10, 2008 4:28 PM

COMMENTS: SIMPLY THE BEST!
Yes, always the best, and much more so if dealing with health-care. I have done extensive consulting for this industry. It’s not only that reforms might be required. It might have also to do with some top people—from any walk of life and in any business and tenure—that seems either (a) demoralized (maybe “without a true purpose”) or (b) not willing to WALK THE EXTRA LEAGUE (3 miles).
A close friend of mine has his mother ill with 70 years. She was undergoing a difficult depression. I kept close to my friend. He spent zillions in the finest pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and medical expenses. “She died stupidly because of medical incompetence...”, he said.
My friend tells me that every doctor he took his mother to—and as per view—was, TO HIS SHOCK, clinically depressed. The inquiring eye was no there. The additional studies were not there. The psychiatrist, one of the best in the country, was mind-absent and slow. Was he also depressed taking care of a senior patient—with a life-to-death framework—undergoing a severe depression?
I am not a moralist. But I try to do my best, indeed, and get better and better daily. The “ethics” used by most doctors (NOT ALL) is grotesque. They don’t care and try the sacrosanct patient as a “piece of cheap merchandize.” Exactly as if he were a bad and inexperienced automobile mechanics.
Many doctors, as many mechanics (NOT ALL OF THEM), wish people to go “out of service frequently.” This way they can guarantee a steady flow of income. Forget about the Hippocratic Oath. Again, it does not happen with all the doctors and mechanics, but it does happen frequently to my own gravest concern.
It is not only a matter of verifying the doctor’s credentials from a to z. It’s about his awareness, his consciousness, his ethics, his up-bringing, yes, his ethos and own mental health. In sum, Does he/she have an optimum personal cosmology or not?
Many graduates from the finest universities from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, that are holding top-management tenures, are in dire straits. They (a great number) do not wish any task that is demanding, complex and/or that requires strictest minuteness. Are they depressed too? Is global society depressed? I wonder. I see this happening in exponential numbers in many place of the world.
How can you do the best to save your client 10 million dollars per year if he is not interested in implementing the obvious solution to his company’s ailment? In some cases, clients requires from professional service providers (consultants, analysts, researchers, coaches, other managers) not to be emotional/political intelligent, but, instead, to be a “carry-on,” efficacious psychiatrist, deployable in any time.
I have a theory. People don’t like to see their status quo being demolished. Some of those don’t know what it (CHANGED CHANGE) is that is making them feel unfit or as if he/she were undergoing an ailment. As Gary Hamel says, if one dos not pay attention to the CHANGES, he/she cannot, afterwards, complaint at all.
And as Eamonn Kelly mentions in “Powerful Times….,” these times will demand the boldest adaptation from each and everyone. Subsequently, one has got to understand the nature of the CHANGE in beta mode perpetually.
PS: I profoundly respect all job, works, tenures, and professions.

FUTURE SHAPE OF QUALITY (ANDY’S BLOGGING)
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” (Jefferson). In a world –once called the “society of knowledge”- that is getting (society, economics, [geo] politics, technology, environment, so forth) more and more sophisticated in over-exponential rates. Ray Kurzweil in “The Singularity is Near” assures that, mathematically speaking, the base and the exponent of the power are increasingly chaotically jumping, almost as if this forthcoming “Cambrian explosion,” bathed with the state of the art applied will change everything.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, the German philosopher, reminds one, “It is our future that lays down the law of our work.” While Churchill tells us, “the empires of the future belong to the [prepared] mind.”
Last night I was reading the text book “Wikinomics.” Authors say that in the next 50 years applied science will be much more evolved than that of the past 400 years. To me, and because of my other reaserch, they are quite conservative. Vernor Vinge, the professor of mathematics, recalls us about the “Singularity,” primarily technological and secondarily social (with humans that are BIO and non BIO and derivatives of the two latter, i.e. in vivo + in silico + in quantum + in non spiritus). Prof. Vinge was invited by NASA on that occasion. If one like to check it out, Google it.
Clearly, Quality Assurance progress has been made by Deming, Juran, Six Sigma, Kaisen (Toyota) and others. I would pay strong attention to their respective prescriptions with an OPEN MIND. Why? Because SYSTEMS are extremely dynamically these days, starting up with the Universe (or “Multiverse”). As I operate with risks and strategies –beyond the view of (a) strategic planner, and (b) practitioner of management best practices à la non ad hoc “project management,” I have to take advantage of many other methodologies.
The compilation of approaches is fun though must be extremely cohesive, congruent, and efficacious.
And if the economy grows more complex, many more methodologies I will grab. I have one of my own that I called “Transformative Risk Management,” highly based on the breakthrough by Military-Industrial (-Technological) Complex. Chiefly, with the people concerned with nascent NASA (Mercury, Saturn, Apollo) via Dr. Wernher von Braun, then engineer in chief. Fortunately, my mentor, a “doctor in science” for thirteen years was von Braun’s risk manager. He’s now my supervisor.
The Military-Industrial (-Technological) Complex had a great deal of challenges back in 1950. As a result, many breakthroughs were brought about. Today, not everyone seems to know and/or institute these findings. Some do as ExxonMobil. The text book “Powerful Times” attributes to U.S. defense budget a nearly 50% of the totality of the worldwide defense budgets. What do they do with this kind of money? They instill it –to a great extent- to R&D labs of prime quality. Afterwards, they shared “initiatives” with R&D labs from Universities, Global Corporations, and “Wiki” Communities. Imagine?
In addition, the grandfather of in-depth risk analyses is one that goes under many names beside Hazard Mode and Effect Analysis (HMEA). It has also been called Reliability Analysis for Preliminary Design (RAPD), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), and Fault Hazard Analysis (FHA). All of these – just to give an example – has to be included in your methodical toolkit alongside with Deming’, Juran’, Six Sigma, Kaisen’s.
These fellow manage with what they called “the omniscience perspective,” that is, the totality of knowledge. Believe me, they do mean it.
Yes, hard-working, but knowing what you’re doing and thinking always in the unthinkable, being a foresight-er, and assimilating documented “lesson learned” from previous flaws. In the mean time, Sir Francis Bacon wrote, “He that will not apply remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator.”
(*) A "killer" to preposterous "common sense" activist. A blessing to rampantly unconventional- wisdom practitioner.
For the “crying” one, everything has changed. It has changed (i) CHANGE, (ii) Time, (iii) Politics/Geopolitics, (iv) Science and technology (applied), (v) Economy, (vi) Environment (amplest meaning), (vii) Zeitgeist (spirit of times), (viii) Weltstanchaung (conception of the world), (ix) Zeitgeist-Weltstanchaung’s Prolific Interaction, etc. So there is no need to worry, since NOW, —and everyday forever (kind of...)—there will be a different world, clearly if one looks into the sub-atomic granularity of (zillion) details. Unless you are a historian, there is no need to speak of PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE, JUST TALK ABOUT THE ENDLESSLY PERENNIAL PROGRESSION. Let’s learn a difficult lesson easily NOW.
“Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Picture mentally… Draw experientially. Succeed through endless experimentation… It’s recommendable to recall that common sense is much more than an immense society of hard-earned practical ideas—of multitudes of life-learned rules and tendencies, balances and checks. Common sense is not just one (1), neither is, in any way, simple.” (Andres Agostini)
Dwight D. Eisenhower, speaking of leadership, said: “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
“…to a level of process excellence that will produce (as per GE’s product standards) fewer than four defects per million operations…” — Jack Welch (1998).
In addition to WORKING HARD and taking your “hard working” as you beloved HOBBY and never as a burden, one may wish to institute, as well, the following:
1.- Servitize.
2.- Productize.
3.- Webify.
4.- Outsource (strategically “cross” sourcing).
5.- Relate your core business to “molutech” (molecular technology).
Search four primary goals (in case a reader is interested):
A.- To build trust.
B.- To empower employees.
C.- To eliminate unnecessary work.
D.- To create a new paradigm for your business enterprise, a [beyond] “boundaryless” organization.
E.- Surf dogmas; evade sectarian doctrines.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 27, 2008 7:54 PM

ON THE FUTURE OF QUALITY !!!
"Excellence is important. To everyone excellence means something a bit different. Do we need a metric for excellence? But, Why do I believe that the qualitative side of it is more important than its numericalization. By the way, increasing tsunamis of vanguard sciences and corresponding technologies to be applied bring about the upping of the technical parlance.
These times as Peter Schwartz would firmly recommend require to “pay” the highest premium for leading knowledge.
“Chindia” (China and India) will not wait for the West. People like Ballmer (Microsoft) and Ray Kurzweil insist that current levels of complexity –that one can manage appropriately and timely- might get one a nice business success.
Yes, simple is beautiful, but horrendous when this COSMOS is overwhelmed with paradoxes, contradictions, and predicaments. And you must act to capture success and, overall, to make sustainable.
Quality is crucial. Benchmarks are important but refer to something else, though similar. But Quality standards, as per my view, would require a discipline to be named “Systems Quality Assurance.” None wishes defects/waste.
But having on my hat and vest of strategy and risk management, the ultimate best practices of quality –in many settings- will not suffice. Got it add, (a) Systems Security, (b) Systems Safety, (c) Systems Reliability, (d) Systems Strategic Planning/Management and a long “so forth.”
When this age of CHANGED CHANGE is so complex like never ever –and getting increasingly more so- just being truly excellent require, without a fail, many more approaches and stamina."
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 22, 2008 9:18 PM
COMMENTING ON THE FUTURE OF QUALITY….
Excellence is important. To everyone excellence means something a bit different. Do we need a metric for excellence? But, Why do I believe that the qualitative side of it is more important than its numericalization. By the way, increasing tsunamis of vanguard sciences and corresponding technologies to be applied bring about the upping of the technical parlance.
These times as Peter Schwartz would firmly recommend require to “pay” the highest premium for leading knowledge.
“Chindia” (China and India) will not wait for the West. People like Ballmer (Microsoft) and Ray Kurzweil insist that current levels of complexity –that one can manage appropriately and timely- might get one a nice business success.
Yes, simple is beautiful, but horrendous when this COSMOS is overwhelmed with paradoxes, contradictions, and predicaments. And you must act to capture success and, overall, to make it sustainable and fiscally sound.
Quality is crucial. Benchmarks are important but refer to something else, though similar. But Quality standards, as per my view, would require a discipline to be named “Systems Quality Assurance.” None wishes defects/waste.
But having on my hat and vest of strategy and risk management, the ultimate best practices of quality –in many settings- will not suffice. Got it add, (a) Systems Security, (b) Systems Safety, (c) Systems Reliability, (d) Systems Strategic Planning/Management and a long “so forth.”
When this age of changed CHANGE is so complex like never ever –and getting increasingly more so- just being truly excellent require, without a fail, many more approaches and stamina.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 22, 2008 9:18 PM

COMMENTS: HARD WORK MATTERS
"Clearly, hard work is extremely important. There is a grave lack of practices of this work philosophy in the battlefield. Practicing, practicing and practicing is immeasurably relevant.
Experience accumulated throughout the years is also crucial, particularly when one is always seeking mind-expansion activities.
With it practical knowledge comes along. When consulting and training, yes, you’re offering ideas to PRESENT clients with CHOICES/OPTIONS to SOLUTIONS.
How to communicate with the client is extremely difficult. Nowadays, some technical solutions that the consultant or advisor must implement has a depth that will shock the client unless there is a careful and prudent preparation/orientation of the targeted audience.
Getting to know the company culture is another sine qua non. The personal cosmology of each executive or staff involved on behalf of the client is even more important. Likewise, the professional service expert must do likewise with the CEO, and Chairman.
In fact, in your notes, a serious consultant must have an unofficial, psychological profile of the client representatives. One has to communicate unambiguously, but sometimes helps to adapt your lexicon to that of the designated client.
From interview one –paying strong attention and listening up to the customer– the advisor must give choices while at always being EDUCATIONAL, INFORMATIVE, and, somehow, FORMATIVE/INDUCTIVE. That’s the problem.
These times are not those. When the third party possesses the knowledge, skill, know-how, technology, he/she now must work much more in ascertaining you lock in your customer’s mind and heart with yours.
Before starting the CONSULTING EFFORT, I personally like to have a couple of informal meetings just to listen up and listen up.
Then, I forewarn them that I will be making a great number of questions. Afterwards, I take extensive notes and start crafting the strategy to build up rapport with this customer.
Taking all the information given informally in advance by the client, I make an oral presentation to assure I understood what the problem is. I also take this opportunity to capture further information and to relax everyone, while trying to win them over legitimately and transparently.
Then, if I see, for instance, that they do not know how to call/express lucidly/with accurateness their problem, I ask questions. But I also offer real-life examples of these probable problems with others clients.
The opportunity is absolutely vital to gauge the level of competency of the customer and knowledge or lack of knowledge about the issue. Passing all of that over, I start, informally, speaking of options to get the customer involved in peaking out the CHOICE (the solution) to watch for initial client’s reactions.
In my case and in many times, I must not only transfer the approaches/skills/technologies, but also institute and sustain it to the 150% satisfaction of my clients.
Those of us, involved with Systems Risk Management(*) (“Transformative Risk Management”) and Corporate Strategy are obliged to scan around for problems, defects, process waste, failure, etc. WITH FORESIGHT.
Once that is done and still “on guard,” I can highlight the opportunity (upside risk) to the client.
Notwithstanding, once you already know your threats, vulnerabilities, hazards, and risks (and you have a master risk plan, equally contemplated in your business plan), YOU MUST BE CREATIVE SO THAT “HARD WORK” MAKES A UNIQUE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR INDUSTRY.
While at practicing, do so a zillion low-cost experiments. Do a universe of Trial and Errors. Commit to serendipity and/or pseudo-serendipity. In the mean time, and as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair says: “EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION.”
(*) It does not refer at all to insurance, co-insurance, reinsurance. It is more about the multidimensional, cross-functional management of business processes to be goals and objectives compliant."
Posted by Andres
Agostini at February 23, 2008 4:56 PM
Posted by Andres Agostini on This I Believe! (AATIB) at 1:58 PM 0 comments
Labels: www.AndyBelieves.blogspot.com/

FUTURE SHAPE OF QUALITY
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” (Jefferson). In a world –once called the “society of knowledge”- that is getting (society, economics, [geo] politics, technology, environment, so forth) more and more sophisticated in over-exponential rates. Ray Kurzweil in “The Singularity is Near” assures that, mathematically speaking, the base and the exponent of the power are increasingly chaotically jumping, almost as if this forthcoming “Cambrian explosion,” bathed with the state of the art applied will change everything.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, the German philosopher, reminds one, “It is our future that lays down the law of our work.” While Churchill tells us, “the empires of the future belong to the [prepared] mind.”
Last night I was reading the text book “Wikinomics.” Authors say that in the next 50 years applied science will be much more evolved than that of the past 400 years. To me, and because of my other reaserch, they are quite conservative. Vernor Vinge, the professor of mathematics, recalls us about the “Singularity,” primarily technological and secondarily social (with humans that are BIO and non BIO and derivatives of the two latter, i.e. in vivo + in silico + in quantum + in non spiritus). Prof. Vinge was invited by NASA on that occasion. If one like to check it out, Google it.
Clearly, Quality Assurance progress has been made by Deming, Juran, Six Sigma, Kaisen (Toyota) and others. I would pay strong attention to their respective prescriptions with an OPEN MIND. Why? Because SYSTEMS are extremely dynamically these days, starting up with the Universe (or “Multiverse”). As I operate with risks and strategies –beyond the view of (a) strategic planner, and (b) practitioner of management best practices à la non ad hoc “project management,” I have to take advantage of many other methodologies.
The compilation of approaches is fun though must be extremely cohesive, congruent, and efficacious.
And if the economy grows more complex, many more methodologies I will grab. I have one of my own that I called “Transformative Risk Management,” highly based on the breakthrough by Military-Industrial (-Technological) Complex. Chiefly, with the people concerned with nascent NASA (Mercury, Saturn, Apollo) via Dr. Wernher von Braun, then engineer in chief. Fortunately, my mentor, a “doctor in science” for thirteen years was von Braun’s risk manager. He’s now my supervisor.
The Military-Industrial (-Technological) Complex had a great deal of challenges back in 1950. As a result, many breakthroughs were brought about. Today, not everyone seems to know and/or institute these findings. Some do as ExxonMobil. The text book “Powerful Times” attributes to U.S. defense budget a nearly 50% of the totality of the worldwide defense budgets. What do they do with this kind of money? They instill it –to a great extent- to R&D labs of prime quality. Afterwards, they shared “initiatives” with R&D labs from Universities, Global Corporations, and “Wiki” Communities. Imagine?
In addition, the grandfather of in-depth risk analyses is one that goes under many names beside Hazard Mode and Effect Analysis (HMEA). It has also been called Reliability Analysis for Preliminary Design (RAPD), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), and Fault Hazard Analysis (FHA). All of these – just to give an example – has to be included in your methodical toolkit alongside with Deming’, Juran’, Six Sigma, Kaisen’s.
These fellow manage with what they called “the omniscience perspective,” that is, the totality of knowledge. Believe me, they do mean it.
Yes, hard-working, but knowing what you’re doing and thinking always in the unthinkable, being a foresight-er, and assimilating documented “lesson learned” from previous flaws. In the mean time, Sir Francis Bacon wrote, “He that will not apply remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator.”

(*) A "killer" to preposterous "common sense" activists. A blessing to rampantly unconventional- wisdom practitioners.
For the “crying” one, everything has changed. It has changed (i) CHANGE, (ii) Time, (iii) Politics/Geopolitics, (iv) Science and technology (applied), (v) Economy, (vi) Environment (amplest meaning), (vii) Zeitgeist (spirit of times), (viii) Weltstanchaung (conception of the world), (ix) Zeitgeist-Weltstanchaung’s Prolific Interaction, etc. So there is no need to worry, since NOW, —and everyday forever (kind of...)—there will be a different world, clearly if one looks into the sub-atomic granularity of (zillion) details. Unless you are a historian, there is no need to speak of PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE, JUST TALK ABOUT THE ENDLESSLY PERENNIAL PROGRESSION. Let’s learn a difficult lesson easily NOW.
“Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Picture mentally… Draw experientially. Succeed through endless experimentation… It’s recommendable to recall that common sense is much more than an immense society of hard-earned practical ideas—of multitudes of life-learned rules and tendencies, balances and checks. Common sense is not just one (1), neither is, in any way, simple.” (Andres Agostini)
Dwight D. Eisenhower, speaking of leadership, said: “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
“…to a level of process excellence that will produce (as per GE’s product standards) fewer than four defects per million operations…” — Jack Welch (1998).
In addition to WORKING HARD and taking your “hard working” as you beloved HOBBY and never as a burden, one may wish to institute, as well, the following:
1.- Servitize.
2.- Productize.
3.- Webify.
4.- Outsource (strategically “cross” sourcing).
5.- Relate your core business to “molutech” (molecular technology).
Search four primary goals (in case a reader is interested):
A.- To build trust.
B.- To empower employees.
C.- To eliminate unnecessary work.
D.- To create a new paradigm for your business enterprise, a [beyond] “boundaryless” organization.
E.- Surf dogmas; evade sectarian doctrines.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 27, 2008 7:54 PM

COMMENTS: SNIDE ADVERTISING
Advertising and campaigning must enforce a strong strategic alliance with the client. The objective is to COMMUNICATE the firm’s products, services, values, ethos in a transparent and accountable way. Zero distortion tolerance as to the messages disseminated.
Ad agencies cannot make up for the shortcomings of the business enterprise. Those shortcomings consequential of a core business sup-optimally managed. Get the business optimum first. Then, communicate it clearly, being sensible to the community at large.
A funny piece is one thing. To make fun of others is another (terrible). To be creative in the message is highly desirable. If the incumbent’s corporation has unique attributes and does great business, just say it comprehensibly without manipulating or over-promising.
Some day soon the subject matter on VALUES is going to be more than indispensable to keep global society alive. The rampant violations of the aforementioned values should be death-to-life matter of study by ad agencies without a fail.
The global climate change, the flu pandemia (to be), the geology (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis), large meteorites, nuke wars are all among the existential risks. To get matters worse, value violations by the ad agencies, mass media, and the rest of the economy would easily qualify as an existential risk.
Humankind requires transparency and accountability the soonest.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 27, 2008 8:34 PM

COMMENTS: WHERE'S THE WOW?
Talent is absolutely a sine qua non. Nowadays – while at the over-revolution of knowledge– is even more important, in fact without precedent.
When I went to college to sign up for diverse courses, my counselor forewarned me that my education (about to commence) would have a validity (not be outdated) for the first five years of completion. I got the message clearly and have never stop to attempt to better myself.
I mentioned the above because I know many people with doctoral degrees from Harvard, Oxford, MIT that, once completed their studies, don’t read anything more that ambiguous news headlines. They think that the economy is a snapshot (static) and, therefore, not making quantum progresses. Today sci-fi has been superseded by the world-class news media alone.
Likewise, many company and countries captains worship mediocrity. It’s unbelievable how universal this is, beginning with the most advanced nations. Friedman tells his siblings that they had better study not to give away their jobs to people from China and India and Russia.
In the mean time, knowledge repository is growing to ruthless proportions. The direct consequence is for economy to get more and more automated with more and more Artificial Intelligence. I wonder if the people from China and India and Russia will give away their jobs to Asimo and other robots (now in the womb).
Should we expect “WOW” from the forthcoming robots since the subjects of mediocrity-dom are accelerating the automation described?
In 1970 a fellow by the name of Alvin Toffler in a book titled “Shock of the Future” told us many things to get prepared for in advance. How many have pay attention? Those who are not interested in the granularity (atomic/sub-atomic scale) of details and have paid no heed cannot complaint. Get ready!
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 27, 2008 9:01 PM

COMMENTS: FUTURE SHAPE OF QUALITY…

Thank you all for your great contributions and insightfulness. Take a Quality Assurance Program, (e.g.), to be instituted in a company these days, century 2008. One will have to go through tremendous amounts of reading, writing, drawing, spread-sheeting, etc. Since the global village is the Society of Knowledge, these days, to abate exponential complexity, you must not only have to embrace it fully, you have to be thorough at all times to meet the challenge. One must also pay the price of an advanced global economy that is in increasingly perpetual innovation. Da Vinci, in a list of the 10 greatest minds, was # 1. Einstein was # 10. Subsequently, it’s highly recommendable, if one might wish, to pay attention to “Everything should be made as simple [from the scientific stance] as possible, but not simpler.” ¬Albert Einstein. Mr. Peters, on the other hand, has always stressed the significance to continuously disseminate new ideas. He is really making an unprecedented effort in that direction. Another premium to pay, it seems to be extremely “thorough” (Trump).
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 28, 2008 3:11 PM

COMMENTS: COOL FRIEND: C. MICHAEL HIAM
We need, globally, to get into the “strongest” peaceful mind-set the soonest. Not getting to peace status via waging wars. Sometimes, experts and statesmen may require “chirurgical interventions,” especially under the monitoring of the U.N. diplomacy are called to be reinvented and taken to the highest possible state of refinement. More and more diplomacy and more and more refinement. Then, universal and aggressive enhance diplomacy instituted.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:02 PM

COMMENTS: SUCCESS TIPS AT CHANGETHIS
I appreciate current contributions. I’d like to think that the nearly impossible is in you way (while you’re emphatically self-driven for accomplishments) with determined aggressive towards the ends (objectives, goals) to be met. Churchill offers a great deal of examples of how an extraordinary leader works out.
Many lessons to be drawn out from him, without a doubt. Churchill reminds, as many others, that (scientific) knowledge is power. Napoleon, incidentally, says that a high-school (lyceum) graduate, must study science and English (lingua franca).
So, the “soft knowledge” (values) plus the “hard knowledge” (science, technology) must converge into the leader (true statesman). Being updated in values and science and technology in century 21 –to be en route to being 99% success compliant- requires, as well, of an open mind (extremely self-critical) that is well prepared (Pasteur).
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:19 PM

COMMENTS:
WIKI CONTRIBUTIONS
My experience tells me that every client must be worked out to be your true ally. When you’re selling high-tech/novel technologies/products/services, one must do a lot of talking to induce the customer into a menu of probable solutions. The more the complications, the more the nice talk with unambiguous language.

If that phase succeeds, it’s necessary to make oral/document presentations to the targeted client. Giving him – while at it- a number of unimpeachable examples of the real life (industry by industry) will get the customer more to envision you as an ally than just a provider.
These continuous presentations are, of course, training/indoctrination to the customer, so that he understands better his problem and the breadth and scope of the likely solutions. If progress is made in this phase, one can start working out, very informally and distensibly, the clauses of the contract, particularly those that are daring. One by one.
When each one is finally approved by both. Assemble and get approved and implemented the corresponding contract. Then, keep a close (in-person) contact with your customer.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:32 PM

COMMENTS: IT'S GOOD TO TALK!
I like to meet personally and working together with my peers. So, I can also work through the Web as I am on my own with added benefits of some privacy and other conveniences. A mix of both –as I think- is optimal.
How can one slow down the global economy trends? The more technological elapsed time get us, the more connected and wiki will we all be. Most of the interactions I see/experience on the virtual world with extreme consequences in the real world.
I think it’s nice and productive to exchange ideas over a cappuccino. The personal contact is nice. Though, it gets better where is less frequent. So, when it happens, the person met becomes a splendid occasion.
As things get more automated, so will get we. I, as none of you, invented the world. Automations will get to work more than machines. Sometimes, it of a huge help to get an emotional issue ventilated through calm, discerned e-mails.
Regardless of keeping on embracing connectedness (which I highly like), I would say one must make in-person meetings a must-do. Let's recall that we are en route to Vernor Vinge's "Singularity."
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 4:46 PM
COMMENTS: A FOCUS ON TALENT
The prescription to make a true talent as per the present standards is diverse. Within the ten most important geniuses, there is Churchill again. He is the (political) statesman # 1, from da Vinci’s times to the current moment. In one book (Last Lion), it is attributed to Churchill saying that a New Yorker –back then–transferred him some methodology to capture geniality.
A great deal of schooling is crucial. A great deal of self-schooling is even more vital. Being experienced in different tenures and with different industries and with different clients helps beyond belief.
Study/researching cross-reference (across the perspective of omniscience) helps even more. Seeking mentors and tutors helps. Get trained/indoctrinated in various fields does so too. Hiring consultants for your personal, individual induction/orientation add much.
Got it have an open mind with a gusto for multidimensionality and cross-functionality, harnessing and remembering useful knowledge all over, regardless of the context. I have worked on these and published some “success metaphors” in the Web, both text and video. Want it? Google it!
Learning different (even opposed) methodologies renders the combined advantages of all of the latter into a own, unique multi-approach of yours.
Most of these ideas can be marshaled concurrently.
Posted by Andres Agostini at February 29, 2008 5:11 PM

COMMENTS: NEW COOL FRIEND: DAN ROAM
Pictures and exhibits and graphics are extremely VITAL, in my case, to reinforce and facilitate what I am trying to communicate. I believe that Arquimedes stressed the relevance of adding illustrations to his workings. Leonardo did so extensively. He’s a prime example of this.
The book REIMAGINE by Tom Peters does this splendidly. You seem to be holding a text book of the future with a plethora of pleasant colors, shapes, forms, symbols, and, above all, messages.
Leading The Revolution by Gary Hamel (Strategos Chairman and Professor at The London Business School) is similar to that of Tom’s. Tom has reminded his audiences to “think in slides.” This aids the thinking process immeasurably.
MindMaps by Dr. Tony Buzan is extremely fun and so pervasive. I find it so tedious to read a great book made up of only words, without frequent illustration.
Posted by Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 1:59 PM

COMMENTS: SNIDE ADVERTISING
An ad campaign must be a project abiding by standards and ethics and values. Rule #1 is to be honest, not push/pressure your product/service at any cost (not just economically), not to incur into negative advertising. I agree that this is a mind-set and also an ingrained talent (born with).
While managing the different pieces (components, elements, phases, contexts that stem from the system, namely the “ad campaign”), everything must be unimpeachably true, verifiable, and deliverable. Otherwise, What would the incumbent be doing to his branding strategy as the public at large become increasingly disturbed by this one company?
Creativity and innovation are invited to the utmost to make the ad so relevant. Soberness, at all times, is beyond crucial. Some basics are in due place. Former U.K. prime minister, Tony Blair officious words of his chief preference, “education, education, education.” To up quality, he/she must pay heed to this essential saying.
Whatever the ad message, What does the incumbent wish to accomplish? What EXPERIENCE does the exchange presented by the “live” ad take place? That answered, Where does he expect to be in his industry in the forthcoming 5 years? I wonder!
Posted by Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 2:29 PM
COMMENTS: COOL FRIEND: C. MICHAEL HIAM
Tom, then, as per your posting, it seems that you raised these story to offer some ideas of great leadership. Many people ask about leadership traits and how to execute it. So any further story like this allows one to place his/her mind on a greater perspective.
I believe his story is inspirational. Without the inspiring effect, there’s no leadership in due place. I, personally, scan around for all theses stories in different places. Century-21 Leaders must meet dynamic challenges that will require any and every piece of savvy insight.
Posted by Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 2:38 PM
COMMENT TO BBC WORLD (as per an E-Survey)

We are living in extreme times. As Global Risk Manager and Scenario Strategists I know we have the technology and science to solve many existential risks. The problem is that the world is over-populated by –as it seems- a majority of psycho-stable people. For the immeasurable challenges we need to face and act upon them, we will require a majority of extremely educated (exact sciences) people who are psycho-kinetic minded. People who have an unlimited drive to do things optimally, that are visionaries. That will go all the way to make peace universal and so the best maintenance of ecology. One life-to-death risk is a nuclear war. There are too many alleged statesmen willing to pull to switch to quench their mediocre egos. If we can manage systematically, systematically, and holistically the existential risks (including the ruthless progression of science and technology), the world (including some extra-Erath stations) a promissory place. The powers and the superpowers must all “pull” at the unison to mitigate/eliminate these extraordinarily grave risks.
Andres Agostini
www.AndyBelieves.blogspot.com/
Arlington, Virginia, USA
9:32 p.m. GMT/UCT
March 14, 2008

COMMENTS: SO, WORK REALLY DOES MATTER...
There was a time that I had that problem. Now, it’s long gone. The more I focus, the more I wish to do what I like to do. You can both have fun of what you do and execute the branding appropriately. The branding is though more affected by the enormous competition and openness that Internet+ offers everyone. So now competition is more democratic and more rampant too.
The more I do what I like, the more I refine my thinking/acting process in real-time. As I refine my gusto brought at work, regardless of approaches, methodologies, techniques, as long as I feel that I’m playing in the Toy-Field (although in actuality it’s a rogue battlefield), I’m okay.
My increasing liking does not equate with not having to surmount—in some cases—the insurmountable. The world economy, therefore the fabrics of firms and organizations globally, is getting more sophisticated, but also more daring. Got to make your enjoyment more cultivated, so that you encounter challenge charming and carry on without a fail.
Never underestimate the challenges once you get to like your “craft.” For one thing, not forgetting that now is more obvious that “…everything is related to everything else…,” managers, entrepreneurs, leaders must used connectedness, group-thinking online plus much more than just one discipline.
This TIME is not about just MBAs and Ph.D.s, in the current epoch it will require paying the highest for education/formation daily for the optimum knowledge. Teach to learn, teach to yourself.
Posted by Andres Agostini at April 10, 2008 4:22 PM

BODY LANGUAGE RELEVANCE!
From my experience and research, most definitely body language is crucial. Although in paying attention to someone, I also want to listen up to the quality of his words, pitch of voice, if he/she uses para-language and/or meta-messages and/or overt/covert agendas, so forth. Put simply, I go envision the person gestaltically (holistically, systemically, and systematically).
Posted by Andres Agostini at April 10, 2008 4:28 PM

COMMENTS: SIMPLY THE BEST!
Yes, always the best, and much more so if dealing with health-care. I have done extensive consulting for this industry. It’s not only that reforms might be required. It might have also to do with some top people—from any walk of life and in any business and tenure—that seems either (a) demoralized (maybe “without a true purpose”) or (b) not willing to WALK THE EXTRA LEAGUE (3 miles).
A close friend of mine has his mother ill with 70 years. She was undergoing a difficult depression. I kept close to my friend. He spent zillions in the finest pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and medical expenses. “She died stupidly because of medical incompetence...”, he said.
My friend tells me that every doctor he took his mother to—and as per view—was, TO HIS SHOCK, clinically depressed. The inquiring eye was no there. The additional studies were not there. The psychiatrist, one of the best in the country, was mind-absent and slow. Was he also depressed taking care of a senior patient—with a life-to-death framework—undergoing a severe depression?
I am not a moralist. But I try to do my best and get better and better daily. The “ethics” used by most doctors (NOT ALL) is grotesque. They don’t care and try the sacrosanct patient as a “piece of cheap merchandize.” Exactly as if he were a bad and inexperienced automobile mechanics.
Many doctors, as many mechanics (NOT ALL OF THEM), wish people to go “out of service frequently.” This way they can guarantee a steady flow of income. Forget about the Hippocratic Oath. Again, it does not happen with all the doctors and mechanics, but it does happen frequently to my own gravest concern.
It is not only a matter of verifying the doctor’s credentials from a to z. It’s about his awareness, his consciousness, his ethics, his up-bringing, yes, his ethos and own mental health. In sum, Does he/she have an optimum personal cosmology or not?
Many graduates from the finest universities from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, that are holding top-management tenures, are in dire straits. They (a great number) do not wish any task that is demanding, complex and/or that requires strictest minuteness. Are they depressed too? Is global society depressed? I wonder. I see this happening in exponential numbers in many place of the world.
How can you do the best to save your client 10 million dollars per year if he is not interested in implementing the obvious solution to his company’s ailment? In some cases, clients requires from professional service providers (consultants, analysts, researchers, coaches, other managers) not to be emotional/political intelligent, but, instead, to be a “carry-on,” efficacious psychiatrist, deployable in any time.
I have a theory. People don’t like to see their status quo being demolished. Some of those don’t know what it (CHANGED CHANGE) is that is making them feel unfit or as if he/she were undergoing an ailment. As Gary Hamel says, if one dos not pay attention to the CHANGES, he/she cannot, afterwards, complaint at all.
And as Eamonn Kelly mentions in “Powerful Times….,” these times will demand the boldest adaptation from each and everyone. Subsequently, one has got to understand the nature of the CHANGE in beta mode perpetually.
PS: I profoundly respect all job, works, tenures, and professions.

Comments: New Cool Friend: Dan Roam
Pictures and exhibits and graphics are extremely VITAL, in my case, to reinforce and facilitate what I am trying to communicate. I believe that Arquimedes stressed the relevance of adding illustrations to his workings. Leonardo did so extensively. He’s a prime example of this.
The book REIMAGINE by Tom Peters does this splendidly. You seem to be holding a text book of the future with a plethora of pleasant colors, shapes, forms, symbols, and, above all, messages.
Leading The Revolution by Gary Hamel (Strategos Chairman and Professor at The London Business School) is similar to that of Tom’s. Tom has reminded his audiences to “think in slides.” This aids the thinking process immeasurably.
MindMaps by Dr. Tony Buzan is extremely fun and so pervasive. I find it so tedious to read a great book made up of only words, without frequent illustration.
Posted by
Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 1:59 PM
Comments: Snide Advertising
An ad campaign must be a project abiding by standards and ethics and values. Rule #1 is to be honest, not push/pressure your product/service at any cost (not just economically), not to incur into negative advertising. I agree that this is a mind-set and also an ingrained talent (born with).
While managing the different pieces (components, elements, phases, contexts that stem from the system, namely the “ad campaign”), everything must be unimpeachably true, verifiable, and deliverable. Otherwise, What would the incumbent be doing to his branding strategy as the public at large become increasingly disturbed by this one company?
Creativity and innovation are invited to the utmost to make the ad so relevant. Soberness, at all times, is beyond crucial. Some basics are in due place. Former U.K. prime minister, Tony Blair officious words of his chief preference, “education, education, education.” To up quality, he/she must pay heed to this essential saying.
Whatever the ad message, What does the incumbent wish to accomplish? What EXPERIENCE does the exchange presented by the “live” ad take place? That answered, Where does he expect to be in his industry in the forthcoming 5 years? I wonder!
Posted by
Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 2:29 PM

Comments: Cool Friend: C. Michael Hiam
Tom, then, as per your posting, it seems that you raised these story to offer some ideas of great leadership. Many people ask about leadership traits and how to execute it. So any further story like this allows one to place his/her mind on a greater perspective.
I believe his story is inspirational. Without the inspiring effect, there’s no leadership in due place. I, personally, scan around for all theses stories in different places. Century-21 Leaders must meet dynamic challenges that will require any and every piece of savvy insight.
Posted by
Andres Agostini at March 14, 2008 2:38 PM

COMMENT TO BBC WORLD (as per an E-Survey)

We are living in extreme times. As Global Risk Manager and Scenario Strategists I know we have the technology and science to solve many existential risks. The problem is that the world is over-populated by –as it seems- a majority of psycho-stable people. For the immeasurable challenges we need to face and act upon them, we will require a majority of extremely educated (exact sciences) people who are psycho-kinetic minded. People who have an unlimited drive to do things optimally, that are visionaries. That will go all the way to make peace universal and so the best maintenance of ecology. One life-to-death risk is a nuclear war. There are too many alleged statesmen willing to pull to switch to quench their mediocre egos. If we can manage systematically, systematically, and holistically the existential risks (including the ruthless progression of science and technology), the world (including some extra-Erath stations) a promissory place. The powers and the superpowers must all “pull” at the unison to mitigate/eliminate these extraordinarily grave risks.

Andres Agostini
www.AndyBelieves.blogspot.com/

Arlington, Virginia, USA

9:32 p.m. GMT/UCT

March 14, 2008

Comments: 100 Ways to Succeed #112:
I am and have been professionally engaged with SYSTEMS for some 16 years. Truly tough systems. In fact, I used to disliking them. Now, I like them. They’re so treacherous, so superposed, so intersected. In sum,they appeal to me in a great deal.
Researching on Systems Methodology, I bumped into a book on Napoleon. From A to Z, he was a grandmaster on applied systems methodology. It is as if he were living in century 21. He stresses a great deal of topics that are ignored by many managers, entrepreneurs, and consultants. He faced every CHALLENGE knowing that a cascade of chaos was ahead, but he thought it over long in advance. He never underestimated his work of reference. Take a look at what he believed pertaining to education/formation.
(Literally. Brackets are placed by Andres Agostini.
Content researched by Andres Agostini)
“….Education, strictly speaking, has several objectives: one needs to learn how to speak and write correctly, which is generally called grammar and belles lettres [fines literature of that time]. Each lyceum [high school] has provided for this ob­ject, and there is no well-educated man who has not learned his rhetoric.
After the need to speak and write correctly [accurately and unambiguously] comes the ability to count and measure [skillful at mathematics, physics, quantum mechanics, etc.]. The lyceums have provided this with classes in mathematics embracing arithmetical and mechanical knowledge [classic physics plus quantum mechanics] in their different branches.
The elements of several other fields come next: chronology [timing, tempo, in-flux epochs], ge­ography [geopolitics plus geology plus atmospheric weather], and the rudiments of history are also a part of the educa­tion [sine qua non catalyzer to surf the Intensively-driven Knowledge Economy] of the lyceum. . . .
A young man [a starting, independent entrepreneur, ] who leaves the lyceum at sixteen years of age therefore knows not only the mechanics of his language and the classical authors [captain of the classic, great wars plus those into philosophy and theology], the divisions of discourse [the structure of documented oral presentations], the different figures of eloquence, the means of employing them either to calm or to arouse passions, in short, everything that one learns in a course on belles lettres.
He also would know the principal epochs of history, the basic geographical divisions, and how to compute and measure [dexterity with information technology, informatics, and telematics]. He has some general idea of the most striking natural phenomena [ambiguity, ambivalence, paradoxes, contradictions, paradigm shits, predicaments, perpetual innovation, so forth] and the principles of equilibrium and movement both [corporate strategy and risk-managing of kinetic energy transformation pertaining to the physical world] with regard to solids and fluids.
Whether he desires to follow the career of the barrister, that of the sword [actual, scientific war waging in the frame of reference of work competition], OR ENGLISH [CENTURY-21 LINGUA FRANCA, MORE-THAN-VITAL TOOL TO ACCESS BASIC THROUGH COMPLEX SCIENCE], or letters; if he is destined to enter into the body of scholars [truest womb-to-tomb managers, pundits, experts, specialists, generalists], to be a geographer, engineer, or land surveyor—in all these cases he has received a general education [strongly dexterous of two to three established disciplines plus a background of a multitude of diverse disciplines from the exact sciences, social sciences, etc.] necessary to become equipped [talented] to receive the remainder of instruction [duly, on-going-ly indoctrinated to meet the thinkable and unthinkable challenges/responsibilities beyond his boldest imagination, indeed] that his [forever-changing, increasingly so] circumstances require, and it is at this moment [of extreme criticality for humankind survival], when he must make his choice of a profession, that the special studies [omni-mode, applied with the real-time perspective of the totality of knowledge] science present themselves.
If he wishes to devote himself to the military art, engineering, or artillery, he enters a special school of mathematics [quantum information sciences], the polytechnique. What he learns there is only the corollary of what he has learned in elementary mathematics, but the knowledge acquired in these studies must be developed and applied before he enters the dif­ferent branches of abstract mathematics. No longer is it a question simply of education [and mind’s duly formation/shaping], as in the lyceum: NOW IT BECOMES A MATTER OF ACQUIRING A SCIENCE....”
END OF TRANSCRIPTION.
Posted by
Andres Agostini at April 17, 2008 1:04 AM

High Volt-age Project from GM
Getting to know a manufacturing plant of Toyota will tell you a great deal. They don’t call it “assembly plant,” they get furious. They say they build vehicles fully there. Toyota of Japan’s ownership in said plant was 90%.
Seeing the car crafting and understanding the Kaisen method (total quality assurance proprietary to –and as per–Toyota) is even more telling.
They pay enormous attention to (a) minuteness (towards perfection), (b) all the flexibility required as long as standards, benchmarks, and protocols are not 1% damaged, (c) their cultural ethos is 150% integrated, welcoming all kinds of diversity and plurality, (d) there is permanent call to subvert the “innovation status quo,” respectfully. Subvert the order is okay if you do it amicably and THROUGH TRANSPARENT COOPERATION (a là wiki).
To Toyota, the card and hence the brand is about Samurai honor, from ageless times. When something goes wrong for a client, and the client becomes aware of it, they are so embarrassed that they do not know how to wash their face. They, nonetheless, fix it radically.
Each bad process, each ill part, each poor design carries the name of the worker and that of the family. It’s about selling globally-sophisticated cars HONORABLY. The lowest-level worker at Toyota, even the ones into building maintenance, feel that if the company goes wrong their legacy and that of their forefathers will be dishonored eternally. There is similar case with the Apollo Program.
Kennedy was invited by Werner von Braun to visit the nascent NASA and to presence a test for rocket’s engine. Kennedy bumped into a worker who was relentlessly polishing the floor and asked him, “What are you doing here?” The employee immediately replied, “Mister President, making sure we place a man on the Moon.” This Toyota, as well, learned from NASA (diffuse knowledge) as they learned a lot, too, from Henry Ford (concentrated knowledge).
Back in WWII, the Japanese call upon Deming, Juran, and others to learn well the quality staff. The capture, without shame, the American way of quality assurance. They start paying up attention to the granularity of details. In parallel with the aforementioned, they were making copies or bad copies of American automobiles. What did they do the very latter for? To capture a myriad of ‘lesson learned’ to be documented and revised and improve and enhance with million iterations of serendipitous and pseudo-serendipitous “errors and trials” experimentations.
Toyota sells one Honor, Excitement, and Experience, turning the customer into a “prosumer,” with a built-in interest to get Toyota further away into rogue optimization.
GM, and the talented people of it, could start by reverse-engineering the as-of-now Toyota and the respective talented employee. This I so to begin with.
Many less models of automobiles while fixing the mind-setting in (i) perfection, and (ii) environmental. It’s time for GM to cross-sourced from NASA, DARPA, MIT, The San Diego Innovation Hubs, and, clearly, Silicon Valley, so forth.
Posted by
Andres Agostini at April 17, 2008 1:03 PM