If your organization doesn’t already have a certified project manager, which 82% of people believe is critical to project success, here are 5 tips that could positively impact your project management experience in 2024: 

#1 – Track your Projects Effectively using Task Management Software 

Staying on top of your tasks using software sounds rather obvious, however, Project.co’s State of Project Management 2021 Report says that “Only 35% of employees use task management software to manage their to-do lists.” In fact, 44% resort to using pen and paper to track their projects. Software like Monday.com, Asana, and Wrike allow teams to sort, manage, and track every project they work on. The same study states that “80% of those who don’t create a task list feel that doing so would make it easier for them to plan out their work”, ultimately leading to increased productivity and output. 

#2 – Utilize Agile Project Management for Complex Projects 

Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may want to take advantage of different management styles. In simple terms, Agile project management is an incremental approach that prioritizes flexibility and working in increments rather than in strict phases. State of the Project Management Office (PMO) 2022 report states that over 65% of organizations use Agile methodologies, and 52% of teams utilize it to get products to market faster, according to the 16^th Annual State of Agile Report. 

#3 – Communication is Critical 

No matter the size of your team, communication between members needs to be accessible with as few roadblocks as possible. A whopping 94% of employees feel that “cross-team visibility improves productivity”, which is stated in the Project.co report. This is further supported by the fact that 68% of project professionals see communication as the “most critical skill to develop”, which is stated by the Project Management Institute. 

#4 – Stay on Top of AI and other Management Related Trends 

Companies are always going to lean toward efficiency, and AI tools like ChatGPT have a reputation for increasing the speed of certain processes. Even if you don’t plan on using AI for projects soon, you can still be well researched and informed about what tools are available. According to Gartner, 80% of today’s project management tasks will be eliminated by AI by 2030. If that’s true, you’ll want to be aware of emerging technologies even before they are released. 

#5 – Become a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) 

As an individual, obtaining PMP Certification can not only increase your ability to manage projects and teams, but can also lead to higher earnings. The Project Management Institute claims that “The median salary for PMP holders is 16% higher globally than those without certification.” There is an exam that you must prepare and apply for, and New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) offers a PMP training course through NJIT. 

Conclusion 

These tips should give you a head start on having success with project management for this year and years to come. Both NJII and NJIT see effective project management as a way to stand out amongst your competitors and create a more efficient workflow and team-oriented management style. You can learn more about what we offer at njii.com. 

The post Project Management Tips and Tricks for 2024 appeared first on NJII.

The Society for Human Resource Management conducted a survey in July 2021 on the views of employers and employees about these kinds of alternative credentials. The survey found that 94% of executives, 93% of supervisors, and 91% of human resources professionals see people without a degree and holding only alternative credentials “to be about the same or better than those who only hold traditional educational backgrounds.” Alternative credentials are already held by 45% of workers, while 49% are considering earning one.  Source: February 2, 2023, Wall Street Journal article

What characterizes alternative or micro credential learning?

Focused Content: Microcredentials concentrate on specific skills, knowledge, or competencies relevant to a particular field or industry.  Examples include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Six Sigma (Green Belt)
• Six Sigma (Black Belt)
• Salesforce Certification
• Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp

• Short Duration: They are designed to be completed in a relatively short amount of time compared to traditional degree programs. This can range from a few weeks to a few months.

• Flexible Learning Formats: Microcredentials are often available in flexible learning formats, including online courses, workshops, boot camps, or a combination of these. This flexibility allows individuals to learn at their own pace and fit their studies around other commitments.

• Stackability: Many microcredentials are designed to be stackable, meaning that they can be combined or built upon to earn larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas, or degrees. This allows learners to incrementally build their skills and credentials over time.

• Industry-Relevant: Microcredentials are often developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure that the skills and knowledge taught are current and relevant to the needs of employers.

• Credentialing: Microcredentials may be issued by educational institutions, professional organizations, or private companies. They may also utilize digital badges or certificates to provide evidence of completion and proficiency.

• Continuous Learning: Microcredentials support the concept of lifelong learning by enabling individuals to acquire new skills and credentials throughout their careers, helping them stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market.

Considering continuing your education or training can be a daunting process.  Committing to a certificate or degree program can be an expensive and time-consuming process. This is why microcredential offerings are a great place to start. Enrolling in a single boot camp or workshop can help clarify if a targeted field is a good fit for to explore further. This is a reduced expense and lower commitment, but it is a more targeted and flexible approach to learning. This could also lead to the realization that skill development is the ultimate goal, and microcredentials enable acquisition of in-demand skills and credentials efficiently and effectively.

Individual learners, visit the NJII/NJIT course catalog here: https://www.njii.com/pce/courses/

Corporate learners, visit program options here:

https://www.njii.com/pce/group-programs/

The post What Are Microcredentials? appeared first on NJII.

These are the top 6 trends we are watching early in 2024:

1. Increased Emphasis on Remote Training:

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, and this likely impacted corporate training as well. Companies were expected to invest more in virtual and online training solutions to cater to remote or distributed teams. Current programs: https://www.njii.com/pce/courses/

2. Focus on Digital and Technical Skills:

With the ongoing digital transformation, there was an increased focus on training employees in digital and technical skills. Companies recognized the importance of upskilling and reskilling their workforce to stay competitive in the evolving business landscape. Examples: NJIT X Google Upskilling, Cybersecurity Professional Bootcamp

3. Personalized Learning Paths:

The trend towards personalized learning paths continued to grow. AI and data analytics were expected to play a role in tailoring training programs to individual employee needs, allowing for more efficient and effective learning experiences. Learn more here: https://www.njii.com/pce/group-programs/custom/

4. Integration of Emerging Technologies:

The incorporation of emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) in training programs was anticipated. These technologies have the potential to enhance engagement and provide immersive learning experiences. Explore here: https://www.njii.com/pce/group-programs/custom/

5. Continuous Learning Culture:

There was a shift towards fostering a continuous learning culture within organizations. Instead of traditional, periodic training sessions, companies were expected to encourage ongoing learning and development as a part of their organizational culture. NJII can help: NJIT Corporate Education brochure.

6. Soft Skills Development:

While technical skills were crucial, there was also a recognition of the importance of soft skills. Training programs aimed at developing communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills were anticipated to gain prominence. Learn more: https://www.njii.com/courses/frontline-management/

Other trends indicate that younger generations benefit greatly from training, as 76% of Gen Z employees believe that training is a key factor in having a successful career, according to LinkedIn.

No matter what your career plans are for 2024, continued training should be one of them. NJII is here to help! Visit https://www.njii.com/pce to learn more.

The post Top 6 Trends In Skill Development We Are Watching Early In 2024 appeared first on NJII.

Continued Learning extends the mission of NJIT by partnering with NJII and offers expansive learning and development opportunities in Newark or Jersey City, online, or at a client’s office. Key functional areas within the Continued Learning business unit include certificate programs, micro-credentials, boot camps, customized training, workforce development grants, and a variety of other relevant learning and development courses and programs.

“I look forward to working closely with Michael as we launch this critical strategic initiative for NJII and NJIT. Michael’s leadership and expertise will help ignite the Continued Learning initiative and his energy will allow us to stay focused on the development and growth of new courses and programs,” said NJII President Michael Johnson, Ph.D.

Edmondson’s 30-year experience includes positions inside and outside of higher education such as pharmaceutical market research and non-profit management. Business Experts Press (BEP) has published eight books from Edmondson and he also currently serves as the Co-Editor of the BEP Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior Collection. Prior to joining NJIT and NJII, Edmondson managed the continued learning offices at both the community college and university levels.  

“I am thrilled to lead this joint venture between two impressive forward-looking organizations dedicated to launching a sophisticated Continued Learning enterprise,” said Edmondson. “Working across both organizations will allow me to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with the vast potential of the learning and development ecosystem both organizations offer.”

Edmondson earned his BA in History from Cabrini College, his MA in History from Villanova University, and his PhD in History from Temple University. In 2021, the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce presented Edmondson with its Distinguished Leadership Award for his service to the community. 

Learn more about Michael Edmondson and the rest of NJII’s leadership team here. 

The post NJII Welcomes Michael Edmondson, Ph.D. as Vice President for Continued Learning appeared first on NJII.

Does your organization have a large Spanish speaking workforce? Are you looking for ways to upskill and retain this segment of your workforce?

USDOL has done studies showing the advantages of employees learning and retain more knowledge from training programs when they understand the content. Teaching a program to Spanish speaking employees in Spanish helps these workers retain and understand the topics and adapt the concepts better and faster to their work environment.

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has two manufacturing programs that are offered in Spanish to address these growing training requirements.

Front Line Supervisor: Managers and supervisors can have the single largest impact on your organization. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers a Front-Line Supervisor program that is designed to help organizations like yours develop and prepare your Managers, Supervisors, and recent promotions for success. The program focuses on supervisory skills required to be successful managers.

Topics include:

The Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT): This program emphasizes the development of foundational skills for operators and technicians in a broad range of manufacturing roles. Technical competency development is combined with communication, teamwork and other business skills to mold or create a well-rounded employee. This program provides new or under-developed manufacturing workers with a robust and diverse skill set and prepares employees for advancement into more technically advanced roles.

Topics Covered:

These programs are taught by NJIT instructors who are fluent in both English and Spanish and have a manufacturing background. The programs can be conducted at your location, onsite at NJIT, or online via a live instructor. Misinterpretation can lead to lower productivity, loss revenue and more accidents. Do you have a large Spanish speaking workforce you are looking to like to upskill? Learn more about the NJIT programs: https://www.njii.com/pce/courses/

The post Is A Bilingual Training Program What Your Organization Needs? appeared first on NJII.

Speaker Profile
Chris von Huene
US Sales Director
3d Signals

Learn how 3d Signals’ plug-and-play technology enables digital transformation of production floors, to gain real-time visibility and actionable insights that boost productivity, lower operating costs, and reduce lead times.

Chris started at UTC Aerospace in the aftermarket division and then moved into finance for a medical device and fast-food company. Then he transitioned into sales for software-as-a-service companies and even sold copiers for Xerox. Currently, Chris is the US Sales Director at 3d Signals where he leads the US sales team. Chris’ diverse background in manufacturing, finance, and software sales has enabled him to approach the problems that manufacturers face today from a more holistic perspective. 

3d Signals is a technology company dedicated to helping manufacturers increase productivity and reduce production costs. Customers use 3d Signals’ plug-and-play technology to enable digital transformation of their production floors, to gain real-time visibility and actionable insights that boost productivity, lower operating costs, and reduce lead times – so each factory can reach its full potential. Installation is quick and customers typically experience a 20%-30% increase in productivity in 90 days.

For more information visit https://3dsignals.com/

You’re Invited To Our Smart Manufacturing Panel Event!

NJIT is hosting an Industry 4.0 /Smart Manufacturing event on Thursday, April 21, 2022 starting at 5:30pm. We will have a panel of New Jersey businesses who are in different phases of Industry 4.0 adoption. Hear their challenges, mistakes, and benefits they are realizing building out a smart manufacturing organization. We will also have a technology partner speaking about the different types of software to help organizations collect and visualize machine data.

Register and join us! If you need additional information please contact David Watts at david.watts@njii.com.

The post Wondering where to start with Industry 4.0? Hear from NJIT ecosystem partner, 3dSignals, about their plug-and-play solution. Join our upcoming NJIT Event! appeared first on NJII.

Panelist Profile
Marc Lebovitz
President & Owner
Romark Logistics

Learn how NJ-based Romark Logistics is leveraging automation and robotics to enable and empower its workforce at NJIT’s panel and networking event on April 21 at 5:30pm to 7pm.

Marc has been actively involved in all facets of the Romark business as an employer and owner of the company since 1991, interacting with the company’s 750+ employees and engaging with many industry-related trade and professional groups. He built an automation team with the charge of making strategic technology investments and developing the talent needed to deploy those technologies in Romark facilities. Come hear Marc share how he organized his team around the complex challenge of digital transformation.

Headquartered in Westfield, NJ – Romark Logistics and its affiliated companies have been a pioneer in the supply chain and logistics sectors since 1954. Romark offers services in distribution and fulfillment, transportation management, packaging, and real estate — and has facilities across North America.

You’re Invited To Our Smart Manufacturing Panel Event!

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is hosting an Industry 4.0 /Smart Manufacturing event on Thursday, April 21, 2022. We will have a panel of New Jersey businesses who are in different phases of Industry 4.0 adoption. Hear their challenges, mistakes, and benefits they are realizing building out a smart manufacturing organization. We will also have a technology partner speaking about the different types of software to help organizations collect and visualize machine data. Register and join us! If you need additional information please contact David Watts at david.watts@njii.com.

The post Workforce challenges at your warehousing or distribution center? Technology can help. Join our NJIT Event! appeared first on NJII.

Panelist Profile
Leon Ortega
Plant Manager – Piscataway, NJ
All American Poly

With more than 17 years of manufacturing and chemical engineering expertise, Leon Ortega and his team have achieved significant operational efficiencies by building real-time data pipelines from critical production equipment. Come hear Leon elaborate on his experience and share hard-won lessons learned.

All American Poly is a plastics manufacturer with US production facilities specializing in innovative packaging solutions. AAP’s New Jersey plant operates 24/7 with more than 200 employees. Over the last four years, Leon has helped transform the NJ facility into one of the most recognized plants in the AAP corporation — improving safety, productivity, and quality while driving innovation through novel data-driven technologies.

You’re Invited To Our Smart Manufacturing Panel Event!

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is hosting an Industry 4.0 /Smart Manufacturing event on Thursday, April 21, 2022. We will have a panel of New Jersey businesses who are in different phases of Industry 4.0 adoption. Hear their challenges, mistakes, and benefits they are realizing building out a smart manufacturing organization. We will also have a technology partner speaking about the different types of software to help organizations collect and visualize machine data. Register and join us! If you need additional information please contact David Watts at david.watts@njii.com.

The post Interested In Harnessing Equipment Data To Drive Industrial Productivity? NJIT Event appeared first on NJII.

How do you make this transformation and realize benefits of increased growth, a more collaborative workforce, increased profitability, greater flexibility and attract top talent?

You’re Invited To Our Smart Manufacturing Panel Event!

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is hosting an Industry 4.0 / Smart Manufacturing event on April 21, 2022 at 5:30pm. We will have a panel of New Jersey businesses who are in different phases of Industry 4.0 adoption. Hear their challenges, mistakes, and benefits they are realizing building out a smart manufacturing organization. Hear from Manufactures about how they navigated new technology like robotics, data collection, sensors, and data analysis to optimization process improvements, enhancing productivity, and reduce manufacturing cost.

Register and join us!

If you need additional information please contact David Watts at david.watts@njii.com.

The post Why Should Businesses Adopt Industry 4.0 Technologies? appeared first on NJII.

How do you know when or if your business should invest in Industry 4.0 technology?

You’ve probably read about the benefits of adapting smart manufacturing technology. Reduce waste, optimize factory operations, more access to real time data providing insights to make faster decisions, attract a younger workforce and boost efficiency and profitability of your entire operations. But have you considered the challenges and steps you need to take to get there?

Smart Manufacturing Panel Discussion

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is hosting an Industry 4.0 /Smart Manufacturing event on April 21, 2022. We will have a panel of New Jersey businesses who are in different phases of Industry 4.0 adoption. Hear their challenges, mistakes, and benefits they are realizing building out a smart manufacturing organization. We will also have a technology partner speaking about the different types of software to help organizations collect and visualize machine data. Register and join us! If you need additional information please contact David Watts at david.watts@njii.com.

The post Is Industry 4.0 Right For You? appeared first on NJII.