Can technology change how we think about performance?

21 Apr 22

When it comes to competence, technology is both an enabler and a disruptor, according to Paul Dodd, head of infrastructure technology at the Scottish Futures Trust. Speaking at the recent GIRI online technology forum, Paul highlighted the way technology is not only changing the way we do things within the construction industry, but also changing job roles and introducing new ones.

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He discussed the concept of competency in terms of the knowledge, judgement and skills required to deliver successful outcomes. “It’s a huge topic, not just in terms of the technology itself and the skills of the industry, but fundamentally about how we empower people to deliver what they are being tasked to do, and there is real variation in how technology is influencing that.”

As an enabler, technology supports upskilling and knowledge development and can improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of processes. “My background is in information management, and the digital process is a good example of this – allowing machines and technology to provide solutions or validations that were previously done manually.”

In this way, technology enhances the ability to measure performance. “As the saying goes, if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it, so how does technology help us better assess the outcomes we set out to deliver? And this is really exciting in terms of its potential to change how we think about performance, and working back from performance, to ensuring we have the right people and skills to deliver against it.”

However, technology is also a disruptor, both of competence itself and the way roles are delivered. Paul highlighted this disrupting influence on both existing roles and the development of new ones, as well as the potential to automate certain aspects of jobs. “Technology will bring new skillsets that we need to think about, and it will also provide opportunities to attract new talent as we become more digitally enabled in how we deliver those outcomes.”

In closing, Paul discussed technology’s potential to scale skills and competency across the industry, its impact on clients, the supply chain, and how we procure, and also around technology adoption. “The majority of businesses are SMEs, so scaling adoption and how we get better value from technology is also key.”

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Other reports from the webinar

Melanie Dawson from Origin7: Technology and competence - what should we consider?

Steve Green, Bowmer & Kirkland: The role of technology in managing competence requirements

Steffan Speer, Morgan Sindall: Establish a baseline to effectively measure competence

 

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