What employment sectors will decline in size due to recent advances in information technology?

The employment sectors immediately affected include the media business, financial services, health care and manufacturing due to the implementation of applications oriented software that can perform many of the critical tasks in each of these sectors. Advances in technology have brought about change in science, medicine, business, education and arts and entertainment.

The Internet and the emergence of the computer networks have connected hundreds of millions of people and businesses world-wide. Although some jobs may be automated away, other jobs will be established which will be higher paid because the new workers will have to know how to use the software. New jobs will be created to deal with data security issues resulting from greater reliance on information technology. The new computer and information technology allows physicians to diagnose illnesses without having the patient visit an office, makes manufacturing more efficient and allows students to attend classes without leaving their homes.

Many high schools and most colleges require their graduates to have the information technology skills needed to use computers, software applications, databases and other technologies. Rhode Island’s Economic Growth Plan for 2008 targets a number of information technology related industries including health and life sciences ($51,852 average salary), financial services ($64,123 average salary), information technology and digital media ($69,570 average salary), marine trades and defense technology ($63,478 average salary), advanced manufacturing and industrial products ($53,391 average salary) and consumer products and design ($47,165 average salary) to create more higher-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders.

I have been in my current job for five years and have been passed over for promotion at least two times. What criteria are generally considered in making a promotion decision?

You and your manager should have on-going discussions about your performance and career development opportunities. There are two ways to get promoted. The first is by achieving an agreed upon performance level with management and exhibiting the skills needed to move to the next level in the organization. The second is to apply for a promotion because a higher-level job is available. Determining readiness for promotion includes an evaluation of your performance in terms of the organization’s promotion criteria and an assessment of whether or not your work is expected to remain at a higher level in the future.

Open communications with your manager allows you to ask the question as to what the organization is looking for in an ideal person to be promoted to the next level in the organization. Once you understand the criteria, and how performance will be measured, take on the additional responsibilities required for promotion by volunteering for assignments or taking special courses offered by the company or local colleges and universities. The factors are considered when promoting an individual include current performance on the job, qualifications including education and experience, seniority in the organization, personality traits and potential to assume a higher position.

What are the job opportunities in criminal justice?

There are many employment opportunities in criminal justice in the private and public sectors. The jobs are in law enforcement, national security or anything associated with the justice system. Criminal justice and private security are among some of the fastest growing employment areas in Rhode Island and the region.

Some job titles include crime prevention specialist, customs inspector, trial lawyer, corrections officer, loss prevention manager, law enforcement officer and crime scene technician. Many state and federal government agencies need people who have an understanding of the legal system, criminology and crime statistics. The United States Department of Labor has estimated that within the next two years there will be a 30 percent increase in demand for FBI agents, police officers, U.S. Customs Agents and other homeland security positions.

These positions require an associates or a bachelors degree in criminal justice, business administration, sociology, political science, forensics, applied sciences or communications. Some positions require a graduate degree in business, law or science. The skills looked for in graduates of these programs include effective oral and written communications, ability to work independently as well as being part of a team, ability to work under pressure, understanding numbers, high ethics and moral values and a strong background in humanities and the behavioral sciences.

I am interested in a management position in a small community not-for-profit agency, what are the some of the critical factors that can impact the survival of such an agency in these tough budget times?

It is important to recognize that a not-for-profit organization is organized for the purpose of social, religious, charitable, educational, athletic, political or other such activities where the people involved in the organization cannot use the organization to make personal financial gain. Some of these organizations engage in activities that make an income or profit but gains must be held in trust for the organization and can only be used in carrying out the organization’s goals and objectives. Managing this type of organization requires leadership skills and business and financial reporting practices that are similar to for-profit organizations.

The not-for-profit sector relies on donations, grants from private and public foundations and agencies, and fees for activities. Agency survival is dependent on demonstrating to donors and others that funds are being used efficiently and effectively to carry out the organization’s purpose and objectives. You need to know how the agency is funded, the current and projected budget situation, the membership rules, the functions, duties, appointment and removal of officers, the names and positions of board members and how often the board meets and if minutes are kept. You should also read a copy of the bylaws, the minutes of the annual and board meetings and past financial reports. A well managed not-for-profit organization has a strategic plan that deals with funding issues in tough economic times and contains strategies if the agency does not have adequate funds to carry out its activities.

I work at a company that is aiming towards “best practices.” Where do you learn about these practices as they relate to marketing and selling?

Best practices are a result of benchmarking or measuring in a systematic way your organization’s activities to those of other organizations in your industry. The objective is to study the best business practices, operating tactics and strategies of world-class organizations and apply these practices to your organization when appropriate. As part of best practices, you can benchmark your business practices and performance against companies in your industry, similar industries, in your geographic area, revenue range and by function. Benchmarking is important in order to identify ways to perform activities at lower costs and more efficiently, and to find new sources of revenue. Performance measures must be quantifiable and focus on cost, quality and time.

Best practices are part of a continuous improvement program. Information on best practices is available through professional associations such as the American Marketing Association and trade and business publications. There are consulting firms that offer benchmarking products, research services, best practice databases and benchmark metrics in marketing and selling. Best practices and benchmarking help an organization improve their business processes and procedures and prioritize the use of scarce resources.