WisHList Newsletter August 2009

Content list

  • 9@9 PSNext Showcase
  • PSNext as a hosted solution
  • Microsoft Dynamics NAV can help your business
  • Business and IT at odds over data recovery

  • Giving back 

9@9 PSNext Showcase in August

We recently held a 9@9 PSNext showcase at WisHList  to showcase the PSNext project management solution, to  new clients. The first session was well attended and we have decided to hold this event on a monthly basis. The next showcase will be on the 19th of August 2009.
Should you wish to attend one of these sessions, contact us to book a place.

PSNext as a hosted solution

We are happy to announce that we are now offering PSNext as a hosted solution. You can be up and running immediately at no cost and with no obligation.
We are offering a two week free, no obligation trial period. If you wish to carry on using PSNext after the trial period we would charge a very affordable monthly fee.
If you are interested please contact WisHList to take advantage of this new offering.

One of the ways Microsoft Dynamics NAV can help your business

Providing daily insight to help manage and grow your business
More Powerful Online Analytical Processing Tools
  • Microsoft Dynamics NAV displays data about business performance the way you want it with Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)
  • Easy analysis with an advanced Microsoft Windows viewer, a report writer, a web interface, and capabilities for data mining
  • New features for reporting, analysis reports, sales and purchase budgets, and analysis views by dimensions (ideal for smaller companies with few concurrent users and data of limited complexity)
  • New key performance indicators (KPIs) for financial management, supply chain management, and CRM can be viewed in a generic graph component, and also allow you to drill down into your Microsoft Dynamics NAV application for even better business insight

Business and IT at odds over data recovery

In a poll of IT executives and line-of-business leaders, a recent "State of Disaster Recovery" survey found that each group still has its own ideas about business continuity. Conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of SunGard Availability Services, results show what IT workers are up against when it comes to advocating disaster recovery activities.
Click here to view the video - Courtesy of CIO Minute Editor's Pick - June 2009
Did you know?
In the case of an IT disaster, the WisHList training room can be used as a disaster recovery centre for your critical operations. Should the need ever arise; you can contact Neville Levinthal to make the necessary arrangements.

How to resolve project conflict

Have you ever experienced conflict within a project? Most people do at some point in their careers. Given the pressure that project teams are under, it's no wonder that it occurs. So read on to find out how to resolve project conflict:
Courtesy of Method 1 2 3
You need to face conflict and not ignore it, as ignoring it only makes the problem worse. The earlier you face it, the easier it will be to resolve. Here are some examples of conflict you might experience on projects:
Your boss is frustrated with progress and takes it out on you openly, in front of others in your team.
Your colleague wants something from you that you can't give them, or can't do for them within the timeframe required so they get angry.
Your staff thinks you're being unrealistic about timeframes, so they handle it badly by raising their voice and being obstructive.
When conflict occurs, take these steps:
  • Time out: If the other person is getting heated, tell them you need to take five minutes to collect your thoughts. Then make a coffee or go for a walk. This will help you both to calm down and reflect on what has happened.
  • A pacifier: When you restart your conversation, start with "I know that you're under pressure because of... “This will pacify them a little and will make the atmosphere more positive.
  • Problem solving: Then agree that a problem exists and that you both need to work together to resolve it constructively. Discuss the various solutions to the problem and try to agree on the pros and cons of each before deciding on the best course of action.
  • Body language: While all this is happening, you need to focus on your body language. Use open stances. Take your hands out of your pockets and never fold your arms. Try and use slow hand movements. Use a passive voice and don't show emotion. Maintain good eye contact. Listen carefully and watch their body language as well.
  • A mediator: If the above steps are going poorly, then you need to get someone else involved who can help mediate informally. Tell them you'd like to add a colleague to the conversation as they will have ideas for a solution. Then invite someone who is a good problem solver, whom you trust.
  • Giving feedback: When the conversation becomes a little more relaxed, it's time to give the person some constructive feedback. Let them know how you would like them to deal with you next time a similar issue comes up. Only by giving positive constructive feedback, can you change their behaviour.
One great way to avoid conflict within teams is to use the same Templates for projects. If everyone uses the same project management templates then there's no dispute about what it is that needs to be done and how to do it. Everyone will have all of the tools they need to get on with the job.

Giving back – the WisHList interns

Through our intern programme WisHList are proud to be giving back to the community and building greater skills in the IT industry. The current interns joined WisHList after completing training with Van Zyl & Prichard. During their internship at WisHList the interns will be trained on Microsoft Dymanics NAV and the PSNext project management software.
We wish our interns successful and rewarding careers in their chosen field!

 

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