The KPI Institute recently interviewed Madhur Mayank Sharma, senior director and head of AI development at SAP Asia PTE LTD and share insights with PERFORMANCE Magazine about about the challenges and opportunities in adopting artificial intelligence in the Asia Pacific region, and how to develop a data strategy that aligns with business objectives and how to foster data literacy within organizations.

TKI: As the Head of the AI Development team for SAP, how do you define a good data strategy? What does it entail?

Madhur: For companies to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and deliver better business outcomes, a sound data strategy is a must. Establishing clear business objectives helps in identifying needed data points and data quality. With this in place, choosing the right data platform facilitates the creation of the required digital infrastructure. This infrastructure should support seamless and real-time data flow from the source of generation to the point of decision-making. Lastly, proper training and continuous process improvement result in positive business outcomes.

TKI: What are the unique opportunities and challenges that come with developing AI products and services in the Asia Pacific region, and how do you ensure that your team is able to effectively address these factors?

Madhur: The Asia Pacific region represents a unique challenge and opportunity when it comes to the adoption of AI products and services. On one side, the ever-changing business landscape, language barriers, and varied business processes pose challenges for AI systems to provide desired results. On the other hand, companies are willing to experiment, are open to changing business processes, and have adopted innovative ways of running the business, helping usher in innovation.

TKI: How do you balance the need for speed and agility in data analysis with the need for accuracy and rigor in data modeling and interpretation?

Madhur: This balance needs to be established on a case-by-case basis. Critical business functions in which decisions may profoundly impact business outcomes require more attention and hence better accuracy and rigor in data modeling. Meanwhile, the faster deployment of data modeling may help enhance the user experience for the business processes where user behavior and action require facilitation and substantiation. Agility and relevance are fundamental to both critical and non-critical business functions.

To read more about the latest trends, strategy, and performance management in data analytics, check out the latest issue of Performance Magazine today! You can get a free digital version via the TKI Marketplace or order a printed copy from Amazon. Please be informed that the price may vary for printed copies depending on your location.

Editor’s Note: This article is written by Paolo Orduña, a Senior Editor at The KPI Institute, and originally published in the PERFORMANCE Magazine Issue No. 26, 2023 – Data Analytics Edition.

The KPI Institute successfully hosted a forum on global trends that will impact strategy and performance management practices in 2023. Dubbed “2023 Business Pulse: 5 Trends Impacting Strategy and Performance Management,” the event was hosted by the TKI Research Division’s business unit manager, Cristina Mihailoaie, and data expert, Islam Salahuddin.

The webinar covered trends in the realms of geopolitics, economics, society and culture, technology, and sustainability. Through careful analysis of these trends, our experts identified the most possible trajectories that will shape the future of strategy and performance management:

• There will be a greater need for more resilient strategies and agile performance management.
• More companies will realize the need for a data strategy that allows for robust data governance.
• Automation will produce better performance results.
• Performance improvement will be achieved through upskilling and reskilling.
• Performance improvement hinges on continuous learning.
• Employee performance management will be reshaped in an employee-centric approach.

“As Peter Drucker said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it,’ and this seminar has equipped our participants with the knowledge and understanding to do just that,” said Cristina.

If you have a yearning for learning strategy and performance management skills, you may want to check out our courses. Arm yourselves with the knowledge that you need to successfully ride the business world’s ever-changing trends here.

Editor’s Note: This excerpt was originally published in the Ask Our Experts section of PERFORMANCE Magazine Issue No. 26, 2023 – Data Analytics Edition. Islam Salahuddin, a business research analyst and data expert at The KPI Institute, answers, “How can organizations bridge the knowledge gap between data analysts and non-technical stakeholders and decision-makers?”

Bridging the gap between data teams and non-technical stakeholders should be a multi-way effort. 

From the technical side, data analysts first have to be aware of business needs and then adopt communication best practices. Insights should be delivered in the plain language of stakeholders, eliminating technical jargon and providing business context. Data storytelling techniques should be leveraged to ensure communication is engaging and persuasive.

From the side of stakeholders, having a high level of data literacy is key to avoiding communication gaps and insight misinterpretations that can lead to distorted decision-making.

Moreover, as hierarchical organizational gaps widen in larger businesses, having mediator roles can also be beneficial. These roles can be performed by experienced business analysts or specialized positions like data translators. Making room at the management tables for data-experienced managers and chief officers will bridge the gap more easily.

From a big-picture perspective, developing a wider data culture environment within an organization can eliminate such gaps on different levels. Business data maturity can only be achieved if business objectives are aligned with and then enabled by data uses, which highlights the importance of crafting a data strategy in alignment with the overall business strategy.

Ready to bridge the gap between data teams and non-technical stakeholders? Elevate your data skills through The KPI Institute’s Certified Data Analysis and Certified Data Visualization Professional courses.

With the rise of remote work, maintaining employee motivation and engagement has become vital to elevate morale, nurture belonging, and amplify productivity. One way to keep employees motivated and engaged is through employee recognition. 

The TKI People Awards series features the employees and teams recognized by TKI for going above and beyond expectations, excelling as team players, and creating a tremendous impact on the company.

In this article, the recipients of the TKI Employee of the Month award in March 2023 shared their thoughts on receiving it and their achievements so far. Learn how they overcome challenges and find motivation at work.

Maryan Hamadeh

Translator and Research Assistant, Research Division

The KPI Institute

TKI: What does receiving the Employee of the Month award mean to you?

Maryan: Receiving the Employee of the Month award means a lot to me. It represents a sense of accomplishment and pride for my hard work. It makes me feel appreciated and that my efforts have been recognized. Moreover, it reassures me that I work in the right company and a supportive working environment that values its employees. 

TKI: What’s your favorite accomplishment so far at TKI? 

Maryan: One of my favorite accomplishments at TKI has been my most recent project. I was proudly able to translate the Certified Innovation Performance Professional (C-IP) course in just one month while juggling other tasks as well, knowing that the time estimation to translate such courses is around three months. This task was challenging but also demonstrated my dedication and time management skills. It is certainly something to be proud of! 

TKI: When you’re faced with a challenge at work, how do you find a solution?

Maryan: The first thing I do once I face a challenge at work is trying to understand the challenge. After that, I break it down into minor challenges and set small goals. I develop an action plan for steps that I need to take to overcome this challenge. Those are the steps I have followed to translate the C-IP course, and I cannot stress enough the importance of time management. Remember that you can continuously develop your time management skills to increase your ability to handle challenges efficiently and achieve better results. 

TKI: What would be the three main career lessons that you have learned thus far?

Maryan: (1) Continuous learning and development: There is always room for improvement and growth. Every day, you face new challenges and handle new tasks, so take that as an opportunity to learn new things. (2) Networking: The KPI Institute is a working environment known for its diversity. Getting to know colleagues from various backgrounds will help you exchange knowledge and share different insights. (3) Taking risks: Always remember that you know a lot more than you think you know. You still need to be put in a situation to discover those skills. So, once you fail, embrace this failure and step up again. Fall seven times, stand up eight! 

Eglis Mewania

Administrative Assistant

Life Management Science Labs (LMSL)

TKI: What does receiving the Employee of the Month award mean to you?

Eglis: Getting the Employee of the Month award means a lot to me. It is like a big thumbs-up from my colleagues and a recognition that my hard work and dedication have paid off. It increases my confidence and motivation, showing that the company values my efforts. Plus, it is a nice little ego boost and a chance to celebrate with my team. Overall, it is a tremendous honor that makes me proud of what I do.

TKI: What’s your favorite accomplishment so far at TKI? 

Eglis: So far at TKI, my favorite accomplishment has been conducting preliminary meetings successfully with potential podcast guests. I took the time to explain everything clearly and effectively, and I was thrilled every time they agreed to join the podcast. Knowing that my efforts paid off and that our podcast would benefit from their participation was a great feeling.

TKI: When you’re faced with a challenge at work, how do you find a solution?

Eglis: When I encounter a challenge at work, I tackle it head-on. First, I take a moment to assess the situation and understand the problem. Then, I brainstorm possible solutions, often bouncing ideas off my colleagues or seeking their input. Once I have a few potential solutions, I weigh their pros and cons. Finally, I choose the best approach and dive in, adapting and learning along the way. It is all about being proactive, collaborative, and willing to learn from successes and setbacks.

TKI: What would be the three main career lessons that you have learned thus far?

Eglis: The three main career lessons I have learned so far would be (1) embrace opportunities, (2) learn from failures, and (3) build relationships.

Shorouk Mohamed

Senior Graphic Designer 

Biodigy

TKI: What does receiving the Employee of the Month award mean to you?

Shorouk: Receiving the Employee of the Month award means a lot to me because it feels great to know that my work got noticed and appreciated. This makes me more encouraged and motivated to keep up the hard work.

TKI: What’s your favorite accomplishment so far at TKI? 

Shorouk: I would say designing the  LMSL and maentae websites is my favorite accomplishment because these projects introduced me to website designing for the first time. I learned from scratch how to use the new required Adobe software and am still educating myself more about the UI/UX design field.

TKI: When you’re faced with a challenge at work, how do you find a solution?

Shorouk: I start by doing my own research regarding the different potential solutions to the challenge I am facing and then discuss the results with my art director for more reliable and supported answers to my questions.

TKI: What would be the three main career lessons that you have learned thus far?

Shorouk: (1) There is always room for learning new skills and getting introduced to new fields of design. (2) It is important from time to time that I get out of my comfort zone and try more challenging projects that require a design outcome that is not my typical design style. (3) Getting to work with colleagues from a diverse culture is very inspiring because it introduces us to different work experiences and project management techniques.

Donnell Constantino

Instructional Designer

Institute for Life Management Science (ILMS)

TKI: What does receiving the Employee of the Month award mean to you?

Donnell: Receiving the Employee of the Month award makes me feel validated. 

TKI: What’s your favorite accomplishment so far at TKI? 

Donnell: My favorite accomplishment so far working at ILMS, one of the organizations within the TKI ecosystem, would be creating course modules

TKI: When you’re faced with a challenge at work, how do you find a solution?

Donnell: When faced with a challenge at work and finding a solution for it,  just be assertive and not be afraid to ask questions. 

TKI: What would be the three main career lessons that you have learned thus far?

Donnell: The three career insights I have gained include the importance of assertiveness, kindness, and critical thinking.

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have profoundly impacted data analytics, allowing for informed, real-time decision-making and improved strategy execution. As interest in data analytics among C-suite executives increases, it is crucial to understand how it can be used to empower strategy and performance management.

The KPI Institute, a leading global research institute specialized in business performance, is proud to announce the publication of the 26th issue of Performance Magazine, which goes on a deep dive into how data analytics is being used to transform the way companies operate, develop business strategies, and manage performance. This issue also includes best practices and case studies on integrating innovative technologies such as AI and ML into an organization’s operations. 

Our cover story features insights from Madhur Mayank Sharma, senior director and head of AI development at SAP Asia PTE LTD, who shared his thoughts on how to develop a forward-thinking, dynamic data strategy. In addition, we also feature a plethora of experts in the field of data analytics, each of whom has provided a unique perspective on how organizations can create a data strategy and establish a data-driven culture.

Furthermore, our very own experts from The KPI Institute provided answers to questions on data analytics, such as:

• How can organizations bridge the knowledge gap between data analysts and nontechnical stakeholders and decision-makers?
• How can managers and executives stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in data analytics?
• What are the most important KPIs for measuring the ROI of data analytics initiatives?

This issue also includes in-depth articles on topics such as how to leverage data for sustainability strategies, how to use business simulations to practice decision-making and problem-solving skills, how to identify whether or not the data gathered is of “good” quality, and how businesses can avoid falling prey to hype by adopting technologies that actually matter. 

Aspiring data analytics professionals will also learn a lot from our Career Insights section, which features an article detailing the importance of building a strong statistical foundation. Readers can also peruse our recommended resources, which include books, podcasts, webinars, and more.

Ensure your organization doesn’t fall behind on the latest data analytics trends impacting business, strategy, and performance management by checking out the latest issue of Performance Magazine today! You can get a digital version via the TKI Marketplace or order a printed copy from Amazon.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are metrics that gauge how effectively a business meets its goals. They have diverse applications, including monitoring performance, evaluating employees, improving processes, managing projects, and ensuring compliance. 

Moreover, KPIs provide an unbiased assessment, leading to informed decision-making and a better understanding of business dynamics. Regardless of their specific use, KPIs are essential for effective business management. 

The KPI Institute analyzed the most viewed KPIs in the first quarter of 2023 on smartKPIs.com, the largest database of documented KPIs (+21,300 KPI examples) with 75,000 community members, in their most recently published whitepaper, “TOP 10 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2023: Expert Tips For Choosing The Right Metrics.” These KPIs reflect key metrics that provide insights into various aspects of business performance. Analyzing these metrics helps organizations understand their operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, financial health, and employee performance. 

However, choosing the right KPIs continues to be a challenge as they should match the company’s strategy and targets. Based on findings from The KPI Institute’s 2022 State of Strategy and Performance Management Practice Report, KPI selection ranks among the top three most challenging processes for businesses globally, regardless of industry. KPI selection requires meticulous planning, analysis, and cooperation among different departments and stakeholders. 

Thus, the TOP 10 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2023: Expert Tips For Choosing The Right Metrics delves into the KPI selection process developed by The KPI Institute. It primarily involves scope clarification, selection criteria and techniques, leading up to the initial performance review meeting.

To discover the top 10 KPIs for 2023 and gain deeper insights into the best practices for KPI selection, download the TOP 10 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2023: Expert Tips For Choosing The Right Metrics for free on the TKI Marketplace. 

Teamwork is indispensable in the workplace as it enhances workflow efficiency, drives creativity and innovation, and boosts employee productivity. Working as part of a team while executing ideas and delivering results has always been at the core of the Publishing Team, which was named The KPI Institute’s (TKI) first Team of the Quarter awardee for 2023.

The TKI People Awards series features the employees and teams recognized by TKI for going above and beyond expectations, excelling as team players, and creating a tremendous impact on the company.

The Publishing Team is responsible for content planning, strategy, creation, management, and publishing for TKI News and Performance Magazine, both online and in print, as well as their supplementary monthly newsletters. They work in close collaboration with stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify trending topics, industry insights, and emerging themes, producing relevant and engaging articles, interviews, case studies, and analyses. 

Additionally, the team provides support to other entities in the TKI ecosystem by editing various documents and ensuring that they adhere to editorial standards, such as research reports, whitepapers, course syllabi, and marketing materials. 

To gain deeper insights into how they work together to help uphold the company’s reputation as a reliable source of information and thought leadership in strategy and performance management, here is an interview with the three members of the Publishing Team.

Deofelyn Cristobal 

Chief Editor

TKI: What was the biggest accomplishment of your team this quarter?

Len: The team was able to conduct a writer training program while streamlining our operations, revamping our magazine, and preparing our first issue all at the same time. This is in addition to consistently producing content for other platforms.

TKI: What do you like most about your team?

Len: We have established systems and guidelines for most aspects of our work. But what I appreciate about our team is that even when we find ourselves realizing we do not have a protocol for a certain task yet, we are still able to accomplish things because we communicate and are always willing to help and support each other.

TKI: Describe one of the challenges you were able to overcome this quarter. How were you able to overcome it as a team?

Len: There are times when we have to juggle various tasks but by keeping the lines of communication open and being as proactive as possible, we are able to effectively work together, set priorities, and accomplish tasks on time.

Paolo Orduña

Senior Editor

TKI: What was the biggest accomplishment of your team this quarter?

Paolo: We successfully launched a training program to improve the written communication skills of our writers and researchers.

TKI: What do you like most about your team?

Paolo: I love our team’s collaborative culture.

TKI: Describe one of the challenges you were able to overcome this quarter. How were you able to overcome it as a team?

Paolo: The writer training program was quite challenging because of the short timeline. But we managed to work through it by spreading the workload.

Kimberly Tilar

Publisher and Editor Specialist

TKI: What was the biggest accomplishment of your team this quarter?

Kim: It would be the Writer Training Program. This program was conducted in March for 9 days and aimed to hone the participants’ fundamental, intermediate, and advanced writing skills to improve their output in every project that involves writing, such as creating a report, research, online and print content creation, and designing a course guide. We were able to pull it off, given the short period to prepare and while in the middle of other projects.

TKI: What do you like most about your team?

Kim: What I like the most about our team is the excellent communication. It fosters collaboration, builds strong relationships, and helps us overcome challenges, leading to collective growth and success. Moreover, my two seniors welcome my suggestions, opinions and ideas, as much as I learn significantly from them. This dynamic exchange creates a collaborative environment, yielding remarkable results. 

TKI: Describe one of the challenges you were able to overcome this quarter. How were you able to overcome it as a team?

Kim: Experiencing imposter syndrome has made me sometimes question my abilities, feeling inadequate in my work. However, with the support and encouragement of my team, I am gradually gaining confidence and overcoming these doubts. Moreover, slot thailand I appreciate the generosity of Len and Paolo in offering compliments, feedback, and constructive criticism, which has been immensely helpful.

Join the growing team of TKI! Check out the following professionals that TKI is looking for that might match your interests and areas of expertise:

• Business Development/Sales Managers
• Edutech Business Analyst
• Product Manager
• Marketing Manager & Head of Marketing
• Community Manager
• Graphic Designer

Should you be interested, submit your CV to careers@kpiinstitute.org

In a mission to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge for navigating today’s business landscape, The KPI Institute joins forces with maentae, a progressive learning solution provider, to develop a course on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI).

AI for Business Productivity online course, which is expected to launch this year, will offer participants the opportunity to learn the practical application of several AI tools to optimize various business functions guided by key learning objectives, including:

• Gain a good understanding of the different use cases and applications of AI in business, including marketing, customer service, sales, operations, HR, and innovation
• Learn how to identify the opportunities to adopt AI in your business
• Learn how to integrate AI tools into your business 
• Enhance your career prospects by acquiring in-demand skills in AI and demonstrating your ability to drive productivity and growth
• Connect and interact with a community of like-minded professionals, looking to deepen their knowledge in emerging technologies, as well as expand their network and career opportunities

Throughout the course, participants will get access to real-world case studies and examples showcasing successful applications of AI in numerous industries and business functions as well as interactive modules with practical exercises.

This course features several  lessons covering various topics and business functions, such as marketing, sales, operations, customer relations, and human resources. The modules consist of specific use cases for AI tools and hands-on training to ensure participants will learn how to integrate the tools into business functions, and the overall business operations.

The KPI Institute, with 19 years of experience in providing solutions for performance excellence, invites decision-makers, stakeholders, business owners, and entrepreneurs to future-proof their businesses and increase adaptability.

maentae’s goal is to empower individuals at every skill level to thrive in the dynamic and ever-changing modern workforce. Its core values focus on the combination of science, art and technology—crafting curricula that transcend boundaries with a harmonious blend of academic research and practical insights.

Participants who complete the course will be awarded a certificate in AI for Business Productivity, which they can use to prove their knowledge and proficiency in using AI to boost efficiency and productivity in business. Get updates on the launch of the course by visiting the TKI Marketplace, or contact Alexandru Muntean, head of customer engagement: alex.muntean@kpiinstitute.com +40 747 060 997.

In response to increased participant demand, The KPI Institute held two simultaneous versions of Certified KPI Professional Live Online on July 24 – 28, 2023. 

Tailored to meet the challenges faced by professionals in key performance indicator (KPI) selection and usage, the Certified KPI Professional course applies a robust KPI Measurement Framework that is built upon two decades of research and industry best practices. This course covers various aspects of working with KPIs,  from selection to result centralization in performance reports. 

The Certified KPI Professional course has consistently ranked among the top most popular courses offered by The KPI Institute. This program attracts professionals across all management levels and industries from different parts of the world. The lessons are delivered in different languages, such as English, Arabic and Spanish.

Throughout the training session, participants are equipped with the skills needed to manage KPIs and improve their current processes and systems. Moreover, this learning opportunity enables them to apply the learned concepts immediately within their organizations.

At the end of the course, participants are expected to distinguish between objectives, KPIs, and initiatives, document KPIs using a standardized template, understand the appropriate use of benchmarking for target-setting, and optimize the KPI activation and data-gathering process.

The benefits of enrolling in this course include access to relevant performance data, pre-populated tools for KPI implementation, an innovative three-stage learning process; the opportunity to join the Certified KPI Professionals Community; and 40 CPD credits.

Do not miss this opportunity and register now for Certified KPI Professional Live Online! For additional information and the course schedule, visit https://kpiinstitute.org/kpi-certification-presentation/

Testimonials for the Certified KPI Professional program

“This certification is not only for seniors and businesses. It’s also about how you can think in a constructive way to set some measurements for your performance on a daily basis even in normal life. It’s a must.” – Senior Organization Excellence Specialist, ADES-Advanced Energy Systems, Egypt

“One of the best knowledge-filled courses I have ever attended. Don’t ever let anything or anyone take away your focus or attention from the sharing because the presenter is the best in the field.” – Deputy Director, Institute Aminuddin Baki, Malaysia

“Slot Thailand The contents were well-organized and supported with guidance and schedule that helps me to navigate easily with the certification process.” – Quality Assurance Auditor, GDCME, Saudi Arabia

The KPI Institute defines supplier performance as the ability of the supplier to meet and surpass their commitments to international and quality standards, customer general or specific procurement policies and guidelines, and contract requirements. 

Effective management of supplier performance became crucial for fruitful partnerships due to the growing trend of outsourcing key supply chain activities, the risk associated with the vast and complex supply chain, and the risk posed by suppliers who fail to adhere to standards set by the industry.

To address the challenges affecting supplier performance today, The KPI Institute offers the Certified Supply Performance Professional course. It is designed to empower professionals to efficiently manage their procurement activity, utilize competitive advantage in supplier selection and evaluation, contribute significantly to procurement and strategic sourcing teams, and generate business value with a modern performance management framework.

The key objectives of this course are:

• Developing and implementing a supplier selection process
• Using different supplier segmentation models
• Identifying risks and developing response strategies
• Selecting relevant KPIs to monitor and improve supply chain performance
• Implementing a rigorous supplier relationship strategy

Furthermore, participants will gain valuable insights through a dynamic learning experience that combines practical information delivery, well-designed activities, and real-life case studies. This course stands out by focusing on the practical aspects of supplier management, utilizing a comprehensive KPI development and monitoring framework, supported by a readily available performance toolkit. This approach fosters continuous interaction among participants and encourages knowledge sharing.

Thus, The KPI Institute invites all professionals in procurement, logistics, retail, manufacturing, distribution, and related fields, including buyers, procurement managers, and key accountants involved in procurement-related planning, management, and performance monitoring, aiming to enhance supplier performance and drive strategic and sustainable value for their organizations. Enroll now for Certified Supplier Performance Professional Live Online, which will be held on August 21 –  25, 2023 (18:00 – 22:00 GST/ 9:00 – 13:00 CST).

The course will be facilitated by Cristina Bleoca, a specialist in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management from Romania with over 10 years of experience in the automotive and FMCG industries. To know slot thailand more about this course, visit https://kpiinstitute.org/live-certified-sp-professional-asean/