Explanations and Analogies
When teaching (in this case ITIL?) in class (online or physical), if students are given a wider explanation along with real life analogies when referring to the terms, definitions and/or topics referred to from the textbook then they will have a much better chance to deal with exam questions. This is because once a student can relate to something they get it!
For example, “the guiding principles,” if this is not brought to life’ through context and meaning, then some just see this as textbook stuff. Those who have undertaken ITIL? 4 will know that there are 7 x guiding principles. Briefly digressing, on the topic of guiding principles, I believe every organisation should have a set of guiding principles relevant to their organisation. Some organisations do indeed have a set of guiding principles but unfortunately some do not.
However, let me get back to my point. The textbook states that the guiding principles help organisations’ make good decisions in all circumstances. This in isolation can leave students wondering how? ?Some students are still left disconnected even when each guiding principle is covered, unless however, further explanation and/or the use of analogies are used here too.
With this in mind, as an ITIL instructor/trainer, if I added to this definition that parents apply their past experiences and knowledge by the way of a setting out some guiding principles for their children so as to better prepare them should they encounter similar situations/scenarios, and if I provided some examples, this will add real sense and meaning. So, let’s try this out.
Whilst Parents cannot predict exactly what situation/scenario their child may encounter, they can however offer some guidance. In this case, let us think of 4 x guiding principles that may help (these have not been composed from any textbook, these are typical real life examples that we can all relate to):
So, in simple terms there are experts within the organisation who could use their experience and expertise to assist in composing one or more guiding principles. For example, experienced project managers could pass on extremely valuable tips and advice on how to approach and manage initiatives regardless of whether someone is part of the project management office (PMO) or not. Furthermore, regardless of whether someone works in IT or not.
Let me go one step further. In today’s modern business world organisations should encourage people to learn new things outside of their day-to-day job. This will not only enable an organisation to become more agile, e.g., help an organisation to restructure for service agility, but equally promote collaborative working. For example, there are a plethora of principles, techniques and methodologies contained within the ITIL? 4 portfolio that would be extremely beneficial to other departments/teams, such as HR, Production, Finance and Sales etc., Not to mention, the same visa-versa. But unfortunately, some organisations ‘ring fence’ such knowledge, and restrict learning new things if unrelated to what someone does day-to-day. Other organisations even discourage people from being inquisitive, and whilst I would not say that the various teams within such organisations are not helpful to each other, they are without doubt less helpful than those who adopt such a learning culture (this learning culture is known as absorptive capacity). In fact. Let me go one step even further, and suggest in some extreme cases such teams in isolation whilst offer excellent value, when working together they become useless through a lack of knowledge, awareness, or appreciation of each other. I think we have come up with yet another guiding principle! Guiding principle 5, ”Learn new things.”
I have composed a document which provides further explanations and analogies to various IT service management terms and definitions. You can view or download by visiting https://www.itsmassist.com and head to our “Free ITSM Stuff” page. You will have to sign up but it is simple without obligation.?
Trevor Wilson