Latest news with #Agile
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Cross-Functional Impact Through Operational Excellence
In today's agile and efficiency-driven business landscape, operational excellence (OpEx) is no longer confined to optimising individual functions—it's become a system-wide imperative. Krishna Valluru has been instrumental in elevating OpEx into a cross-functional force that aligns people, processes, and data across the value stream. With a background in Lean Six Sigma, Agile, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Krishna has led enterprise-wide initiatives that automated over 16,400 hours of manual work and brought 95% process compliance through structured audits and proactive communication. His emphasis on data-driven decision-making and adaptive frameworks has helped organisations cut through siloed operations and unlock measurable performance gains. Instead of isolated process improvements, Krishna promotes a value stream approach that links every department to a common outcome. 'Start every project with value stream mapping,' he advises. 'Only then can you find delays, handoff problems, and goals not aligned across the ecosystem.' His efforts in mapping workflows have revealed inefficiencies that were previously hidden, enabling faster and more cohesive decision-making across teams. Krishna's work is as much about culture as it is about systems. He brought compliance, legal, and risk functions into process design from the outset, reducing resistance and improving agility. One of his major successes was building cross-functional dashboards and shared KPIs that gave all stakeholders a single, transparent view of performance. 'A single point of truth in data is the first step towards unified action,' he explains. Breaking down entrenched silos required more than metrics. Krishna introduced centralised governance bodies and tailored training programs that revived discipline around structured methodologies like DMAIC and PDCA. Teams began to view operational excellence not as a project-driven exercise, but as a shared organisational responsibility. Where transformation required audits or change assessments, Krishna streamlined the process through close collaboration with compliance and process owners, minimising delays. He also institutionalised agile sprint cycles and governance tollgates to keep initiatives aligned and moving at pace. His approach consistently balanced strategic oversight with execution velocity. The results go beyond cost savings or automation metrics—they reflect a broader shift in mindset. 'Operational excellence is not a one-time initiative; it is a continuous ritual embedded into the organisation's DNA,' he notes. That mindset has helped organisations move from fragmented, reactionary operations to cohesive, future-ready systems. Krishna's focus has never been on recognition but on outcomes. His vision—that operational excellence is about synchronising every function in service of a common goal—has reshaped how enterprises think about transformation.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Forbes
Why AI Is Ending The Era Of The End User
The term 'end user' is outdated—if not downright dangerous—in the age of AI. I was first introduced to the limitations of 'end user' thinking a decade ago when I managed the rollout of an oil & gas exploration toolset. I expected clear processes and defined user roles. Instead, I found the corporate Wild West: geoscientists and engineers working in open-ended collaboration. There were no playbooks, just expert judgment and debate. Trying to reducing those interactions to 'end user' terms missed the complexity that made the work succeed. Today, that same mistake is being made as AI reshapes the labor landscape. In AI-driven environments, data, expertise, and curiosity combine to shape critical decisions. Calling someone an 'end user' of AI doesn't just sound outdated; it misrepresents our responsibility to direct (and more importantly challenge) the outcomes of intelligent systems. So let's talk about why this language is holding us back and how to move beyond it. Where 'End User' Came From and Why It Stuck The term 'end user' was born from 1960s systems engineering, where it described non-technical staff operating finalized tools. It marked the final point of waterfall-style system design: processes (and value) flowed one way, with 'end users' at the end of the flow as passive recipients. Forty years later, Agile software development methodology updated this framing with the 'user story' format: As a [role], I want [function]. While this appears to be a more nuanced understanding of how a tool is used, the 'roles' in this sense generally refer to software license types and security groups, not organizational roles. From a technology perspective, this makes standardization across environments easier, improving supportability and scalability. The unintended result however is that the actual people who use the tool are often missing from design conversations. Modern technology is not built for the people using it. The people are fit into the technology. As the co-founder of a change firm that explicitly bridges the gap between technology partners and their clients, I am perhaps especially sensitive to this dynamic. While our consultants have a variety of methods to bring these perspectives together, I am keenly aware that the gap (and the risk for clients) is widening with the introduction of AI. Because humans are so accustomed to adapting to technology, the greatest danger of AI is our likelihood to trust it blindly. We have never worked in a space where the outputs of our tools carry the risk of such blatant errors and hallucinations. Research shows humans are prone to automation bias, the tendency to over-trust automated systems even when they're proven wrong. Recent incidents, from lawyers submitting briefs with fabricated case law to employees publishing unverified AI outputs, underscore how this bias results in real damage. With AI, interacting with technology can no longer be a passive activity. We cannot approach AI as a tool we are simply using; we must remember we're collaborating with intelligent systems. Our decisions don't just shape the quality of work, they determine the outcomes themselves. We must understand where accountability starts and ends with AI. Microsoft's idea of calling humans 'agent bosses' who manage AI like junior employees gets part of this right. But it still defines people via their relationship to the tool, not their responsibility for decisions. As AI systems become more modular and agent-based, authority, visibility, and accountability will fragment across organizations. Labels like 'end user' or 'agent boss' don't just oversimplify this, they erase it. 5 Ways to Rethink End Users in the Age of AI We need to move away from grouping stakeholders into a single bucket (no matter the name) and towards a more nuanced and informed understanding of how they will interact with each other. Here are five things organizations can do to mitigate the dangers of irresponsible AI usage: The term 'end user' belongs to an earlier era of linear systems and passive tools. Today, people are not just recipients of data and outputs. Our shared success depends on remembering that humans are no longer endpoints; we're the ones steering the system. To move confidently into this new future, we must name roles with precision, embed accountability into design, and foster active oversight at every level. AI will not replace judgment and critical thinking, but it will amplify the consequences of neglecting it.
Cision Canada
21-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
iA Clarington Investments launches new purchase options for Agile suite of funds Français
TORONTO, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - IA Clarington Investments Inc. ("iA Clarington" or "the Firm") today announced the launch of an Active ETF Series option for the IA Clarington Agile Global Total Return Income Fund and a U.S. dollar purchase option for Series F of the IA Clarington Agile Global Total Return Income Fund and IA Clarington Agile Core Plus Bond Fund ("Agile suite of funds"). Active ETF Series Created for investors and advisors who prefer to transact on an exchange, iA Clarington's Active ETF Series ("Series ETF") provide access to the same strategies and portfolio managers as the Firm's mutual fund series, but in an investment that trades like a stock. Sub-advised by Agile Investment Management LLC ("Agile"), the IA Clarington Agile Global Total Return Income Fund (the "Fund") is now available in Series ETF and will trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange beginning today under the ticker symbol "GTRI". The Fund seeks to provide income and the potential for long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily, either directly or indirectly, in fixed-income securities of governments, government-related issuers, corporations, and other issuers located anywhere in the world. The management fee for Series ETF is 0.65%. * Series ETF is also available for the following iA Clarington funds: IA Clarington Agile Core Plus Bond Fund (TSX: ICPB) IA Clarington Loomis Global Equity Opportunities Fund (TSX: IGEO) IA Clarington Loomis Global Allocation Fund (TSX: IGAF) IA Clarington Loomis Global Multisector Bond Fund (TSX: ILGB) IA Clarington Loomis Floating Rate Income Fund (TSX: IFRF) IA Clarington Strategic Corporate Bond Fund (TSX: ISCB) IA Clarington Strategic Income Fund (TSX: ISIF) IA Wealth Enhanced Bond Pool (TSX: IWEB) Click here to learn more about iA Clarington's Active ETF Series. U.S. Dollar Purchase Option The Agile suite of funds is now available in a Series F U.S. dollar purchase option for investors who work with fee-based advisors and require U.S. dollar exposure or income. All portfolio holdings of both funds in the suite are denominated in U.S. dollars and the funds will target regular, monthly U.S. dollar income. IA Clarington Agile Global Total Return Income Fund Series F (USD): CCM 5612 Enhanced diversification from a broad opportunity set. Active approach with tactical flexibility to take advantage of opportunities. Currency and duration management to help manage risk and add alpha potential. IA Clarington Agile Core Plus Bond Fund Series F (USD): CCM 5619 Focused on long-term capital growth and downside protection through a global, short-duration investment grade portfolio. Diversification beyond traditional fixed-income strategies. Enhanced yield potential from non-investment grade exposure (max. 25%) and wide latitude in higher-yielding credit selection. "Dan Janis and the Agile team have built a reputation for excellence and we are thrilled to offer investors and advisors more options for accessing their compelling strategies," said Catherine Milum, President & Chief Executive Officer, iA Clarington. Visit to learn more about the Agile suite of funds. ___________________________________ * Management fee does not include administration fees and applicable taxes. Agile Investment Management, LLC was appointed sub-advisor to the IA Clarington Agile Core Plus Bond Fund effective September 4, 2024. The fund was formerly the IA Clarington Core Plus Bond Fund. The name change was effective June 16, 2025. About IA Clarington Investments Inc. A subsidiary of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. – Canada's fourth-largest life and health insurance company – iA Clarington offers a wide range of investment products, including actively managed mutual funds, managed portfolio solutions, Active ETF Series and socially responsible investments. As of June 30, 2025, iA Clarington has over $23 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit About Agile Investment Management, LLC Agile Investment Management, LLC is a U.S.-based, SEC-registered boutique asset manager. Founded by Dan Janis and Kai Sotorp, Agile operates as an operator-owned partnership, specializing in global fixed-income investment management for institutional and retail clients. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, brokerage fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments, including investments in exchange-traded series of mutual funds. The information presented herein may not encompass all risks associated with mutual funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The iA Clarington Funds are managed by IA Clarington Investments Inc. iA Clarington and the iA Clarington logo, iA Wealth and the iA Wealth logo, and iA Global Asset Management and the iA Global Asset Management logo are trademarks of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and are used under license. iA Global Asset Management Inc. (iAGAM) is a subsidiary of Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. (iAIM). SOURCE IA Clarington Investments Inc.
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Best Lean-Portfolio-Manager Exam Questions Your Key to Certified SAFe® Success
When aiming for success in today's dynamic Agile and SAFe® environment, earning the Certified SAFe Lean Portfolio Manager certification is a powerful step. However, passing the exam can be challenging without the right preparation materials. That's why CertsQuestions brings you the best Lean-Portfolio-Manager exam questions to help you pass on the first attempt. Designed by professionals and aligned with the latest exam pattern, our real exam questions are your gateway to becoming a certified SAFe Lean Portfolio Manager. Realistic, Updated, and Verified Content Designed for Exam Success At CertsQuestions, we understand how important your certification journey is. Our Lean-Portfolio-Manager exam questions are carefully curated by certified SAFe® experts and Agile coaches. These questions are regularly updated based on exam changes and feedback from real test-takers. You don't just study random content—you practice with what matters most. Each question is formatted to mirror the actual exam structure and difficulty level, so you feel confident and prepared. Convenient, Accessible, and Optimized for Flexible Learning Our Lean-Portfolio-Manager PDF dumps are crafted with flexibility in mind. You can study anytime, anywhere—without needing a constant internet connection. Whether you're using a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, the exam material is accessible across all platforms. This makes it easy for professionals juggling a busy schedule. Plus, every answer includes a clear explanation, helping you grasp important concepts like Lean budgeting, agile portfolio operations, and strategic alignment. Master Every Key Topic of the Official SAFe® Curriculum Preparing with CertsQuestions means you're not just practicing exam questions—you're learning the full scope of the certification. Our Certified SAFe Lean Portfolio Manager certification study material covers all domains tested in the exam, including: Lean Portfolio Management Fundamentals Portfolio Strategy and Investment Funding Agile Portfolio Operations Lean Governance Metrics and Portfolio Flow We ensure that you don't leave any topic untouched and walk into the exam with a complete understanding of the SAFe® Lean Portfolio Management framework. Trusted Learning Resources Backed by Scrum Certified Professionals Our content isn't just built by anyone—it's developed by certified professionals who understand the Scrum and SAFe ecosystem. Visit our Scrum certifications page to explore additional relevant certifications and ensure your learning path is aligned with industry expectations. CertsQuestions provides end-to-end preparation solutions—study guides, mock tests, and practice dumps—for a seamless exam experience. Boost Your Confidence, Improve Your Speed, and Pass with Ease Here's what you gain by using our Lean-Portfolio-Manager practice questions: Real exam simulation to reduce anxiety and build confidence to reduce anxiety and build confidence Time management training with timed practice tests with timed practice tests Concept reinforcement through explanations and answer rationale through explanations and answer rationale Instant access to updated dumps for the latest exam versions to updated dumps for the latest exam versions Affordable pricing with free demos to test before purchase We believe in giving you tools that truly make a difference in your exam success. Reliable Exam Material That Helps You Succeed in One Go Choosing the right preparation material can make or break your certification journey. At CertsQuestions, we're dedicated to helping you pass the Lean-Portfolio-Manager exam with smart, efficient, and reliable resources. Our focus on exam-relevant questions, clarity of explanation, and ease of use makes us the preferred choice of professionals worldwide. Take the first step today, and get access to the best Lean-Portfolio-Manager exam questions that will set you up for guaranteed success. Conclusion Don't let uncertainty stop you from earning your SAFe® certification. With updated Lean-Portfolio-Manager exam dumps from CertsQuestions, your preparation will be focused, strategic, and highly effective. Whether you're aiming to boost your resume, grow your Agile career, or gain deeper SAFe expertise, our expert-approved content is your go-to resource. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Chetan Prakash Ratnawat: ICT Fellowship
In the dynamic world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), where groundbreaking innovation and strategic leadership are paramount, a select few professionals consistently stand out. Among these luminaries is Chetan Prakash Ratnawat, who has recently been awarded the prestigious Fellowship by the International Federation of Global ICT (IFGICT). This esteemed recognition is a testament to his remarkable career spanning over 25 years, marked by transformative contributions across diverse industries such as Banking & Finance (BFS), Health Care Management, Utility, Retail, and Insurance. The IFGICT Fellowship solidifies his standing as a visionary leader whose expertise consistently delivers exceptional value through strategic technical solutions and profound organizational transformations. Chetan Prakash Ratnawat has carved a distinguished path in the technology sector, building a reputation for excellence and strategic foresight. His journey, from a Senior Manager at Capgemini America Inc. in Chicago to leadership roles at renowned organizations like Atos-Syntel, Vertex Business Services, Tech Mahindra, and HSBC Software Development, showcases a relentless pursuit of technological advancement and organizational optimization. This extensive background has equipped him with unparalleled expertise in Open Systems and Midrange platforms, enabling him to craft strategies that foster overall organizational growth, ensure sustained operational profitability, and significantly enhance business performance. Throughout his illustrious career, Chetan Prakash Ratnawat has demonstrated exceptional prowess in implementing and managing successful onsite/offshore models. He is an innovator in applying various methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and SDLC, particularly with distributed teams. His instrumental work has propelled companies towards successful Agile transformations, both at the team level—where he focuses on productivity and vitality—and at the enterprise level, addressing crucial aspects like vision, portfolio and programs, value streams, and culture. His ability to streamline operations and foster an agile mindset has consistently delivered tangible results, making him a sought-after expert in operational efficiency. Chetan Prakash Ratnawat's technical acumen spans a comprehensive array of modern technologies and platforms. His proficiency includes Java, WebSphere, SOAP/REST, RPGILE, SQL/400, and various development tools. His engagement with DevOps practices has been particularly impactful, where he has been instrumental in developing continuous integration strategies and defining, developing, and maintaining CI/CD processes and systems. His hands-on experience with build scripts, Jenkins, and CI/CD pipelines has driven automation, accelerated delivery, and enhanced quality across multiple organizations. A prime example of his innovative leadership is his work at Chubb Insurance. Here, Chetan Prakash Ratnawat spearheaded the transformative Chubb Cyber Signal (CCS) project. This groundbreaking initiative assesses companies' cyber risk profiles by evaluating public-facing network signals, helping to identify and address problematic accounts. The CCS project has significantly improved cyber underwriting aptitude, driven underwriting efficiency, facilitated pre-loss cyber services, and enhanced customer experience. By leveraging machine logic, the project has reduced the judgmental aspect of cyber underwriting, enabling straight-through processing of new and renewal business—a significant leap forward in the insurance industry. Furthermore, his leadership in the Cyber Multi-Quote project at Chubb created the ability to customize quote options, allowing agents and underwriters to modify coverage details and select different endorsements. This project also involved implementing newly improved quote letter generation processes, auto-synchronization of account-level data, and UI enhancements to improve workflow efficiency. These initiatives underscore his capacity to drive complex technical projects that yield significant business benefits. Beyond his technical brilliance, Chetan Prakash Ratnawat's leadership philosophy is rooted in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His impressive array of certifications, including Certified SAFe 5 Program Consultant, Project Management Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), SAFe 5.0 Agilist, Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), PRINCE2 Foundation/Practitioner, and ITILv3 Foundation, highlights his unwavering commitment to implementing industry best practices. He has a proven track record of successfully managing high-value projects across various organizations, consistently presenting project roadmap timelines, budgets, risks, status, and schedule updates to senior executives. His thorough understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) phases and specialization in employing different methodologies has enabled him to coach numerous teams to adopt Scrum practices and an Agile mindset, always with a clear focus on business purpose. At DTCC (Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation), Chetan Prakash Ratnawat led the DevSecOps (DSO) Transformation initiative. This involved cultivating a DevSecOps culture by maturing process and technology capabilities, alongside a strong emphasis on staff development, skills enhancement, and training needs. This comprehensive transformation encompassed awareness building, infrastructure pipeline development, automated and robust pipeline creation, and enabling organizational adoption of DSO products and services, showcasing his holistic approach to technological and cultural change. The IFGICT Fellowship stands as one of the highest honors in the global ICT community, reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing technology innovation and international collaboration. For Chetan Prakash Ratnawat, this fellowship is a profound validation of decades of dedication to excellence. It recognizes him as a resourceful Technical Project Manager skilled in streamlining IT Operations and meticulously maintaining schedules to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and business revenue. His unique ability to coach teams to achieve high productivity and continuous improvement, combined with his deep expertise in defining and implementing DevOps practices, positions him as a leader who not only comprehends technology but also its strategic application in driving organizational success. This fellowship underscores his enduring impact on the ICT landscape and his role in shaping its future. As Chetan Prakash Ratnawat continues his distinguished career, now with the added distinction of the International Federation of Global ICT (IFGICT) Fellowship, his focus remains steadfast on integrating technical expertise with exceptional leadership skills to elevate organizational performance to unprecedented levels. His proven track record as a keen strategist, meticulous planner, and effective implementer continues to generate immense value across the technology landscape, making him an invaluable asset to the global ICT community. The IFGICT Fellowship serves as a powerful recognition of his lasting impact on technology innovation and his unwavering commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving field of Information and Communication Technology. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
