Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals through Digital Storytelling

The world in which people live is becoming more complex. Although humanity has seen previously unheard-of economic growth and significant advancements on a number of important development concerns in recent decades, these achievements have covered up significant flaws in the current development paradigm. These flaws are creating an increasing number of environmental and social costs and burdens that endanger people’s way of life and make the world a far less attractive place to do business.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was ratified by every nation in the UN in 2015. The roadmap to a brighter and more sustainable future for everybody is found in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They tackle the issues that people face on a worldwide scale, such as those pertaining to justice, peace, poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, as well as climate change. The 17 goals are interrelated, and achieving each by 2030 is crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind. Policymakers, researchers, businesses, civil society, and every single person are all targeted by the SDGs.

To deliver what is needed and expected from everyone to achieve the SDGs, effective communication is essential.

Effective communication is crucial in all spheres of life, including interpersonal and professional interactions. One form is storytelling, which is a highly effective strategy for communicating effectively. A compelling story has the power to enthrall listeners, arouse feelings, and deliver key points in an engaging way.

The world is currently entering and evolving under a period of digitalization in which most people rely heavily on cutting-edge computers and digital technologies for their everyday tasks. In order to improve the productivity and efficiency of a given system, these modern technologies have applications in socioeconomic, environmental, sustainable, and climate research. In light of this, digital stories have been introduced as a means of elucidating ideas, offering personal reflections on experiences, recounting historical events, and presenting arguments through the use of multimedia tools to bring narratives to life.

An interconnected network of untapped big data is made accessible by digitalization, which may have positive effects on the environment and society. In order to maintain a just, ecologically sustainable, and healthy society, the development of smart systems linked to the internet of things can present special opportunities to strategically address difficulties related to the United Nations SDGs. The prospects that digitalization can offer to create the sustainable society of the future are outlined in this perspective.

The SDGs can be accomplished through innovatively developing digital tools for electronic data generation, use, transmission, or sourcing for organizational activities. Digital sustainability could be used to describe these instruments that help achieve these particular goals. The goal of digital sustainability is to create and use smart technologies that ensure sustainable economic growth while taking the SDGs into account and incorporating them into digital stories.

In order to guide social needs and research toward justice and the sustainable development of our society, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. With the introduction of digital technologies, there is a glimmer of optimism that can direct and spur the transition toward accomplishing all 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Digital storytelling and digital sustainability are important tools for global impact to help in accomplishing the SDGs, and ASSIST Asia is here to ensure that your message reaches far and wide.

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References:

World Business Council for Sustainable Development. (2021). What the SDGs mean for business?. SDG Essentials for Business. https://sdgessentials.org/what-the-sdgs-mean-for-business.html

Sengupta, S. (2022, January 15). Relevance of SDGs for Companies and Business. Seventeen Goals Magazin. https://www.17goalsmagazin.de/en/the-relevance-of-the-sustainable-development-goals-sdgs-for-companies/

Avtal, R. et al(2021, June 19). Digitalization to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals: Steps Towards a Smart Green Planet. Science of The Total Environment. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721036111

5 Tips for Impactful Communication Through Storytelling. OneUpOneDown. (2023, December 4). https://oneuponedown.org/blog-post/5-tips-for-impactful-communication-through-storytelling/

The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling

A tried-and-tested teaching strategy is storytelling, whether it be through books, lectures, or oral storytelling. The art of storytelling has evolved in today’s world. The use of digital resources, such as audio files, films, and photographs, has made it richer; this technique is known as digital storytelling.

In the fields of health and teacher education, digital storytelling has been utilized to help students create professional identities and to facilitate self-reflection through the creation and sharing of digital stories based on their everyday experiences. As a method, it cultivates digital literacy, promotes higher-order thinking abilities, and serves as the unifying factor that can transform students into genuine 21st-century learners.

For a long time, teachers have supplemented their instructional methods in the classroom using technology. While mathematical instruments like abacus and slide projectors were widely used in classrooms in the 1950s, students today are exposed to more complex technology in the form of digital media, including blogs and podcasts, interactive whiteboards, and mobile devices that are useful for a variety of tasks.

There are two ways in which digital storytelling is found to be very helpful and effective:

Digital Storytelling as a Powerful Teaching Instrument for Teachers

Time and effort can be saved by teachers by using digital storytelling. According to studies, educators that employ digital storytelling more skillfully inspire their pupils to participate in class discussions and make the material easier to understand. In addition to being a useful tool for enhancing current lessons within a larger unit, teacher-created digital stories can also be used to help students understand abstract or conceptual content by facilitating conversation about the themes covered in the stories.

Teachers can also use digital storytelling as a valuable tool for collaboration in the classroom. With the use of this technology, educators can be inspired to write original stories for their students and establish connections with colleagues in other schools to create custom collaborative learning environments. 

Digital Storytelling as a Powerful Teaching Method for Students

Students that get the chance to learn how to make their own digital stories could benefit greatly from digital storytelling by conducting background research, finding images, recording their voices, etc. The knowledge and academic abilities of the students are improved by these practical methods. Teachers can help students learn by organizing and expressing their ideas and information in a unique and meaningful way through the use of digital storytelling. Participating in the development of digital stories can also help students improve their communication skills by teaching them how to structure their thoughts, formulate questions, express viewpoints, and create narratives.

Additionally, employing digital storytelling in the classroom is an effective teaching strategy that gives students a remarkable educational experience. Digital storytelling enables students to build the various forms of literacy that they will need in the twenty-first century, despite the fact that using stories to develop literacy is one of the oldest educational approaches. The use of digital storytelling can enhance a variety of 21st-century literacy abilities, including information, visual, media, and technology literacy. In reality, in order to develop digital stories, students must conduct research, engage in debate and analysis, and make use of computers and other technology. By using software that incorporates a range of multimedia tools, such as text, still photos, audio, video cameras, and working with music and sound effects, students who produce digital stories enhance many technological abilities. These many abilities correspond to 21st-century literacy, which is appropriate for the technological age. Students’ willingness to study and their ambition to successfully complete their digital storytelling are both increased by these obstacles to overcome.

Teachers are highly encouraged to make an effort to include multimedia in their lessons and assignments in a variety of ways, as it is an effective teaching tool. More precisely, students’ enthusiasm and academic skills are particularly well-developed by using digital storytelling as a technology tool. With this medium, students are encouraged to investigate the subject, assess the available data, and produce something that integrates higher-order thinking abilities into projects. Simultaneously, it allows educators to boost comprehension of fresh content and elevate learners’ enthusiasm while cooperating in the classroom.

For years to come, instructors and students of the next generation can greatly benefit from the use of digital storytelling as a vehicle for information and education. ASSIST Asia is here to offer efficient means of assisting educators and learners in learning how to use technology outside of the classroom. 

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References:

University of Brighton. (n.d.). What is digital storytelling?. Digital Storytelling. https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/digitalstorytelling/what-is-digital-storytelling/

Bouchrika, I. (2023, November 30). Digital Storytelling: Benefits, Examples, Tools & Tips . Research.com. https://research.com/education/digital-storytelling

Alismail, H. (n.d.). Integrate Digital Storytelling in education – eric. IISTE. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1082416.pdf

The Roles of Knowledge Management for the Development of Organizations

Leveraging all of the knowledge that exists within a company is an excellent strategy to make the most of its potential. Businesses have a reservoir of unused knowledge in their workforce that is restricted to specific employees or departments or is dormant. Knowledge may be located, preserved, and made available to a larger workforce with the right management structures in place, providing measurable business advantages.

The process of locating, classifying, preserving, and sharing information inside an organization is known as knowledge management. When information is hard to find within a company, it may be extremely costly for the business because valuable time is lost looking for pertinent information instead of doing activities with a clear goal in mind.

Organizations that implement a knowledge management strategy get faster business results as an outcome of enhanced team cooperation and organizational learning, which speed up decision-making throughout the business. Additionally, it expedites other organizational procedures, including onboarding and training, which has been linked to increased employee retention and satisfaction.

Nowadays, studies in information, services, and industry have made knowledge management one of the most important issues facing economic progress. For businesses eager to join the information-based economy, the adoption and application of knowledge management techniques may represent an important breakthrough.

Organizations gain substantial institutional knowledge as they change, grow into new markets, and clarify their business approach. A business can benefit greatly from this information. Maintaining successful and efficient operations requires imparting knowledge to new or less experienced staff or individuals.

Organizations can use the strategies of knowledge management to generate value from their own intellectual and information-based assets. In order to create best practices, this value entails having access to all of the knowledge that is known to partners, clients, and employees, as well as sharing that knowledge with other departments, employees, and even businesses. These days, knowledge management is a major concern and a necessary ability for any modern manager. Organizational memory and knowledge resources will eventually run out for those who fail to organize their knowledge well. Here are a few benefits of incorporating knowledge management into the development of an organization:

Accelerated Innovation

Innovation can be increased by facilitating information sharing, accelerating knowledge availability, and implementing a robust knowledge management system that incorporates continuous learning.

Employee Empowerment

Sharing knowledge enables managers and leaders to comprehend the motivations and personalities of each employee. This can support the development of knowledge to establish a work environment that empowers staff members and boosts output. 

Knowledge Preservation

Trade secrets, compasses, and strategies are precious assets that ought to be maintained so that, in the event that one employee departs, the materials can be transferred to another person easily. This is where the preservation of knowledge comes in. Capturing, arranging, and preserving important data and experiences are all part of knowledge preservation.

Improves business operations and efficiency

Workers with knowledge can spend more time using the information they find and less time looking it up through knowledge management systems. In this manner, employees are also spared from having to repeat labor or learn knowledge and procedures again.

Whatever the cause, navigating through knowledge management procedures into practice has real advantages that add value to businesses.  ASSIST Asia is here to guide through the process of knowledge management, which has a positive impact on organizational performance and dynamic capacities.

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References:

What is knowledge management?. IBM. (n.d.). https://www.ibm.com/topics/knowledge-management

Vol. 40 (number 25) year 2019. page 11 the role of knowledge management … Revista Espacios. (n.d.). https://www.revistaespacios.com/a19v40n25/a19v40n25p11.pdf

Valamis. (2023, November 16). Knowledge management: Importance, benefits, examples [2023]. https://www.valamis.com/hub/knowledge-management

Behal, G. (2023, September 11). Importance of knowledge management in organizations: Benefits & examples. RSS. https://www.oslash.com/blog/importance-of-knowledge-management-in-organizations-benefits-examples

The Impact of e-Learning as a Knowledge Management Tool 

Organizations nowadays must be able to react quickly and accurately to changes that are gaining pace and breadth every day. In this scenario, educational initiatives and knowledge management become more crucial for all types of institutions—not just those that are business-oriented. In the current age of knowledge, the creation of an adaptable organizational structure that can meet customer needs through efficient resource management and safeguard and enhance competitiveness is contingent upon adopting an approach that views knowledge as the most fundamental and strategic component.

The growth of e-learning and knowledge management inherently promotes integration and draws the two fields closer together. For many years, e-learning and knowledge management have been established as distinct, acknowledged fields of study. These disciplines are becoming more and more popular as the emphasis shifts to knowledge as the primary organizational resource. This is because they both deal with the capture, sharing, application, and generation of knowledge; they also have significant technological components that enhance learning; they help to create a culture of continuous learning; and they can be broken down into learning objects.

It is evident that information exchange, for instance, through commercial partnerships, is prevalent throughout the world and even occurs between competing businesses. Due to the nature of knowledge, no knowledge management model is universally recognized, despite the widespread recognition of knowledge’s value and strategic significance for businesses. First of all, knowledge is a human construct—that is, it originates in people’s thoughts. Human-based elements like instincts, convictions, culture, experiences, etc., are influential in this development. However, knowledge’s meaning is context-dependent, meaning that it is only meaningful in a given situation. The significance and meaning of knowledge are determined by the environment in which it is produced, disseminated, and applied. Furthermore, knowledge management lacks tested tools and procedures and is a relatively new management approach in comparison to other approaches like quality management, human resources management, etc. Additionally, knowledge is an intangible asset that cannot be controlled directly.

Since the majority of businesses today function as digital workplaces, e-learning is becoming increasingly prevalent as a means of effectively and efficiently dispensing information. Below are some of the positive impacts of e-Learning as a knowledge management tool.

Increased Adaptability and Accessibility

e-Learning has enabled professionals and students—particularly those with disabilities—to work from home and attend classes. For those who are employed, it has expanded options and opportunities for jobs, as well as improved access to education for those residing in rural areas. With e-learning, students do not have to move to a new state or country, unlike traditional education and employment, which require students and employees to be present at set times and locations. Alternatively, lectures and files can now be accessed whenever and wherever it suits them most.

Better Pace and Retention

Students can learn at their own pace in an e-learning environment, free of peer pressure. Self-paced learning increases students’ confidence by assisting them in developing a clear understanding of the material they are studying. In addition, by taking into account individual learning styles, preferences, and strengths, e-learning can offer customized learning experiences that can improve students’ retention of information.

Effective Management Tool

E-learning can also be a useful management tool, providing information about employee growth and development as well as pointing out any skills gaps that may need to be filled. After these gaps are identified, a decision must be made between providing opportunities for current employees to upskill and hiring new employees to meet the demands of the industry. Senior management and the learning employee can have access to training materials and courses that are intended to enhance the overall quality of learning.

ASSIST Asia is here to integrate e-learning with knowledge management procedures in a way that will maximize synergies and greatly enhance both the output of new knowledge and the effectiveness of learning processes

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References:

Judrups, J. (n.d.). Analysis of Knowledge Management and E-Learning Integration Models. ScienceDirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050914015890/pdf?md5=476f295ce3f2c4dfe2292540bb5850a8&pid=1-s2.0-S1877050914015890-main.pdf

Yilmaz, Y. (2012). Knowledge Management in E-Learning Practices. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 11, 150-155.

Mentis, C. (2023, August 10). The 3 benefits and positive impact of e-learning in Education. Claromentis. https://www.claromentis.com/blog/impact-e-learning-education/

The Power of Purpose: How Conscious Marketing Shapes the Work We Do

Conscious marketing is becoming an essential tool for organizations as consumers become more aware of the social and environmental implications of their choices. Through the use of specialized techniques, brands can match their goals and values with those of potential customers. The objective of this marketing strategy is to boost brand engagement, which is the emotional bond a brand forms with its audience.

By doing this, a brand’s credibility and authority are strengthened, and it may lead to new business prospects with like-minded partners, consumers, influencers, and investors. Establishing a well-defined objective, allocating resources towards it, and upholding it daily may fortify an entire establishment and foster a robust rapport with the intended audience. But always keep in mind that a brand’s mission needs to sound sincere, which is why launching advertisements without careful consideration can be a dangerous tactic. Customers see firms that don’t live up to their promises as unscrupulous attempts to use a politicized subject for financial gain.

Building effective, purpose-driven marketing strategies starts with a review of business procedures to make sure they support the public values that the brand wants to promote. Learning more and engaging in conscious marketing also enables brands to acknowledge that —

It can increase positive relationships

Conscious marketing enables companies to modify their advertising materials according to the values of their target audiences, which can lead to more fruitful and perceptive interactions. Brands can use this strategy to better explain to their customers the kinds of practices they engage in and why they are worthwhile. Brands might also apply it to customize their advertising materials.

It practices transparency 

Honest feedback on a service or product from customers can be obtained more easily when there is transparency. Additionally, it might enhance clients’ particular perceptions of a brand. Making sure that consumers can access all the information about the brand and its products is one way to promote transparency. Furthermore, companies may also make an effort to disseminate favorable brand analytics and regularly update relevant social media accounts. 

It creates a social impact

Positive social impact is the most significant component of conscious marketing. Campaigns for conscious marketing foster a sense of community and motivate consumers to take up causes including animal abuse, poverty, gender inequity, climate change, etc.

It allows the brand to find the right timing

Some social issues could be more relevant or popular than others. Brands should keep an eye on current affairs to see how these social issues might be cleverly incorporated into a conscientious marketing plan. Expanding the target market might be facilitated by associating the brand with current social movements and events.

Using cultural and personal realities can only be beneficial in light of budget cuts, a more challenging economic climate, and people speaking up and casting their votes. Simply said, brands that pay attention to what consumers have to say will experience higher levels of involvement, commitment, and respect.

ASSIST Asia aims to increase its market share and gain recognition for its contributions to important causes. Get in touch! It doesn’t have to be an expensive, drawn-out procedure. There’s a lot of frameworks to work around to reach positive relationships through transparency, the right timing, and creating social impact.

References:

Kosoff, M. (2021, May 6). The power of purpose-driven marketing. geo-redirect. https://www.epsilon.com/us/insights/blog/the-power-of-purpose

Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, March 4). A definitive guide to Conscious Marketing (with benefits). Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/conscious-marketing

Pelaez, M. (2023, November 10). What is conscious marketing and why it is important. Thrive Internet Marketing Agency. https://thriveagency.com/news/what-is-conscious-marketing-and-why-it-is-important/

Navigating the Complexity of Branding of Social Media

The power of social media in today’s fast-paced digital environment cannot be underestimated. With billions of users globally, social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter have developed into vital resources and tools for both individuals and companies. Social media has completely changed how individuals interact with one another and communicate. It has also had a significant influence on the branding industry. In the era of social media, branding—traditionally understood as the process of coming up with a distinctive name, design, or symbol that distinguishes and sets apart a product—has taken on a new meaning. Hence, establishing a strong online brand identity that appeals to their target market is now more crucial than ever for businesses.

The capacity of social media platforms to rapidly and directly reach a large number of users is one of their main advantages. Businesses may interact with customers in real time and foster a sense of authenticity and brand loyalty by utilizing these channels. But creating a strong brand on social media demands careful planning and in-depth knowledge of the complexities of the platform.

Businesses must keep in mind that, in recent times, successful brands have emerged from cultural breakthroughs. Additionally, branding is a collection of strategies intended to produce cultural relevance. Digital technologies have fundamentally changed how culture functions, in addition to spawning powerful new social networks. Today’s digital crowds are highly productive and successful cultural innovators; this phenomenon is known as “crowd culture.” Crowd cultures, as opposed to subcultures, typically concentrate on people’s opinions and sentiments around a specific good, service, company, or individual. As a result, businesses also influenced culture by endorsing through TV programs and events and linking themselves to popular media.

Communities that were previously geographically isolated are indeed brought together by social media, which also significantly speeds up and intensifies collaboration. These formerly isolated towns are now heavily connected, which has increased their direct and significant cultural effect. There are two types of these new crowd cultures: art worlds that innovate in entertainment and subcultures that foster new beliefs and behaviors. Here are some suggestions on how to make these function:

To communicate your brand story, determine your objectives, mission, vision, and values, and make sure they are in line with your target market.

Building a compelling brand includes presenting the story of the organization, its people, and the effect of the products and services delivered. Every product label, email newsletter, and social media post offers a chance to tell stories that connect with the intended audience.

Using visual brand elements and a unified voice, create your brand identity.

A brand can be identified primarily by its logo, brand colors, and font selections. In addition to crafting a compelling brand narrative, core values, and distinct personality, businesses should consistently maintain precise and strong visual components for their branding. Visual impressions happen rapidly since customers are actively looking for affirmation these days. Furthermore, the worlds of digital and marketing are far more focused on visuals than they have ever been. Visuals make it simpler to process information and evoke feelings than words do. As a result, one of the best strategies to draw in customers and raise awareness is through the usage of visual branding components.

Branding should be included within sales, marketing, and visual communication designs.

Building trust between a brand and its target audience can be achieved by coordinating social media activities with branding. Marketers must make sure that brand messages and values are mirrored in social media activity in order to create these synergies. Choosing the best social media platforms is the first step in developing these relationships. 

Social media’s era has completely changed the branding environment, bringing with it both possibilities and difficulties for companies. Businesses may use social media to deliver engaging narratives that appeal to their target audience, stay consistent across various platforms, and establish direct, personal connections with their audience. Nonetheless, it is imperative that companies emphasize creating a powerful and genuine brand image while carefully navigating the complexity of social media. In the era of social media, branding calls for a calculated and planned approach, but when done well, may boost consumer loyalty, brand exposure, and ultimately corporate success — and ASSIST Asia is here to help achieve that!

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References:

Holt, D. (2016, March). Branding in the Age of Social Media. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/03/branding-in-the-age-of-social-media

Wong, J. (n.d.). Council Post: Why And How To Implement Social Media Branding. Forbes. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2023/01/26/why-and-how-to-implement-social-media-branding/?sh=1249cf1b793b

Guerrero, A. (2014, March 20). Introduction to brand building through social media. Learn; Canva. https://www.canva.com/learn/introduction-brand-building-social-media/

A Purposeful Approach to Digital Innovation Strategy

The process of redesigning an organization to integrate digital technologies into relevant areas in order to accomplish goals ranging from increased productivity and teamwork to expedited delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction is known as a digital innovation strategy. Digital transformation entails a substantial change in culture, procedures, and workflows. While it is important to innovate and deliver quickly in this digital environment, digitizing the enterprise goes beyond simply introducing new technologies, launching digital products, or transferring systems to the cloud.

A digital transformation strategy should enable teams to flourish rather than relying on bureaucratic leadership in order to speed the delivery of key goals. Digital transformation is one of the major issues businesses face today. In order to determine what technologies are relevant and how they will be implemented in organizational processes and commercial offerings, organizations must reevaluate their current capabilities, structures, and cultures in light of the necessity to harness digital technology to develop and implement new business models. Frequently, these significant shifts need that businesses reexamine long-held beliefs while formulating approaches that balance advantageous innovation with detrimental disruption.

Regardless of an organization’s size, business agility, resilience, and productivity are the most crucial elements in determining its success. This article will examine the value of having a deliberate strategy for digital innovation and how businesses may use it to achieve significant business results.

Matching Business Objectives with Innovation

The first step in developing a deliberate digital innovation strategy is to match innovation initiatives with the overarching aims and objectives of the company. Businesses can determine areas where technological developments can have the biggest impact by defining digital innovation properly. Organizations can allocate funds, resources, and assets to projects that have the highest chance of contributing to the success of the company when these factors are aligned.

Developing an Innovative Culture

A deliberate approach to digital innovation strategy must include the establishment of an innovative culture. This entails giving staff members at all levels the freedom to share their ideas, try new things, and grow from mistakes. Businesses that adopt this culture foster cooperation, curiosity, and ongoing development, which helps them quickly adjust to shifting market conditions and act quickly to grasp opportunities.

Strategic Alliances and Agreements

Establishing cooperative relationships and strategic alliances with outside parties can greatly increase a digital innovation strategy’s efficacy. Businesses may expedite the creation and execution of creative digital solutions by utilizing knowledge, resources, and networks that extend beyond the confines of their own walls. Working together with startups, educational institutions, business leaders, and technology suppliers can open doors to new ideas and state-of-the-art resources.

It is not enough to merely accept the use of technology in an era of fast digital transformation. To fully realize the promise of digital innovation, organizations need to approach it with a purpose and a plan. By forming strategic alliances, investing in talent, cultivating an innovative culture, adopting a customer-centric mindset, tying innovation to business objectives, measuring progress, and iterating constantly, companies can lead effective digital innovation initiatives that support their long-term success. ASSIST Asia is here to help take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital landscape and traverse it with confidence with a deliberate plan for digital innovation.

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References:

Appelbaum, B., & Roach, L. (2023, September 21). Digital Transformation Strategy: What you need to know. Planview. https://www.planview.com/resources/guide/definitive-digital-transformation-guide/digital-transformation-strategy/

Saarikko, T., Westergren, U., & Blomquist, T. (2020, August 15). Digital Transformation: Five recommendations for the digitally conscious firm. Business Horizons. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007681320300975

Bhanda, S., & Taylor, A. (n.d.). Digital Transformation Strategy: 9 key components. Qentelli. https://www.qentelli.com/thought-leadership/insights/digital-transformation-strategy-key-components

Implementing Efficient Methods of Planning for Success

Any organization that aspires to successfully accomplish its objectives, adjust to changes, and maximize its performance must have the ability to plan. Functional leaders should never create strategic plans in a vacuum, but given the turbulent times we live in today, it is especially important that these plans take into account a range of possible outcomes and can adapt to changes in corporate strategy. The following are some strategies that businesses can use to successfully plan for success using effective methods:

Assess the current situation and capabilities

Prior to making future plans, it’s critical to comprehend the organization’s current situation. This entails carrying out a comprehensive SWOT analysis—a breakdown of the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Finding competitive advantages, areas for development, possible hazards, and fresh possibilities can all be supported by a SWOT analysis. It would also be beneficial to use other methods, like benchmarking, surveys, or audits, to obtain pertinent information and input from stakeholders, clients, and employees. 

Determining the essential functional skills needed to carry out the action plan would also be crucial. It is best to use the findings to the actions above to create a prioritized list of functional competencies to strengthen or identify the gaps to fill.

Define the goals and objectives

Begin identifying future goals and objectives once a comprehensive picture of the existing situation has been established. While objectives are the precise, quantifiable actions that must be performed in order to obtain goals, goals are the general, long-term results that an organization would like to achieve. SMART stands for specified, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, and thus describes the goals and objectives. In order to ensure that the plan at hand is workable, feasible, and reviewed, they should also be in line with the organization’s vision, mission, and values as well as the priorities and available resources.

Develop your strategies and action plans while involving the right people

The development of strategies and action plans would come next, after the goals and objectives have been established. Action plans are the specific tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines that can be delegated to team members, whereas strategies are the broad techniques that can be employed to accomplish the goals. Since they may have an impact on the organization, the strategies and action plans should be reasonable, adaptive, and flexible. Both internal and external elements must be considered. It would be essential to ask the team members for their opinions and ideas and to communicate the strategy and action plans to them in a clear and consistent manner. 

To build on the first point, give careful consideration to who the right individuals are, both internally and externally, and involve them in the creation of the strategies to be implemented. Many organizations may even hire management consultants to help with the plan’s development. These consultants would mostly serve as group exercise facilitators, but they would also offer guidance on the structure and content of the plan, as well as lead or assist during its development.

Monitor and evaluate your progress

It would be essential to monitor and assess the progress after the strategies and action plans have been put into action. In order to do this, performance indicators like sales, revenue, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement must be tracked, measured, and compared to the anticipated outcomes. To evaluate the influence and efficacy of the activities made, organizations can also gather and examine qualitative and quantitative data from sources including reports, testimonials, and feedback. 

Remember that plans must be revised over time. Nobody can write or sit down and create a great plan in a single sitting. To make sure the strategy is thorough and feasible, it must be revised at least twice, if not more, with input from the entire team. To evaluate how each strategic initiative will affect the important management functions, resources, and processes, a strategic plan needs to take into account all of these varied components.

For every effort, a strategic plan needs to incorporate key performance indicators (KPIs). These could be metrics for specific staff members, divisions, or the organization itself. The KPIs need to be constantly monitored by organizations, both during and between meetings. 

Learn and improve

Lastly, organizations must reflect on their own planning process and make improvements. This entails acknowledging and appreciating the successes in addition to identifying and resolving the difficulties. Examine what went well and what didn’t, and consider how things could be done better the next time. Organizations can tell the team of upcoming planning decisions or update and alter plans during their learning and improvement stage. 

Working through an effective strategic planning process involves many more factors and methods. ASSIST Asia is here to assist in developing and carrying out strategies that are in line with the organization’s goals, objectives, and core beliefs.

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References:

Gartner. (n.d.). 9 steps to successful functional strategic planning. https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/9-steps-successful-functional-strategic-planning

CharityVillage. (2019, November 26). Planning for Success: Top Ten Strategic Planning Tips. https://charityvillage.com/planning_for_success_top_ten_strategic_planning_tips/

Asana, T. (2022, November 17). What is an implementation plan? 6 steps to create one [2023] • asana. https://asana.com/resources/implementation-plan

BDC.ca. (2023, October 18). 5 tips for Implementing your strategic plan. https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/business-strategy-planning/define-strategy/5-tips-implementing-your-strategic-plan

LinkedIn. (2023, September 22). How do you plan for your organization’s success? How to Plan for Your Organization’s Success: Tips and Best Practices. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-do-you-plan-your-organizations-success-skills-planning#here%E2%80%99s-what-else-to-consider

The Role of Communication Strategies in Organizational Commitment

The technical phrase “organizational communication” refers to the ways in which employees communicate and exchange information with one another, clients, and customers. It is a subset of the larger discipline of communication theory, which aims to examine and comprehend the ways in which people, animals, and even plants communicate with one another.

Any organization’s management strategy must include effective communication. Effective communication is essential for efficient management, regardless of the goal—informing staff members about new policies, being prepared to face a weather emergency, ensuring employee safety, or learning about their perspectives. For an organization to succeed, communication with its stakeholders, workers, and constituency as well as the community at large requires well-thought-out policies and methods. Increasing organizational commitment requires open and transparent communication channels. Employees are more likely to develop a sense of connection and loyalty to the company when they believe their opinions are acknowledged and heard. 

Moreover, transparent and trusting relationships inside the company are fostered by effective communication.  Employees are more likely to trust their leaders and the company as a whole when they see that information is being provided honestly and freely. A key component of corporate commitment is trust since it fosters psychological stability and safety. By routinely disclosing information about the performance, objectives, and challenges of the company, organizations can promote trust. 

Finally, opportunities for staff development and advancement should be incorporated into communication strategies. Employee commitment and engagement are higher when employees feel that their employer is interested in both their professional and personal growth. To enable workers to advance their careers and realize their full potential, employers should offer regular feedback and helpful criticism. Furthermore, providing employees with career progression possibilities, mentorship relationships, and training and development programs shows that the organization cares about professional development and can greatly increase their commitment to the company.

An effective organizational communication strategy would make the company’s aims and objectives known to each and every employee. It would then facilitate the preservation and bolstering of ties between workers, clients, and customers. It can also help increase overall corporate efficiency by promoting the orderly flow of information between employees who require it and those who have important knowledge.

Employees are key stakeholders for an organization as they interact directly with customers and represent the entire company. ASSIST Asia is here to acknowledge the strategic relevance of the workforce, and implement communication strategies to keep employees abreast of organizational challenges.

References:

Managing organizational communication: USC Online mcm degree. USC Online Communication Degree. (2019, December 11). https://communicationmgmt.usc.edu/blog/managing-organizational-politics-a-communication-toolbox/

Hogarty, S. (2022, October 25). The importance of Organizational Communication. Ideas. https://www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/management-leadership/the-importance-of-organizational-communication#what-is-organizational-communication

Ma, Y. (2022, June 22). Role of communication strategies in organizational commitment, mediating role of faculty engagement: Evidence from English language teachers. Frontiers in psychology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9257226/

Driving Actionable Communication Strategies through Research Insights

Gathering data on sales, customers, and inventory is important, but it is insufficient in and of itself to create innovations that can influence growth. Even so, management must interpret this data and use “actionable insights” to develop a strategy. Otherwise, the importance of key KPIs can be overlooked.

The ability to make educated judgments and take precise actions is enabled by actionable insights, which are specific, data-driven conclusions or information. Big data sets with useful insights can be used by management to develop effective data-driven initiatives. These insights can be obtained from raw data, which is frequently gathered from customer, sales, and inventory management systems software, to provide comprehensive reports and units of analysis. 

Actionable insights ensure that businesses may make plans to improve their business processes and services using the information they have collected. Forrester Research found that insight-driven companies grow up to eight times faster than global GDP. So acquiring data and generating insightful, useful information supports process optimization and business growth.

The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is essential for this to be successful in helping teams create a strong communication plan that is assessed in light of competitive and market developments.

To create and test communication strategies and practical insights, we employ a number of techniques, such as:

  • Brainstorming meetings to generate ideas for pertinent product tales.
  • Testing draft messaging early to determine what will resonate most clearly.
  • Real-time Concept Optimization (RTCO) or Consumer Co-Creation to get input from a large group of current and prospective customers.
  • Max-Diff analysis exercises that provide respondents with different messaging statement combinations to consider and improve.
  • Online focus groups to improve narratives and illustrations.

The quantitative phase validates the qualitative phase’s insights. This procedure improves the activation approach and aids in creating a more accurate picture of the needs of the target market as well as pertinent category, brand, and product concerns. With the help of data analytics, it is possible to develop insights into the demographic as well as identify the important factors that influence success, allowing for the customization of the approach and the improvement of existing techniques. 

ASSIST Asia is here to create messages that appeal to the target audience. It is possible to develop a truly distinctive label that spurs new growth by involving the right stakeholders, pushing them to reflect carefully on activation goals, customizing a research strategy, and collaborating closely with the teams to help incorporate insights into particular communication plans that reach customers.

References:

How research insights drive actionable communication strategies. Radius Global. (n.d.). https://radiusinsights.com/blog/communication-research-activation-strategies/

Villegas, F. (2023, September 12). Actionable insights: Definition & implementation techniques. QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/actionable-insights/

5 ways data analytics can improve your communications strategy. Agility PR Solutions. (2018, June 14). https://www.agilitypr.com/pr-news/public-relations/5-ways-data-analytics-can-improve-your-communications-strategy/

Creative Tactics for Business Transformation: Unlocking Growth and Resilience

Creative transformation has emerged as a critical driver of development and resilience as organizations navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital disruption and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. While technological use has grown in the marketing and advertising industries, studies suggest that investing in creativity can offer considerable returns and contribute to long-term success. In this article, we will look at the fundamental connection between creativity and business outcomes, the influence of creative business transformation, and strategies to foster a culture of innovation throughout organizations.

The Power of Creativity in Driving Business Success

Creativity has been shown to be a catalyst for non-incremental growth by improving brand health, generating revenue, and influencing consumer behavior. Research from Forrester shows that a $19 billion move from technology to creativity over six years may result in an 18% boost in ROI, potentially providing a $66 billion return. McKinsey’s examination of award-winning companies adds to the evidence that there is a link between creativity and business outcomes, with top-quartile brands outperforming their peers in organic revenue growth and shareholder returns.

The Role of Creative Business Transformation

Beyond typical marketing initiatives, creative business transformation entails a full rewiring of internal operations to increase efficiency, productivity, and customer engagement. To future-proof their organizations, companies are reinventing their organizational structures, embracing new methods of working, and responding to digital disruption. To satisfy growing customer expectations, leaders are seeing the need to reinvent their company models, routes to market, customer service, and staff experiences.

Encouraging Creativity at Every Level

Creativity should not be restricted to specific organizational responsibilities. To reach its full potential, creativity must be encouraged at all levels of the organization, from the board of directors to front-line personnel. Organizations can build an innovative culture by fostering alternative thinking and making creativity accessible to everybody. Prioritizing creative and innovative thinking when hiring personnel helps ensure that the organization attracts individuals who can contribute to long-term success.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Creative Strategies

The global pandemic has increased the urgency with which firms must rethink and modify their operations. It has compelled brands to develop innovative tactics to address the crisis’s issues. It will be interesting to watch how COVID-19 has affected and expedited innovative approaches to business transformation as firms continue to change and adapt.

Embracing Chaos: Creativity in Times of Constraint

In times of constraints, creativity flourishes, and the current unusual circumstances have led to imaginative concepts and innovative adaptations by brands. The ability to think creatively and come up with fresh solutions to problems is critical for organizations to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As instability compels firms to evolve, creativity will play a critical role in generating the world’s most inventive solutions.

Creativity has emerged as a vital engine for corporate change, growth, and resilience in an era of digital disruption and persistent global problems. Investing in creativity can result in big benefits and long-term success. Beyond marketing initiatives, restructuring organizational structures, and responding to digital disruption, creative business transformation extends beyond. Organizations may unleash the full potential of creativity by cultivating an innovative culture, encouraging collaboration, and embracing change. As we traverse the unknowns of the future, creativity will continue to play a critical role in propelling progress and opening up new opportunities for businesses globally.

ASSIST Asia is here to help navigate around creative approaches like design thinking, innovation labs, and consumer collaborative development, all of which can contribute to business transformation and growth.

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References:

McDonald, C. E. (2022, October 26). Creative tactics for making major business transformations. Medium. https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/creative-tactics-for-making-major-business-transformations-b42980205585

Google. (n.d.). Creativity in business transformation | think with google apac. Google. https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/intl/en-apac/future-of-marketing/management-and-culture/investing-creativity-necessity-business-transformation/

Fisher, J. (2023, July 28). How Leaders Can Use Creativity to Fuel Business Transformation. The Wall Street Journal. https://deloitte.wsj.com/cmo/how-leaders-can-use-creativity-to-fuel-business-transformation-5e497af

Transforming Concepts to Visual Delight

Transforming concepts into visual delight entails transforming abstract ideas or messages into visually engaging and appealing designs. Design is an important component of communication and marketing. It is a creative process in which text and visual elements are combined to express a message or a concept. This has been around for years, but it has evolved dramatically with technological advances. More designers now have access to powerful tools and software that enable them to produce visually attractive designs that captivate and engage the viewer.

Here are some steps and tips to help achieve this, whether it’s for art, graphic design, marketing materials, or any other creative endeavor:

  • Understand the Concept: Begin by thoroughly understanding the subject or idea to envision. To develop a clear and thorough understanding, this may entail research, brainstorming, and discussions.
  • Define Your Goals: Determine the goals of the visualization. Is it trying to inform, persuade, inspire, or entertain? Knowing the objectives will be a guide for making visual choices.
  • Audience Understanding: Understand the target audience’s preferences and what appeals to them. The visuals should be targeted to a particular set of audience.
  • Choose the Right Medium: Determine whether graphic design, illustration, photography, animation, or any other visual medium will best represent the concept. The media used can have a considerable impact on the visual outcome.
  • Color and Composition: Be mindful of the color choices and visual composition. These aspects can elicit emotions and direct the viewer’s attention.
  • Typography: Choose fonts and typography that are complementary to the concept. Typography has the ability to express mood and enhance the message.
  • Use Metaphors and Symbols: Concepts can be abstract and difficult to describe directly at times. In such instances, metaphors and symbols can be effective visual storytelling tools.
  • Iterate and Refine: It may take multiple attempts to flawlessly execute the initial concept. Be receptive to feedback and motivated to improve.
  • Consistency: Maintain consistency in style and elements when producing visuals for a brand or a series of linked concepts to build a strong visual identity.
  • Technology and Tools: Familiarize oneself with the necessary software and technologies for effectively creating and presenting your visuals. 

The process from envisioning to visualizing is captivating in the realm of design. It’s a process that demands both creativity and strategic thinking, where every element of design carries the weight of a brand’s identity and message. Designers can embark on this journey with confidence by including the unique and practical tips and tactics presented in this article and draw inspiration from real-life examples.

Remember that producing visual delight requires a combination of creativity, empathy for your audience, and a thorough understanding of the concept or idea at hand. 

ASSIST Asia is here to keep experimenting and pushing boundaries to create visuals that resonate and leave a lasting impression.

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References:

Creative Media Code. (2023, June 16). Transforming ideas into visual delights: The art of graphic design. https://www.creativemediacode.com/blog/transforming-ideas-into-visual-delights-the-art-of-graphic-design

Selectmarketing. (2023, September 19). Transforming visions into visuals: Graphic Design for Brands. Medium. https://medium.com/@selectmarketing17/transforming-visions-into-visuals-graphic-design-for-brands-8657da906e3a

Developing Ideas, Innovations, and Inventions

The current business climate has been influenced by globalization, rapid shifts in technology, the economy, and society, as well as heightened competition. These factors have also changed the importance of knowledge, innovation, and creativity in the workplace, classroom, and day-to-day activities. Although creativity and innovation are often studied apart from knowledge management, the two ideas are intricately intertwined and, in fact, complement one another. The examination of knowledge management’s effect on organizational innovation performance has been made easier by the thorough linking of knowledge management to creativity and innovation management. Additionally, this method enables research into how innovation and creativity can be used to boost knowledge management effectiveness. 

Generating creative procedures and processes, as well as producing new products and services, can help transform a company, sector, or nation. Creating new sources of client demand, encouraging personal and organizational growth, and rethinking established regulations can all help a business evolve, thrive, and continue to exist. Lack of action may result in stagnation, degradation, or death.

Despite having an intrinsic capacity for creativity and a tendency toward lateral thinking, creative individuals must hone these abilities in order to excel in their specific fields. People get better at putting their talents to use quickly and consistently, as well as integrating them with other ways of thinking and feeling. The five stages of creation are listed by Graham Wallas in The Art of Thought.

Preparation

Preparation is researching a certain topic of interest, opening the mind, and immersing oneself in materials, thinking, and meaning. This foundation of information and experience, together with the ability to absorb new ideas and behaviors, can aid in sorting through ideas more quickly. However, depending too heavily on existing information may hinder creativity. Preparation broadens the intellect and allows one to study a field’s products, practices, and culture. Repetitive practice is also part of the preparation stage, so that the existing field of production may be understood and best practices can be identified, whether or not it is currently capable of matching them. 

Incubation

Incubation refers to giving oneself, and particularly the subconscious mind, time to integrate what was learned and practiced during the preparation stage. Incubation entails a lack of practice. A change of setting is essential for idea incubation. A new setting allows someone to be exposed to stimuli that are not immediately related to the creative problem. Incubation allows the mind to combine the creative challenge with previously stored memories as well as other thoughts or emotions. It takes a lot of patience to wait for incubation to work. Many creative and innovative people create physical hobbies to keep their minds occupied while they enable ideas to incubate.

Insight

The “aha!” moment when the answer to a creative problem suddenly becomes clear to your conscious mind is known as “illumination” or “insight.” The “aha!” moment has been documented in historical accounts, literary works, and cognitive research on creativity. One may have insights gradually or all at once. These are hard to grasp because, in research and experimental settings, they are hard to isolate by definition. An insight is that fleeting instant of brilliance that results from your practice, preparation, and period of incubation.

Evaluation

The purposeful investigation of concepts is referred to as evaluation. At this stage, creative professionals will frequently invite others to criticize their work. Evaluation can take numerous forms because it is tailored to the expectations, best practices, and established product leaders in each industry. People would like to ensure that the assessed standards are adequate. For example, people could opt to interview a few customers regarding a product or service’s target demographics. The key goal is to understand the customer’s point of view and how well the idea resonates with theirs.

Elaboration

Elaboration, or real production, is the final stage of the creative process. The release of a minimum viable product (MVP) can be part of the elaboration process. This version of the innovation may not be polished or comprehensive, but it should perform well enough to begin marketing it while still iteratively developing it. Elaboration can also include the creation and publication of a prototype, the release of a software beta, or the creation of a piece of artistic work for sale. What matters most at this point in the entrepreneurial creative process is that the work be made available to the public so that it can be adopted.

Being recognized for ideas is a goal shared by many businesses, but it is not always simple to make this ambition a reality. ASSIST Asia is here to help in connecting creative people through communities, discovering patterns through analysis, and establishing methods for developing new information that can aid in stimulating innovation.

References:

Cabrilo, S., & Grubic-Nesic, L. (1970, January 1). The role of creativity, innovation, and invention in Knowledge Management. IGI Global. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/role-creativity-innovation-invention-knowledge/68328

Garfield, S. (2023, May 9). Creation process: Knowledge creation, invention, and Innovation. Medium. https://stangarfield.medium.com/creation-process-knowledge-creation-invention-and-innovation-e3d6741d391a

Laverty, M., & Littel, C. (n.d.). Developing ideas, innovations, and inventions – entrepreneurship. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/entrepreneurship/pages/4-3-developing-ideas-innovations-and-inventions

The Contribution of Design to Sustainable Development

Designing for sustainability necessitates not only a rethinking of our habits, lifestyles, and practices, but also of how we think about design. Sustainability is a co-evolutionary and co-design process in which diverse groups collaborate to make flexible and adaptable design decisions at the local, regional, and global levels. The goal of the transition to sustainability is to co-create a human society that thrives within the ecological boundaries of the planet’s life support system.

The design community plays a critical and determining role; 80% of the product’s sustainability impact is determined during the design stage. Historically, sustainable design has been concerned with “minimizing the negative impacts” (e.g., lowering material use, eliminating harmful chemicals, and utilizing renewable energy).  We must now focus on generating a “positive impact” (for example, producing products and processes that promote long-term economic and social growth). Positive social and economic developments can result from designs that optimize positive impact while minimizing negative impact.

Design has a substantial impact on sustainable development by influencing the creation and use of products, services, systems, and ecosystems. Design can help achieve this goal in numerous ways:

  • Resource Efficiency: By supporting the use of renewable resources, avoiding waste, and improving product life cycles, design can help reduce resource consumption. Designing products that are easy to repair and recycle, for example, can extend their usefulness while lowering their environmental impact.
  • Energy Efficiency: Designers may build energy-efficient goods and systems, lowering energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. This applies to everything from architectural design to consumer gadgets and transportation.
  • Sustainable Materials: Material selection is an important design decision. The use of sustainable, eco-friendly, or recycled materials can drastically minimize a product’s environmental imprint. Choosing locally sourced products can also help reduce transportation-related emissions.
  • User-Centered Design: Making sure that products and services are easy to use can help encourage sustainable behavior. Designing user-friendly public transit systems, for example, might encourage their use, lowering the demand for private car trips.
  • Life-Cycle Assessment: Designers can perform life-cycle assessments to evaluate the environmental impacts of products from production to disposal. This information can guide decisions about materials, manufacturing processes, and transportation.
  • Circular Design: Circular design principles promote the use of items that are simple to repair, upgrade, or recycle. Designers can investigate ideas such as modular design, which allows for easy component replacement, and cradle-to-cradle design, which assures that materials can be recycled indefinitely.
  • Education and Awareness: Through visual communication, infographics, and interactive exhibitions, design may also help to raise awareness and educate the public about sustainability issues.
  • Collaboration: Collaborative, multidisciplinary design approaches can bring professionals from diverse sectors together to tackle complicated sustainability concerns.

In essence, design has a significant impact on how products and services interact with the environment and society. When done properly, it can lead to more sustainable behaviors, lower environmental consequences, and a higher quality of life, all while upholding the concepts of sustainable development.

ASSIST Asia is here to unlock your potential to function as transdisciplinary integrators and facilitators at the intersection of values, attitudes, needs, and behaviors.

Contact us now!

References:

Hub, I. S. K. (n.d.). Guest article: The Contribution of Design to sustainable development: SDG Knowledge Hub: IISD. SDG Knowledge Hub. https://sdg.iisd.org/commentary/guest-articles/the-contribution-of-design-to-sustainable-development/

Design for Sustainable Development. Cambridge Core. (n.d.). https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/design-science/call-for-papers/design-for-sustainable-development

Learning on the Go: Knowledge in Your Pocket

“Mobile phones are misnamed. They should be called gateways to human knowledge.” – Ray Kurzweil

Finding time for personal growth and learning can be challenging in today’s fast-paced environment. However, learning has become more accessible and easily available because of technological advancements pertaining to learning modalities. With more than 86% of people in the world owning smartphones, it is evident that individuals are inclined to own mobile gadgets that can be used beyond making phone calls. This trend gives us evidence that educators and authors should take advantage of mobile potential as a learning device, allowing individuals to access knowledge more flexibly. 

Aided by the abundance of learning channels and modes like audio and videos that can be accessed in the form of podcasts and through channels like YouTube, and many other learning applications compatible with mobile devices, learners now have the option to make the most of their available time for personal and professional growth, and that too without having to go to classrooms or use their laptops or desktops. Learners can now achieve their learning objectives and upskill themselves by actively pursuing courses through their mobile devices. To understand the impact and the future of mobile learning, let’s have a look at some of the key facts mentioned below:

  • Malik Ducard, Global head of learning and family at YouTube claimed that 70% of total YouTube viewing time was through mobile and educational videos are the platform’s third most popular type of viewing category. 
  • Apps for education are currently ranked third in Apple’s app store.
  • According to Udemy’s head of learning and development, Shelley Osborne, more than 24 million consumers worldwide access information on their mobile devices.

Let’s have a look at how adapting to learning delivery through mobile can benefit your next learning initiative::

Learn anytime and anywhere

Mobile learning is flexible and allows learners to learn anytime and anywhere. Instructional content like videos, podcasts, and interactive content is now easily available on mobile phones without having to compromise the overall user experience and learning impact. 

For example,  Merrill Lynch, a financial services company that provides wealth management, investment banking, and advisory services, launched a mobile training program called “Go-learn” to train their employees. A survey was conducted to gather insights regarding the learning habits and they saw that 32% of their employees completed the training during business travel. While 26% were learning from their homes, 24% while commuting, and only 18% were learning in their office or elsewhere. 

These stats show that learners don’t want to be restricted to a device or a platform, they want flexibility so they can learn and upskill themselves on their terms and in their own time.

Learner engagement

Social media apps, like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter have made modern individual consumer information in byte-sized and visually appealing ways. With mobile learning, users can access content through native apps giving them a seamless experience without perceiving that they are involved in conventional learning. With learning modalities such as interactivities, gamification, and multimedia elements such as animation and videos the learning experience improves engagement. In addition, including gamification elements makes training/learning like playing a game.

Improves learning time

Microlearning modules enable learners to complete courses on the go without disrupting their workflow. For example, according to the findings from the Merrill Lynch GoLearn initiative, a group of people were tested to find the speed of learning between desktop learning and mobile learning. Smartphone users completed the course at an average of 45 percent faster. The test results of the two groups were comparable, proving that using mobile to give training did not compromise the effectiveness of the lessons.

Conclusion

The need for incorporating mobile devices into learning environments continues to increase as they have become an integral part of people’s daily lives. People who are “digital natives” are used to the convenience and adaptability that mobile devices provide, and they now anticipate that these gadgets will be effortlessly incorporated into their educational endeavors. The rising usage of mobile devices further underscores the importance of mobile learning. The growth of mobile educational software is inevitable as smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets become critical in all facets of people’s lives, including their professional endeavors. 

We anticipate a robust ecosystem of mobile educational solutions as we embrace the possibilities of mobile learning, enabling people to learn efficiently and comfortably while on the go. At ASSIST Creative Lab, we build mobile learning solutions tailored for mobile interfaces allowing the learners to learn at their own pace and progress. 

Contact us now!

References

https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world

https://elearningindustry.com/mobile-learning-revolutionizes-education-reasons

https://cdn.lynda.com/cms/asset/text/lyndacom-whitepaper-mobile-learning-benefits-20151245042329.pdf

http://www.cedma-europe.org/newsletter%20articles/Clomedia/Merrill%20Lynch%20-%20Bullish%20on%20Mobile%20Learning%20%28Apr%2008%29.pdf

https://www.edapp.com/blog/importance-of-mobile-learning/