Technical specialism
SFIA 3: Definition
The management of, and provision of expert advice on a specific technical specialism. Examples of specialism can be any technology, technique, method, product or application area.
Proposed for SFIA 4.0:
Note: It is proposed that "Technical Specialism" be removed, on the basis that it is adequately covered by Consultancy, and by the responsibilities contained in the SFIA Level descriptions.
Technical Specialism
Posted by
mikechad
at
2008-07-07 06:26 PM
Ron, I think you have a very good point! In answer to your comment, I believe that "Technical Specialism" was included at the request of technical Specialists, who found difficulty in relating their skills to Consultancy, which they saw as non-technical..... I'd be happy for it to be removed.
Technical Specialism
Posted by
mikechad
at
2008-08-06 11:49 AM
Comment from Roy Shepherd: Though I accept that the generic higher level definitions do identity provision of technical advice, it is as Ron states, an adjunct to their day job rather than the prime reason for their day job. Certainly there is clear differentiation between the two skills. For example I believe the Skill definitions clearly identify the difference viz
The provision of advice, assistance and leadership in any area associated with the planning, procurement, provision, delivery, management, maintenance or effective use of information systems and their environments. The consultancy can deal with one specific aspect of IT and the business, or it can be wide ranging and address strategic business issues.
And
The management and provision of expert advice on a specific technical specialism. Examples of specialism can be any technology, technique, method, product or application area.
The Task definitions are also quite clear and different with the possible exception of Consultancy – Level 5 which states,
‘Provides well-informed advice, typically within a specific technical specialism, ensuring that it is properly understood and appropriately exploited, to enhance the effectiveness of significant activities.’
Probably better to state (basically by downgrading the Level 6 description):-
‘Provides well-informed advice, typically within a number of topics, ensuring that it is properly understood and appropriately exploited, to enhance the effectiveness of significant activities.’
I would strongly recommend that we do not remove Technical Specialism.
Interrogation of SFIAplus V3 TECH and CNSL shows Technical Specialism is the 9th most popular whilst Consultancy is the 12th most popular.
The provision of advice, assistance and leadership in any area associated with the planning, procurement, provision, delivery, management, maintenance or effective use of information systems and their environments. The consultancy can deal with one specific aspect of IT and the business, or it can be wide ranging and address strategic business issues.
And
The management and provision of expert advice on a specific technical specialism. Examples of specialism can be any technology, technique, method, product or application area.
The Task definitions are also quite clear and different with the possible exception of Consultancy – Level 5 which states,
‘Provides well-informed advice, typically within a specific technical specialism, ensuring that it is properly understood and appropriately exploited, to enhance the effectiveness of significant activities.’
Probably better to state (basically by downgrading the Level 6 description):-
‘Provides well-informed advice, typically within a number of topics, ensuring that it is properly understood and appropriately exploited, to enhance the effectiveness of significant activities.’
I would strongly recommend that we do not remove Technical Specialism.
Interrogation of SFIAplus V3 TECH and CNSL shows Technical Specialism is the 9th most popular whilst Consultancy is the 12th most popular.
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Consultancy is when one's raison d'etre is the provision of advice.
Anyone who has an expertise is expected to give advice as an adjunct to their day job. That is well covered in the generic definitions of sfia levels, and therefore applies to all skills. This seems to leave no room for this skill. I don't know what we were trying to achieve by including it. If someone could say, then perhaps we could find a more elegant way of satisfying that reqquirement.