Clarke International University focuses on optimizing digital tools to boost efficiency

BY AMBROSE GAHENE

Michael Niyitegaka is a digital technology specialist and programme director of Refactory at Clarke International University (CIU). He is engaged in digital skilling and developing solutions for the digital economy ecosystem in Uganda. While speaking to the Covid-19 Business Info Hub, he said there are many digital tools, but any enterprise needs to think about team management tools during this period.

“Such tools will help businesses gain visibility and control of what staff is doing, especially now that most companies work remotely” he said. He explained the tools as follows:

Slack: Slack is valuable for communication among staff. It allows communication and quick exchange of information within a team. Slack integrates well with other tools.

Trello: Trello is a handy tool used in task management. It is a simple and intuitive tool for structuring tasks and enables a high degree of transparency in the team. It uses templates for task orientation and automation.

Google workspace: Google workspace allows you to get all work done in one place. Companies can use a range of Google productivity applications such as the Google Calendar for scheduling, to keep everyone updated. The Google Docs application enables team members to create files and allows real-time editing and feedback using comments and suggestions.

Zoom: Zoom allows you to hold meetings, training sessions, and other events with remote team members any time from any device supporting the application. Businesses can save money and time on travel and still have real-time and even face-to-face (via video) interactions.

Digital payment: Transaction-oriented businesses need the integration of digital payment tools. These include mobile money, Visa, or Paypal payment services. It allows fast-tracking of sales and is convenient for customers. I encourage entrepreneurs to consider it. It is vital for businesses to integrate convenient tools that bring out efficiencies and optimise available resources.

On what businesses can do to improve the workers’ digital skills and proficiency, Niyitegeka said digital skills and proficiency allow workers to engage with the digital tools to be more productive.

“It enables workers to solve problems and innovate ways that can propel the business. Although most companies take digital literacy training for granted, it is necessary to improve workers’ digital skills and proficiency,” he said.

Niyitegeka also said companies have to invest in digital literacy to leverage value out of introducing digital tools and fully appreciate the capability of the technology they possess.

“I recently was doing training for one entity, and they were amazed at not only how much they are paying for but how little they are using,” he added.

Niyitegeka said there are several training resources available on digital literacy and skills. He recommends the digital skills framework used by International Computer Driving License (ICDL) because it is a global framework used across different markets.

“We are putting together a training programme targeting how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can integrate digital literacy in the operations at Refractory. The programme will start in August 2021, and Clarke International University will deliver the training. We will also set up a separate program called the Executive Catalyst to help business owners understand how to integrate and use technology to grow their business,” Niyitegeka concluded.