Administrator's Corner
SELECTING THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY
FOR YOUR SCHOOL
BY MURAD SALMAN MIRZA
The aforementioned equation is
facilitated by the following questions
that can be formulated in the form of a
checklist to arrive at a comprehensive
assessment for procuring the ‘needed’
technology to fulfill relevant goals/
objectives:
T
here is an increasing trend
within schools to incorporate
technology, especially, AI-
enabled, that can provide
a competitive edge and sustain the
efficient running of operations without
the ‘complexities’ of managing large
workforces. However, such endeavors
are often embroiled in controversy
as the perilous allure of embracing
technology,
without
conducting
the necessary due-diligence on its
optimal use, fuels distrust, discontent
and divisiveness among the alienated
educators.
Such an impact is
significantly felt either in a highly
cohesive school culture, firmly bound
by shared values that affirms a strong
psychological contract or in a strongly
divisive school environment that is
genetically predisposed to viewing
any management slogans of ‘progress’
with suspicion.
Additionally,
the
sobering
+
WHAT IS
REQUIRED
reality
of shrinking positions that can
productively and profitably use
‘human’ talent is increasing workplace
insecurity and incentivizing ‘career
cannibalization’ of peers by ambitious
professionals. This has led to the
permeation of the adage of ‘survival of
the fittest’ within the workplace, with a
renewed ferocity.
On the other hand, the dreaded
prospect of running out of ideas/
options to overcome critical issues,
is not a daunting challenge for
progressive leaders, as long as there
is a vibrant culture of innovation
that facilitates and embraces viable
solutions from all levels of the school.
Consequently, it is imperative that
prudent measures must be taken
with respect to the acquisition of any
‘needed’ technology. The following
simple equation can be used as an
overarching principle for such an
initiative:
WHAT IS
DESIRED
Focused on
Performance (KPIs)*
Focused on
Core Parameters
(Functional
Specifications)
=
WHAT REALLY
MATTERS
Focused on Results
(KRAs)**
*KPIs = Key Performance Indicators **KRAs = Key Result Areas
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May - Jun 2019
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Class Time
1. Does this technology fulfill all the
key aspects of desired functionality?
2. Are there cheaper options available
with similar functionality?
3. Are there any key trade-offs in
procuring this technology?
4. Does the price justify the
procurement of such technology?
5. Is there a demo available to
comprehensively assess the key
features of this technology by
simulating the unique needs/
expectations of the school?
6. Are
there
any
innovations
suggested by the workforce that
can be implemented efficiently
and effectively within the current
resources without procuring the
technology?
7. Are there any hidden costs in
procuring this technology?
8. Is there a significant chance
of negative reaction from the
management/employees
for
procuring this technology?
9. Will it be easier to replace this
technology with a better alternative
in case things don’t work out
according to expectations?
10. Can the organization selling this
technology be trusted?
11. Are there sufficient and robust
guarantees/warranties incorporated
in the purchase agreement in case
of functional failures?
12. Will any updates be available on
complementary/discounted basis?
13. Is there a specified representative
available for any assistance?
14. Will there be 24/7 access to
customer service?
15. Is training on technology covered
within the procurement contract
and will it cover sufficient number of
employees for effective application?
16. Is the training on this technology
easily transferable? If not, will it
require special facilities/venues/
physical presence?