The key training objective of this programme is to reinforce the capacity of Cypriot small enterprise managers to:

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1. Strategically prepare for digital transformation, or the process of adapting a significant share of corporate operations to the internet. Digital transformation initiatives include preparing organisations, teams, business processes and corporate culture to orient around a customer-focussed, technology-driven, 24/7/365 environment;

2. Successfully implement critical digital projects, such as web design, online marketing campaigns, ERP or accounting platform development and installation, and other related online or server-based initiatives. Two specific forms of digital project management will be taught: waterfall and agile.

3. Manage external vendors of digital and ICT services, such as web designers, online advertisers, SEO specialists, programmers and others more appropriately, in order to maximise benefits to the organisation.

4. Understand the technological trends which are transforming the modern economy, in sectors as diverse as banking, e-government, tourism, retail, B2B suppliers, customer service, online security, big data and Internet of Things.

5. Understand how international and Cypriot consumers, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders are adapting to the internet in the process of becoming digital natives.

6. Systematically prepare own operations for digital transformation by adapting a 5-year strategic development plan which maps which business processes and value chain components must be migrated online.

7. Develop a comprehensive knowledge of waterfall project management techniques based on a standard 5-phase approach to project management.

8. Develop a comprehensive knowledge of agile project management techniques, based on the Agile Manifesto, the role of scrum master and self-organising teams engaged in iterative, continual improvements.

9. Understand, develop and apply digital project management techniques and tools, including specifications and business analysis, software and digital architecture, tendering process via RFP/RFQ, implementation by phases (including Gantt charts, milestones, and reporting tools), alpha and beta testing, verification and service/support via Service Level Agreements.

10. Understand how to contract, work with and manage the relationship with ICT and digital contractors across multiple disciplines.

11. Develop effective budgeting processes and return on investment (ROI) methods for digital and ICT projects