7 Ways KanBo Revolutionizes Work Management for Pharmaceutical Managers

Introduction

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation in how work is coordinated and managed. With projects growing increasingly complex due to the intricacies of drug development, regulatory compliance, and global market demands, there is an imperative need for innovative solutions that can streamline processes and enhance collaboration. The landscape of work coordination has evolved beyond mere task management to encompass integrated project management, precise communication, and adaptive strategies that reflect the dynamic nature of the sector.

To address these challenges, traditional methodologies are being supplemented with advanced technological tools that facilitate more efficient workflows and foster innovation. Amidst this paradigmatic shift, KanBo Workspaces emerges as a transformative tool poised to redefine the future of work for managers within the pharmaceutical realm.

KanBo Workspaces provides a sophisticated system that organizes all relevant components of work into a singular, cohesive structure, markedly enhancing navigation and collaboration. This tool encapsulates the breadth of a project or team's work, ensuring that every necessary detail is accessible within a centralized location. By enabling tailored access controls, managers can direct focus to pertinent team members and maintain stringent privacy where required. This customization not only secures sensitive information but also boosts focused team participation.

By segmenting complex projects into manageable units through Workspaces and Spaces, KanBo introduces an intuitive structure that mirrors the organic segmentation of thought processes and task flows. Each Workspace can house multiple Spaces, which further contain detailed Cards where all activities happen. The flexibility of categorizing work into folders within these Spaces allows for a precise organization akin to the compartmentalization seen in scientific research or regulatory documentation.

The insights provided on Workspace landing pages, tracking progress and completion metrics, empower managers with data-driven decision-making capabilities. This visibility ensures projects remain aligned with strategic goals and timelines, crucial in an industry where precision and timely delivery are paramount.

In conclusion, KanBo Workspaces stands as a beacon of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry's quest for streamlined work management and coordination. As the complexity of projects continues to rise, this tool offers a future-proof solution that aligns with the evolving needs of managers, fostering a culture of efficiency, transparency, and collaboration.

The Changing Dynamics of Work Coordination

Traditional work coordination methods, such as emails, face-to-face meetings, and spreadsheets, have long been the backbone of organizational operations. However, they come with a host of limitations that can hinder productivity and agile decision-making. These methods often result in fragmented communication, siloed information, and inefficient resource allocation. As organizations grow and projects become more complex, these traditional tools struggle to keep up with the demand for real-time updates, collaborative environments, and holistic views of the project's progress.

With the advent of digital transformation and globalization, there's an increased need for more integrated and context-aware coordination tools. Digital transformation has led to the digitization of vast amounts of data and the ability to manage it in real-time. This shift requires tools that can aggregate, analyze, and present data in meaningful ways to drive decision-making. Globalization, on the other hand, has expanded the geographical boundaries of teams, creating the need for coordination tools that offer seamless communication and collaboration across different time zones and cultural contexts.

This transformation and globalization create an urgent call for managers to adapt to new coordination tools that offer more than rudimentary task tracking and communication. Modern tools like KanBo exemplify the direction in which these new systems are headed. They provide a more dynamic and integrated approach to work management by connecting tasks with strategic goals and offering a seamless experience across diverse digital environments.

Managers must realize that sticking to outdated methods not only hampers efficiency but also puts organizations at risk of falling behind more agile competitors. By embracing advanced platforms like KanBo, managers can ensure that their teams are equipped with the right tools to handle the complexities of modern business environments. These platforms offer features such as real-time visualization of tasks, enhanced data security and storage options, and flexible frameworks that support hybrid working environments. This adaptability is crucial in meeting the diverse compliance and operational needs of today's businesses.

Ultimately, the key takeaway for managers is the need for proactive change in work coordination methods. Embracing digital transformation and globalization through the adoption of integrated tools like KanBo can lead organizations to more efficient workflows, improved communication, and a clearer alignment of daily operations with strategic objectives. Now more than ever, it's critical for managers to lead the charge in transitioning to these modern solutions, ensuring their teams are positioned for success in an increasingly connected and complex world.

Introducing Next-Generation Workspaces

Next-generation workspaces, such as KanBo, represent a transformative step in the way organizations manage and coordinate work. Unlike traditional tools that often handle tasks in isolation, these advanced platforms provide context-rich environments by linking daily activities to the broader organizational mission. This integration fosters a deeper understanding of how individual tasks contribute to collective strategic goals, enhancing both comprehension and execution throughout the organization.

Context-Rich Environments

1. Mission Alignment: Next-generation workspaces ensure that every task and project is inherently tied to the company’s overarching mission. By consistently linking operational details to strategic objectives, these platforms help employees see the bigger picture, which can boost motivation and productivity.

2. Holistic Task View: Unlike conventional tools that focus solely on task management or isolated workflow processes, next-gen platforms like KanBo offer an integrated perspective. They enable users to navigate seamlessly across different projects and departments, showing how each task fits into the larger organizational tapestry.

3. Dynamic Interaction: The use of an activity stream, as implemented in KanBo, provides real-time updates and a chronological log of activities. This feature keeps team members informed and aligns their efforts with organizational priorities.

Enhanced Understanding and Execution

1. Tailored Access and Involvement: By allowing different levels of access—such as owner, member, and visitor—these workspaces ensure that team members are involved according to their roles, maintaining clarity and focus on responsibilities. This structure fosters accountability and enhances collaborative efforts.

2. Integration and Customization: Next-gen workspaces integrate smoothly with existing IT environments, such as Microsoft products, facilitating compatibility and user acceptance. With capabilities for both on-premises and cloud deployments, they offer flexibility and customized data management solutions, particularly appealing for industries with specific compliance requirements.

3. Structured Organization: Workspaces act as organizational containers, separating different areas of work while keeping related tasks and projects visible and accessible. This structured organization simplifies navigation and collaboration, enabling faster decision-making and execution.

4. Privacy and Control: By categorizing workspaces into private, public, and org-wide types, these platforms ensure controlled access and confidentiality. Workspace owners can manage who sees and participates in each area, thus protecting sensitive information and optimizing team involvement.

By transitioning to context-rich, next-generation workspaces, organizations can significantly enhance the strategic alignment of day-to-day operations. This approach not only improves task execution but also fosters a more engaged and informed workforce, ultimately driving better outcomes in pursuit of the organization's strategic mission.

KanBo as a Digital Infrastructure for Organizations

KanBo as a Comprehensive Work Coordination Platform for Managers in the Pharmaceutical Sector

KanBo serves as a robust work coordination platform that efficiently bridges strategy and execution, tailored to meet the unique needs of managers in the pharmaceutical sector. Its advanced features allow seamless collaboration, management, and compliance with industry standards, acting as a digital backbone for all aspects of work. Here's how KanBo achieves this:

Key Features and Benefits

1. Seamless Integration and Compliance

- Microsoft Ecosystem Integration: KanBo effortlessly integrates with Microsoft products such as SharePoint, Teams, and Office 365, offering a unified experience for accessing documents, collaborating in Teams, and managing tasks.

- GCC High Cloud Installation: Designed to adhere to compliance standards like FedRAMP, ITAR, and DFARS, this feature ensures data protection and meets stringent regulatory requirements essential for the pharmaceutical industry.

2. Flexibility with Hybrid Environment

- Hybrid Deployment: Supports both on-premises and cloud-based instances, offering pharmaceutical companies flexibility in managing sensitive data while ensuring compliance with geographic and legal data requirements.

- Data Management: Provides the capability to store sensitive data securely on-premises while utilizing cloud resources for non-sensitive information, balancing data security with accessibility.

3. Customizable Organizational Structure

- Hierarchical Model: KanBo uses a structured hierarchy involving Workspaces, Folders, Spaces, and Cards, making it easy to organize teams and projects with clarity.

- Spaces and Cards: Spaces can be tailored for specific research projects, clinical trials, or focus areas. Cards serve as units to manage tasks, containing essential information like research notes, regulatory documentation, and deadlines.

4. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

- Role-Based Access: With roles such as Owner, Member, and Visitor, managers can control access to sensitive project areas, ensuring that only relevant staff are involved, thus maintaining confidentiality and security.

- Real-Time Collaboration: Features like comments, mentions, and activity streams facilitate efficient communication among team members, essential for the dynamic pharmaceutical environment.

- Document Management: Attach and manage documents within Cards and Spaces, supporting version control and easy retrieval which is crucial for managing SOPs, trial data, or regulatory submissions.

5. Advanced Project Management Tools

- Workflow and Progress Indicators: Customize workflows with statuses ("To Do," "In Progress," "Completed") and track progress with visual indicators and forecast charts, ensuring that projects remain on track.

- Date Dependencies and Templates: Manage timelines and dependencies crucial for clinical trials and regulatory milestones. Use templates for spaces, cards, and documents to streamline repetitive tasks and maintain consistency.

6. External Collaboration

- Invite External Users: Collaborate with external stakeholders such as research partners, regulatory bodies, or contractors by offering them controlled access to relevant spaces.

7. Efficient Management of Teams and Tasks

- MySpace and Views: Managers can organize tasks using views like the Eisenhower Matrix, enabling prioritization and efficient management of multiple projects or drug development phases.

- Task Automation and Tracking: Automated notifications and reminders help manage timelines rigorously, vital for meeting regulatory deadlines or submission schedules.

Conclusion

For a Manager in the pharmaceutical industry, KanBo provides an essential platform that not only facilitates seamless work coordination and collaboration but also ensures adherence to industry standards through its robust compliance and data management capabilities. By acting as a digital backbone of operations, KanBo enhances productivity, project management, and strategic alignment within pharma organizations.

Workspaces as a "Work Coordination Aid Kit"

Illustration of KanBo Workspaces as a Versatile Aid Kit for Work Coordination in Pharmaceuticals

KanBo Workspaces serve as a versatile aid kit for managing tasks, projects, and resources in an organized and coordinated manner—an indispensable tool for managers in industries like pharmaceuticals where precision, compliance, and collaboration are paramount. Here's how managers can leverage KanBo Workspaces to enhance work efficiency and team alignment specifically within pharmaceutical operations:

1. Organizational Clarity and Structure

Use Case: Research and Development (R&D) Division

- Challenge: Coordinating multiple ongoing research projects, each with its unique scope and requirements, can be daunting.

- Solution: Create a separate workspace for each major research project. Within these workspaces, define spaces for different phases of the project such as Initial Research, Clinical Trials, Data Analysis, and Reporting.

- Benefits: This structure enables seamless navigation across projects, making it easier for teams to switch contexts and stay focused on specific tasks.

2. Real-Time Updates with Activity Stream

Use Case: Drug Approval Processes

- Challenge: Keeping track of document submissions, regulatory communications, and application status can lead to significant delays if not monitored stringently.

- Solution: Utilize the activity stream feature for real-time logging of activities related to submission processes. This could include updates on documentation, communication from regulatory bodies, or milestones achieved.

- Benefits: Promotes accountability and ensures that everyone on the team is informed of the latest developments, reducing the risk of overlooking critical submissions.

3. Controlled Access and Security

Use Case: Handling Sensitive Data

- Challenge: Ensuring data security while allowing necessary team members access to crucial information.

- Solution: Designate appropriate access levels (owner, member, visitor) within workspaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data.

- Benefits: Safeguards critical data while promoting transparency within authorized teams, aligning with strict pharmaceutical compliance standards.

4. Collaborative Work Environment

Use Case: Cross-Departmental Collaboration

- Challenge: Aligning different departments such as R&D, Marketing, and Compliance to collaboratively work on the launch of a new drug.

- Solution: Develop an org-wide workspace for the launch project, allowing each department to create their own spaces for individualized tasks while maintaining a shared perspective of overall project progress.

- Benefits: Fosters unity and alignment in achieving project goals, ensuring that all departments are progressing synchronously.

5. Performance Tracking and Accountability

Use Case: Sales and Distribution

- Challenge: Monitoring sales targets and distribution efficiencies across regions to improve market penetration.

- Solution: Use workspace cards to track targets and progress, assigning specific regions and responsibilities to team members.

- Benefits: Enhances accountability and provides managers with insightful data to drive strategic decisions, ultimately boosting sales performance.

Conclusion

KanBo Workspaces facilitate the vital structuring and management of pharmaceutical operations by providing sophisticated tools for project organization, real-time updates, secure data handling, collaborative engagements, and precise performance tracking. By effectively utilizing these tools, managers can address common industry challenges, ultimately enhancing efficiency, compliance, and team alignment within their organizations.

Unveiling Non-Obvious Benefits of KanBo Workspaces

KanBo offers several hidden advantages that can significantly benefit organizations, particularly in complex and regulated industries like pharmaceuticals. These advantages include enhanced knowledge retention, employee empowerment, and adaptability to future technological advancements.

Knowledge Retention

One of the standout features of KanBo is its ability to facilitate knowledge retention within an organization. In industries where regulatory change control assessment and coordination are critical, preserving the institutional knowledge accumulated through past projects and tasks is invaluable. KanBo's platform allows for:

1. Centralized Information Repository: The Workspaces feature enables organizations to keep all documents, communications, and tasks related to specific projects or topics in one place. This centralization helps prevent the loss of crucial information over time.

2. Documented Processes and Decisions: By maintaining a clear history of processes, decisions, and changes, organizations can ensure continuity even when personnel changes occur. This is particularly useful in regulated industries where compliance must be consistently met.

3. Searchability and Access: KanBo's integration with Microsoft tools enhances searchability, allowing employees to quickly access previous documents, decisions, and tasks related to regulatory changes and assessments.

Employee Empowerment

KanBo also amplifies employee empowerment through its user-friendly interface and customizable settings, enabling employees to take control of their workflows and collaborate more effectively.

1. Autonomy and Ownership: By allowing employees to customize their workspaces and manage their projects, KanBo encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility. This autonomy can lead to increased motivation and productivity.

2. Enhanced Communication: With its seamless integration with Microsoft Teams and other communication tools, KanBo ensures that employees can communicate efficiently, share insights, and support each other in real-time.

3. Clarity of Goals and Tasks: KanBo provides visibility into how daily tasks connect to larger strategic objectives. This transparency helps employees understand their role in the bigger picture, aligning their efforts with organizational goals.

Adaptability to Future Technological Advancements

KanBo's flexible architecture and integration capabilities make it adaptable to future technological changes, which is a crucial advantage in the fast-evolving landscape of technology.

1. Hybrid Cloud Flexibility: KanBo supports both on-premises and cloud environments, catering to organizations with specific data compliance requirements. This flexibility ensures that organizations can adapt as technological landscapes and regulatory requirements evolve.

2. Customizability for Innovation: The platform's high level of customization allows organizations to tailor it to fit new technologies or business processes, ensuring that they remain competitive and innovative over time.

3. Scalability: As organizations grow or change, KanBo's scalable nature ensures that it can meet increased demands without compromising performance or data integrity.

In summary, KanBo provides a strategic advantage by promoting knowledge retention, empowering employees, and offering adaptability for future advancements. These features allow organizations, especially those in regulated industries, to maintain competitiveness and efficiency while staying compliant and innovative.

The Future of Work Coordination with KanBo

KanBo Workspaces are positioned to radically transform work coordination in the coming years. By intersecting cutting-edge technology trends such as AI integration, remote work facilitation, and real-time data analytics, KanBo offers a compelling framework for the future of work. Here's a glimpse into how these features can empower managers and enhance organizational productivity:

AI Integration

AI is swiftly becoming a cornerstone of modern workplace tools, and KanBo's potential for incorporating AI technologies can take work coordination to the next level.

- Task Automation: AI can automate routine tasks, allowing team members to focus on more strategic activities. KanBo could leverage AI to suggest task prioritization, streamline approvals, or even predict bottlenecks.

- Intelligent Recommendations: By analyzing data patterns, AI can provide insights into team productivity, suggest optimizations for task distribution, and forecast potential project outcomes.

- Advanced Search and Filters: AI-powered search functionalities can help users quickly find relevant information, documents, or previous project data—making information retrieval a breeze.

Managers can start exploring AI-enhanced task management tools or data-driven decision platforms integrated with workspaces to keep pace with these technological advancements.

Remote Work Facilitation

With the continuous rise of remote work, platforms like KanBo are increasingly significant in providing structure and connectivity for distributed teams.

- Collaborative Spaces: Remote teams can maintain cohesion with KanBo’s Spaces, which act as centralized hubs for project collaboration. These virtual environments ensure that all team members, regardless of location, have access to the same information and resources.

- Flexible Communication Channels: Integrating with tools like Microsoft Teams, KanBo fosters seamless communication—bridging the gap between remote workers and promoting an inclusive engagement atmosphere.

- Hybrid Work Support: KanBo’s capability to run in hybrid environments (both cloud and on-premises) means organizations can flexibly manage their infrastructure to suit remote needs without compromising on security or accessibility.

Managers should consider designing remote work guidelines and leveraging collaboration tools such as KanBo that enhance connectivity and maintain productivity across dispersed teams.

Real-Time Data Analytics

The ability to make informed and immediate decisions is a pivotal component of agile management. KanBo’s commitment to real-time data analytics empowers managers in several ways:

- Progress Tracking: With real-time progress indicators reflected through cards and spaces, managers can keep abreast of project milestones and address issues as they arise.

- Data Visualization and Reporting: Integrated dashboards and analytics provide clear visuals of project timelines, task dependencies, and team performance. This data can drive insightful strategy adjustments and performance feedback.

- Forecasting and Planning: Using predictive analytics, managers can forecast project outcomes and resource needs more accurately, aligning strategic planning with actual resource capabilities and performance metrics.

To fully harness these capabilities, managers should actively explore KanBo’s analytical features and consider integrating other business intelligence tools that offer enhanced data visualization and reporting functions.

Encouraging Proactive Adoption

Proactive engagement with these technological trends is crucial for today's managers who aim to keep their organizations competitive and forward-thinking. Managers should:

- Invest in Training: Regular training sessions can help teams acclimate to new tools and encourage innovative use of technology in everyday workflows.

- Champion Change: Encourage a culture of experimentation and adaptability where team members feel empowered to explore and adopt new functionalities.

- Evaluate and Adapt: Continuously evaluate the impact of these technologies on productivity and employee satisfaction, adapting strategies as needed to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

In conclusion, KanBo Workspaces offer a versatile and future-ready platform for managing work coordination. By embracing innovations like AI integration, fostering efficient remote work, and utilizing real-time data analytics, organizations can enhance their operational agility and strategic decision-making. Managers who proactively adopt and adapt to these innovations will position their teams to lead in the workforce of tomorrow.

Implementing KanBo Workspace: A Step-by-Step Guide

KanBo Cookbook for Pharmaceuticals: Efficient and Secure Work Coordination

Overview

This cookbook is designed to guide managers in the pharmaceutical industry on leveraging KanBo Workspaces, a versatile aid kit for task management and project coordination. This guide provides step-by-step instructions using KanBo features to address common industry challenges such as maintaining organization, ensuring data security, fostering collaboration, and tracking performance efficiently.

The key KanBo features involved include Workspaces, Activity Streams, and Access Permissions, each adapted to enhance clarity, accountability, security, and collaboration.

Understanding KanBo Features

- Workspaces: Centralize and categorize spaces related to specific projects or teams.

- Activity Stream: Real-time dynamic feed logging activities within the workspaces.

- Access Permissions: Different levels of access like owner, member, and visitor to control visibility and editing rights.

Solution for Work Coordination in Pharmaceuticals

Step 1: Establish Organizational Clarity and Structure

Objective: Simplify project coordination in the R&D division.

1. Create Workspaces: Set up individual workspaces for each major research project.

2. Define Project Phases: Create spaces within each workspace for project phases—Initial Research, Clinical Trials, Data Analysis, and Reporting.

3. Assign Workspace Users: Add appropriate team members with specific access levels.

Step 2: Implement Real-Time Updates with Activity Stream

Objective: Streamline communication and documentation in drug approval processes.

1. Set Up Activity Streams: Enable activity streams linked to each drug submission workspace.

2. Monitor Updates: Regularly review updates related to document submissions, communications with regulatory bodies, and milestones.

3. Notify Stakeholders: Use activity streams to keep the team informed of updates.

Step 3: Control Access and Ensure Security

Objective: Manage sensitive data access securely while facilitating work.

1. Assign Access Levels: Distinguish between workspace owners, members, and visitors.

2. Set Permissions: Ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data and regulatory documents.

3. Audit Access Logs: Regularly check access logs to ensure compliance.

Step 4: Foster a Collaborative Work Environment

Objective: Enhance cross-departmental collaboration for new drug launches.

1. Create Org-Wide Workspaces: Set up a comprehensive workspace for the launch project.

2. Align Departmental Goals: Allow each department to manage their contributions while maintaining visibility of the overall project.

3. Standardize Communication Channels: Utilize KanBo’s integrations with platforms like Microsoft Teams for cohesive communication.

Step 5: Track Performance and Enhance Accountability

Objective: Develop strategies for monitoring sales distribution and market penetration.

1. Utilize Workspace Cards: Assign and track sales targets and distribution tasks using cards.

2. Assign Responsibilities: Assign responsibilities for specific regions to individual team members.

3. Analyze Performance Data: Regularly review performance against targets to identify areas for improvement.

Instructions for Presentation

When presenting this solution, ensure to:

- Clearly articulate the role of each KanBo feature in solving the problem.

- Demonstrate the step-by-step process with illustrative examples.

- Highlight how each step aligns with pharmaceutical compliance and operational efficiency.

This structured approach leverages KanBo as a powerful tool to enhance work efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve team alignment within your pharmaceutical organization, ultimately aiding managers in achieving organizational goals.

Glossary and terms

Introduction

KanBo is a comprehensive platform that bridges the gap between company strategy and daily operational tasks, enabling organizations to efficiently align their workflows with their larger strategic goals. It integrates seamlessly with various Microsoft products, which ensures a unified experience across different platforms, whether they are on premises or cloud-based. Below is a glossary of key terms associated with KanBo that will help you navigate and utilize its features more effectively.

Glossary

- KanBo: An integrated work coordination platform that connects company strategy with daily operations, providing task management, real-time visualization, and streamlined communication.

- Hybrid Environment: A KanBo feature offering flexibility by allowing data hosting on both on-premises and cloud instances, unlike traditional SaaS applications that are entirely cloud-based.

- GCC High Cloud Installation: A secure installation option for regulated industries, ensuring compliance with standards like FedRAMP, ITAR, and DFARS, suitable for high-security needs.

- Customization: The ability to tailor KanBo to specific organizational requirements, particularly for on-premises setups where customization is highly supported.

- Integration: The deep linkage of KanBo with Microsoft environments, both on premises and cloud, to maintain a consistent user experience.

- Data Management: KanBo's system for managing sensitive data by storing it on-premises, while other data can be maintained in the cloud, thus balancing security and accessibility.

KanBo Hierarchical Model

- Workspaces:

- The top level in KanBo's hierarchy, used to organize teams or clients.

- Contains Folders and Spaces for further categorization.

- Folders:

- Organizational tools within Workspaces used for sorting and categorizing Spaces.

- Actions include creating, renaming, organizing, or deleting.

- Spaces:

- Located within Workspaces and Folders, represent specific projects or focus areas.

- Facilitate collaboration and hold Cards.

- Cards:

- The fundamental task units within Spaces holding notes, files, comments, and to-do lists.

- Act as the primary points of action within the KanBo system.

Steps to Set Up KanBo

1. Create a Workspace: The foundational step to organize projects and teams, setting roles for permissions.

2. Create Folders: Used to better categorize and organize Spaces within a Workspace.

3. Create Spaces: Represents specific projects, enabling task management through Cards.

4. Add and Customize Cards: Cards are added to Spaces for task management, with customizable details.

5. Invite Users and Conduct a Kickoff Meeting: Involves bringing in team members, defining roles, and introducing them to KanBo features.

6. Set Up MySpace: Personal organizational tool for managing tasks using various view options.

7. Collaboration and Communication: Features to assign users, manage comments, and facilitate active communication.

8. Advanced Features: Comprehensive tools for task filtering, progress tracking, email integration, and managing dependencies.

Access Levels

- Workspace Owner: Has the highest access level, allowing full control over workspace management.

- Workspace Member: A basic access level, can view and interact with certain elements in the workspace.

- Workspace Visitor: The lowest access level, with limited interaction capabilities in the workspace.

Workspace Types

- Private: Restricted visibility to specific users, ensuring confidentiality.

- Public: Open to all users in the organization, promoting transparency.

- Org-wide: Visibility and access to all organizational members, facilitating large-scale collaboration.

Additional Concepts

- Activity Stream: A chronological feed that logs real-time activities within KanBo, linking to relevant Cards and Spaces.

By understanding these terms and processes, users can maximize the potential of KanBo for effective project management and alignment with strategic goals.