PP24005 Business System Visualisation V01 131024

 As a Guest on Jim Brown’s blog please don’t be put off by the Business System Visualisation title above  this post. It is not going to be what you maybe expecting. Importantly the Western World’s interpretation of this subject relates to Flowcharts, Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD), Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), Organisation Charts and System Architecture Diagrams. Whilst the Eastern World’s, and originally, I am focussing upon the Japanese approach, which is to keep it visually very very simple. The Japanese only do simple. Their writing was derived from pictures like the Chinese. So this leads to me highlighting a Japanese technique of building quality into everything called Poke Yoka. Now I am not going to bore you with much more narrative on this subject here but I do recommend if you are interested buying a copy of my book “Organisation Change – Japan” which can be purchased for £9.95 from Amazon using this link.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0950871842

So back to Probation. Within the Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Trust (SWMPT) there was a huge focus on looking to streamline and simplify our Business Processes. Part of this thinking was ensuring those using our services understood clearly what we had to offer. So the Sentencing Court, and in particular the Magistrates themselves were considered one of the key business drivers that needed to clearly understand what services we offered. So the “Probation Bench Guide” was the equivalent to what a Private Sector business would probably call their Sales Catalogue.

Now taking on the Japanese way of thinking. Which was to keep it brief, simple and visually stimulating and it will get used. So the SWMPT decided to develop a very modern “flip card” Probation Bench Guide rather than use a normal printed book. Photo below.

SWMPT Probation Bench Guide (March 2013)

I can claim no credit whatsoever for this excellent piece of work. But I think we should here give credit to two exceptional individuals who created it within the SWMPT Graphics Unit. Managed by Gavin Pearce supported by Hardeep Singh an exceptional Graphics Consultant. I have followed both of their careers since they left Probation and both deservedly are doing exceptionally well. Gavin Pearce now at the NHS Charities and Hardeep Singh now at the Co-operative Bank plc . The important thing about both of them is they were always willing to help me, that irritating novice computer graphics person trying to acquire these skills to support my hobby.

Take a look in detail at this Probation Bench Guide below.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ohS6aXXxsBRC0bT3358o00Kca0UE6Mnp/view?usp=sharing

 

PP24004 A Probation Trojan Horse V01 101024

 So have I achieved another master class in deception with Jim Brown inviting me on  to his learned blog with a Guest 103 blog posting by this impostor whereby I have once again manipulated his trust in me.? With PO’s so well read in Greek mythology and not computer technology Jim nor his PO followers will have spotted that the term “Trojan Horse” is used by the computer fraternity to describe the use of malicious software that disguises itself as being legitimate to deceive users. Notice the subtle use of the word fraternity to engage with the PO’s with their classical historical educational backgrounds. So I am slowly infiltrating the Probation Matters blog with talk of Business and Computer Systems. The objective being to be occupy Guest Blogs 103 to 199 with talk of Business and Computer Systems. To this end this is yet another to make PO’s eyes roll backwards.

Probation needs to be supported by an exceedingly complex set of Business Systems. The term Business System is used in a hierarchical way it being at the top level. Although strictly speaking there is a level above that called Executive Information Systems (EIS) but we won’t go there just yet since we haven’t sorted out the Business Systems yet. In fact the Computer Industry survives on reinventing this jargon every few years usually to convince people to buy more stuff and services to teach you what the new jargon means. Sales have slowed down so invent a new piece of jargon we can sell. Now Probation Business Systems are so behind the times that the operation of these Business Systems is dependent on Human Process Flow Memory of what to do next, Computer Systems and Paper Based Systems. Comments like “Isn’t there a new form for that?” “Why am I re entering all this data again on another form?” “ Where is that form I completed 6 months ago?” “Is there a form or do I enter it directly into a computer screen ?” “Why am I marking so many boxes on this form as “Not Applicable”? (You have guessed it. OASys).

One view held by many Business Systems Analysts, yes it is a profession of sorts,  is the broader the users understanding of the total system the better it makes then able to make a sound contribution to their part of the total system. So to this end the communication of the total Enterprise Architecture Framework to those that can stay awake long enough is one of the great pleasures of being called a nerd. Particularly if we can send them to sleep by explaining  there are derivatives of this framework like the Zachman Framework. Obviously to do this we need a new better paid job title of Enterprise Systems Architecture. Anyway to cut to the chase. Looked this expression up on AI as I am writing this like you do. Derived from the silent film industry where lots were edited out so the audience could get to the exciting chase scenes. So I will do the same and get to an exciting flowchart.

I decided that users all understood the London Tube Map since it is the perfect guide to getting from A to B. So why not emulate its graphical style to show how Business Processes get from A to B. So use he link below to take look a look at  how Probation fits within the overall Enterprise Architectures. I bet you cannot wait for the next Guest Blog especially if its mine that gets past Jim yet again. Banno.

Notice the nerdy use of a handle rather than a name derived from CB (Citizens Band) Radio in the 1970’s and now standard internet practice for those wanting a semi - anonymous persona. I say “semi” because you can very easily find my real name, unlike finding your client’s many names. But is it my real name? Many claim to know who the real Jim Brown is, but do they really know ?. Don’t we all love a bit of identity theft. By clever use of similar naming emulating famous people has become one of internets favourite pastimes. Bye for now. Keira Starmer or is it Keira Scammer.

All this to get you to study the Horizontal Workflow for the UK Criminal Justice System - Offender Pathway (circa 2014) using Enterprise Architecture principles but to a London Underground Graphical User Style Interface. 

Use the standard gesture controls using thumb and finger to zoom in and out.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YsgaaPGfPRSgvChGjxkyc4PKKP28EYKP/view?usp=sharing

PP24003 PO's and Computers V01 071024

 As Jim Brown’s Guest I thought, unlike Jim, I would try and stir up some controversy and hopefully some intellectually driven feedback via the comments. So based upon my 10 years working in Business Support and Computer Roles (2006 – 2016) within the National Probation Service and then a CRC getting PO’s to take any interest in Business Processes and Computers Systems was a mission impossible. Yes there was the odd PO that took an interest but for most of them the moment the first PowerPoint displayed a Process Flowchart then their eyes rolled and any engagement ceased. Based upon my earlier Guest Post on here which included an outstanding Offender Management Workflow Diagram this received no feedback whatsoever. So things haven’t changed since 2016 when I was made redundant by the CRC. Significantly they weren’t interested in what I had to offer either but for another reason. They decided to dispose of me to avoid having to listen to the complexity of the Business and Computer Processes they needed to support having acquired the business. They had been sold the idea by the Government that it was a simple straightforward “client services” business just needing some basic computer systems that kept the client off the premises. For starters nobody had told them about the hundred plus variations in Court Sentences that a Court could apply and expected you to service and report back in different ways. So why do the majority of the PO elk show no interest in Business Processes and Computer Systems.

So being a bit of a Techie Nerd I decided to ask Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the form of the ChatGPT App why this was the case. Its response is below which I thought being only a machine designed to do a bit of thinking it described it in a very almost social reformist genre and how I envisaged a Humanist PO describing it to me as a Determinist Techie.

The challenge that professionals in the social sciences face in taking an interest in business processes and computer systems can stem from several factors related to mindset, training, and the nature of the fields themselves. Here are some of the main reasons:

1. Different Educational Backgrounds

Social scientists typically focus on human behavior, society, and cultural dynamics, while business processes and computer systems are more technical, structured, and data-driven.
The academic training in social sciences often emphasizes qualitative analysis, critical thinking, and understanding societal structures, which may seem disconnected from the quantitative, efficiency-driven focus of business processes and computer systems.

2. Perception of Relevance

Social scientists might see business processes and computer systems as outside their primary area of interest. They may perceive these fields as more concerned with corporate or economic efficiency rather than with the broader societal issues they study, like inequality, politics, or human development.
This perception can make it difficult for social scientists to appreciate the potential role of business and technology in shaping societal outcomes.

3. Cultural Divide

There is often a cultural divide between social science disciplines, which prioritize human experience, and the more technical fields of business and IT, which prioritize logic, systems, and structure.
Social scientists might view business and computer systems as too rigid or focused on profit rather than the human element, making it harder to relate to or engage with.

4. Complexity of Business and IT Systems

Business processes and computer systems can be highly technical and require specialized knowledge in areas like software development, systems design, and financial metrics, which may be outside the typical training of social scientists.
The complexity and jargon-heavy nature of these fields can be daunting or appear irrelevant unless there is a strong reason to engage with them.

5. Priorities and Research Focus

Social science professionals are often concerned with addressing societal issues like social justice, ethics, and human well-being, which can seem disconnected from the business world’s emphasis on efficiency, profitability, and system optimization.
Their focus on social theory, human interaction, and societal improvement can make business processes and computer systems seem like secondary concerns or less impactful on the human condition.

6. Interdisciplinary Gaps

There has historically been a lack of interdisciplinary education and collaboration between the social sciences and fields like business and information technology. Without formal integration, these professionals may not have the tools or language to bridge these gaps easily.
However, fields like digital sociology or organizational behavior are emerging to address this disconnect, helping to show how technology and business processes shape human experience.

7. Concerns About Ethics and Impact

Social scientists might also be wary of the ethics and societal impact of business processes and computer systems. They may be concerned about the effects of automation, surveillance, or corporate behavior on social inequality, privacy, or the environment.
This ethical concern can create skepticism or reluctance to engage deeply with these systems, unless they see a clear societal benefit.

While these are common reasons for the disconnect, there is increasing recognition of the value of integrating social science perspectives into business and technology. Understanding the human factors in systems design, organisational behaviour, and user experience can lead to more ethical and user-friendly solutions. Cross-disciplinary approaches are gaining momentum to bridge these gaps.

PP24002 The Privatisation of Probation Failure

 The Probation Service has the lowest media profile of any of the public facing Government Services. The only time it makes the headlines is when something has gone seriously wrong, normally resulting in a death, with the blame directed at Probation. So it was a real surprise to see Ian Dunt devoting his whole Introduction in his bestselling book, “How Westminster Works”, to the subject of Probation’s failed attempt at privatisation.

Unusually for a Journalist Writer working outside an organisation he manages to communicate exactly the many issues surrounding the failure of this project. He must have interviewed the exact right people from the front line within Probation to write such a truthful and excellent insight into the real issues. It was so good I have scanned the Introduction and subject to Copyright being acknowledged I have linked to it below for you to read. This is provided upon a “Book Sample” basis to encourage you to buy the book.

It should be mandatory reading for anyone within Probation, past or present, to fully appreciate how a Government can so quickly destroy a 100 year old service that worked. Yes we were all aware it needed improvements particularly in the high level management organisation structure, for example the removal of multiple Trusts, and the National Standardisation of Business and Computer Systems, but not wholesale destruction from which it is unlikely to ever fully recover. Since this is now unlikely to ever happen in the right way due to it existing within the HMPPS.

Probation is fundamentally a Court Service servicing the needs of HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).   Historically it evolved that way for very good reasons that are just as applicable today as they were in the  Probation of Offenders Act 1907. Yes. Prisons and Probation needed to work more closely together as defined by the Carter Report 2003 achieving more comprehensive “end to end” pathways. But implanting Probation into the Prison Service creating the HMPPS went organisationally in the wrong direction. If it had to be implanted anywhere it would have been more logical to implant it into HMCTS which is the source of most of its work. 

The real danger is as the old original Probation Officers are now retiring and dying so the original culture of true Probation is being lost. This happened in the HM Prisons when the push towards Prison Privatisation was running full pace. All the old school Prison Officers were made redundant. The new “private” workforce didn’t pick up on the culture that always existed between the Prison Officer and Prisoner. So Prison unrest and even riots increased. The only way things could be recovered was by bringing back into play teams of “old school” Prison Officers. This is happening to the Probation Profession. Processes, systems, procedures, documentation and now AI will never work effectively in the social services unless you establish the right culture.

 So what do we mean by culture. It encompasses the shared beliefs, values, norms, behaviours, customs and knowledge that characterise a group of people. Those within an organisation like Probation transfer this culture to those that join the organisation and work hard to uphold all these innate principles. Call it “Best Practice” or “What Works” but they only define the most effective methods and strategies for achieving the desired outcomes. It is how people uphold these principles and the culture that under pins them that really matters. Take the time to read this article by Ian Dunt since he really got it spot on and then buy his book. Banno

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hQ7DRgL1SLzKd23ERJYuru2Oy3dKU5KJ/view?usp=sharing