Welcome to Ops & Tech
Track Overview: Building Tech-Enabled Operations Leaders
Mission: Master operational excellence AND practical technology integration to create EJW operations that are efficient, scalable, and competitive in the Jamaican market.
Learning Format: Strategic Hybrid Approach
- Self-taught EJW curriculum (65%)
- Accessible external certifications (35%)
Duration: 10-12 weeks intensive + certification completion Outcome: Operations Technology Executive with industry-recognized credentials
COURSES
EJW Digital Operations Training Roadmap
EJW Internal Certification (Complete All 4):
- Operations Technology Manual – Document all EJW procedures with tech integration
- POS System Transition Leadership – Successfully manage CRE replacement project
- Team Technology Training Program – Train all staff on integrated systems
- Operational Improvement Project – Implement technology solution saving $5,000+ annually
External Certifications:
Core Required (4 certifications):
- Google Workspace Certification (Free)
- Food Safety Technology Certificate ($75)
- Supply Chain Management Fundamentals ($49)
- Google Digital Marketing Certificate (Free)
Strategic Selection (Choose 3 of 6):
- Retail Technology Certificate (NRF – $250)
- Small Business Financial Management (UWI – $200)
- Digital Leadership Certificate (LinkedIn – $30/month)
- Business Analytics Fundamentals (Coursera – $49)
- Customer Service Excellence (JBDC – $100)
- Business Continuity Planning (Online – $150)
Advanced Optional (Choose 1):
- Point of Sale Systems Professional ($150)
- AI for Business Fundamentals ($49)
- Project Management Basics (Free)
Total External Certification Investment: $200-800 (depending on selections)
Primary Systems (Full Mastery Required):
- New POS System (replacing CRE) – Complete system administration
- Google Workspace – Business operations and productivity
- WhatsApp Business – Customer and team communication
- Google Sheets/Excel – Operations analysis and tracking
- Mobile Banking Apps – Financial operations integration
Secondary Systems (Working Knowledge):
- Social Media Platforms – Customer engagement and service
- Mobile Photography/Video – Documentation and training
- Google Forms – Feedback and data collection
- Free Scheduling Apps – Team coordination
- Basic E-commerce Tools – Future growth preparation
Technology Infrastructure:
- Starlink Internet – High-speed connectivity advantage
- Mobile Device Management – Smartphone and tablet coordination
- Cloud Storage Systems – Data backup and accessibility
- Basic Security Systems – Protection and monitoring
Total Program Investment:
- External Certifications: $400-800 (strategic selection)
- Technology Tools: $300-600 annually (mostly free/low-cost)
- Time Investment: 12-15 hours/week for 12 weeks
- Potential Mentoring/Support: $500-1,000 (optional)
Expected Annual ROI:
- Labor efficiency gains: $12,000+
- Inventory optimization: $8,000+
- Customer retention value: $15,000+
- Operational cost reductions: $8,000+
- Competitive advantage: Market leadership position
- Scalability foundation: Prepared for expansion
Total Expected Value: $43,000+ annually vs. $1,500-2,400 investment = 18:1+ ROI
Technology Integration:
- 99% system uptime with effective backup procedures
- 4:1 ROI minimum on technology investments
- 95% team adoption of new technology within 30 days
- 50% reduction in manual administrative tasks
- Zero revenue loss due to technology failures
Operational Excellence:
- 25% improvement in operational efficiency
- $10,000+ annual savings through technology optimization
- Customer satisfaction increase through tech-enabled service
- 30% reduction in inventory discrepancies
- Same-day resolution for 90% of technology issues
Leadership Development:
- 100% staff competency in core technology systems
- Monthly technology improvements implemented
- Complete documentation of all technology procedures
- Strategic technology planning integrated with business goals
- Industry recognition for technology leadership in local market
Local Market Leadership:
- First-mover advantage in tech-enabled operations
- Competitive differentiation from traditional retailers
- Attraction and retention of quality staff
- Professional reputation in business community
- Foundation for expansion across Jamaica
Practical Implementation:
- Leverages existing infrastructure (Starlink advantage)
- Uses accessible technology (smartphones, free software)
- Builds on local resources (UWI, JBDC, business associations)
- Considers cultural context (personal relationships + technology)
- Prepares for growth with scalable systems
Industry Recognition:
- Thought leadership in local retail technology
- Speaking opportunities at business conferences
- Mentoring relationships with other family businesses
- Vendor partnership opportunities for favorable terms
- Franchise/expansion credibility for future growth
Immediate (Months 1-6):
- Lead all EJW technology operations with full autonomy
- Complete POS transition and optimize all systems
- Mentor family members in technology adoption
- Implement quarterly improvements with measurable ROI
Medium-term (Year 1-2):
- Regional technology leadership in Jamaican retail
- Vendor technology partnerships for better terms
- Multi-location technology strategy for expansion
- Industry conference participation and learning
Long-term (2+ years):
- CTO-level responsibility for EJW technology strategy
- Franchise-ready technology systems development
- Consulting opportunities with other family businesses
- Technology innovation leadership in Caribbean retail