ITIL LinkedIN Discussion Question/Response

I posted on LinkedIN a link to the blog and my notes. 


A gentleman made a great point: "....But what about practical guidance ( how the items you list are applied in the real world) as that is how students connect the dots back to the real world and have success on the exam."


My response is bellow:



The notes are from studying for the exam. 


Practical application comes from ones own experiences. For me my Masters Thesis which I am writing like a book for the intent of possible publication is about utilizing ITIL and COBIT to assist in implementing SOX and GLBA. 


It is impossible to explain practical guidance in a post such as this . Thus I emphasis to all students of ITIL to learn the concept. Once one has a solid grasp on concept then one can transition that knowledge into apply able knowledge. 


I agree and have stated that for me it was important to read supplemental material to compliment my years of experience. 


One thing though is that ITIL Exams are designed around ITIL ways to thinking. One may have difficulties if one adds their own knowledge to exam questions and answers (IE you choose the incorrect answer). One must in fact walk a fine line when taking the exams. One needs to almost put aside their knowledge and just filter in the ITIL material for the questions.  


I had a Masters Course Security Course Professor make a very good point once. "Just because you have been doing something for years does not mean you have been doing right."


In ITIL as in all learning one needs to be open to new ideas and accepting when one has been doing something incorrectly or maybe not the best way. 


This would be the most practical advice I could give anyone. Keep an open mind and be open to changing and adapting when necessary. 


Regardless of ones experience any employer is going to want an individual who can stop and say: 


"Hey I have been digging a hole here. I need to stop and climb out of it. Then I need to address this challenge I am presented with from a new angle." 


I have been on many a projects where holes were dug and too many people just kept digging and have researched many of the same. If one can learn to "LEARN" then this is a skill any employer will be impressed with. After one can LEARN one can then LEAD successfully. 


As always good luck to anyone doing ITIL or any other IT learning for that matter.