“Application Managers” are concerned with the support of a concrete software solution, i.e. a program or a system. The core of their task is the regular adaptation and integration of programs into an already existing IT infrastructure of a company.

A “Business Analyst” (or “BA” for short) uses data analysis to determine the requirements that a company must meet in order to optimize its products or services.

“Change Management” (or “CM” for short) refers to the orderly and planned change of processes within an organization. The focus of change management is the task of effectively and strategically achieving a desired target status, whereby there are a variety of different approaches.

Companies are increasingly focusing on the area of change management, particularly in order to be able to adapt quickly to new environmental factors. Such environmental factors can result, for example, from technological innovations or advancing specialization.The general term “change management” includes the models of “corporate transformation” and “business transformation”. Also assigned to change management is the concept of organizational development. While the former two approaches refer to more drastic methods, organizational development rather focuses on the compatibility between the desired changes and the satisfaction of the workforce.

The service contract (in German: “Dienstvertrag”) (§ 611 – § 630 German Civil Code) is a form of contract specifically regulated by law. The service contract is regularly distinguished from contracts for work and employment contracts. A service contract is characterized by the fact that the party obligated to perform the service owes the performance of the services in return for payment of a certain remuneration. In contrast to a contract for work, however, a service contract does not require a specific result or target to be achieved.

“Freelancers” are persons who offer their services as independent contractors on the basis of service or work contracts. The service is usually provided by the freelancer him- or herself, but it is also possible to subcontract the work to another person. The freelancer is not in an employment relationship with the client, but is independently active as an entrepreneur.

The terms “Freelancer” and “Freiberufler” are often used synonymously in Germany. Correctly, however, “Freiberufler” are only those persons who exercise so-called “free professions”, i.e. those who do not fall under trade regulations. “Freiberufler” are, in particular, doctors, lawyers, artists, notaries public, etc.  

“Information Technology” refers to electronic data processing by means of corresponding hardware and software infrastructure.

“Lean Management” deals with the optimization of processes of any kind within a value chain. Optimizations can be expressed, for example, in cost reductions or an acceleration of a production step.

“Product Owner” (or “PO” for short) refers to a position in a Scrum team. The product owner is responsible for categorizing, prioritizing and implementing the individual items of the so-called product backlog.

The project description forms the basis for the provision of a contractual service. The project description is of paramount importance. The service provider should be able to perform its contractual services on the basis of the project description and without further instructions from the client. If a client issues instructions (under employment law) to the service provider so that the latter can perform its services, it is possible that the contractual relationship will not be classified as a service relationship but as a de facto employment relationship.

Scrum is the name for an agile form of project and product management that is used in particular in the context of IT projects. The Scrum methodology is intended to help drive projects forward even more efficiently. The focus is always on achieving the project goal, whereas the structuring of the approach and its documentation are of secondary importance. The model is characterized by an increased degree of flexibility and a focus on the skills of the individual.

The Scrum method is attributed to Lean Development.

“Sprint” is a term used in agile or “Scrum” management. It refers to recurring phases of the project in which the project team evaluates the overall progress of the project and defines the necessary work steps for the next project phase.

“Q”uality
“H”ealth
“S”afety
“E”nvironment

QHSE-Management QHSE management focuses on the actual and/or potential impact of an organization on the factors of quality, health, safety and the environment. In essence, therefore, it is about preventing the negative effects of a company’s activities on its employees and the environment. QHSE management thus forms a core pillar of corporate compliance. Typical relevant topics include occupational safety and fire protection.

Among other things, QHSE managers prepare risk analyses by evaluating the status quo, develop suggestions for improvement and coordinate their implementation. Employee training is also a typical area of responsibility.

Project managers act as the interface between all the specialist departments working together on an IT project. They are responsible for planning, assigning tasks, and monitoring the progress of the project; decisions about the way in which the project is carried out are also regularly part of their area of responsibility. A good project manager communicates clearly and efficiently, promotes effective collaboration within the project team, and fosters exchange between those involved. Good project management requires the ability to discuss the same topic on different professional levels and to “translate” problems. In addition to IT-specific knowledge, soft and language skills are therefore decisive criteria.