Cisco 700-245 Practice Test - Questions Answers, Page 3

IoT Smart Sensors deliver significant benefits, including optimizing energy costs with a centralized infrastructure and features such as occupancy-based controls. These sensors enable real-time monitoring and control of lighting, HVAC, and other systems in buildings. Occupancy-based controls, for instance, allow the systems to adjust based on actual room usage, turning off lights or adjusting heating and cooling when areas are unoccupied, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Other benefits of IoT Smart Sensors include enhanced operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and improved sustainability by minimizing resource use.

Environmental Sustainability References:

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020). Smart Buildings: Energy Efficiency Solutions with IoT.

Cisco. (2021). IoT Solutions for Smart Buildings and Sustainability.

World Economic Forum. (2022). IoT and Smart Sensors: A Key to Reducing Energy Costs and Carbon Footprints.

A benefit for partners to operate a more sustainable practice is that it helps keep technology gear off the grey market. The grey market refers to the trade of goods through unofficial or unauthorized channels, which can undermine warranty, security, and compliance standards. By implementing sustainable practices such as proper recycling, refurbishing, or resale through authorized channels, partners ensure that technology equipment is disposed of or repurposed in an environmentally friendly manner. This not only reduces e-waste but also prevents outdated or unapproved technology from being sold on the grey market, which can harm both the environment and the company's reputation.

Sustainable practices include lifecycle management of equipment, responsible recycling, and offering technology take-back programs, which ensure that equipment is either refurbished for reuse or properly recycled, thus avoiding the grey market.

Environmental Sustainability References:

U S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Sustainable Materials Management: Electronics and the Circular Economy. Cisco. (2022). Sustainability in Technology and Grey Market Prevention. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). The Role of Circular Economy in Preventing Grey Market Activities.

Companies are moving to a circular economy because it helps mitigate risks and increase supply chain resilience. In a circular economy, companies reduce dependence on raw materials by reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing products, which helps them buffer against supply chain disruptions caused by resource scarcity, price volatility, or geopolitical issues. By keeping materials in use longer and reducing waste, companies also lessen their environmental impact and build more resilient, sustainable business models.

This transition not only decreases environmental risks but also promotes innovation in product design, enhances resource efficiency, and reduces overall production costs. As companies face increasing pressure to align with sustainability regulations and customer demand for greener products, adopting a circular economy becomes a crucial strategy for risk management and operational continuity.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020). Circular Economy in Business: Risk Mitigation and Resilience.

World Economic Forum. (2021). Building Resilient Supply Chains Through Circular Economy Practices.

McKinsey & Company. (2020). The Business Case for a Circular Economy: Risk Reduction and Competitive Advantage.

RACHEL (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) is an innovative device that acts as a miniature internet with built-in servers and Wi-Fi routers. It is designed to bring educational resources to remote areas without reliable internet access. The device stores a large amount of offline content, such as educational materials, Wikipedia articles, Khan Academy videos, and open-source textbooks, which can be accessed by users via Wi-Fi without needing an internet connection. This is a powerful tool for promoting education in underserved regions, particularly in developing countries or areas affected by limited infrastructure.

By enabling access to educational content without internet connectivity, RACHEL supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to education and reducing inequalities.

Environmental Sustainability References:

World Possible. (2020). RACHEL -- Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2021). The Role of Technology in Expanding Access to Education.

At the headquarters of Cisco's partner, Charter, a key feature added to support a responsible and sustainable environment was an optimal building layout for space utilization. Optimizing space utilization is a sustainability practice that reduces the environmental footprint by minimizing the amount of space required for operations, which in turn lowers energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting. A well-planned layout also improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and encourages sustainable practices within the building, such as increased natural lighting and better ventilation, contributing to a more energy-efficient workspace.

This sustainable design choice supports both environmental and operational goals by lowering resource consumption and fostering a more responsible, energy-efficient infrastructure.

Environmental Sustainability References:

U S. Green Building Council. (2020). Sustainable Building Design and Space Utilization Best Practices. Cisco. (2021). Sustainable Facilities and Space Optimization Strategies.

Before meeting with a customer for an exploratory discussion, the most important task to complete is doing background research. This involves understanding the customer's business, their industry, potential pain points, and any existing sustainability or technology initiatives they may have. Conducting thorough research allows you to tailor the discussion to the customer's needs, demonstrating that you understand their challenges and are prepared to offer relevant solutions.

Preparation through research enables more productive conversations and increases the likelihood of establishing a strong, trust-based relationship with the customer.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Harvard Business Review. (2021). The Importance of Background Research in Customer Engagement.

McKinsey & Company. (2020). How to Prepare for Successful Customer Meetings: A Research-Driven Approach.

Three factors contributing to organizations evaluating whether to return to the office, continue remote work, or adopt a hybrid model are:

War for talent (B): Companies are competing to attract and retain skilled employees. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work, can be a crucial factor in appealing to top talent who prioritize work-life balance and flexibility.

Cost management (D): Remote and hybrid work models can reduce operational costs, such as office space, utilities, and on-site amenities. Organizations are assessing the financial implications of maintaining large office spaces versus allowing more remote work.

The blurring of the workday (E): As employees work remotely, the traditional boundaries between work and personal time have become less distinct. Companies are considering how hybrid models impact productivity, employee well-being, and work-life balance.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Gartner. (2021). Remote Work, the War for Talent, and Organizational Decision-Making.

Harvard Business Review. (2021). How Cost Management Influences Remote and Hybrid Work Decisions.

McKinsey & Company. (2021). The Future of Hybrid Work: Flexibility, Talent, and Work-Life Balance.

Globally, 90% of wastewater returns to the environment untreated. This untreated wastewater, which includes industrial, agricultural, and household waste, leads to widespread pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing serious risks to ecosystems, human health, and water quality. The lack of proper wastewater treatment is especially prevalent in developing regions, where infrastructure and resources for waste management are often limited.

Effective wastewater management and treatment are crucial for protecting water resources and supporting sustainability goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Environmental Sustainability References:

United Nations World Water Development Report (UNWWDR). (2021). Wastewater: The Untreated Crisis.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Global Wastewater Management and Environmental Impact.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Development.

A partner can establish a sustainability practice by setting sustainability goals and publicizing them on their webpage. This not only demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility but also increases transparency and accountability. Setting clear, measurable goals, such as reducing energy consumption or increasing the use of renewable resources, helps guide the partner's internal operations and builds trust with clients and stakeholders. Publicizing these goals on the website allows customers, investors, and partners to see the company's sustainability efforts, which can lead to new business opportunities and compliance with industry standards.

Environmental Sustainability References:

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). (2021). Sustainability Goal Setting and Corporate Transparency.

United Nations Global Compact. (2020). Communicating Corporate Sustainability Commitments.

McKinsey & Company. (2021). Sustainability Practices and Public Accountability in Business.