Developing a Statement of Requirements
If the writing of requirements were simple there would not be so many books and papers on the subject; and it would not be a permanent item on the list of issues associated with failed projects. This is the first in a series of three articles that look at what is involved in producing a statement of requirements (SOR). As with so many things, writing an SOR is not a simple activity. The actual writing of the requirements is in fact the 3rd step in a three step process. The first, the gathering of information is often not given...
read moreI.T. Project Success Rates
The Standish Group based out of Boston U.S.A. has since 1994 been collecting data and publishings, every two years, figures on the success rates of I.T. projects. Although not every one thinks the Standish Group’s figures provide an accurate picture of I.T. project success rates. Year Successful Challenged Failed 1994 16% 53% 31% 1996 27% 33% 40% 1998 26% 46% 28% 2000 28% 49% 23% 2002 34% 51% 15% 2004 29% 53% 18% 2006 35% 46% 19% 2009 32% 44% 24% Other studies such as that by Sauer et al. (2007)...
read moreI.T. Project Success
Attention to the fundamentals, rigour in planning and execution greatly improves chances of success. So how complete is your preparation and planning? Issues to Consider Sponsor – The sponsor has a very important role to play and they need to be seen to be performing that role. It is critical that the sponsor is not only up to date on the projects status and issues, but seen to be so. Anything other than full and active engagement undermines the project. While senior people will often delegate their duties, and they will often delegate the...
read moreCreating and Using Documentation
Improve your chances of having your documentation read. For many people using documentation is an act of last resort. The reluctance to use documentation is borne out of experience, we have all at some stage fought with the user guide or other documentation that just does not communicate what we need in a way that we can use. Understanding how and why people use documentation and in what context helps us to provide more usable material. There are a number of well known factors that impact the effectiveness of documentation, both as an aid to...
read moreBuying technology Part 4: Contracts
The following and final six points deal with key contract issues. This is not an exhaustive list, but is based on experience of areas commonly not pursued with the rigour they require. Raise and resolve issues with suppliers as they arise. The subject matter will be fresh in peoples minds and much more readily addressed. Scrambling around to reach agreement on issues that materialised early in the process at the time you’re trying to put the contract to bed, is not a good sign. Everyone will be under pressure to compromise. Most contracts...
read moreBuying Technology Part 3: Don’t Assume Get the Facts
When buying anything its always best to follow a structure, keep things formal and test everything. The following outlines six things you can do to help smooth the process and create a solid foundation for success. Keep the relationship with the supplier’s people polite, courteous but formal. If you allow a buddy atmosphere to develop things will get missed. Understand the role of the sales people and their personal level of expertise. My view of sales staff changed when the director of an organisation said to me; what you need to...
read moreBuying Technology Part 2: Communication and Contracts
We have all heard the term buyer beware. It applies to anything you buy whether for business or personal use. The sales person you deal with is not necessarily the best informed, or indeed forthcoming about the product they are selling. In business you are judged to be competent to make the required assessments and decisions for yourself. So why are contracts so difficult to get right? Simple answer, poor communication and lack of attention to detail. It can be months between starting the process of sourcing a piece of technology and the...
read moreBuying Technology Part 1: Buy Technology, Buy into a Relationship
When you select and buy a piece of technology for your business, you are more often than not buying into a long term relationship with the supplier. If in doubt, ask yourself the following:
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