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Interim Management Change Agent Strategy Development Taking Aim News White Papers |
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Program Management Services Taking Aim are able to assist our Clients in a number of different areas associated with the introduction of new IT systems to support the business. The following sections provide information on some of the areas in which we can provide assistance: Business Case DevelopmentReviewsPackage & Vendor evaluationsProject ManagementBusiness Case DevelopmentCompany Boards and Company Executives are increasingly looking for well thought-out researched and documented business cases before giving approval for the development of new systems. When approval is given, funding is often only released on a staged basis.This requirement for increased rigour means that the business case must be well conceived, real measurable benefits identified, and costs well identified and controlled during the implementation. In building the business case, it is also important to understand the concept of Total Cost of Ownership. All too frequently, we hear of benefits not being achieved because of unexpected running costs associated with the new system, such as the need for training, and software maintenance charges. A well thought out benefits realisation plan also needs to be put in place to be sure future funding will be available when required. Benefits claimed are only benefits if they are able to be quantified. For example, while saving 5 minutes a day for 50 staff equates to a half person, is this really a benefit - how do you realise this saving in a way that impacts the cost of the operation. Finally, it is not enough to have a financially compelling business case. It also needs to address the strategic business objectives, or can be shown to help achieve some specific business goal for it to attract approval from Executive Management or the Board. ReviewsWe can assist our clients with a number of different reviews to ensure that their IT systems are performing optimally, and meeting the needs of the business. Some of these areas include:
Package & Vendor EvaluationsTaking Aim are able to assist clients in identifying potential package solutions to meet their needs in providing a solution for a particular business system. We can help you in identifying potential vendors, putting together formal Requests for Proposal and assist in the evaluation of responses. This evaluation should involve more than just ticking off the features against those required: does the vendor have a track record of successful delivery - can you reference check with similar organisations; is the vendor financially sound; what plans are there for ongoing enhancement of the product. These are just some of the areas which need to be considered prior to committing to a vendor and product.Project ManagementWhile we are not a systems integrator, we are able to provide Project Management services to assist our clients. If you do not have the available technical project management resources available in your IT department due to other commitments, Taking Aim can provide skilled project management resources to assist.An other area where you may require assistance, is in the overall management of a project on your behalf, where a Systems Integration company is contracted to implement a solution. In this instance, we provide a service to the client to act on their behalf, ensuring that all aspects of the project implementation are covered, not just the technical IT system implementation.
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