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| Recent Articles |
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Process to Results Gap
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The Web requires
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| |
09.29.05
Create Your
Methodology Based On A Standard
Framework
 By Lucas Rodríguez
Cervera
This article, the first of
a series of three, gives some tips on designing and
implementing a methodology based on a standard framework such
as ITIL or PMBoK.
OK. So you have
decided that your organization has to improve the way in which
it works. You have chosen to implement a methodology as the
best way to achieve this goal. And now you ask yourself, where
do I start?
Whatever the discipline you are trying to
model (from software development to supply chain management),
it is highly probable that a standard framework exists, that
can serve as the basis for your own methodology.
What is a standard framework?
A
standard framework is a set of best practices, normally
expressed as a set of repeatable processes created by an
organization (a professional association, university, public
administration, etc...). These frameworks are sometimes
referred to as bodies of knowledge, methodologies, etc...
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Standard frameworks cannot be applied out of
the box. They are aimed at a wide spectrum of organizations
and thus cannot be detailed to a level at which they are ready
to use. In order to have an executable set of processes, a
project has to be undertaken in order to fill the gap between
the framework best practices and your methodology executable
processes. This gap is filled when you have translated the
best practices into concrete procedures and policies that take
into account the characteristics of your organization and its
environment.
For example, when the framework says
"determine which risks might affect the project and document
their characteristics" the methodology can say "the project
leader registers all project risks in the risk list and
documents its characteristics". The methodology also provides
a link to the excel spreadsheet that is used as a template for
the risk list, and a description of the project leader role in
the organization (skills needed, minimum experience, etc...)
Some of the existing frameworks that
can be used as a base for a methodology are the following:
* IT Service Management: ITIL / COBIT / MOF
*
Project Management: PMBoK / PRINCE2
* Software
Development: RUP / OPEN Process Framework
* etc...
Advantages of using a standard framework
* You can take advantage of the work made by
experienced professionals in the field.
* It
establishes a standard terminology, that enhances
communication both internally and externally.
* It
facilitates process benchmarking, so that you can know how
well you are performing compared to other organizations.
* Software vendors create products that are compliant
with the framework, so you will be able to find software that
automates your processes smoothly.
* Your employees
are motivated. They learn something that adds value to them
professionally.
* Mainstream
frameworks evolve over time, so you will be able to enhance
your methodology.
Which framework should I
choose?
When choosing a framework the following
must be taken into account:
* Research and
investigate. It is normal that several frameworks exist for
one discipline.
* Determine which standard best meets
your needs in terms of industry, size of the organization,
etc...
* Determine how the standard integrates with
standards of other disciplines.
* Evaluate the
structure of the framework. Does it have a uniform structure
and format for all process descriptions? Does it name roles
consistently?
* Evaluate scope. Does it contains all
the processes you need to describe? Does it make reference to
the supporting systems? Does it contain guidelines and
templates?
* Evaluate accordance to your company
characteristics. You might find that one standard is too heavy
for your needs. Having said this, please note that processes
that seem very complex in the framework can be
implemented
through very simple processes that embed the most value-adding
best practices.
Suggestions
* Implement
processes gradually and start with those processes that
demonstrate most value.
* Choose a wining framework
used by a big number of organizations.
* Choose a
framework that maps to a Capability Maturity Model. This way
you can have a roadmap and gain visibility on where you want
to be.
About
the Author:
Lucas Rodríguez Cervera is
founder of Nevant, a company specialized in delivering
process solutions to knowledge based companies. They
pioneered this concept with metoCube. Nevant - The link
between process and results http://www.nevant.com | |
