I have been tasked to take a look at improving upon or simply adding non existent process to a solutions delivery IT shop. I have been exposed to numerous types of process maturity models and frameworks including ITIL ,Kerzner PMM, SDLC, Macroscope , CMM / CMMI etc but this is the first time I have been asked to implement process.
I am proposing starting with a gap analysis of what process currently exists but the objectives of what processes will gives us the biggest improvement is still up in the air. It may be difficult to measure and the senior managment support is to a point where they know they need to add best practices but do not know where to start. They will not support a CMM appraisal at this time so how we develop our process recommendations must come from in house.
Just throwing this one out for discussion as it hits the heart of Process Improvement right from the ground up with the question of "Where do I begin to improve upon process"? Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Sean, the GAP analysis is the right place to start but it needs to be done in terms of the GAP between the value management and users perceive IT adds to the organization and the value they percieve it should add. I would start with the business plan of the company, focusing on the objectives. With that in hand I would map what contributions IT is making toward the achievement of those objectives. This will help to identify alignment gap issues.
Then I would facilitate cross functional user groups to identify gaps between how IT is leveraging operations to achieve company objectives and what it could be doing.
These two analysis should provide a good foundation to turn inward to IT and to examine the issues, policies and practices that need to change in order to close the GAPS. From a service level aspect I would lean toward ITIL for standards. From a development standpoint I would aspire to a CMM level of 3. A good streamlined SDLC methodolgy should do the trick there. Often the improvements needed in IT are as much relationship based as they are process based. So be sensitive to that.
Hope this helps a little. Good Luck Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Michael,
I am experiencing a similar situation to Sean ie. working on a process improvement project for the first time but in a financial services environment. Based on what you said below, can you point me to any templates that would aid this exercise ? I am a first timer when it comes to business improvement so would love to get as much help and guidance as possible.
Thanks in advance ! Saving Changes...
Mark Price PerryBusiness Driven PMO Evangelist| BOT InternationalOrlando, Fl, United States
Hi Sean, regarding your question, "Where do I begin to improve upon a process?" for an IT solutions delivery shop, I agree with Mr. Wood and would recommend that you look at a good streamlined SDLC methodology. You can do all the work yourself, or alternatively, you can look at some of the ready to use, easy to customize, and affordable vendor solutions for SDLC Methodology. For a CMM or CMMI oriented solution, you might want to look at processMax by Pragma Systems. For other SDLC models and a PMBOK aligned solution, I would recommended Processes On Demand by BOT International. Both of these solutions are attractively priced, can be implemented easily, and enjoy large customer bases. You can find them and others on the internet. See a few demos and get a few proposals. The information that you get will not only provide you with ideas, options, and customer references to talk with, but it will give you some tangible boundaries for quality, cost, and time parameters - make or buy. Hope this helps. -- Mark Perry, VP of Customer Care, BOT International Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Dear annonymous, there are some good templates on Gannthead that can help. Also read some of the articles in the PI area on the site. Finally, email me your address and I will send you a compliementary copy of my book "The Helix Factor". I think you will find it helpful.
Also, feel free to ask questions on specifics along the way. There are a lot of smart folks in this space that can help.
I am also in the same situation. Need ur help for Improvement Process in finance domain.
Thanx,
Vaibhav Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Vaibhav, There are some good templates you can download that might help. Also, if you send email me your mailing address I will pull one of my books from Santa's bag and send it two you. Happy Holidays Saving Changes...
Stan HutchinsonSenior Project Manager| Social Security AdministrationHanover, Pa, United States
I may be a bit late to this posting, but I am a similar situation just with different circumstances. I am in the Federal area with a group that is preparing for a large implementation. However, our processes are non-existent to say the least, reactionary management that doesn't pay a dime to anyone unless they are forced. I have not been tasked to improve our internal processes, but it is badly needed. Is there any template or guide to help overcome the unwilling and provide a GAP analysis that doesn't include profits?
Stan. Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Stan, its not so much the template as it is the cross functional facilitation process. The GAP analysis should be tied into the organization's business objectives. These are not always profit focused but should always be stated in operational terms.
The rub is getting people engaged in a context specific dialogue that is non threatening and provides them a basis to attach to the benefits of change.
If you send me your snail mail address I will gladly send you a complimentary copy of my book on the subject.
We do not follow any processes for estimation. So long it was a gut feeling estimate and planning to have some process in place. Can anyone help me in this please. Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Subashree, I would love to help where I can. Can you provide a little more info on your situation? There are many templates for estimating various components of process improvement and IT project initiatives. Hopefully with a little more insight I and other fellow gantthead members can help point you in a productive direction. Saving Changes...
