Create Your Methodology Based on a Standard Framework - Part One
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... 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. Lucas Rodríguez Cervera is founder of Nevant ? Process
documentation software a company specialized in delivering
process solutions to knowledge based companies. They
pioneered this concept with metoCube. Lucas Rodríguez Cervera is founder of Nevant ? Process documentation software, a
company specialized in delivering process solutions to knowledge
based companies. They pioneered this concept with metoCube.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
10 Steps Towards A Stress-Free Introduction Into Management
Becoming a manager for the first time can be an unnerving and sometimes stressful experience. In many cases, organisations expect you to immediately jump into the role and begin to perform as if you have been there for years. Also, you may have been promoted "out of the blue" and as such have not taken part in any "succession planning" that would have prepared you for the management role.
Can Your Corporate Policy Pass the Monkeys, Bananas, and Water-spray Experiment?
Five monkeys were placed in a cage. A banana was hung on a string and a ladder was placed below it. Each time one of the monkeys started climbing the ladder, all the monkeys were sprayed with a blast of cold water. This experiment was repeated for several days. Then each of the original monkeys was replaced with a new one. The experimenter did not need to spray the new monkeys because, as soon as any new monkey proceeded towards the ladder, all the other monkeys attacked it simply for the fear of being sprayed.
Where Businesses Fall Short
1. No vision. Successful businesses have a clear vision or picture of their business purpose and mission. Your vision serves as a roadmap to help you see where you are today in relationship to where you want to be tomorrow. Your business plan serves as the mechanism that will help you to bridge the gap. When you don't have a clear vision as to why you're in business or where you intend to take your business, it's like taking a road trip without a map. When you don't know where you're going, you'll waste a lot of time, money, and energy trying to find the right road leading to your destination. A well-defined vision will help you stay focused and on track.
Delegate, Dont Abdicate
One of the key skills for the leaders of growing businesses is to 'get' the distinction between delegation and abdication.
Lets Make Training More Interesting!
Many HR managers believe that by sending their workers to participate in external training programs, they have fulfilled their responsibilities. This is not the best situation. In this article, I will be emphasizing on how to increase the interest-level of your employees who attend the training program taking into consideration that there is increasing cultural diversity and computer literacy in the workplace.
Human Resources: The Misidentified Subject
Interest in the field of human resources has exploded in recent years due to the promises it offers for a better understanding of human beings at work. The term is now as ubiquitous as it has once been obscure. It is taught in schools and universities; it has turned into one of the main functions of a corporation in addition to marketing, finance, and accounting. Yet despite this trend, there are still many challenges facing the field. It seems like the subject of HR is talking the talk but not walking the walk. It is true that it is easy to talk about how we should treat employees and how to reward them in order to create an incentive for greater performance, but how do we tackle the most common problem of job dissatisfaction?
Let the Professionals Help You Out - Outsource
As your website grows in terms of attracting more footfalls, generating more business, and providing more content; it will demand more time and attention from you to continue performing. As a businessperson, it is advisable that you concentrate on your core competency, which is the reason why you created the website in the first place.
5 Interviewing Mistakes That Can Lead To Hiring The Wrong Person
Mistake #1: Going with the flow
How To Manage A Difficult Employee
Having to manage a difficult employee is never fun and can be the most challenging part of your responsibilities as a business owner/executive. While never easy, this article will address a step-by-step way to consistently and confidently handle the most challenging employee situations. In addition, how you handle a difficult employee will send a strong and powerful message to those who still work for your company.
The Rise of Corporate Chair Massages
Employers have rapidly begun to understand the importance of stress relief in the workplace. Stress free employees have a higher retention rate and higher rates of productivity. It is no wonder, given these facts, that many corporations have been encouraging chair massages in the workplace.
Creativity and Innovation Management :- Thought Leadership
Leadership is only sustainable when leaders consistently come up with good ideas ? when they are dependable thought leaders. It follows then that leaders would be more effective if they knew how to manage creativity and innovation.
Get Over Yourself
Let me tell you a secret.
The Top 10 Requirements for Your Business to Become and Remain Profitable
We live in a relentlessly competitive world. The daily pressure to work "better, cheaper and faster" can make even talented business owners and entrepreneurs lose site of first principles. As you cope with the decisions and details of running your business, focus on the fundamentals! Regardless of the type of business or the products or services you sell, here are my suggestions for the Top 10 Basics that will make your fortune:
The Seven Essentials of Business Communication
There are seven essential elements to successful business communication:
Popular Business Misconceptions Cost You Money!
Faulty information costs you money! Which of these
popular business misconceptions do you believe?
Five Ways to Influence Change in Others
Because of my work as a consultant, trainer and coach I deal with change and people's reactions to it all the time. When a Client decides to work with us, they are recognizing that some sort of change is needed. After all, if they want more effective teams, better Customer Service, higher creativity, more effective training, or more effective leadership in their organizations, something has to become different than it is currently. Change must occur.
Problem-Solving Success Tip: Test Your Assumptions About Everything
Test your assumptions about everything.
Dont Get Side-Tracked By The Nay-Sayers
You, the Entrepreneur, are 'normally' a type-A individual. One who has little patience with the establishment ~ he or she likes to do it 'his/her way' and that's OK if you know the system and have a plan to achieve your goals.
The 3rd Plan Missing from your Business
If you're like most people, you probably started with wonderful ideas of fulfilling your dreams, to be successful and to take charge of your own destiny.
Top 10 Things Every Business Should Provide for Every Worker - Including the Boss!
Doing business and meeting the needs of workers is increasingly complex. Employees and managers often prefer a cafeteria-list of fringe benefits (a "flexible spending account") so they can choose increased health care, child care or more time off as their individual preferences dictate. But underneath these specifics, there are central needs that most of us want from our work. Money can not buy happiness, and by itself it will rarely purchase a loyal, highly motivated staff (even in a one-person professional office or small family business).
|
