Technology Scoping & Selection
Think you need a new CRM, website, document management, cloud application or online collaboration tool? Maysix Consulting's Scoping & Selection services give you a proven and simple way to explore your goals, discover your needs, and find the solution that is right for your purpose.
Maysix Consulting's 3-stage methodology for scoping and selection has been designed specifically for non-profits and works for all kinds of projects, large or small.
Stage 1: Explore
​Exploring is about developing a clear, shared understanding for relationship management at your organisation and why change is required.
​This stage seeks to bring key stakeholders together, build a common vision for the future database, and identify tangible outcomes expected from the project.
​As we explore, we also identify enablers and blockers of success, dependencies and constraints, as well as project governance and stakeholders engagement needs.
Stage 2: Discover
Discovering is about getting deeper into the whys and the whats of the future solution. In discovery, business analysis is conducted to develop a detailed scope statement that provides a comprehensive set of capability needs.
As we discover, we define business requirements and priorities. Whilst discovery aims to stay technology-agnostic, best practices and technical considerations are incorporated to inform the scope of the solution.
Stage 3: Find
Finding is about identifying and choosing the solution that is fit-for-(your)-purpose. This stage seeks to carry out a search and selection process with technology vendors, supported by a structured Request for Proposal process and adequate due diligence.
“Find” is not just about the software or technology platform; this stage also aims to determine the right approach for implementation and adoption, and clarify the full investment required.
-
What does the IT strategic planning process involve?Maysix Consulting’s IT Strategic Planning is based on a 3-step methodology that focuses on the benefits of technology change, and ensures active consultation with your organisation’s stakeholders: - Step 1 is to establish your current situation and build a good "lay of the land". This is done through a combination of business analysis activities and stakeholders consultation. - Step 2 is to define and prioritise needs. This is typically done through a collaborative workshop where your key stakeholders are invited to come and participate in defining the vision for technology change, qualify impact, and align priorities to your organisation's strategic objectives. - Step 3 is about delivering the actual IT strategic plan based on the vision, needs and priorities. The plan includes the evaluation of your current IT state, the IT vision and implementation roadmap, and recommendations for targeted technology architecture and change execution.
-
Are there any prerequisites to do an IT strategy?Each organisation is unique and will start from a different standpoint than others. Whilst ideally the organisation has a good understanding of its own technology landscape and well documented systems, in practice, this is often not the case. The only prerequisites are a clear business strategic direction for the overall organisation, and a willingness from your organisation to engage and actively participate in this process.
-
What should we expect from an IT strategy?An IT strategy is a springboard for change: it’s the first step of a transformation program. It’s a mechanism for bringing your organisation together, and aligning your priorities for technology change to your purpose. The IT roadmap provides you with an informed, thought-through guide. As a plan, it is expected to evolve, and when it comes to executing on that plan, organisations need be prepared to prioritise and commit effort, time and resources.
-
How long does it take to deliver an IT strategy?Typically an IT strategy will take between 2 and 3 months, with variations on the timeframe influenced by the organisation’s resources availability to participate in consultation activities (interviews, workshops, deliverables review, etc.).
-
Who needs to get involved?Because technology is relevant to all parts of an organisation, it is essential to have good cross-organisational participation, including leadership team representatives and subject matter experts. In some cases it is appropriate to consult with all staff and volunteers (typically through surveys). Your board should also be involved to provide decision-making and governance over plans, priorities, and associated commitments.
-
Who delivers the work?All services are delivered by Angeline Veeneman, founder and consultant at Maysix Consulting.
-
How much does an IT strategy cost?Costs vary depending on the organisation’s complexity, scope of needs, and level of stakeholders consultation required. IT strategy work typically ranges between AUD 8K for small, simple NFPs to AUD 30K+ for larger, complex environments.
-
How does Maysix Consulting charge for services?Engagements can be done on a Time & Materials basis, or a fixed fee, depending on clients’ preferences. T&M fees are calculated on the basis of AUD 200 per hour excluding GST. Fees are invoiced at end of month for work done that month. No upfront payment required :)