[thelist] slightly [OT] Business case for a web project.

[martin.p.burns at uk.pwcglobal.com]

Memo from Martin P Burns of PricewaterhouseCoopers

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Hi there

Start with a Terms of Reference:
http://evolt.org/article/view/20/632/index.html

The first cut of this doesn't have to be detailed, but you'll have to
hone it later.

Within that, estimate (and heavily disclaim that they are only estimates)
costs and benefits. Research these as well as you can, and revise whenever
you have new information.

Start with the hard numbers (ie cash!) and add the less easily quantifyable
costs and benefits later. In terms of cash, it may not have to add net value
in year 1, but you will need to put in some estimate of when payback will start.

Make sure that you have mentioned the human factors around the change -
how it will impact the workloads and attitudes of the staff who will have to
maintain the site.

A requirements document is also very, very useful - it's part of the ToR,
but will grow in complexity until you need to break it out as a separate
document. Here's a simple example:
http://www.easyweb.co.uk/thetips/reqs.html

Cheers
Martin




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Subject:  [thelist] slightly [OT] Business case for a web project.




I happen to have one of those confusing profiles at work. You know the ones
where I am jack of most trades but master of none? I started off as a
support person for Frontpage publishers, at some stage I was a Desktop
support person and quasi NT administration. Now I am being thrown in the
deep end; and I am positive about this development. I am required to come up
with a Business Case for an external website where our Key Customers will
have access to some information that may benefit them in making some
decisions.

I do not know the first thing about project management or developing the
documents for a business case. Could some please throw in pointers ...
Surely there is a place on the web where I can look for guidelines. I am
really excited about this and I wish to make a very good impression.
Thank you



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