Project Management for Software, selecting the right software product for your business.
This course focuses on finding, selecting and procuring the right software product to meet your business's needs.
1) Project Initiation – this chapter describes the process to identify, assess and draft, the business problem, the project outcome, the project outputs, the business benefits and the high-level requirements. Examples are used from real life Commercial off the Shelf software projects (Client Relationship Management system, Client Management System, Permits system).
2) Project Approval and Business Buy-In – this module details the approach to establish the project governance structure, who will advocate for and support your project. An example Benefits Map is discussed that is from a Client Relationship Management project. The benefits map can be used to align the project benefits to your organisation’s Strategic Objectives. Example methods to measure the benefits is also detailed. The composition of the Business Case is detailed and the process to seek project approval.
3) Conduct a Market Scan – this chapter describes the process to identify what products exist in the market. Requesting demonstrations of products and assessing the functions using a matrix is then detailed and examples provided. The approach and tips to ask Suppliers further questions is addressed. Finally, the drafting of the official Request-for-Quote or Request-for-Proposal is walked through that will be sent to your Suppliers.
4) Review the Proposals and Select the Product – this module describes the approach to establish the evaluation panel who will review the proposals and score them using the Evaluation matrix provided. An example is used, based on a Client Relationship Management solution. The process to shortlist to the top 2-3 suppliers and invite them to present their solution is detailed. An example presentation agenda is provided. Finally, the selection of the preferred supplier and engagement and contract execution is listed.
