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.

---

You Get the Behavior You Reward

On consulting assignments, here are some of the questions I... Read More

The Diamond Cutter

Geshe Michael Roach is a Princeton graduate and a Buddhist... Read More

Shrinkage Control

What has been your store's shrinkage experience for the last... Read More

1000 Managers Turned Their Plans Into Energy!

I bet you can't tell me how leadership training and... Read More

The High Cost of Employee Turnover Among Project Managers

Imagine for a moment this scenario from a frustrated Senior... Read More

Four Ways To Make the Case For Outsourcing

How do you convert outsourcing leads into clients? You may... Read More

Quality Hiring: Are You Doing It Right?

Quality hiring is more than running ads, screening, interviewing and... Read More

Why and How to Work with a Consultant

A good consultant provides specialist abilities and experience, innovative ideas,... Read More

Steps to Build ISO 9001 Compliant Program

Implementing an ISO 9001 system represents a major effort. However,... Read More

Its Not Always What You Say

A major source of communication breakdowns is incongruence between the... Read More

Indecent Proposal in the Workplace ? An Overview of Workplace Harassment & Employer Liability

An allegation of harassment in the workplace is a growing... Read More

Delegate or Die!

You Can't Do It All - Learning To DelegateThere is... Read More

What Makes a Crisis a Crisis?

If you're old enough and were living in America about... Read More

The Top 5 Signals That Your Business Is Running You

Starting your own business is a great undertaking but running... Read More

How To Decrease Downtime and Increase Productivity

All maintenance activities of the workforce must be documented, this... Read More

Rethinking the CEO-Chairman Split

Traditionally, in American businesses, the same person occupies the role... Read More

Does Your Management Style Remind People Of Something They Read In Dilbert?

With thanks to Jeff Foxworthy, the comedian who does the... Read More

Smart Hiring: What Makes the Right Employee?

Good hires do not happen by accident or luck. In... Read More

Align The Enterprise & Make Beautiful Music Together

Q: Why is a great business like a great marching... Read More

Budgets!

Budgets! There I've said it. For some the most hated... Read More

Business Innovation ? Ignoring Content

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Take Your Firm to the Next Level

So you did such a good job in 2003 at... Read More

Drafting an Employee Manual Sample Outline

One of the hardest things I had discovered running my... Read More

What to do When You receive a Bad Check

As a small business operator, personal checks may be one... Read More

Use Every Weapon You Have

One of the strongest weapons available allows business, non-profit and... Read More

Business Innovation ? Core Competency and Competitive Advantage

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Why Outsourcing Could Be The Best Thing You Do For Your Business

While it's probably not true to say that the traditional... Read More

Dont Get Caught With Your PR Down

Why risk the embarassment when with a little basic PR... Read More

Maximizing Sales through the Ultimate Tracking Software

Every small to mid-sized business owner would love to know... Read More

7 Steps To Hire The Best

You can use this step-by-step method to hire applicants who... Read More

Success: A Wholistic Perspective

The world has always been mixed with the... Read More

10 Fundamentals for Effective Meeting

Here are ten fundamental concepts that characterize an effective meeting.Definition:... Read More

Outsourced Learning: Are You Ready for Learning BPO?

As the business world enters a period of hyper-competitiveness, every... Read More