Selection Management: For Systems and Services

Selection Management: For Systems and Services

by Jacquie Wakeford
Released October 2012
Publisher(s): IT Governance Publishing
ISBN: 9781849284271

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Book description

Make your business more efficient with a tried and tested process for selection management.

Selecting a new system or service can often be a crucial business decision, but small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) don't do it very often and, as a result, lack experience of the selection process.

Simplified selection management

This book describes a simplified selection process that maintains a reasonable level of due diligence, and which can be tailored to suit each organisation's specific needs.

Key stages described include:

  • Defining selection parameters, gathering requirements, balancing costs against benefits.
  • Creating the ""long list"" of candidates, then drafting and issuing a Request For Information (RFI).
  • Forming the review team and using agreed criteria to determine a short list.
  • Performing an in-depth investigation then making the preferred selection.
  • Overview of next steps including negotiating contract terms, running a proof of concept, and implementing the chosen solution.
  • Each chapter includes templates of documents that will be used during the selection process.

A faster, smarter selection

Formal procurement usually involves days, weeks or even months producing a specification followed by a tender and selection process, but this is rarely practical for an organisation that doesn't have (or need) a full-time procurement expert.

Selection Management for Systems and Services offers a simplified, tried and tested process based on a standard set of steps. It helps the reader to reduce the time spent on the selection process and increases the chances of making a successful selection.

The book is primarily aimed at anyone tasked with selecting an IT system or service, however the processes and techniques are generic and can be adapted for the selection of non-IT services or products.

A faster route to the right selection – buy this book today and make your business work better!

"

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Foreword
  5. About The Author
  6. Acknowledgements
  7. Contents
  8. Introduction
  9. Chapter 1: Overall Process
    1. Stages in the process
    2. Documentation
    3. Fit with project management methodology
  10. Chapter 2: Define Selection Parameters
    1. Who should be involved?
    2. Why are you doing it?
    3. What are the outcomes?
    4. What is the scope?
    5. Is the business case realistic?
    6. Are there any constraints?
  11. Chapter 3: Gather Requirements
    1. Purpose and objectives of requirements
    2. Who should be involved?
    3. Ways to gather requirements
    4. Detailing and prioritising requirements
    5. How to write up requirements
    6. Example requirements specification document template
  12. Chapter 4: Draft the Request For Information (RFI)
    1. Purpose of the RFI
    2. Possible alternatives to an RFI
    3. How to compile the RFI
    4. Example RFI template
  13. Chapter 5: Agree Longlist and Issue RFI
    1. Reviewing and agreeing the RFI
    2. Compiling the longlist
    3. Non-disclosure agreements
    4. Managing the issue procedure
  14. Chapter 6: Agree Review Criteria and Team
    1. Agreeing the review team
    2. Determining the review criteria
    3. Options for reviewing
    4. Example scoresheets
    5. Dealing with the suppliers
  15. Chapter 7: Review Responses and Produce Shortlist
    1. How to review the responses
    2. Example summary of responses document template
    3. How to shortlist
    4. What if a decision cannot be reached?
    5. Advising the rejected suppliers
  16. Chapter 8: In-depth Investigation
    1. Common activities for your in-depth investigation
    2. Example of pitch meeting notes template
    3. Possible additional activities
  17. Chapter 9: Final Selection
    1. Making the final selection
    2. Whether to have a final activity – or not
    3. Contract negotiation
    4. Example evaluation report template
  18. Chapter 10: Next Steps
    1. Guidance on next steps
    2. Learning lessons
  19. ITG Resources

Product information

  • Title: Selection Management: For Systems and Services
  • Author(s): Jacquie Wakeford
  • Release date: October 2012
  • Publisher(s): IT Governance Publishing
  • ISBN: 9781849284271