Strategy and Information Technology Consulting

Formulating Strategy through a Facilitated Session

REFLECT > PLAN > IMPLEMENT > MEASURE

The goal of a Facilitation Session is to take unstructured issues and ideas and assemble them into a set of strategic alternatives. This is a key component in the formulation of an organization's strategy.

3rd Perspective has developed a highly dynamic approach to requirements facilitation. The methodology is based on a variety of problem structuring methods including System Dynamics, Soft System Engineering and the Strategic Choice. By synthesizing the strengths of each of these, 3rd Perspective has been able to create a highly effective multi-methodology approach

Facilitation for IT Requirements

Why do you need to facilitate your requirements?

80% of IT Projects fail to deliver. There are several reasons for this:

Failure to involve users in the requirements definition process.
IT software is seen as something that can just be bought and plugged in
Over-emphasis of technology as opposed to business process
Poor support from Senior Management

Often, organizations view a system as the technology that is purchased. Instead, they need to view the system as a complex arrangement of PEOPLE, PROCESS and TECHNOLOGY that work together to deliver value.

A facilitation approach ensures that these reasons for failure are addressed. First, the Methodology ensures that ALL stakeholders have input and that the culture of the company is considered. Second, the session focuses on business process and needs as opposed to technology; and finally, the facilitation approach ensures that the project is aligned with the organizational strategy to ensure top management support

Facilitation Process

Whether you are looking for a way to structure strategic alternatives or as a means of developing IT requirements, facilitation involves three distinct steps:

Pre-Session Preparation. 3rd Perspective meets with several key members of the organization or project team to determine the high-level goals and decide who will be at the facilitation session. From this discussion we will customize our approach to your needs.
The Facilitation Session. This is either a one or two day event that is managed off-site where the participants will be involved in defining the CONTEXT of the Strategy or System and the CONTENT.
Session Documentation. In the final stage, the 3rd Perspective team will be responsible for organizing the results of the session into a living document that can be shared with potential vendors or senior managment.