Create your methodology based on a Standard Framework - Part One

OK. So you have decided that the organization must
improve the way in which it operates. You have chosen to
implement a methodology as the best way to achieve this
objective. And now we wonder, where do I start?
Whatever the discipline you are trying to model (from
development of software for supply chain management), is
highly likely that a framework exists a standard, which can
serve as the basis for its methodology.

WHAT 'A PICTURE OF SERIES?

A standard framework is a set of best practices, normally
expressed as a series of repeatable processes created by a
organization (professional associations, universities, public
administration, etc. ..). These paintings are sometimes
named bodies of knowledge, methodologies, etc. ..

Framework standards can not be applied out of the box. They
is intended for a broad range of organizations, and then
can not be detailed to a level at which they are ready to
use. To have a series of executable processes, one
project must be done to bridge the gap
between the framework best practices and your methodology
executable processes. This space is filled when you have
translated into practical procedures and best practices
policies that take into account the characteristics of your
the organization and its environment.

For example, when the framework says "determine what risks
could affect the project and documenting their characteristics "
the methodology can be said "the project manager keeps track of all
project risks in the list of risk and document its
characteristics. "The methodology also provides a link to
The excel spreadsheet that is used as a model for
risk list and description of the role of project leader
the organization (skills needed, minimum experience,
etc. ..)

Some of the existing structures that can be used as a basis
a methodology are as follows:

- IT Service Management: ITIL / COBIT / MOF

- Project Management: PMBOK / PRINCE2

- Software Development: RUP / OPEN Process Framework

- Etc. ..

Advantages of using a standard system

- You can get the work done by experts
professionals.

- It establishes a standard terminology, which improves
communication both internally and externally.

- Facilitates benchmarking process, so that we can know
how well they are performing compared to other
organizations.

- Software vendors create products that comply with the
the framework, so as to be able to find a software that
automates the process smoothly.

- Employees are motivated. They learn something
adds value to them professionally.

- Paintings mainstream evolve over time, so be
able to improve your methodology.

FRAMEWORK THAT I HAVE TO CHOOSE?

When choosing a framework must take the following
account:

- Research and investigate. It 's normal for many
frameworks exist for one discipline.

- Determine the standard best suits their needs in terms of
industry, organization size, etc. ..

- Determine how the standard integrates with standards
other disciplines.

- Assess the structure of the framework. It has a
uniform structure and format for all process descriptions?
It has a role as ever?

- Assess capacity. She contains all the processes that
need to describe? Has to refer to the support
systems? - Provides guidelines and models?

- Evaluate for your business features. You
may find that a standard is too heavy for your needs.

That said, please note that the processes that seem very
complex in the framework can be implemented with much
simple processes that incorporate more value added to better
practices.

ADVICE

- Implement processes gradually and start with those
processes that demonstrate higher value.

- Choose a winning framework used by a large number of
organizations.

- Choose a framework that maps to a Capability Maturity
Model. In this way you can have a visibility roadmap and gain
where you want to be.

Lucas Rodríguez Cervera is founder of Nevant - Process
documentation of a software company specializing in providing
process solutions to knowledge based companies. They
introduced this concept with metoCube .......