Archives for September 2008

Now that you’ve considered the methodologies for your Internet Business Strategy, assessed the current situation, and created vision and goals, it’s time to figure out all the requirements.  Requirements in terms of an Internet strategy plan are much broader than normal project requirements.  These requirements need to encompass everything needed by the organization to reach your vision and goals.  Think broadly.

Here are some requirements to consider:

• Data Requirements – What data and information do we need to attain our goals?  What information do we need for monitoring our efforts?  What content do we need?  Where can we get access to this data and information?  How does the data and information need to be analyzed?
• Technology Requirements – What infrastructure do we need to support our strategy (network, servers, etc)?  What system architecture is needed (operating systems, web browsers, etc.)?  What applications need to be supported (or purchased)?  Do any of the systems or applications need to work together?  How?  Do we have any legacy systems that need to be integrated?
• Resource Requirements – What skills and expertise are needed for our strategy?  Are the skills available within the organization?  Will new staff need to be hired?  Are consultants required?  Are there any other resources we can use to meet our requirements (voluntary, part-time, interns)?
• Standards Requirements – Are there any organizational or external standards that require compliance?  What standards should be required or created in order to assure quality?  How will these standards be monitored?
• Organizational Requirements – Are there any organizational changes needed to meet our goals?  Are the people resources required spread out throughout the organization?  How will they be organized and managed?
• Executive Support – What is required to ensure top-level executive support and buy-in?  How will executives be briefed on progress?  What involvement is required by executives to ensure success?
• Coordination & Oversight Requirements – Who is responsible for coordinating strategy efforts?  Who is responsible for making decisions related to strategy implementation?  Who is the champion of the strategy?  What responsibilities are required and how are they assigned?  Who is monitoring progress and how is progress reported?  Who in these cases does not need to be an individual.  A team may be more effective especially if diverse departments are involved.
• Policy Requirements – Are there any existing policies that need to be considered and possibly altered to attain our goals?  Do any policies need to be put into place?  Are there any external policies that need to be followed?
• Staffing Requirements – If we need more staff, how do we justify them?  What qualifications should new staff have?  What support personnel are needed for implementation and supporting new staff?  Can volunteers be used?  Part-time personnel?  Interns?  Are there any professional credentials or certifications that are relevant?  What are the job descriptions for any new positions (or changes)?
• Budget Requirements – What funding is required?  How will we be funded?  Can we redirect existing funding?  Are there opportunities for cost sharing?  How do we get more funding/money?  How will staff positions be allocated?  How will expenses and profits be allocated?  How can we mitigate any future budget shortfalls?
• Community & Outreach Requirements – What communications are required to keep implementation of our goals on track?  Who will be responsible for coordinating any communications?  Who needs to be informed of progress?  Are any external organizations or stakeholders involved?
• Risk Assessment Requirements – What major challenges could affect the outcome of our strategy (both internally and externally)?  How will we recognize risks and overcome them?  What might happen if we do not overcome obstacles?

Gathering all the requirements probably seems very time consuming.  And it is, but if it is done properly it will make the next step, implementation, much easier.  Requirements gathering is a great place to get many people involved.  Many different types of expertise are needed to gather some of the requirements.  Dividing and conquering can save a lot of time and effort and create a much more robust set of requirements.

What other requirements have you considered when strategizing for Internet business?

(photo by nicolas.boullosa @ Flickr CC)

Related Posts:

• How to Create an Internet Business Strategy – Introduction
• How to Create an Internet Business Strategy – Methodologies
• Internet Business Strategy – What is the Current Situation?
• Vision & Goals for your Internet Business Strategy
• Creating an Internet Business Strategy – Implementation

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