For organizations that have not yet set up an intranet we can carry out an information audit to confirm the information requirements needed to achieve the objectives of the organization, and from these develop a content strategy and information architecture. For organizations that do have an intranet, or a number of departmental intranets, we can assess their design against current good practice, and undertake user surveys and usability tests. We can develop information architectures and metadata schemes. The business experience of our consultants enables us to support multi-national/multi-lingual intranets. We also provide guidance on the integration of intranets as the result of a merger or an acquisition.
Content Management and Search software selection
We support the selection and deployment of content management software. We can develop a content management strategy, and from this prepare a formal RFP that can be sent out to a short list of vendors. To assist in the selection of a vendor we have developed a checklist based on our experience in major projects in North America and Europe. Once the vendor has been selected we can work with the client and the vendor to develop realistic implementation and content migration strategies. We can carry out similar projects for the selection of enterprise search software and corporate portal software. We maintain complete independence from any vendor.
Project management methodology
Each project is managed as a set of work packages, each of which has a specific deliverable. We agree and document a clear statement of the objectives, scope and format for all formal deliverables to a client. This statement would (for example) include the purpose of the deliverable, the format (e.g. report, presentation, briefing), the date for delivery, the circulation, and the date by which comments on the deliverable should be made by the client. Our experience on intranet projects is that at the conclusion of a given work package the client then has to undertake tasks internally before the next work package is commissioned, and we facilitate this approach. We usually work on a fixed-fee basis, with payment only on acceptance of the deliverable by the client, and we always work under a non-disclosure agreement.
Howard McQueen is the CEO of McQueen Consulting (http://www.mcq.com/) based in Savannah, Georgia. He specializes in the deployment of content management solutions, with a special emphasis on consulting assistance in the deployment of portals. His clients have included Food and Drug Administration, the Joint Bank/Fund Library of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. McQueen Consulting represents Intranet Focus Ltd in the USA.
James Robertson is the Managing Director of Step Two Designs (http://www.steptwo.com.au/) based in Sydney, Australia. He specialises in intranet governance, CMS selection and knowledge management. He has developed an intranet benchmarking methodology with sponsorship from the Information Architecture Institute.
Jane McConnell, Net Strategy JMC (http://www.netjmc.com/), specialist in "company net" issues, has over 25 years of experience working with companies providing consulting and coaching services. She lives in the south of France and has a working base in Paris. She is creator and host since 1997 of the Executive Working Breakfasts for internet and intranet decision-makers in Paris. She has recently researched and published a survey of global intranet practice.
Janus Boye is the founder and Managing Director of J.Boye , (http://www.jboye.com/janus-boye/) based in Aarhus, Denmark. He works with customers through the entire project cycle: from vendor selection and requirements, through to strategy work, measurable success criteria and mentoring. He also contributes to the CMS Watch CMS Report and is a principal author of the CMS Watch Enterprise Portals Report. Prior to setting up Boye IT he worked for an American CMS vendor, responsible for Germany and Eastern Europe in various technical, sales, and product management roles.
Paul Corney is a corporate financier by background. As an independent consultant based in the UK he has conducted a number of information / knowledge needs assessments and specializes in intranet and knowledge management projects in the finance sector, especially in the Middle East where he has extensive business experience.
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