IS Strategy - the Paras Approach
Paras works with you to assemble a suitable IS strategy for your E&P business. This development of the strategy follows our tried and tested ‘Define ~ Develop ~ Deliver’ staged process.
Define stage
The Define stage is typified by understanding the business strategy and gaining insight into the current issues. This is done by undertaking interviews with key managers. This approach ensures buy in from the top of the company and ensures that the most pressing business issues are addressed. It is vital to the efficiency of the stage, that the consultants have a good understanding of the E&P business so that managers and staff do not feel they are teaching the consultants about the industry.
At the end of the Define Stage the overall project plan for developing the strategy is in place together with a cost and time estimate.
Develop stage
The Develop stage follows a 6 sub-stage process, which delivers the strategy and a plan for its implementation. The 6 sub-stages are:
1. Initialise – deliver an action plan, a detailed interview plan and work packages
2. Requirements gathering – detailed interviews of managers and workers to understand the business requirements as a whole
3. IS architecture – taking the business requirements and converting them into a plan for delivering the systems and services required. Analysis of aspects including (see below for detail):
- Information Management (IM)
- Knowledge Management (KM)
- Data Management (DM)
- Applications Portfolio Management (APM)
- Programme and Project Management (PPM)
- Infrastructure - how to manage remote offices (subsidiaries, branch offices, operations offices, etc)
4. IS organisation – includes analysis of relationships between HQ, other offices and infrastructure service providers, whether these are internal or external. The structure should be based around the principles of ITIL to ensure coherent delivery of systems and services
5. Roadmap – high level plans of what needs to be achieved in each area and how this will be achieved including overall timeline and costs
6. Prepare for rollout – Roadmap, organisation and architecture are signed off by senior management. Start marketing the strategy and plans.
Deliver stage
Deliver the Strategy:
- Set up the organisation – make roles and responsibilities clear
- Set up programme office to ensure projects are delivered properly
- Set up project process
- Start efforts with KM, IM, DM & APM
Monitor progress and adjust as priorities change, do not be afraid to stop some projects if they are no longer appropriate. Ensure that projects have an organisation to take on and support the deliverable, and vitally, re-assess the strategy on a regular basis (annual).