Roadmap: Where are you going with ICT?

State of organisational development

Formulation

Expansion

Consolidation

Integration

Hardware

Single PCs, one printer/broadband connection per computer

Join up single PCs, share printers and connections Video/digital camera for projects

Networks for application and file-sharing Laptops and PDAs for flexibility Back-up handled in-house

Extended networks working outside physical and organisational boundaries Back-up handled off site

Software

Basic use of Word, Outlook Express, Internet Explorer Nothing licensed

Some use of Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint Microsoft Office standard

Access, Outlook, Front Page Standard desktop packages bring consistency

Lotus Notes, DreamWeaver, Quark Mixed environment – back office and front office

Skills

Sporadic, based on past knowledge

Task-oriented

Reflect role and responsibilities Training needs analysis identifies priorities

Diverse, flexible, updated regularly, linked to role but used creatively across teams

Managing ICT

Ignored

Project-based

ICT seen as part of organisational strategy

ICT investment delivers measurable benefits in efficiency and effectiveness

Resourcing ICT

Sporadic funds, no planning

Bid for hardware and software by project but don’t cost in ongoing support or training Little or no support available unless volunteer is available

Hardware, software, training and support costs included in project budgets ICT Investment desired but cost/benefit not clear Buy in ICT support

All capital and implementation costs considered in all relevant budgets Staff member as lead on ICT support, buy in specialist services

Information

Everyone for themselves Internet access limited Information flows in

Internet access available to all Monitoring systems for each project Some central management information systems, especiallyAccounts

Shared diary and contacts for all Monitoring information systems connect to each other

Management information system makes it easy to collect, store, manage and analyse all relevant information

Communication

One to one – email, phone Face-to-face meetings Local networking

Occasional selfpublished newsletter Website on free system

Annual report self-published Regular newsletter Website self-published, includes some interactive parts e.g. booking forms, FAQ section, etc

Active in local, regional, national and international networks Multifaceted website driven by content management system and integrated with internal systems as well as client services and partner sites

Outcomes

Often takes longer to do things

Start identifying common ground and working together much better Still spend a lot of time sorting out small problems

Collaboration begins to pay dividends Easier to work with people outside the organisation

Organisation responsive to change, well-connected to key stakeholders, clear goals, understands how ICT can help achieve them