an adaptive approach to software procurement

An Adaptive Approach to Software Procurement

(..or, why ITTs are bad for your health…)

Iain PritchardAdapta Consulting

Aim of the session

• To explore some of the reasons software projects are so prone to failure…

• …and what you can do to increase your chances of success!

How many software implementations succeed …?

Some statistics

Chaos report – Standish Group 2010

What does unsuccessful look like?

So, why do software projects go wrong?

Rarely because:• The technology is wrong• Software is faulty• The supplier is evil• The supplier is incompetent• The supplier is too small• The contract is weak• There wasn’t enough rigorous

methodology

Actually because• Ambition Capability• Making a business case is unfamiliar

and boring• Decision-making is often complex

and slow• Real project management is hard

work• Personal benefits matter• Most of us are too busy

Unfortunately, throwing money at the problem doesn’t help..

…nor does a team of lawyers and a watertight contract

So, what about a “sound methodology”…? Bus. Case

Req’ts

ITT Select

Impl.Spec’

Contract

False comfort...Senior managers and trustees like the traditional approaches because they are:

• Staged• Requirements-driven• Proven• Robust• Safe• Respected• Recognisable

But traditional approaches to software procurement often fail because:

• Most people don’t actually know what they want

• Departments don’t talk to each other

• Language does not clarify enough• Formality excludes supplier and

ideas• Premature contracts inhibit

A more adaptive approach..?

What the org. really needs and

can achieve

Business case and key processes

Short list and Prototyping

Specification and contract

Governance

Weak points in the adaptive process?

• Short-listing

• Trustee / SMT confidence

• Supplier commitment

• Cost

Some discussion…?

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Telephone: 00000 000000Email: hello@adaptaconsulting.co.uk

Office Address: Adapta Consulting LLP5 St John's Lane, London EC1M 4BH.

Website: www.adaptaconsulting.co.uk

hello@adaptaconsulting.co.ukwww.adaptaconsulting.co.uk

Adapta Consulting, 5 St John’s Lane, London, EC1M 4BH020 7250 4788

Thank you