Who Needs the System Implementation infoKit?
Quite simply, anyone who is faced with the challenge of implementing a system requires as much help as is available to make a success of the implementation and manage the changes that will inevitably occur within the institution.
All staff will be affected, including:
- those with the highest executive responsibility;
- those who have authority over project budgets;
- the person appointed to manage the organisational change;
- the person making the day-to-day decisions about the system implementation and its future operation;
- the person accountable for the project's progress;
- those personnel who are appointed to represent the institution's needs in discussions around the system's capabilities;
- those information technology (IT) experts given the task of delivering specific system components; and
- those at the sharp-end of the implementation who are faced with using the system and supporting it thereafter.
The introduction of some systems such as e-Learning tools, VLEs and library systems will also have a direct impact on the learning experience. Increasingly, these learners may also be affected by business system implementations, such as student records software that has a 'self-service' approach to enrolment administration. Any system implementation project stands a better chance of success if all of those listed above are aware of the challenges to be faced and this infoKit provides a platform for this.
Not all of the sections of the infoKit will be used by all those involved in the implementation project. A lecturer championing the introduction of a VLE may have most interest in the sections on defining requirements, managing change, testing and staff development. He or she will however need to develop a broad understanding of the technical tasks involved in order to contribute to the effective planning of the project.
Similarly, if you are fortunate enough to be implementing one of the smaller stand-alone systems that is largely self-contained and has only a handful of users, such as a Catering Management system or a Library Management system, not all of the detail in this infoKit will be relevant. Nevertheless, detailed planning, conscientious management and careful conduct of the implementation will still be necessary to guarantee success.
