E-Commrece Notes

The 7 C’s of Intranets – Handy Hints for Project Managers

Intranets are all around us – but how many genuinely deliver sustainable value to

their host organisations?

The 7Cs is a Consulting and Change framework1 that focuses on delivering Value

through Sustainable Change. Applying this framework to the development (or

redevelopment) of Intranets will help ensure that your Intranet doesn’t become a

nightmare for users and the business.

Nothing in this is rocket science, nor is it a magic bullet – but it will help you get

things right more often.

1 Client

‘Understand the Person, Understand the Problem’

First up – who exactly are you doing this for? Yes, of course the organisation –

but who specifically?

A specific, identified client or sponsor is essential for any Intranet project. How

else to agree business purpose, goals, scope and budget?

This is not simple. Traditional Project Management methods see this as the

person (or committee) with whom you agree a Project Brief, and then off you go.

Unfortunately the reality is almost always more complex - especially when it

comes to things Webbish. Luckily, most enterprises have moved on from the ‘me

too’ driver for Intranets, but there are still Clients who will spend their companies’

money on internal marketing and promotion of doubtful value.

First you have to be sure you have identified who the real Client is – who is the

key Decision Maker on behalf of the organisation? Having established this – and

gained access to them – you need to see the situation as they see it. Test their

intent and seriousness. Keep asking ‘Why?’ What do they want to get out of this?

How will it create value for the organisation?

You will have to build a relationship of trust with the Client to be able to do this

effectively. Some executives will react badly to having their judgement tested –

or questioned, as they might perceive it. There are no short cuts here – spending

time with them is essential.

You need...