5 Part 5: V-Modell Reference Work Products

5.3 Products

5.3.7 Requirements and Analyses

5.3.7.1 Proposal for the Introduction and Maintenance of an Organization-Specific Process Model

Process module: Introduction and Maintenance of an Organization-Specific Process Model

Responsible: Executive (when using process module Introduction and Maintenance of an Organization-Specific Process Model)

Work Product Attributes: external, initial

Purpose

This product provides the management with a basis for making a decision on the approval of a project within the scope of a »Project Progress Decision (project order). It is not prepared within the framework of the V-Modell.

The product is intended to provide a systematic presentation of the information and data which show that the execution of a project for introducing and maintaining an organization-specific process model is necessary, profitable and useful.

Based on a project idea, the acquirer systematically describes the necessity of a project, taking into account feasibility, affordability, market and economic criteria.

Depends on

Project Manual, Project Plan (see product dependency 5.8)

Project Progress Decision (see product dependency 5.9)

Assessment of a Process Model, Process Model Improvement Concept (see product dependency 5.11)

5.3.7.1.1 Initial Situation

The initial situation presents the assessment of the actual process situation of an organizational unit or the entire organization of an agency or company. Thus, a need for action, which may lead to a project idea, becomes recognizable.

The demonstration of capability gaps (i.e. the difference between the necessary planned capabilities and the actually existing capabilities) in a company or agency may clearly show an urgent need for action in order to increase the efficiency or reduce costs. This need for action is presented as project idea, leading frequently to a concrete project proposal.

5.3.7.1.2 General Conditions and Constraints

This subject describes the framework conditions to be observed by all stakeholders during the implementation of the project idea. Framework conditions, e.g., budget situation, existing know-how, legal provisions, co-operations, commitment to partners and deadlines, may be turned into specifications for project execution.

Technical framework conditions, e.g., applicable standards and regulations, shall also be taken into account.

5.3.7.1.3 Project Objectives, Opportunities and Risks

Project objectives and the resulting chances and risks of the new project are described on a high abstraction level. Project objectives may include, e.g., the introduction of new processes, the improvement of the process or product quality, the development of a joint communication basis within the organization, the implementation of standards or the achievement of a certain process maturity level.

5.3.7.1.4 Planning

The planning describes the organizational and commercial project execution aspects. The project organization, e.g., matrix organization and steering committees, and the responsibilities for the decision-making processes within the project will be specified.

The »Project Leader will be appointed, his tasks will be defined. Available resources, funds and specialist personnel will be determined. Start and end date for the project will be specified. The planning may be based on the statements developed in the project objectives, which make additional statements on feasibility, funding and schedule.

5.3.7.1.5 Economic Efficiency

The subject Economic Efficiency includes parameters which indicate the profitability of the new project. At an early stage, the »Estimations are still rather uncertain. The profitability can be indicated by parameters like return on investment, increases in efficiency or cost savings by early fault detection.