Methodologies
The Pros and Cons
Presented by Angelo Kehayas
© ProfWeb 2010
What is a methodology?
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System of broad principles or rules from which
specific methods or procedures may be derived
to understand different situations (or solve
different problems) within the scope of a
particular discipline. Unlike an algorithm, a
methodology is not a formula but a set of
practices. www.businessdictionary.com
A body of practices, procedures, and rules used
by those who work in a discipline or engage in
an inquiry; a set of working methods. www.answers.com
Profweb
Methods
Boilerplate or
customisation
New or
established?
Method
Proprietary
Or generic?
Associated
Methodology?
The proposed method can differentiate you from the competition
and be the key to winning the business
Some thoughts
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A methodology is not “paint by
numbers” – it requires intelligent
application and quality control.
Establishing and maintaining a
methodology requires rigour and
discipline.
Profweb
Components of a methodology
FRAMEWORK
MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW AND GUIDES
GUIDELINES
ROUTE
MAPS
TECHNIQUES
CHECKLISTS
AUTOMATED SUPPORT
TRAINING
DELIVERABLES
Choice of approach
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Experience and competence level of
individual
Level of supervision/ guidance
Amount of leverage in the practice
Type and style of firm
Has the firm done this before in a
similar situation?
Pros and cons
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Could stifle creativity and application.
One size does not fit all.
Requires substantial investment and
this needs to be justified by the number
of times it is applied for profit.
Very experience dependent.
Requires experienced individuals to
“routemap” it.
Ensuring you get it right
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Match the individual to the
methodology level carefully.
Supervise less experienced individuals.
Include “quality control” process and
reviews in the checklists and
documentation.
Elicit continuous client feedback.
Evaluate yourself - Review projects.
Keeping it current
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Needs constant research.
Learning from experiences / applying
knowledge management principles.
Changing the components as you learn.
Buzzword generators.
Conclusion
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Methodologies can be huge investments
reaching millions of Rands.
Requires knowledge management and
research.
Close
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Thank you!
Questions?