1. September 10th
, 2008
Prioritization Project -- The Way Forward
Margaret Dischler
Phoenix United Associates, Inc.

2. 08/10/13
Prioritization Project
Overview
 Problem Statement
 Project Process Overview
 Interview Summary
 Brief Systems Demo
 Next Steps
 Final Examination

3. Problem Statement
At Phoenix and subsidiaries, there
is not a consistent process or
tool in place to prioritize
initiatives/projects that will
maximize the value of IT to the
business.

4. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 1: Definitions
 Project
 Application
 Incident
 Initiative **
Most were fairly
consistent.

5. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 2: Current Tools
 MS Project
 MS Office
 Standardized Forms
 MS Excel Templates
Each group uses a tool
tailored to their needs.

6. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 3: Impact of Inaccurate/Untimely Reports
 Not Meeting Customer Needs
 Too Much Work, Not Enough
Resources
 Project Overrun
 Late Delivery
 Inability to Effectively Manage
Projects

7. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 4: Benefits of Accurate Information
 Clear Communication
 Clarifies Priorities
 Effective IT Management
 Clear Strategic Use of
Information for Marketing &
Sales departments
Happy Customers &
Enhanced Perception of IT

8. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 5: Function/Process Your Group Should Manage
 All Technical Functions That
Impacts Deliverables
 Capturing Business Rules &
Decision Points
 Facilitate Prioritization with
Business

9. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 6: Function/Process Your Group Should NOT Manage
 Prioritization Process
 Large Projects
 Operations Steering
Committee
… unless you are
asked.

10. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 7: Addition Project Information for Enhancement
 Standardize Document
Storage System
(Centralized)
 On-going Mgt.
Presentation Status
 Alignment with Business
Strategy
 New Tracking Tool
 Better Communication

11. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 8: Perceptions of VP’s Needs
 Priority Setting Process
 Project Cost
 Project Overview
 Time Reporting by
Project
 Project Status
Common Fear: If you don’t
match 100% to
projections, prepare
resume because your
time is limited. 

12. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 9: Issues Around Project Tracking System
 Administrative Overhead --
KEEP IT SIMPLE
 Level of Detail
 Project Level Information
 Interactive Dependency
Among Systems
 Prioritization Based on
Business Need

13. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 10: Obstacles (Opportunities) to Overcome
 Staff Buy-in
 Compliance
 Prioritization Setting Process
 Time Reporting

14. Most Popular Interview Results
Question 11: Improve Chances of Success
 Upper Level Communication
 Keep System Simple
 Senior Level Buy In
 Show Benefits (all levels)
 System Results (Peer Pressure)
 Training

15. Primary Problems Tracking Tool
Will Need to Initially Address
 Must Be Easy to Use
 Must Provide High Level Project
Information ( ie Cost, Status, Overview)
 Timely Project Information
 Impact/Dependencies on Other Systems
 Historical Data
 Cost Benefit Analysis

16. Sample Systems on the Market
When watching this
video “primer”, keep
in mind that we
have not yet
developed our top
requirements or
specifications.

17. Where Do We Go Now ? (Next Steps)
Recommendations
 Develop a Standard Process for All of Phoenix &
Subsidiaries (any shared IT functions)
 Establish IT Steering Committee
 Establish Business Steering Committee
 Implement A Basic Tracking System

18. Q&A