Methodologies for Global Projects

Open Box Software

Agenda

• Introduction• Approach and Project Initiation• Analysis• Development• UAT and Implementation• Support• Considerations

Introduction

• Open Box– Deliver bespoke software to offshore clients in real estate investment and financial industries

• Primary Client – Real estate investment and asset management– Head office in New York City– Operations in US, EU, China, India, Brazil– Delivered over 30 business solutions for them

Approach and Project Initiation

• Project sponsor buy-in

• Project team setup

• SDLC methodology

• Communication channels

• Collaboration tools

• Conflict resolution process

Analysis

• Documentation– Scope and objectives = project definition– What and why = requirements specification– How = functional specification

• Process– Estimate at each step– Walkthroughs (project team)– Presentations (user group)– Sign off at each step

Development

• Development – Centralized development team– Region specific test data– Multiple system demonstrations

• Use of region specific examples• Language considerations

– Change control process

• Project management– Weekly status calls (region specific)– Monthly project review call (all regions)

UAT and Implementation

• Pre-UAT application walkthrough and

objectives

• User acceptance testing– UAT checklists / scenarios– UAT feedback sessions– Feedback incorporation prioritization

• Training– Super-user training– Regions user group training– Training manuals and videos

Support

• Hardware– Server monitoring with alerts– Partnering with “Daylight” vendor

• Software– Helpdesk (India based 24x7)– Core application support in central location– Shifts at peak times– 24h mobile application support

• Business process and application

functionality

Considerations

• SA time zone straddles all regions business days– What does a typical day as a PM look like?

Considerations cont.

• PM / BA overhead high

• Face-time with all regions essential

• Project team makeup considerations

• Different cultures to consider

• Head office culture / objectives

• Statutory requirements and other business

deadlines (e.g. Audit, reporting etc.)

Contact Us

• More information:– www.openboxsoftware.com– www.openboxsoftware.co.za

• Contact Details:– 240 Main Road, Tokai, Cape Town– 021 713 9300– 082 5767 129 (Open Box)