The Joy Of Seven For The IT Crowd
22 February 2006
Vanessa Anderson, Textiles Researcher
Some people are bamboozled by computer systems, but Louise Shipley is contributing to some exciting IT projects to benefit her employer, Balfour Beatty plc, its customers and the public.
Louise has used her experiences while studying for an MBA at the University of Derby to determine seven key factors which could help ensure more companies and individuals enjoy success with their IT projects. These factors can apply to both SMEs or large organisations.
The seven factors she says can help a project succeed are: leadership, objectives, motivation, teamwork, planning and control, testing, and communication.
Balfour Beatty plc is an international engineering, construction and services group. Louise works for Balfour Beatty Power Networks, the company's power transmission and distribution networks business, whose head office is on Raynesway in Derby.
Louise, the firm's Business Improvement Facilitator, said: "Paying greater attention to these seven elements could pay dividends for other firms."
Louise, 37, from Coxbench, said: "With the continued and increasing use of information systems in organisational processes, businesses are becoming more reliant than ever on the effectiveness of their IT systems.
"Many of these projects are core to the organisation functioning and, as such, it is crucial that these projects succeed. Yet, in reality, many IT projects are not as successful as they could be.
"While industry experts have differing opinions regarding the most important criteria for project success, most endorse the value of human aspects and this is particularly relevant in IT projects.
"A successful IT project can be recognised by its ability to meet user expectations while meeting business objectives. However, the majority of information systems are developed using a predominantly technical perspective."
One of the projects Louise has been involved in is the implementation of hand-held computer devices that can be used by maintenance workers to alert when street lights have faults or are in need of repair.
This dial-up system means that by using real-time technology, Balfour Beatty Power Networks staff can electronically record faults from the field and transmit the information to the office, thereby enabling work to be scheduled more efficiently with the result that repairs can be undertaken more rapidly.
Dr Christine Jones, based within the University's Faculty of Business, Computing and Law, who supported Louise in her research, said: "This was an excellent project that could be of potential benefit to project managers in many different roles.
"Louise is one of the students who completed research last year now working with us to consider turning her dissertation into a published paper. This is one way valuable research can be shared more widely."
Andy Tanner, Louise's manager at Balfour Beatty Power Networks commented: "As a company we recognise the need for IT systems to integrate fully with our processes in order to deliver real value.
"If we can make our IT systems work for our employees and clients, this can give us a competitive advantage. As part of the Business Improvement Team, Louise is involved in ensuring we focus on the drivers for successful IT projects."
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For more information about this news release, contact Senior Press and PR Officer Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038, or email: pressoffice@derby.ac.uk.
Notes to editors:
The University of Derby is a thriving institution inspired by a dedication to quality and opportunity.
It is home to a diverse community of over 20,000 students from the UK and overseas. Studies include a wide range of disciplines in Arts, Design and Technology; Business, Computing and Law; and Education, Health and Sciences, all leaders in their field.
The University of Derby's main campus is located at Kedleston Road in Derby. The Students' Union, a number of research centres and academic schools including The School of Business are all based there. All our Schools and Faculties enjoy links with household names such as Rolls Royce and Toyota. Facilities include our new £1.5m Clinical Skills Suite and a pioneering computer games development suite.
The UK's first dedicated Arts, Design and Technology Campus opens in Derby in 2007. Our stunning £20m Devonshire Campus at Buxton, at the heart of Peak District life, opened its doors in September 2005. The building's centrepiece is a magnificent Dome, larger than St. Paul's in London - its facilities are among the finest in Europe.
Derby achieved University status in 1992 and prides itself in providing opportunity for all. It is an innovator in flexible modular study and e-learning solutions tailoring programmes to students' needs. Professor John Coyne has been the University's Vice-Chancellor since summer 2004.
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For media information please contact the University of Derby's Senior Press and PR Officer, Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 on 07748 920038, Press and PR Officer Simon Butt on 01332 591891 or 07748 920023, or Head of Press and PR Peter Gallimore on 01332 591041.
Alternatively, email: pressoffice@derby.ac.uk or write to: Press Office, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB
