Council International Study Programs Internet Site Design March 12, 2001

Project Elements Web content management system Document database Site Refresh

Content Management Buy vs. Build? Off-the-shelf options are available Cautions  Existing functionality may drive business adaptation  Limited flexibility to accommodate changing needs  Integration issues  Enterprise architecture requirements Custom solution may be better

Content Management Enterprise Architecture Perspective Relationship to other software systems and business processes Specifically  Document database  Content development workflow  Future web site functionality

Content Management EVI’s Proposal for CMS Conduct business needs analysis first Consider enterprise architecture requirements Build (or buy) optimally cost-effective solution

Content Management Business Needs Analysis Process Interviews with key stakeholders Business Requirements Document Review, revision, and sign-off Translate BRD to functional requirements Use functional requirements to design the best solution

Document Database Our Vision All common information maintained in a single location Component-based architecture facilitates delivery through multiple channels  Web site  Formatted text for print documents  Dynamically generated PDF files  Export to other web sites and systems

Document Database Web Site Print Export Module Other Export Module (XML) PDF Export Module Component Architecture for Document Repository System Document Repository Database Workflow User Interface

Document Database Component-based Architecture Logic at each level is self-contained and unaware of how other components function Each component knows only how to send a request and interpret a response, or receive a request and produce a response Any component or system that can speak their language can interact with these components

Document Database Component-based Architecture Other benefits  More efficient  More flexible  More scaleable

Document Database Emphasis on Needs Analysis Build system to accommodate future use Enable move to future functionality sooner Revising later likely to be much more expensive

Document Database Our Vision vs. Your Vision Somewhat more than requested in the RFP We think this is the best approach  Opportunity now  Consistent with enterprise view  Can be done within budget

Site Refresh

External Relations vs. Software Development Content management system and document database are software systems Site refresh crosses over to marketing/ external relations: how to deliver content in a way that influences customer beliefs and behavior

Site Refresh Council ISP’s Goals: Improve customer workflow Increase “stickiness” Boost traffic Position programs (adventurous and fun yet academically serious) Reduce volume of information requests

Site Refresh Requires awareness of customer What is customer trying to accomplish? What attracts/keeps customer to the site? What is customer’s perception of programs and of Council? What information does customer need, and how should it be delivered?

Site Refresh Qualitative Customer Research If we talk to customers the wrong way, they may not respond Qualitative research gives us information we need to communicate the right way Helps us understand the functional, behavioral, and emotional drivers that influence the customer

Site Refresh Insight and Understanding How do you look for a study abroad program? By location, or field of study, or something else? What are the strengths and weaknesses of our competitors’ web sites? Why do you want to study abroad? What kinds of information do you need most?

Site Refresh Insight and Understanding Once you have the information you need, what do you expect to be able to do from our web site? What does study abroad mean to you? What do you hope to learn about yourself through study abroad? What kind of person do you think study abroad will make you?

Site Refresh Insight and Understanding This kind of information immensely valuable for crafting presentation Not that difficult (or expensive) to get

Site Refresh Qualitative Customer Research: Preliminary Plan Online surveys  On Council ISP site  Solicit via broadcast  Recruit through members, information inquiries, etc. Online focus groups (if needed) Limited traditional focus groups (if needed) Test resulting ideas and designs

Review Content Management System Determine business needs first, then design best system Document Database Plan now for future functionality Site Refresh Based on qualitative customer research

Why EVI? Knowledge of travel business, student market, and Council ISP Proven track record Breadth of resources Service and commitment

Council International Study Programs Internet Site Design March 12, 2001