3.3.1 IBM Almaden Services Research © Copyright IBM Corporation All rights reserved. 1 Considerations for the Use of Methods in Services Introduction to Methods V1.0

IBM Almaden Services Research 2 2 Unit objectives Gain an understanding of:  What a method is and is not  Why methods can be valuable  How methods can be applied to different situations  The spectrum of “how did you do that?”  from totally unique to totally automated

IBM Almaden Services Research 3 3 What is a “method”? Intellectual capital? ? A process or procedure? Leading practices? A checklist? Guidance? “Captured” experiences? A template?

IBM Almaden Services Research 4 4 Current environment Services clients perceive that the service provider is here on the learning curve... The services opportunity is the delta in knowledge and capability.... while they are still here. { Generations of technology and evolving business models supersede each other at an increasingly rapid rate.

IBM Almaden Services Research 5 5 Sufficient knowledge is a moving target Time, number of knowers, and "installed base" within clients Knowledge value Complexity of knowledge, business applicability, and competitive advantage A service provider can make money at: premium levels commodity levels and all levels in between

IBM Almaden Services Research 6 6 Methods play a key role in a services business.

IBM Almaden Services Research 7 7 Patterns Application patterns Product mappings Runtime patterns Composite patterns Integration patterns Business patterns Customer Requirements Business Interaction style Application structure Middleware structure Platform-specific product mappings Guidelines for appl design, development, system mgmt.

IBM Almaden Services Research 8 8 Methods provide…

IBM Almaden Services Research 9 9 Why use methods? Troubled projects cost money and more

IBM Almaden Services Research 10 Why are methods important – to the service supplier? Consistent approaches to common activities Competitive differentiator

IBM Almaden Services Research 11 Why are methods important – to clients? “Comfort” Factor Reduced Risk Better Quality

IBM Almaden Services Research 12 Why are methods important – to the practitioner? Accelerate dispatch

IBM Almaden Services Research 13 Without methodsWith methods = More rework, more reinvention  Higher project costs = More re-use, less risk  Lower project costs Qualify opportunity Design solution Design solution Close sale Initiate project Initiate project Execute project Execute project Close project Close project The difference when using methods

IBM Almaden Services Research 14 Differentiation From To Hiring resources to demandBuilding capabilities ahead of demand Different models and capability alignmentCommon organizational and capability alignment Local design, build Remote design, build, run Multiple delivery processes Common delivery processes/tools (lean delivery) Every project is unique Reuse of delivery assets Uses remote capability for low cost alone Establishes remote resource capability in high value industry expertise, process knowledge and leading technology skills as well as traditional technology skills Labor Pools Centers of Competency Limited remote capabilities A network of experts providing global delivery project team support

IBM Almaden Services Research 15 Considerations for using methods  Trade-offs –Specificity –Procedures versus deep smarts  How can we capture or create reusable assets?  How do methods support workforce management?

IBM Almaden Services Research 16 How do we use the methods that are available? A pre-cut suit off the shelf A tailor fits the suit to your needs Your perfect suit Fitting a pre-cut suit is much cheaper than creating one from scratch.

IBM Almaden Services Research 17 Method Adoption Workshop (MAW)  Objectives –Understand the project –Tailor the method to project estimation, selecting techniques, tasks and tools –Assessments  Results –Tailored Method –Project Plan

IBM Almaden Services Research 18 The value of a standard tool suite  Facilitates collaboration  Increases standardization  Supports tool integration  Increases reusability of work products  Drives services efficiencies

IBM Almaden Services Research 19 Limitations  Balance point difficult to reach  Organizational resistance

IBM Almaden Services Research 20 Resistance to using common methods and tools People complain “I can’t find the one I need” “It’s too hard to adapt to my deal” “I know how to do this, I’ll do it my way” “You don’t let me be me” “These are inefficient, what a waste of time”

IBM Almaden Services Research 21 In summary… Why use methods redux …because methods can create …  “A framework for re-use of common assets and reference models”  Accelerated start-up for people and projects  Better project management …which leads to… –Improved win rates –More profitable projects