IT Governance Knowledge Archive – Page 54

This stage gate review guide provides an overview of a step by step process to assess investment projects and programs for compliance and meaningful progress. This review process comprises of several steps – one each at a critical decision point. The guide describes each step, the purpose and an overview of its execution.

This first review or gate in the state gate review answers the question: How does this investment and its implementation program fit into our overall strategy? The response confirms that the program has merit in context, has been selected based upon thorough analysis and research, and is feasible i.e. can be implemented to achieve results.

This third review or gate defines a clear plan for program implementation taking into account the vendor and supplier market and aligning it with project needs – are we ready for program implementation? are we ready for supplier/vendor participation? do we have a robust build or buy strategy and plan? At this review, an evaluation of assumptions and parameters of a business case is also revisited.

This fourth review or gate builds upon the build versus buy strategy by confirming that the project is still required, affordable and achievable, and making sure that before any work is awarded to an implementation partner that their selection is based upon a robust analysis – they are worthy and capable of delivering results before they are engaged.

This fifth review or gate assesses organizational readiness for change, confirms the proposed solution's applicability and robustness, operational budgets are in place, and a process to measure results after implementation.