A combined project planning model for documentation/training at BNR

ABSTRACT

Bell-Northern Research (BNR) is a global leader in the design and development of advanced telecommunications systems and products. Documentation and training groups at BNR have historically been autonomous; that is until last year. Both organizations have now integrated under one management team. With this association was the understanding that the new organization would encounter a number of problems; for example, differences concerning culture, processes, and functions.The basic premise of the new organization was to provide a more comprehensive service for our internal -BNR- customer base. To do this effectively, we needed an appropriate strategy to eliminate duplication of effort and reduce development interval time, and an organizational structure to accommodate our customer's requirements.To provide a more comprehensive and coordinated service to our customers, required a formalized and planning mechanism. We developed an Information Development Plan (IDP) as a method to capture the combined project plans for documentation and training. At this point, the IDP has been used for about one year and will develop or evolve into a more integrated plan for our customer base.

REFERENCES

• 1: Galbraith, J., Kazanjain, R., "Strategy Implementation." West Publishing Co., 2nd. Edition, New York. 1986.
• 2: Rowe, A., Mason, R. "Strategic Management." Addison Wesley Publishing Co., 3rd. Edition, New York. 1989.
• 3: Barnes R., "Project Partnering" Project Management Journal., Vo123 n4 pg: 5-9, 1992.
• 4: Pinto, j., Slevin, D., "Project Success: Definitions and Measurement Techniquei' Project Management Journal., Vol 19 nl pg: 67-71, 1988.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.7 Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement
          Subjects: Documentation

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Training

General Terms:
Management, Theory