And just like how performs the implementation, WHO performs the needs assessment can create beneficial and/or detremental impacts that can affect the project in a HUGE manner… Many times bringing in the ‘experts’ who perform needs assessments can contribute to unrealistic objectives for many reasons, particularly if none of those performing the needs assessment have never been involved even once in an implementation of such a system…

In defense of those that do perform the needs assessment properly and have dotted their I’s and crossed their T’s including the RFI and RFP documents, you never know what you need to know until you discover what you didn’t know that you didn’t know… you know? smiles…

Considering the spending involved, I am always amazed how little effort is given sometimes at getting a solid foundation. It takes effective and efficint senior leadership to lay the ground rules, define requirements and exercise the procurement process effectively.

The abundance of knowledge during any phase of any project can never replace the wisdom of those who have already been successful doing the same thing… There is too much emphasis on getting the right answers and not enough emphasis on asking the right questions…