Application of Sensitivity Models in IT projects

We work with the sensitivity models' instruments in our projects. These methods have proven themselves time and again in practice, because they have many advantages - for us and especially for you.

The principle of "network thinking"¹ and its systematic approach based on the sensitivity model, helps us to keep a clear overview when establishing all of your requirements, recognising correlations in your company and bearing in mind the consequences of individual components to other areas; especially when dealing with very complex projects.

The sensitivity model is a help when thinking, not a replacement for thinking!

It is based on different steps that build upon each other and when needed, correct previous steps. An exact visual system description is a prerequisite for our project work. It provides a detailed survey of the as-is situation and builds the basis for all following steps. The project environment can then be looked at, described and marked off from various angles, together with all interested groups involved.

Example of a visualised system description

In the following steps, the important variables (= changeable sizes) are set-up and described in the system. In this way it is easily clear on which "set-screws" each of the individuals involved in the project will concentrate.

You then determine which variables you want to have changed, in which form within your company, and the priorities.

The variable results will be analysed and presented in connection with the system. At a glance it will then be clear what happens when a component is changed in the system. Consequences to other areas and goal conflicts will become visual. Based on these results, strategies can now be worked out which fulfil your requirements.

The advantages of these methods for you become obvious:

• Through the sensitivity model, tasks and problem areas are viewed in the overall relationship and can thus be solved successfully - without causing destructive secondary effects at other points.
• This means that projects can be carried out more quickly and with the desired results.

Would you like more information about this? Please contact us.

¹ Cp. Frederic Vester, Die Kunst vernetzt zu denken, 5. Auflage, Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt GmbH 1999