Save the Best for Last – The Hybrid

There are multiple ways to implement voluntary consensus standards within an organization.  Earlier posts introduced and then described a number of options including the Directive Model, the Project Model and the Consensus Model.  This post will describe the Hybrid Model.  In one organization the utilized model will be decided and implemented at the enterprise level and in another organization this will be accomplished at the project level.

The Hybrid Model will contain elements of the three main models.  For example, it may be specified by a senior manager and implemented at the project level.  Or it may identified through consensus of the stakeholders and implemented at the project or enterprise level.

In the first instance, a highly visible project may be identified by the CIO while the staff is directed to develop implementation standards that will impact the enterprise.  In the second instance a highly visible project may be identified while the management team is achieving the consensus needed to bring the use of voluntary consensus standards to the enterprise.  Alternatively, an organization may identify a highly visible project as a way of implementing the procedures and guidelines that have been drawn up as a result of either the Directive or the Consensus Model.

The Hybrid Model provides an opportunity to implement the identified model in a limited manner while mitigating the potential risks associated with implementing the use of voluntary consensus standards throughout the organization all at once. It also allows for the development of procedures and techniques to be developed for the entire organization or enterprise based on the experience gained with the highly visitble project.

The drawback of using a highly visible project requiring more than a year to complete is that it will delay the organization wide implementation of voluntary consensus standards for the organizations IT projects.  A second drawback occurs due to the difficulty that implementing voluntary consensus standards throughout the organization may entail especially when done without any prior experience in that organization or that culture.

The IV&V Group® is available to help you implement the use of voluntary consensus standards.  Contact us to learn more.