Gap analysis

Tricky thing this gap analysis. It is quite an obvious process by definition - analyse the gap between two things. Simple right? Surely? Um... no.

Having recently been asked to conduct such an exercise, I found myself flummoxed at the simplicity of the statement of work - yet the sheer complexity of the task itself. Even in itself - there is a gap between the theory and the practice.

Simple life's lessons phrases abound - let me try and use some of them to illustrate the point.

"Establish a level playing field" (no-one likes to run uphill, even in the second half)
You see, it's all about metrics and creating a relativity to the gap - making it quantifiable. I could ask you to do a gap analysis between life in London and Spain. Like things you will look at are cost of living, standard of living (measured by pollution, green space, education, etc), exchange rates, job opportunities, etc. You have a common ("level") set of metrics ("playing field") to work with.

"Compare apples wth apples" (cos apples are good for you)
I won't ask you to do a gap analysis on sea levels and the coffee temperature. Unless you are Dr Seuss in which case it may be amusing, but uninformative as the gap is not measureable. But even apples don't have to be compared with apples - this is a stupid phrase; you cannot compare the life in London with life in London. That's nonsense. Stupid phrase.

"Do not wearing rose-tinted glass" (cos only Elton John looks good in them)
Besides the fact that this is a general rule anyway, how can you look objectively at a gap? Are requirements not met if there is a workaround - it depends on your point of view really. The metrics again must be commonly accepted and agreed - like using fahrenheit or celsius to measure heat. But when it comes down to feet and inches; some people's feet are bigger than others! The human element tends to creep in - and so do hidden agendas (but that's big dark glasses not rose-tinted spectacles).

In short - I have been working in between writing this - so it's likely that it is unstructured... glib in parts, deep in others. Or just drivel all round. It should provide some insight, Insallah.

Distributed Teams and Delivery Apathy

Organisational behaviour topic could be the impact of lack of 'face time' with the client and the delivery focus from the distributed teams. Not being located in the same place as the client and having someone else managing the relationship with the client could lead to less focus/concern being placed on quality deliverables (in content, timeliness or otherwise) by the distributed team as they may not have to face the music should delivery not meet expectations.

Strong ownership by the distributed team, clear and concise expectations management and a sense of diligence with regards to meeting the needs of the client should be pervasive in the organisational culture.

Also, penalty clauses in contracts may help ;)