The Role of Committees vs. Individual Review in Systems Requests
1. With the advantages and disadvantages of using a systems review committee in mind, when are systems requests better reviewed by a committee, and when are requests better reviewed by an individual.
2. Does the answer depend on the size of the company? The anticipated impact of the system? The anticipated expense of the system?
3. When evaluating a systems request, what criteria should be applied and how should priorities be determined?
Feel free to share an example of a time in your life when you made a decision on your own but perhaps a group decision would have been better, or made a group decision and perhaps an individual decision might have been better.
Title: The Role of Committees vs. Individual Review in Systems Requests
Introduction:
In today's fast-paced business environment, organizations often face the challenge of deciding whether to review systems requests through a committee or an individual. This essay explores the advantages and disadvantages of using a systems review committee, as well as the circumstances in which committees or individuals are better suited to evaluate requests. Additionally, it delves into the criteria that should be applied and the factors that determine priorities when evaluating systems requests. Finally, a personal anecdote will be shared to shed light on the potential pitfalls of both individual and group decision-making.
Thesis Statement:
While both individual and committee reviews have their merits, the size of the company, the anticipated impact and expense of the system, as well as the available expertise, must be considered to determine the most suitable approach for reviewing systems requests.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Committee Reviews:
Committee reviews offer several advantages. Firstly, they provide a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of systems requests. Secondly, committees ensure that decisions are not solely dependent on one individual's biases or preferences. However, committee reviews can also be time-consuming, as reaching a consensus among committee members may take longer than an individual review. Moreover, conflicts of interest or power dynamics within the committee may hinder objective decision-making.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Individual Reviews:
Individual reviews provide several benefits as well. They are often faster and more efficient, enabling prompt decision-making when time is of the essence. Additionally, individual reviews eliminate the potential for conflicts within a committee and allow for more focused decision-making by leveraging the expertise of the reviewer. However, individual reviews may lack diverse perspectives and can be influenced by personal biases or limited knowledge in certain areas.
Determining the Best Approach:
The choice between committee and individual reviews depends on various factors. Firstly, the size of the company plays a crucial role. In smaller organizations, individual reviews may be more practical due to limited resources and personnel. Conversely, larger companies with departments dedicated to systems evaluation may find committee reviews more effective. Secondly, the anticipated impact of the system is important. If the system is expected to have wide-ranging implications across multiple departments, a committee review ensures comprehensive analysis. On the other hand, if the impact is limited to a specific department or process, an individual review may suffice. Lastly, the anticipated expense of the system should be considered. High-cost systems often necessitate committee reviews to ensure a thorough assessment of financial implications.
Criteria and Priorities in Evaluating Systems Requests:
When evaluating systems requests, certain criteria should be applied consistently. These may include alignment with organizational goals, cost-effectiveness, scalability, compatibility with existing systems, user-friendliness, and security considerations. Priorities can be determined by considering factors such as urgency, potential return on investment, strategic importance to the organization, and anticipated impact on productivity or customer satisfaction.
Personal Anecdote:
In my previous role as a project manager, I once made a decision to implement a new project management software without involving a committee. While I had extensive experience in project management, I underestimated the potential challenges and resistance from team members who were accustomed to their existing tools. Had I involved a committee in the decision-making process, I could have gained valuable insights from different perspectives and avoided unforeseen obstacles.
Conclusion:
Determining whether systems requests are better reviewed by a committee or an individual requires careful consideration of various factors such as company size, anticipated impact and expense of the system, and available expertise. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. By applying consistent evaluation criteria and considering priorities based on organizational goals and needs, organizations can make informed decisions that maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with system implementations.