Abstract:
Intranets are important business tools in today¿s Information Technology (IT)
landscape. Evidence suggests that many users of intranets feel underwhelmed by
their experience of interacting with intranets and that many intranets fail to realise
their full potential (Damsgaard & Scheepers, 2000; and Colby et al, 2003). Modern
intranets are expected to present content in a concise and usable form. In addition,
intranets are expected to act as a hub for business process development and
colleague collaboration for business and social purposes (Tredinnick, 2004). Intranets
are considered complex to successfully implement in an organisation. This is because
intranets interact with various different layers of the organisational structure while
simultaneously attempting to deliver a single solution resolving existing underlying
problems (Berkman, 2000; and Roberson, 2008). In light of these complex intranet
interactions with the organisation, user, technology, and projects; many intranets fail
because activities required to overcome challenges have not been properly
evaluated or given sufficient consideration. This study examines the challenges faced
during the implementation of intranets. The goal of the study is to produce an
intranet implementation roadmap based on identified challenges; while working
from the basic premise that each challenge can be overcome by undertaking a
specific project activity designed to guarantee a successful outcome. Challenges are
examined from the perspective of the organisation, user, technical implementation,
and projects. Challenges are developed from existing literature and primary research
investigating recent intranet implementations using modern and complex
organisations as case studies. In addition, existing intranet roadmaps and standard
project management methodologies are considered as part of the roadmap
development process. The final output of this study is an intranet implementation
roadmap designed to assist organisations with the planning and implementation of
successful intranets.