Examine the challenges faced during the implementation of intranet solutions in an Irish university; with the goal of improving implementation processes, resulting in the development of an intranet solution implementation roadmap

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.