SysCore Solutions, International

SEM - The SysCore Engagement Methodology

SOU - Statement of Understanding

SOW - Statement of Work

TOR - Terms of Reference

We will always follow a client's process and methodology if required. Our default methodology for engagements is SEM - the SysCore Engagement Methodology. SEM is a structured yet flexible process, giving the maximum support to our experienced consultants consistent with imposing the least overhead on them.

Step 1. Meet with client to determine their needs and situation – in as precise terms as possible, where is the pain?

Step 2. Develop Statement of Understanding (SOU). This reflects our understanding of client’s problem(s) and lays out SysCore’s suggested approach for helping them address the problem(s), stating in precise but general terms what SysCore will do to help. Agree SOU with the client, possibly with multiple iterations.

Step 3. Develop Statement of Work (SOW), which specifies the detailed plan of work, the deliverables at a high level and the contractual terms. Agree SOW with the client.

Step 4. Initiate engagement and develop Terms of Reference (TOR) The TOR usually takes from 1 day to 1 week to develop and puts more meat on bones of SOW, covering, but not limited to:

A more detailed project plan than in the SOW
Specifying lines of reporting, means of reporting, frequency of reporting
Specifying SysCore Client Relationship Manager, usually not involved with engagement directly, to make sure that the client is happy with the progress of the engagement. There may be several SysCore Client Relationship Managers,, each responsible for a different part of the project and/or the client organization.
More detailed specification of deliverables
Who approves and signs off on what deliverables
What physical SysCore collateral documents are relevant
Who does what; what the roles and responsibilities are
Who has project management responsibility – SysCore, the client, (or pure skills supplementation.)

Agree the Terms of Reference, making sure from client’s perspective that both sides understand all the provisions in it.

Steps 5 through n. Carry out engagement, which may involve assessment, requirements gathering, business process analysis, definition of architecture, definition of design, specification of test data, or some combination of activities

Step n+1. Check point throughout life of engagement, modifying SOW if appropriate and if agreed with client. At the end of the engagement, produce a result in whatever format is appropriate. Review with client and determine next steps.