Inadequate resource planning puts projects at risk warns Parity

Press Release Author: Parity Group plc

Industry: Computers

Press Release Summary: Parity reports that IT Projects suffer from lack of resource planning and attention to detail in the early stages. The scarcity of skills in the IT market means that businesses are paying very high market rates and running the risk of going over time and budget for IT projects

Press Release Body: Failure to get IT resource requirements mapped out adequately is undermining the chances of IT projects succeeding and raises the risk of projects going over time and budget warns Parity, the business and IT Services group.

It is vital that businesses take stock on whether their IT project planning and risk management skills are up to scratch when considering technology projects, especially in a market where there is a well documented shortage of IT skills for hire.

Traditionally, businesses have been able to source IT contractors to make up for any skills shortfall on IT systems development projects but today’s high demand for IT resources means that organisations are not only having to pay high market rates to secure key IT skills but also not having them available when they want them risks their projects going over time and not coming in on budget.

Furthermore companies may not be getting the best deal from hiring contractors on traditional short term contracts through buying skills for tomorrow at today’s rates. “Incidents of contractors looking to break short term contracts or actively looking for their next assignment while working for their current client is not uncommon. It’s almost become a commodity market where buying into the future can secure better prices”, said David Plummer, MD Parity Resources.

“Meeting business and project plan requirements should be the driving force behind contract hiring decisions. Businesses need to adapt to the changing market and consider offering contracts of 6 months or even longer to ensure key skills are available to finish the project”, said Plummer.

Better resource planning could also help organisations save money by locking in rates in a rising market, while contractors will benefit from the additional security that a longer contract term offers. It is vital that any decision made to extend these terms is backed up by a sound project plan and clearly defined business requirements so that there is a strong business case behind committing budget to longer term contractors.

Plummer continued; “It is important that businesses invest time up front to fully scope out the IT resource required for their IT projects. This will not only help to ensure that they hire the right numbers of IT contractors to meet their project needs, but it may save them a lot of money in keeping their project on time and within budget.”

Editorial notes:

About Parity Group plc
Parity is a leading IT Business services organisation delivering technical, recruitment and IT training solutions to the UK and Irish markets.

They focus on the key areas of project, programme and IT service management. Parity's Training business educates client's own staff in these skill areas; their Resources business recruits highly skilled short term, interim and permanent staff; and their Solutions business takes total delivery responsibility for IT projects and programmes as well as the ongoing delivery of IT applications and business processes.

Parity's 30 years' expertise in Project and Programme Management minimises business risk associated with systems implementation, integration or business change for clients. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Parity recorded a turnover of over £150m in 2006.

Parity has deep industry knowledge and expertise in Finance, Utilities, Telecoms and the Public Sector delivering people, skills and concepts for IT projects and programmes throughout the UK. Parity have provided these services to a range of notable clients, including Hewlett Packard, IBM, Ministry of Defence, Royal Bank of Scotland, Northern Ireland Electricity, Siemens and GlaxoSmithKline.

Web Site: http://www.parity.net/

Contact Details: Parity contact details:
Gina Cannon
Parity Group plc
Wimbledon Bridge House
1 Hartfield Road
Wimbledon
London
SW19 3RU
0845 873 6945
http://www.parity.net/

***********************************