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> ----- Original Message -----
> From: melanie.kendell
>
> Hi Bev
>
> Can you (or anyone else) point me at some credible examples of ROI.

As a general guide, have a look at:

- CMS Watch Featured Topic: Finding the ROI in Content Management
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa45 ]

and found this which may be useful:

- Bridgeline Software: The Right Content Management System Will
Improve Your Web ROI
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa4n | PDF ]

You need to apply some thinking to figure out what your business values and
examine possible savings in those areas.

What I did with one system was look at the tortuous workflow and steps that
could be eliminateD, especially in multi-platform output. An easy sell from
there on in as it is clear to the beanies (in a simple view at least) that
less and more focussed steps = shorter time = more output.

It's worth pointing out that better content management and reuse alone has
ROI. Easier to find stuff, reuse stuff and reference stuff. It's like having
a properly managed library or a set of out of order index cards.

Also have a look at case studies:

- apple.com: BBC Goes Online
WebObjects Delivers for International News Organization
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa5n ]
(avoid the the marketing hype...)

- Box UK: Teacher Resource Exchange Case Study
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa5p ]
- Microsoft: Case Studies
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa5u ]

If I come across anything dedicated to ROI on CMS projects in general then
I'll post it.

Some other points.

Make sure they understand that ROI is not always financial...

Summary:
- ROI is a metric that favours cost-saving projects
- ROI can't calculate valuable, intangible qualities - One metric
can't characterise the entire value of a project
- IT will most likely be charged for project costs - it may be difficult
for IT to charge a project cost to a particular department

Alternatives and additions:
- Payback
- Net present value
- Total cost of ownership

zdnet.com.au:
- An ROI primer
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa57 ]
- The limitations of calculating ROI for IT projects
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa50 ]

Make sure you read this (and similar) to view some pitfalls...
make sure the beanies don't...

- atnewyork.com: Study: Content Management Tools Fail
[ http://tinyurl.com/qa5c ]

Cheers,

jod