WO2002044930A2

WO2002044930A2 - Global engineering project quality process and system

Info

Publication number: WO2002044930A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/028229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony John Matacia; Robert John Hemmelgarn; David Allen Kezar; Joseph Dominic Gargiulo; Andrew James Meyers; Douglas Gerard Konitzer; Janet Marie Taul; Laura Anne Iyer; Gene Leroy Mourer; Thomas George Wakeman; John Clisby Blanton; Gregg Hunt Wilson; Anthony Edward Hungler; Steven Andrew Strang; Robert Joseph Maffeo; Bruce Donald Innes; Robert Michael Beasley; Somnath Sharma Sonti
Original assignee: General Electric Company
Priority date: 2000-11-28
Filing date: 2001-09-06
Publication date: 2002-06-06
Also published as: WO2002044930A3; AU2001288966A1

Abstract

A predetermined and approved outsourcing procedure to be followed by employees of a company or business for transferring work assignments or projects to an outside source (106) is implemented on an Intranet system. The outsourcing procedure is a series of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) that, when completed, results in the completion of a project by an outside source (106) that is acceptable to the company and takes into consideration all of the company's internal policies and any applicable governmental regulations. The Intranet system also provides a user with additional features and informatin that will aid in complying with and completing the outsourcing procedure. The user will be able to indicate start and finish dates (412, 414) of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) in the outsourcing procedure or the user will be able to receive assistance in generating required paperwork or deliverables for the outsourcing procedure.

Description

GLOBAL ENGINEERING PROJECT QUALITY PROCESS AND SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the implementation of quality processes for engineering projects. More specifically, the present invention relates to a computer network based implementation of quality control procedures to be used for any global engineering project.

For a company or business that performs engineering work, it can be beneficial for the company to transfer some engineering projects to entities outside of the company, sometimes referred to as outside sources. The outside sources include both domestic sources within the United States and foreign sources located outside of the United States. Some of the benefits that can be obtained by transferring some engineering projects to outside sources include cost savings and faster completion time of the project. In addition, some engineering projects are transferred to outside sources because the outside source has a particular expertise required by the engineering project that the company or business lacks.

When an engineering project is transferred to an outside source, the company or business that transfers the engineering project typically loses some control over how the engineering project is completed by the outside source. Frequently, the company or business will want to ensure that the engineering project completed by the outside source has the same level of quality as the engineering work completed by the company or business. In addition, the company or business may have a set of company guidelines or policies in place that control how engineering projects are to be completed.

A project leader will typically be the one to transfer the engineering project to the outside source. Often, the project leader will not have any defined procedure or only a partially defined procedure in place to ensure that the engineering project completed by the outside source meets all quality requirements and company guidelines. This lack of a defined procedure can lead to the outside source completing an engineering project that does not meet all quality requirements and company guidelines. In another situation, there can be several project leaders each transferring an engineering project to an outside source. In this situation, each of the project leaders may be using a different procedure to transfer engineering projects to outside sources. This can lead to confusion and conflict regarding the proper procedure to be followed for transferring engineering projects to outside sources. Also, there is no guarantee that the procedures used by the project leaders will result in an engineering project being completed by an outside source that meets all quality requirements and company guidelines.

Finally, even if the company or business has a predetermined process for transferring engineering projects to outside sources, the project leaders may not use the predetermined process. The project leaders may not use the predetermined process because they are unaware of its existence or because the predetermined process is difficult to use and/or understand.

Therefore, what is needed is a predetermined and approved procedure for having an engineering work package or project completed by an outside source that is easy to use and understand and can result in a final deliverable from the outside source that complies with all quality requirements and company guidelines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method for electronically managing a project being transferred to an outside source. The method includes the step of initiating the project and entering corresponding project information. Next, an outsourcing procedure is accessed on a server computer. The outsourcing procedure has a plurality of steps to be followed to transfer the project to the outside source that can then complete the project. Each step of the plurality of steps of the outsourcing procedure is reviewed from a client computer. Additional information and assistance associated with particular steps of the plurality of steps of the outsourcing procedure are obtained, as necessary, from the client computer. Finally, each step of the plurality of steps of the outsourcing procedure is completed, wherein completion of one step of the plurality of steps is independent of completion of the other steps of the plurality of steps of the outsourcing procedure.

The present invention is also directed to a system to assist a user in completing an outsourcing procedure for transferring a project to an outside source.

The system includes a server computer having at least one storage device. The server computer includes the outsourcing procedure stored in the at least one storage device. The system has at least one client computer networked to the said server computer. A means for presenting that is located on the at least one client computer is used to present the outsourcing procedure to the user. The outsourcing procedure has a plurality of steps to assist the user in transferring a project to an outside source. The system also has a means for providing additional information relating to particular steps of the plurality of steps of the outsourcing procedure. The additional information is useful for completing the particular steps of the plurality of steps. Finally, the system includes means for assisting the user to generate a deliverable for at least one step of the plurality of steps. The deliverable being required to complete the at least one step of the plurality of steps of the outsourcing procedure.

One advantage of the present invention is that it ensures that the transfer of all engineering work to global sources follows the same procedure and results in a final deliverable that complies with all quality requirements and company guidelines. Another advantage of the present invention is that it is a network-based application thereby making it quickly and easily accessible for all users and can provide the users with a uniform procedure to follow for transferring engineering work. Still another advantage of the present invention, is that several additional tools and utilities are made available to user to aid the user in following and completing the procedure.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a computer network configuration that can be used with the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a home page that can be used with the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a data entry web page to enter information about the work project to be transferred.

Figures 4-6 illustrate web pages that have the steps to be followed in the outsourcing procedure.

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate how to access reference information from the home page.

Figure 8 illustrates a selection screen for generating a scorecard.

Figure 9 illustrates the scorecard that is generated based on the selections from Figure 8.

Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the figures to refer to the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a predetermined and approved outsourcing procedure to be followed by employees of a company or business for transferring work packages, assignments or projects to an outside source and to a system for implementing the outsourcing procedure. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outsourcing procedure is directed to the transfer of engineering assignments or projects to the outside source, however, the outsourcing procedure can be applied to the transfer of any type of work assignment or project. As discussed above, the outside source is an entity, e.g. corporation, individual, university, etc., which is separate from the outsourcing company. Outside sources include both entities within the United States, referred to as domestic sources, and entities located outside of the United States, referred to as global or foreign sources, that produce goods and/or services. The predetermined transferring or outsourcing procedure includes all the necessary steps to be followed by an employee of the outsourcing company in order to transfer work to an outside source. The outsourcing procedure's steps take into consideration all the outsourcing company's internal policies, such as quality control procedures, design policies, engineering procedures, etc., any applicable governmental regulations and any previously used procedures and steps that have proven to be successful in the past. The outsourcing procedure's steps are also used to ensure that all required documentation or deliverables are generated. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outsourcing procedure is used for transferring engineering assignments, packages or projects to a global or foreign source.

The system for implementing the outsourcing procedure preferably includes a computer network that is accessible and usable by all employees of the outsourcing company. The system also preferably includes additional features and information to be used in complying with and completing the outsourcing procedure, such as being able to indicate start and finish dates of steps in the outsourcing procedure or receiving assistance in generating required paperwork or deliverables for^' the outsourcing procedure. The predetermined and approved outsourcing procedure is stored in memory or a storage device on the system. For each individual work project, the system creates a copy of the outsourcing procedure for use with that particular work project. The system also creates a directory or database for the storage of the copy of the outsourcing procedure and for storing any related information, documents, deliverables, etc. required or generated by the outsourcing procedure. The outsourcing procedure can also be generated in a paper format and then distributed to the employees.

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred configuration of the computer network used in the system of the present invention. The computer network preferably has a central or server computer 102 that stores the outsourcing procedure and the directory for each work project. The server computer 102 is connected or linked to at least one remote or client computer 104 through an internal network. The internal network is preferably an Intranet, but the internal network can be by any type of network, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) or Extranet. The client computers 104 are used to access the outsourcing procedure and the directories for each work project stored on the server computer 102. The additional features and information are preferably stored on the server computer 102, but can be stored on the client computers 104.

In a preferred embodiment, people at the outside source can access the outsourcing procedure by using client computers 106 to connect to the server computer 102 over a secure Internet connection. In addition, the employees of the outsourcing company can contact the outside source and/or transmit files and other information to the outside source over the secure Internet connection. The transmission of files or other information to the outside source can be included in one of the additional features of the outsourcing procedure. The outside source can preferably read or view the entire outsourcing procedure, but does not have the ability to make any direct submission or contribution to the outsourcing procedure. However, the outside source can respond to requests or inquiries of the outsourcing company and can supply information, deliverables, etc. to an intermediary that can then associate or enter the received information, deliverables, etc. to the outsourcing procedure.

The client computers and server computer can be any type of general purpose computer having memory or storage devices (e.g. RAM, ROM, hard disk, CD-ROM, etc.), processing units (e.g. CPU, ALU, etc.) and input/output devices (e.g. monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.). In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the client computers 104 are again linked together through an Intranet or Extranet, however instead of accessing the outsourcing procedure on the server computer 102, the client computers 104 have loaded into their memory a copy of the outsourcing procedure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a complete copy of the outsourcing procedure or a portion of the outsourcing procedure pertinent to an aspect of the project can be loaded onto a computer readable medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. In addition, the additional features and information used with the outsourcing procedure may also be stored on the computer readable medium. The storage of the outsourcing procedure and additional features on the computer readable medium can permit the user to have access to the outsourcing procedure and additional features when no network connection is available to the user. The user can then complete and comply with the outsourcing procedure as described in greater detail below from the computer readable medium either as a stand-alone process independent of the Intranet system or in conjunction with the Intranet system, which would then require subsequent communication of project information, deliverables, etc. to the Intranet system.

The system of the present invention preferably implements the outsourcing procedure and the additional features and information to be used in complying with and completing the outsourcing procedure in one or more files or web pages that can be viewed with a web browser. The files or web pages are preferably implemented in HTML and Java applets or any other similar types of browser compatible software. By implementing the files or web page in HTML and Java, any client computer 104 with a web browser can access the outsourcing procedure stored on the server computer 102 regardless of the operating system (MacOS, Windows, Unix, etc.) being executed by the client computer 104. However, the outsourcing procedure and additional features can be implemented in other ways to be accessible over the internal network.

To use the system of the present invention for implementing the outsourcing procedure, the user or employee, typically a project leader, accesses a home page or starting screen 200 shown in Figure 2 from a client computer 104. Upon accessing the home page 200, the user can access several different options by selecting buttons 202-214. The user can also review any additional information or announcements that are displayed in additional information field 216. The selection of button 202 will return the user to an Intranet home page. The selection of button 206 will connect the user to a web page that has all the templates used with the outsourcing procedure. The use and purpose of the templates will be described in greater detail below. The selection of button 208 will connect the user to a web page for generating different reports and statistics or metrics about projects that use or have used the outsourcing procedure. The reports and metrics that can be generated are described in greater detail below. The selection of button 210 will connect the user to a web page that provides help and additional information about the system and outsourcing procedure. Button 210 can also be selected to access a web page that provides training on creating a project using the outsourcing procedure. The selection of button 212 will connect the user to a web page that provides reference information related to the outsourcing procedure and other useful tools. The selection of button 214 will connect the user to a web page, where the user can provide feedback information about the system and the outsourcing procedure. In another embodiment of the present invention, the selection of one of the buttons 202-

214 can result in the display of a pop-up text box or pull-down menu that provides the user with several different options that are each linked to a corresponding web page.

Upon the selection of button 204, the user will be connected with a web page that asks the user if he wants to create a new project or resume working with an existing project by entering a corresponding identification number for the project. The user can also resume working with an existing project and change some information associated with the project to create a new project. The creation or initiation of a new project enables the project leader to apply the outsourcing procedure to that work project. When a new project is created, a project directory or database is created to store all files associated with the new project. One file that is stored in the project directory is a copy of the outsourcing procedure that is stored on the server computer 102. Other files that are stored in the directory can include any related information, documents, deliverables, etc. associated with the work project. The resuming of an existing project is used by the project leader to review or track the status of the project in view of the outsourcing procedure, update the status of the project and to add or edit information, documents, deliverables, etc. associated with the work project. In one embodiment, the user or project leader can search or filter through all the saved projects to locate one or several projects of interest.

During the creation of a new project, the project leader or user will have to enter some preliminary information about the project before being permitted to use or apply the outsourcing procedure to the project. The entering of the preliminary information about the project is preferably identified as Phase 0 or can be known as a pre-procedure step of the outsourcing procedure. The outsourcing procedure is preferably divided or classified into a number of stages or phases that are usually linked to the completion or accomplishments of particular steps or tasks. Alternatively, the phases or stages can be based on the relationship of the steps to each other. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outsourcing procedure for transferring engineering work to global sources involves three phases (Phases 1-3) and seventeen steps.

Figure 3 illustrates a web page 300 that can be used for entering preliminary information into the system about the work project. The user will enter basic information about the project such as the project title, project leader, etc., into designated fields. Figure 3 illustrates some examples of the types of preliminary information that can be requested from the project leader but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Other types of information that are valuable or necessary can be requested on web page 300 and typically are related to the type and subject matter of the project to be transferred. The entry of the information can also be sub-divided as it relates to particular phases of the outsourcing procedure. In addition, for some of the fields, the user will be able to manually enter the information and for other fields the user will be able to use pull down menus with predetermined information in order to make a selection for entry. The user does not preferably have to enter information into all of the fields that are displayed at one time and can return to web page 300 as many times as required to enter information. However, information may have to be entered into certain fields before the user will be permitted to continue, for example, a project title may be required. Once the user has finished entering information, the system will save the information in a file in the project directory and on the initial saving of information, assign an identification number for the project to be used to identify the project.

Once the user has entered any required preliminary information about the project and completed Phase 0, the user can then access the steps and phases of the outsourcing procedure and apply them to the project. Figure 4 illustrates a web page 400 that displays the steps grouped in Phase 1 of the outsourcing procedure of the preferred embodiment. The web page 400 includes the steps in Phase 1 and the additional features and information that can be used in conjunction with some of the steps. The web page 400 also has an area 402 that displays project information for the project, which includes some of the entered preliminary information. On web page

400, the user will be able to select the particular phase he wishes to examine through the use of selection tabs 403 or other similar techniques. Other options are also presented to the user in^'area 428, such as displaying a project scorecard.

In Phase 1 of the outsourcing procedure of the preferred embodiment, there are six steps 416-426. A step number in column 404 identifies each of the steps.

In a preferred embodiment, the step number will identify both the phase and the step in the phase. For example, step 418 has a step number of 1.2 in column 404, which indicates that step 418 is the second step in phase 1. However, any type of step number can be used to identify the steps in the outsourcing procedure. Furthermore, the step number is used to indicate the preferred order for completing the steps of the outsourcing procedure. However, the steps of the outsourcing procedure can be completed in any order and a particular step does not need to be completed before another step can be started. Thus, a user of the outsourcing procedure can start, and possibly complete, several other steps while awaiting information or a deliverable to complete a previously started step.

In column 410, a brief description of each of the steps is provided to the user to quickly identify the requirements of the step. The brief description of the steps can include a hyperlink that, when selected, can connect the user to a web page or electronic document that will provide the user a more detailed description of the requirements of the particular step and can include instructions or process maps relating to the step. In addition, a portion of column 410 is reserved for an indication of the completion of the step, which indication is described in greater detail below.

In column 412, the user can either review the starting dates of each of the steps or input a starting date into the system for a particular step. The displaying of the words "Start It" in column 412 for a particular step indicates that a starting date for that particular step has not yet been entered. The words "Start It" are preferably a hyperlink to a web page or input box that permits the user to enter the starting date for the step. Accordingly, in column 414, the user can either review the finish dates of each of the steps or input a finish date for a particular step. The displaying of the words "Finish It" in_^column 414 for a particular step indicates that a finish date for that particular step has not yet been entered. The words "Finish It" are preferably a hyperlink to a web page or input box that will permit the user to enter the finish date for the step and upload any project deliverable or project note to the project directory. The information entered into the "Start It" and "Finish It" fields in columns 412 and 414 are stored in the proj ect directory for the proj ect.

Once the user has entered a starting date in column 412 or a finishing date in column 414, the entered date for the step is displayed in the respective column along with an "Update" hyperlink to a web page or input box that permits the user to change the date that was previously entered. In addition, the "Update" hyperlink in column 414 also permits the user to upload new or modified project notes or project deliverables to the project directory.

Simultaneously with the entering of a finish date in column 414, an indication, e.g. a check mark or "X," that the step is completed is made in the reserved portion of column 410. In addition, an indication is also made in column 408 indicating that any required deliverable or project note associated with that step has also been generated, completed and uploaded to the project directory. A completed deliverable is any item that results from the completion of a step, such as a document, file, form, report, etc. For example, for step 418, the completed deliverable would be the project Router. The indication made in column 408 is an "N" if only a project note has been uploaded, a "D" if only a project deliverable has been uploaded or an "N" and a "D" if both a project note and a project deliverable have been uploaded to the project directory. In addition, the "N" and "D" in column 408 can preferably be in the form of a hyperlink that connects the user to the electronic document that includes the project note or project deliverable.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the entry of a starting date or finishing date can be used to trigger some automatic scheduling functions. For example, the entering of a starting date for a step can then generate a target end date for the step based on a predetermined time frame for completing the step. Alternatively, a target finishing date could be entered which would then generate the latest date the step should be started so that the step can be completed by the target finish date.

In column 406, the availability of a template or wizard to assist the user in completing a particular step is indicated by displaying the words "template" or "wizard" depending on which one is available. The words "template" and "wizard" are preferably hyperlinks to web pages or electronic documents that include template or wizard applications. A template is a breakdown or simplification of a particular step into several smaller steps that simplifies the process of completing the particular step. The wizards can be similar to templates in that the wizards can also breakdown or simplify a particular step into several smaller steps. However, the wizards also include applications or functions that automate the completion of the smaller steps by asking for particular items of information or automate the generation of any required deliverable for the particular step.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a project leader will be the person responsible for completing steps 416-426 in Phase 1 of the outsourcing procedure for a work project. The project leader is the "owner" of the project that is being transferred to the outside source and is the person ultimately responsible for the success of the project. Step 416 is the first step in Phase 1 and involves generation of a detailed statement of work (SOW). The statement of work is a document that fully defines the project based on the work to be done. The statement of work includes the definition of the work to be completed, the expected schedule and "not to exceed" (NTE) hours to complete the project. The specific information included in the SOW is determined by the particular requirements or guidelines promulgated by the employer of the project leader and can vary between different organizations or businesses. For assistance in completing this step, the project leader can access a template that breaks this step down into a series of smaller steps or tasks.

Step 418 is the second step in Phase 1 and involves the generation of a project router. The project router is a sequence of operations used to produce a good or service. More specifically and in the quality context, the router is a sequential listing of activities that will be performed to complete the project. For assistance in completing this step, the project leader can access a wizard that will generate the project router for the user based on responses the user provides to the wizard. Step 420 is the third step in Phase 1 and involves the identification and review of potential export and intellectual property issues. For assistance in identifying all intellectual property and export issues, the project leader can access a wizard that will ask the project leader or user a series of questions to help the project leader identify the relevant export and intellectual property issues. The project leader then ensures that all export and intellectual property issues are addressed prior to transferring technical data to the outside source in a later step.

Step 422 is the fourth step in Phase 1 and involves the identification of funding availability. The project leader will check to see if the project is covered by an existing work release (WR). The work release is a document used by functions/organizations to specifically define a work effort identified in higher tier documents. Step 424 is the fifth step in Phase 1 and involves the reviewing of the project with the outside source. Step 424 also includes performing a risk assessment and implementing a risk abatement plan, if required for a particular project. The risk assessment can identify risks associated with the project and assess their impact on schedule, cost and technical issues. For assistance in completing this step, the project leader can access a wizard that will assist the project leader in performing a risk assessment and help generate the risk abatement plan to mitigate the identified risks. Finally, in step 426, the final step of Phase 1, the project leader will confirm that an existing WR is authorized to fund the project. If an existing WR is not authorized, the project leader will prepare a new WR for the project and obtain authorization to fund the project under the new WR. For assistance in completing step 426, the project leader can access a template that describes how to confirm an existing

WR and how to generate a new WR. As discussed above, while the steps 416-426 are presented in a particular order, the project leader or user does not have to complete or finish them in the presented order.

Figure 5 illustrates a web page 500 that displays the steps involved in Phase 2 of the outsourcing procedure of the preferred embodiment. The web page

500 shows the steps in Phase 2 and all the additional features and information that can be used with the steps, similar to those used in web page 400, i.e. areas 402 and 428 and columns 404-414. On web page 500, as on web page 400, the user will be able to select the particular phase he wishes to examine through the use of selection tabs 403 or other similar techniques.

In Phase 2 of the outsourcing procedure of the preferred embodiment, there are four steps 502-508. Step 502 is the first step in Phase 2 and involves the project leader ensuring that the outside source has received the SOW. Next in step 504, the second step in Phase 2, the project leader and the outside source review the allocation plan, delivery, cost, and risk abatement plan. This review process results in the project leader reaching an agreement with the outside source regarding project requirements, project deliverables, the schedule and the cost to do the work. The outside source will also agree to the risk abatement plan with project leader. Once agreements have been reached between the project leader and the outside source, the SOW, router and the selection of outside source engineers are finalized in step 506, the third step in Phase 2. Finally, in step 508, the fourth step in Phase 2, the final SOW and all necessary project data files are transmitted to the outside source. As discussed above, while the steps 502-508 are presented in a preferred order, the project leader or user does not have to complete or finish them in the presented order. Figure 6 illustrates a web page 600 that displays the steps involved in Phase 3 of the outsourcing procedure of the preferred embodiment. The web page 600 shows the steps in Phase 3 and all the additional features and information that can be used with the steps, similar to those used in web pages 400 and 500, i.e. areas 402 and 428 and columns 404-414. On web page 600, as on web pages 400 and 500, the user will be able to select the particular phase he wishes to examine through the use of selection tabs 403 or other similar techniques.

In Phase 3 of the outsourcing procedure of the preferred embodiment, there are seven steps 602-614. Step 602 is the first step in Phase 3 and involves the outside source starting work on the project. Next, in step 604, the second step in

Phase 3, engineering reviews, as defined in the SOW, are conducted and the outside source documents all issues and completes all action items received in the reviews. In step 606, the third step in Phase 3, risk abatements and all review issues are then completed by the outside source. The outside source then submits all deliverables defined in the SOW to the project leader and documents the project results in Step

608, the fourth step in Phase 3. In step 610, the fifth step in Phase 3, the project leader reviews the deliverables for conformance to the SOW and approves the deliverables and project results, if acceptable. The project leader also finalizes the entry for the long-term documentation of the project into the design record book (DRB) using the project results submitted by the outside source, thus completing the project. Next, in step 612, the sixth step in Phase 3, electronic engineering data is archived in a database. Finally, in step 614, the seventh step in phase 3, the project leader identifies and documents any lessons learned and any other items of information obtained from the project. The lessons learned are then communicated and incorporated into a database. For assistance in completing this step, the project leader can access a wizard that will ask the project leader or user a series of questions to help the project leader identify any lessons learned that should be incorporated into the database. One example of such a wizard would be a web survey which documents user feedback on such subjects as project quality, project schedule or system performance. As discussed above, while the steps 602-614 are presented in a preferred order, the project leader or user does not have to complete or finish them in the presented order. Figure 7A illustrates a selection of button 212 on home page 200. As shown in Figure 7A, once the user or project leader selects or rolls over button 212, a pop-up text box or pull-down menu 702 is displayed. The pop-up text box 702 lists several different types or categories of reference information or other tools that can be accessed by the user. For example, the categories of reference information that can be listed in the pop-up text box 702 include best practices information, definitions of commonly used terms, application forms for domestic sources, an engineering reference library, an export control web site, an intellectual property web site and travel tools. However, any type of category of reference information can be listed in the pop-up text box 702. Upon selecting a category of reference information from the pop-up text box 702, the user or project leader is connected to a web page or electronic document that includes the selected reference information. The web page can either be stored on the same server computer 102 with the other web pages used with the outsourcing procedure or can be stored on another computer 104 on the Intranet or Extranet. The web page can also be stored on a computer that is accessible over the Internet. Figure 7 A is illustrative of a user selecting button 212 and the common terms library from the pop-up box 702. Figure 7B illustrates a web page 704 that can be presented to provide the user with the definitions for common terms. In another embodiment, when the user selects the references button 212, the user can be linked to a separate web page that includes the categories of reference information that are located in the pop-up text box 702.

When the user selects button 208 from the home page 200, the user is connected to a web page 800 illustrated in Figure 8. The web page 800 is the starting point for the user to generate or determine any metrics, statistics, reports or scorecards about his individual project or about multiple projects stored in the system. The user on web page 800 can select from several different categories or types of information to be included in a report or scorecard and can select from a variety of different metrics to be determined. Some examples of the types of information that can be included on a scorecard include a project title, phase completion dates, SOW number, outside source, estimated hours and other similar types of information. Figure 8 illustrates more examples of the types of information that can be included in a report or scorecard, however, it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the types of information that can be included in a report or scorecard. Some examples of metrics that can be determined include project savings and project efficiency, however any type of metric can be determined.

After the user has determined the particular types of information to be included in the report or scorecard and any metrics to be determined from web page 800, the user can then select an option that permits the user to format the information and metrics to be displayed. As an example, the user can place the information and metrics in a particular order or a particular display format. The user is also presented with the option to save the particular format, information and metrics selected for future use to generate subsequent reports or scorecards. Figure 9 illustrates a web page 900 that includes a report or scorecard of the information selected by the user from web page 800.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for electronically managing a project being transferred to an outside source (106), the method comprising the steps of: initiating the project and entering project information; accessing an outsourcing procedure, the outsourcing procedure having a plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) to be followed to transfer the project to the outside source (106) for completion of the project; reviewing each step of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure on a computer (104); obtaining, as necessary, additional information and assistance associated with particular steps of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure on the computer (104); and completing each step of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602- 614) of the outsourcing procedure, wherein completion of one step of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) is independent of completion of the other steps of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: generating, as necessary, deliverables for particular steps of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure; and entering information (408, 414) indicating a completion of each step of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure, wherein the entered information (408, 414) is used to monitor project status.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: the step of generating deliverables includes executing a wizard (406) to automatically generate the deliverable; creating a project directory for the project on a server computer (102); storing a copy of the outsourcing procedure in the project directory; and storing the generated deliverables for the plurality of steps (416-426, 502- 508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure in the project directory.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of reviewing each step of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) includes accessing at least one web page (400, 500, 600) displaying at least a portion of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) and the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure comprises the steps of: generating (416) a detailed statement of work; evaluating (420) export and intellectual property issues; performing (424) a risk assessment and initiating a risk abatement plan; finalizing (506) the statement of work, cost and risk abatement plan with the outside source; transferring (508) the finalized statement of work and any needed project information to the outside source (106) for use with the project; monitoring (604) the progress of the outside source (106) in completing the project; receiving (608) from the outside source (106) all deliverables required by the statement of work; reviewing (610) the deliverables received from the outside source (106) for conformance to the statement of work; approving (610) the deliverables received from the outside source (106); and archiving (612) all relevant information relating to the project.

5. A system to assist a user in completing an outsourcing procedure for transferring a project to an outside source (106) comprising: a server computer (102) having at least one storage device, said server computer (102) includes said outsourcing procedure stored in said at least one storage device; at least one client computer (104) networked with said server computer (102); means for presenting to said user, on said at least one client computer (104), said outsourcing procedure, said outsourcing procedure having a plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) to assist said user in transferring a project to an outside source (106); means for providing additional information relating to particular steps of said plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of said outsourcing procedure, said additional information being useful for completing said particular steps of said plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614); and means for assisting said user generate a deliverable for at least one step of said plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614), said deliverable being required to complete said at least one step of said plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of said outsourcing procedure.

6. The system of claim 5 further comprising means for initiating said project, said means for initiating said project comprising: means for creating a project directory for said project; and means for entering project information regarding said project into said project directory.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising: means for storing said generated deliverable for said at least one step of said plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) in said project directory; and means for copying said outsourcing procedure from said server computer (102) to said project directory; and means for updating said project, said means for updating said project comprising: means for entering additional project information into said project directory; and means for revising previously entered project information stored in said project directory.

8. The system of claim 5 further comprising: means for said user to enter information (408, 414) indicating completion of each step of the plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602-614) of the outsourcing procedure, wherein the entered information (408, 414) is used to monitor project status; said at least one step of said plurality of steps (416-426, 502-508, 602- 614) comprises a plurality of smaller steps; and said means for assisting said user to generate said deliverable comprises one of means for displaying said plurality of smaller steps and means for interactively assisting said user complete each smaller step of said plurality of smaller steps.

9. The system of claim 5 further comprising: means for generating reports (900) and metrics (800) about a plurality of projects stored on said server computer (102), said plurality of projects are completed using said outsourcing procedure and include said project, and said means for generating reports (900) and metrics (800) comprising a hyperlink to a web page having at least one of item of information for selection by said user relating to said plurality of projects; and means for providing said user reference information associated with said outsourcing procedure, said means for providing reference information comprising a hyperlink to a web page (704) having reference information associated with said outsourcing procedure.

10. The system of claim 5 wherein said server computer (102) and said at least one client computer (104) are networked over an Intranet, said means for presenting said outsourcing procedure includes at least one web page (400, 500, 600), and said project is an engineering project and said outside source is a global source.