ENG 221 Week 3 (DQ 1 and DQ 2)

eng_221_week_3_dq_1_and_dq_2 x

ENG 221 Week 3 (DQ 1 and DQ 2)

ENG 221

Week 3

Discussion Question 1
Based on Weidenhammer’s (2008) article, what guidelines for developing an RFP might you use in your organization? What is your greatest challenge in designing documents and specifically, RFPs?

Post your 100 – 150 word response to DQ1 by using this provided thread – Due Wednesday, XX/XX.

One of the guidelines that Weidenhammer suggested is to get input from all departments that will be using the software. This information will help to define the uses of the software and help in deciding the type of software to purchase. After all you want to buy software that the employees’ will use. If you buy something that is of no use to the employees they will find a way around using what was purchased. Another one of the guidelines that was discussed was to be very clear about what it is that the company is looking for in the request. I believe the greatest challenge in designing an RFP would be in defining and clearly stating what type of software the company is looking to buy (Weidenhammer, 2008).

Reference

Weidenhammer, J.. (2008, February). ABCs for RFPs. Government Procurement, 16(1), 22-23.  Retrieved October 13, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1438012321).

Discussion Question 2
For what purpose has your company, or one you are familiar with, created RFPs? What individual or department creates RFPs in this company? What is one issue or situation in your workplace that would be appropriate for the creation of an RFP, such as acquiring a new housekeeping contractor, adding appliances to the break room, better parking and so on?

One purpose that a previous employer had to create an RFP was for a workforce management solution for the sales department.  The sales department consisted of about 250 agents between two offices working over the course of a 14-hour day; the agents were responsible for handling around 4,000 phone calls a day.  The department needed a solution that integrated with the telephony system, and could efficiently schedule the agents based on incoming call trends over the day and week.  The solution also needed to monitor the agents’ behavior and schedule compliance by recording login and logout times as well as talk time.
At my previous employer, the department heads were the mainly the ones responsible for creating RFPs for solutions and services needed for their department; also, if the prospective solution was for multiple departments, the RFP was created collaboratively.  There was executive review and approval on all RFPs.
One situation at my previous employer that I know is needed for an RFP is for long distance/toll-free service.  As the company would take up to 4,000 phone calls a day from customers calling toll-free numbers and from across the nation, there is a need for service from a large, reputable carrier as the phone calls are the lifeblood of the company.  This RFP process takes about two months from creation to the signing of a contract