A01 chaf6542 06 se fm indd

Process for major changes

For major changes to a website, such as changing the menu structure, adding a new section of 

content or changing the services for users, a different process is required. Such changes will 

involve a larger investment and there will be limited funds, so priorities must be agreed. The 

approach that is usually used is to set up a steering committee to ratify proposed changes. 

Such a decision usually needs an independent chair such as the e-commerce manager or 

marketing manager to make the final decision. The typical structure of such a committee is 

shown in Figure 12.5(a). It is made up of both technical and business staff and is useful for 

encouraging integration between these roles. Typical roles of some members of the commit-

tee who may also be involved in update of the site are shown in Figure 12.5(b). Figure 12.5(a), 

which could apply to Internet, extranet or intranet content, shows how a pyramid arrange-

ment is used to ensure content quality on the site.

The committee will typically have a range of responsibilities such as:

● 

Defining agreed update process and responsibilities for different types of changes.

● 

Specifying site standards for structure, navigation and look and feel (Table 12.4).

● 

Specifying the tools that are used to update and manage content.

● 

Assessing proposals for major changes to site standards, content and services.

● 

Reviewing quality of service in terms of customer service and security.

● 

Specifying online promotion methods for the site (e.g. search engine registration) and 

evaluating the business contribution delivered via the site.

● 

Managing the budget for the site.