RAMESES: a method for evaluating change in small organisations

The task of planning and implementing systems change is complex. This complexity increases when the system is to be fitted into an existing infrastructure. The interconnections between many of the existing system and business processes can act as a constraint on the range of solutions available to an organisation. The RAMESES method assists small organisations (SMEs) in evaluating the effectiveness of their proposed changes before they are committed to undertaking them. The RAMESES method is discussed in terms of its structural framework. The focus then moves to consider why such a method must be embedded in a software tool to enable accessibility for managers and employees within SMEs. Finally the software prototype is evaluated to assess how well it complies with the requirements of the method and the environment of use