The Business Benefits of GIS: An ROI Approach
ESRI Gold Key

1. Prepare for the ROI Project

GIS ROI Project Timeline Example

Several preparation tasks need to be completed before justifying a new or expanded GIS program. One of the first objectives is to review and understand the role that GIS has played or is currently playing in an organization. Members of the stakeholder audience must be identified and the motivations and professional objectives of each of these key executives solicited. Finally, a project timeline will be drafted to estimate when the methodology will be completed.

eBook Chapter

  • Chapter One: Prepare for the ROI Project [PDF] - updated 07/09/2008
    This file contains the digital version of Chapter One from the book "The Business Benefits of GIS".

    In order to transform or effect change in an organization, solid research and preparation must first be completed. This ROI methodology begins by reviewing the mission of an organization, assembling a list of key stakeholders, outlining the ROI project schedule, and preparing for briefings to executives.

Tools and Templates

  • ROI Project Timeline [PPT] - updated 07/14/2008
    To assist with visualizing a time frame for the GIS ROI project, this file is provided as an example template.
  • Executive Briefing [PPT] - updated 07/14/2008
    Before meeting with key stakeholders, a succinct presentation should be built to be delivered during the executive briefings.
  • Stakeholder Engagement This item is locked. Please login and agree to the license agreement to access this file. [XLS] - updated 08/19/2008
    Influential individuals and their respective groups in the organization should be identified and their names and information transferred to a Stakeholder Engagement chart.
  • SWOT Analysis [DOC] - updated 07/14/2008
    To communicate a thorough understanding of the GIS landscape at your organization, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis should be completed.
  • Sample E-mail to Sponsor [DOC] - updated 07/14/2008
    You should obtain consent from your management to ensure that they understand and approve of the plan.
  • Sample Mission Statements [DOC] - updated 07/14/2008
    You may want to identify and complete a GIS program mission statement.
  • Sample Letter to Stakeholders [DOC] - updated 07/14/2008
    Prior to getting one-on-one time with the stakeholders, a short introductory e-mail should be sent to briefly explain what will be asked or required of them. This file contains an example of what might be included in the e-mail letter.

Case Studies

The information on this Web site page has been derived in whole or in part, under license, from the ROI Methodology of PA Consulting Group, Inc.