<p>Background:</p>
<p>A newly formed Health Consultancy&nbsp; is interested in contracting the following work:<br />&nbsp;1) The creation of an online system to match requirements for work in the Health Care sector with domain experts.<br />&nbsp;2) Printing brochures for the organization<br />ABOUT NEW CONCEPT INFORMATION SYSTEMS<br />New Concept Information Systems (NCIS), started in 1988 works with various international, national and state level organizations, government and public sector agencies and departments. New Concept has implemented a number of web-based MI systems for government departments, UN agencies, INGOs, and institutes. NC has implemented a number of static as well as dynamic websites. With its strong editorial and research team, it has created or updated content for various clients on the web. NCIS uses state-of-the-art design and programming tools when creating websites.</p>
<p>Therefore, NCIS is well positioned to take on this challenging assignment for the following reasons:</p>
<p>1)&nbsp;It is an organization having professionals from diverse social development sectors and many years of experience in communicating to several target audiences in social development.<br />2)&nbsp;It is a one-stop provider of a set of inter-related services such as documentation, research, capacity building, communication and ICT, data management &amp; web-based services.<br />3)&nbsp;It has a strong web and software group having excellent capabilities across platforms and programming languages and guided by development professionals.<br />4)&nbsp;It has provided services to almost all the UN agencies in India and to various central and state ministries and departments and INGOs.</p>
<p>New Concept&rsquo;s relevant experience in building precisely these kinds of web based M &amp; E systems for the social development sector in India include:</p>
<p>1)&nbsp;Family Health International (FHI)<br />2)&nbsp;World Bank Snapshot Survey</p>
<p>The FHI system was very similar to the system being envisioned by HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp; . The World Bank System was focused on the Education Sector.</p>
<p>In addition the New Concept ICT group has recently completed the following ICT projects in the social development sector that may be relevant in various ways. They also indicate the depth of experience and expertise that the NC ICT group has gathered that we will bring to bear in building the HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; web enabled system</p>
<p>3) Client: UNICEF<br />Project: Maternal &amp; Pre-Natal Death Enquiry &amp; Response (MAPEDIR)<br />Product: Web Enabled Multi Lingual Survey Data Gathering &amp; Analysis &amp; Reporting System<br />Features:<br />* Multi-Lingual Data Entry<br />* Multiple Level User Authentication and Security<br />* Strong Validation to ensure correct Data Entry<br />* Elaborate Reporting<br />* Compatible with census methodology</p>
<p>4) Client: Family Health International- FHI<br />Project:&nbsp; FHI Country Office Project Performance <br />Product: Web Enabled Dynamic Indicator and Project Performance Monitoring System<br />Features:<br />* System allows administrator to set up project indicators<br />* The level of desegregation of indicators (By age, sex and target group) can be done dynamically<br />* Elaborate summary data, reporting and graphing</p>
<p>5) Catholic Relief Services (CRS) MIS Study<br />Project: CRS India MIS study<br />Product: Analysis of existing MIS systems throughout CRS India and Recommendations for new MIS<br />Features:<br />* Interviewed 100 team members at CRS India at all levels, country office, channel partners, operating partners<br />* Analyzed survey of MIS systems to determine comprehensive situation analysis<br />* Prepared Report recommending the MIS system strategy that the organization should pursue in CRS India</p>
<p>6) Catholic Relief Service (CRS) -&nbsp; Afghanisthan<br />Project: Onsite MIS for Monitoring and Evaluation (M &amp; E) of Agriculture program<br />Product: Offline Database system to gather survey data and provide M &amp; E Reports<br />Features:<br />* Determined systems strategy for the creation of the system<br />* Went to Herat, Afghanisthan and worked with onsite team to determine systems needs<br />* Made recommendations regarding an appropriate approach to developing the system<br />* Built the system on site in the CRS Afghanisthan office in conjunction with client<br />* Trained client resources to manage and further update the system</p>
<p>7) Client: World Bank<br />Project: Classroom Snapshot Survey<br />Product: Offline Survey Analysis and Reporting Application<br />Features:<br />* Use of Optical Mark Reader (OMR) technology to gather real time survey data<br />* Programatic processing of data to make complex calculations<br />* Integration of digitized and manual data tools<br />&nbsp;<br />8) Client: World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD)<br />Project: International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)<br />Product: Web and CD based training application<br />* Real life case studies based tutorials and assessment module<br />* Scoring and gradation<br />* User login and certificate generation</p>
<p>9) Client: Central Tuberculosis Division (CTD GOI)<br />Project: TB Clearinghouse<br />Product: Web Based Central access point for all TB related IEC materials<br />* Universal access to TB material<br />* Advanced filters and search<br />* Ability to find, peruse, download and print materials</p>
<p>10) Client: Unicef India Country Office<br />Project: UNICEF India Web Site<br />Product: Envisioning, Design, Restructuring, Development and Deployment of UNICEF India website<br />Features:<br />* Integration with Unicef Content Management System Red Dot<br />* Comprehensive graphic design including visual layout and navigation and flow<br />* Maintenance of website including content support<br />PROJECT METHODOLOGY &ndash; TECHNICAL PROPOSAL<br />Overview of the system:<br />NCIS has developed many web based systems with all of the features listed in the scope of work. Therefore we have substantial expertise and practical experience in this area. Further we know the pitfalls and the processes involved in building such systems first hand. All this valuable and most importantly, directly relevant, experience will be brought to bear on this project, ensuring that the web based software that we build for HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; is top notch, built smoothly and on time.</p>
<p>The web is ideally suited to matching up people in different locations with each other based on certain needs. In this case the web enabled system will be used to match up Health Care Providers and domain experts with agencies that require their services.</p>
<p>The model as articulated in naukri.com will be utilized. Several key features including the following will be developed:<br />1)&nbsp;Post a RFP<br />2)&nbsp;Health Care Provider Sign Up<br />3)&nbsp;Key word search<br />4)&nbsp;Match &ndash; This is a two way match feature that could be worked by an agency looking for a Health Care provider or by a health care provider looking for an RFP<br />The above are some initial features that have been envisioned. However after brain storming with the Health Care consultancy more features will be envisioned and an overall map of the system will be developed.</p>
<p>The revenue model for the Health consultancy will be discussed in detail and the possibilities regarding the way ecommerce can be enabled in the system will be discussed. The initial idea is that for every match that is made using the system a commission will be charged to both the parties and this will accrue to the Health Consultancy.&nbsp; These ideas will be explored further in the initial brain storming meetings. <br />Approach<br />New Concept proposes adopting an evolutionary approach in development web based centralized and unified project database for HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp; . A very important aspect of developing systems is to first take a step back and study the business/social development requirements that HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; is trying to achieve through the system. Based on this study New Concept will be able to recommend the &ldquo;right&rdquo; system.&nbsp; It is most important to develop the right system because if the system is not useful and does not meet business objectives then no matter how well it has been executed it will not be effective.&nbsp; Therefore the first step is to do an onsite evaluation of the objectives that HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; is trying to consummate through the system. Having gotten a good grasp of the high level objectives, the next step is to break these down into very specific Business (social development) Requirements in terns of input data and output indicators and then translating these into Technical Requirements.<br />After understanding the needs and articulating them in Business Requirements a system model will be developed which will model out the system on paper and identify its various aspects before any software development work is undertaken. This will organize the entire software development process and make it top down. This model can later be used to easily modify and extend the system. New Concept will work with HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; team to develop the system model. This will ensure we understand the system model inside out and can continue to work with it as the system evolves. <br />The activity cycle is illustrated in the Figure 1 below:<br />&nbsp; <br />Figure 1: Activity Cycle Overview <br />GATHERING BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS<br />The NCIS team assigned to the HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; project will meet the decision makers in an initial meeting to envision the basic system. At this meeting the NCIS team will inform the client about the general process that will be adopted to make the system. The first step of this process if for the management to identify precisely what they would need from the system.</p>
<p>It is crucial to identify the fact at the outset that this stage requires substantial work on the part of the client. In this meeting NCIS will sit with the client and help them to think through what they need and help them to systemize and organize their needs into a general framework.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;At the end of this first visioning meeting, the client should have a good but rough idea of what they would require from the system and would understand a basic sketch of the system. At this stage, the client will be asked to prepare detailed form and report formats for the system. Forms are used to gather data and reports are used to display and graph data that is gathered in the forms.</p>
<p>In the 2nd meeting the client is expected to bring on paper mockups of the forms and reports they feel they would like incorporated into the system. It is essential that the client take the time to prepare all the forms and reports that they envision will comprise the system.</p>
<p>Based on the Scope of Work it is estimated that the client needs between 5 to 7 forms, and approximately 15 reports. This proposal is limited to the making of this number of forms and reports. Each report would have a corresponding graph. If the client wants any forms or reports beyond this number that would have to be budgeted for separately beyond the financials provided for this proposal.</p>
<p>The client would be expected to bring in mockups of the data they would like gathered (forms) and the types of reports and graphs they would like the system to generate. In the 2nd meeting the NCIS team will discuss these mockup forms and reports with the client to think through them and identify any gaps or logical flaws or to improve them by introducing new ideas. The mockups brought by the client will further be analyzed from a logical and system modeling perspective to remove any logical flaws, weaknesses or redundancies.</p>
<p>When the client has provided all the forms and report and graph mockups that are to be included in the system, NCIS will prepare a formal Business Requirements document that will articulate in words exactly how the system will be structured and function. It will use the forms and reports provided by the client, after discussion and analysis with NCIS as reference. This Business Requirements document will articulate the changes that will be made at a system level very clearly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is a key stage in the project as it represents an intellectual version of the system of paper. The Business Requirements document when it is created implies the solution of all domains specific issues (i.e. the types of forms and reports the client would like to see and how they will be structured in the system) on paper. Thereafter NCIS will translate this document into the system.</p>
<p>Client management must then provide a formal approval by email to the Business Requirements to proceed to the next stage. This formal approval is key as the changes as articulated in the business requirements document will be programmed into the system. After the approval of the business requirements document it will not be possible to make further changes to the system (except cosmetic superficial changes)</p>
<p>New Concept is expert at building and modifying web based systems specially for the social development sector. This is our core competence. Having done many such systems we have substantial practical experience in doing this type of work. One key aspect of this process is to separate the Business Logic/Domain problems from coding/programming problems.</p>
<p>The purpose of creating the Business Requirements document in a great degree of detail is to solve all the domain/business logic problems at a conceptual level on paper, before any changes to the system are undertaken. Once these changes are discussed and approved by the client, these will be translated into code by New Concept&rsquo;s team of expert crack programmers. It is crucial to know at the outset that changes structural changes cannot be entertained after the Business Requirements are approved and the coding has commenced, i.e. the set of approved Business Requirements are being translated into code.</p>
<p><br />THE PROGRAMMING PHASE<br />The programming phase will commence as soon as the client provides formal written approval to the Business Requirements document via email.</p>
<p>New Concepts team of highly skilled trained and experienced programmers will works with New Concepts heavy weight team leaders to translate the approved business requirements into the system. This will constitute the programming phase.</p>
<p>DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM<br />The system can be developed in two alternative platforms. Windows/ASP.net/SQL Server or Linix/PHP/Mysql. NCIS is proficient in both platforms. The final choice of platform will be based on the organizational preferences of HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; and will be determined in discussions with the web host of HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp; . In case HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; goes with the windows platform there is a cost to purchase SQL server assuming that HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; doesn&rsquo;t already own a licensed version. A third party graphing tool will be employed which HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; would have to purchase.</p>
<p>PRESENTATION TO CLIENT<br />Upon the completion of the programming phase, New Concept will be ready to present the completed system to the client. The system will be available for the client to see online. A meeting can be held where the NC team leader will present the system to the client.</p>
<p>CLIENT TESTING<br />During and after the presentation to the client meeting, the client will test the changes to the system comprehensively. The testing will be limited to the points listed in the Business Requirements Document. The client will provide New Concept with an excel file listing each change on a row. It is important to note that no changes other than those listed in the Business Requirements can be changed in the testing phase. They can be budgeted for separately and done separately from this financial contract if necessary. Once the client has compiled all the testing feedback in the excel file, they would send this to New Concept.</p>
<p>FINAL MODIFICATIONS<br />NC would incorporate the testing changes and fix any bugs discovered as listed in the excel file containing testing feedback as provided by the client. They would upload these changes and the client would be able to see them online. Upon the completion of the changes listed in the testing excel file (assuming they are all non structural and within the scope of work as detailed in the business requirements) the programming phase of the project will be over.</p>
<p>DOCUMENTATION<br />Upon the completion of the software development a User Manual will be provided to the client. This user manual will be designed to introduce the users to the system and enable them to use the system effectively.</p>
<p>TRAINING<br />Once the system has been developed, tested and deployed on the client server NCIS will provide a 3 day training session to members of the client team in a format mutually decided by NCIS and HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp; . This training will help all those who need training on the system to get familiar with the system and learn how to use it.</p>
<p>HAND HOLDING SUPPORT<br />NCIS will provide hand holding support for the system for a period of 3 months after deployment. If there are any bugs that are discovered in the system these will be fixed. The bugs include errors in the system not system restructuring or new development. Further if HEALTH CONSULTANCY&nbsp;&nbsp; needs any help with the system in this time NCIS will be a phone call or email away. <br />DELIVERABLES<br />1)&nbsp;A web based system to match health care providers and domain experts with RFPS<br />2)&nbsp;One Month handholding technical and maintenance support</p>