Government of Canada Internet Guide

Purpose of the Web Initiative

This section explains why you need a clear purpose for your Web initiative to ensure the project's success. It is divided into three parts:

Institutional Framework
Determining issues to be resolved within the broader context of your institution

Value Proposition
Considering why you should spend time and money on the Web initiative

Web Objectives
Examining objectives your Web initiative may address

Institutional Framework

Review the priorities of the Government of Canada in general. Understand clearly how your Web initiative will fit into this picture. Review the "Government On-line" section.

Situate your Web initiative within the context of your institution. Review your institutional mandate, mission statement, annual reports and direction statements.

Also examine your branch or directorate's outlook to ensure your initiative fits with your management's agenda. Speak with colleagues, and read speeches and reports from your immediate group.

Institutions usually consider launching a Web initiative to meet needs associated with their business priorities. Therefore, the initiative must focus on the best way of responding to those needs.

Value Proposition

You need to create and document the value proposition of your Web initiative. A value proposition should state expected benefits and explain the facts, assumptions and perceptions underlying your assessment of the initiative's "value."

In most cases, a value proposition can be stated in a few lines and answers the following questions:

Why should your Web initiative be implemented?

What are the objectives of your Web initiative?

What value does your Web initiative add to the overall institutional framework?

Web Objectives

What are the objectives of your Web initiative? For example, will it help your institution:

• provide general information?
• educate clients?
• provide reference information?
• support decision makers?
• handle transactions?
• interact with the broader community?
• comply with disclosure and legal requirements?
• gain a competitive advantage?
• develop or improve consultation?
• manage information?
• provide institutional information?
• publish institutional information?
• promote the institution's image?
• integrate the wide range of information available across the institution?