Examine ::  The goal of the Examine step is to document and prioritize key client objectives and to identify the most effective strategies for achieving them.  Short and long-term opportunities are outlined, evaluated and finalized.  The resulting business, technical and user briefs provide the map that aligns the team and guides the remainder of project decisions.  To enable ongoing improvements in future initiatives as well as to clearly demonstrate the impact in this one, success criteria and other project metrics are jointly determined at this time.

Prepare ::  The Prepare step provides functional and technical specifications required to fulfill the objectives and requirements outline in the Examine step.  This includes determining the overall solution architecture, performing a business and technical gap analysis, and conducting the initial design planning.  These requirements drive the selection of software packages and set the groundwork for application and systems development.

Operate :: The purpose of the Operate step is to execute on the implementation proposal on time, on budget and to scope.  The investment into examining objectives and preparing requirements drives an efficient and stable project execution.

Navigate ::  To ensure the highest level of quality, each application or website undergoes rigorous quality assurance testing throughout development and is deployed through systematic launch processes.  Smooth navigation between system components is ensured through documented unit, system and integration test plans. 

Ensure ::  Post launch, there is an on-going process to measure and enhance the solution in numerous areas.  Performance metrics are tracked and individual elements of the solution are evaluated against business objectives and targets.  The solution is optimized and recommendations are made based on iterative learnings.

Teach ::  A system's or website's success is largely determined by its end-users.  If a system or website does not meet needs, is not easy to use and assistance is not readily available, it will quickly become "shelfware".  We work with your development staff to create technical and end-user documentation that enables understanding of system functionality and promotes learning.  We can also create and perform training based upon your organization needs.

This entire approach is based on the understanding that e-solution strategy and development is an iterative and on-going process.  Therefore, at the end of the Teach step, projects begin a new Examine step and evolve towards increasingly effective solutions.  Use of the EXPONENT methodology helps our clients to minimize costs and maximize ROI.