Identifying questions and concerns a Board Member could raise to a business investment proposal

Act as a trustee of a charity board. Please find below a proposal submitted by the Director of Fundraising. 

Review this proposal and outline questions you would raise based on this proposal during the Board meeting where it is presented.

Title: Adopting Agile Methodologies in Organisational Operations

Executive Summary:

This proposal outlines a transformative approach to enhance our activities and streamline operations by adopting Agile methodologies. The transition to Agile will enhance efficiency, collaboration, and responsiveness, leading to increased donor engagement and improved funds allocation. This requires a calculated investment for training, infrastructure, and change management to guarantee a smooth transition and maximize ROI.

1. Situation Analysis and Needs Assessment:

The increasing complexity of our operations, driven by the escalating global needs and the rapid evolution of fundraising technologies, necessitates a more responsive and flexible working system. Agile methodologies offer a solution by emphasizing iterative progress, collaboration, and adaptability.

1. Agile Methodologies Proposal:

The Agile methodologies involve splitting tasks into smaller units, with regular re-assessment and adaptation of plans. This would replace the traditional 'waterfall' methodology where work is done in large chunks with little room for change or adaptation.

Key Agile Practices proposed include:

Scrum Meetings: Regular short meetings to discuss progress and next steps, ensuring transparency and quicker resolution of obstacles.
Sprints: Two to four-week work periods where specific goals are pursued.
Backlog Refinement: Regular review and re-prioritization of tasks.
Retrospectives: Reflecting on the work done in the sprint to improve future sprints.
3. Benefits of Agile Methodologies:

Efficiency: Agile methods enhance productivity by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and value, reducing time wasted on less impactful tasks.
Responsiveness: By using short iterations (sprints), we can quickly adapt our strategies based on feedback or changing circumstances.
Collaboration: Agile fosters a culture of openness and cooperation, ensuring every team member's input is valued and utilized.
Donor Engagement: The iterative approach ensures that donor feedback is incorporated swiftly, ensuring their commitment and long-term support.
4. Investment Needs:

Training: To ensure the team understands and can implement Agile methods, comprehensive training is required. This will be both initial training and ongoing support. Estimated cost: $20,000
Software Tools: Agile-specific project management tools will facilitate the transition and enhance team collaboration. Estimated cost: $10,000 annually.
Change Management: Expert guidance to manage the transition process, deal with resistance, and ensure the adoption of the new system. Estimated cost: $15,000
Monitoring & Evaluation: Regular checks to ensure the system is working as intended and to make necessary adjustments. Estimated cost: $5,000 annually.
5. ROI and Performance Metrics:

The Agile transition will yield significant returns in the long run. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating the return on this investment include:

Fundraising Efficiency: Amount of funds raised per dollar spent.
Donor Retention Rate: A higher rate signifies improved donor satisfaction and engagement.
Team Satisfaction: Higher team morale and lower staff turnover rates due to improved work practices.
Conclusion:

In an increasingly dynamic and demanding environment, the transition to Agile methodologies is a strategic move towards improving efficiency, responsiveness, and collaboration in our fundraising operations. The proposed investment will provide the necessary tools and skills for our team to navigate this transformation and secure MSF's position as a responsive and effective humanitarian organization.

Recommended Next Steps:

Approve the proposed budget for Agile transition
Initiate procurement process for training services and Agile software tools
Set a timeline for Agile transition with key milestones
Establish a change management team to oversee the transition

Now do the same, but this time you are reviewing in the role of Finance Director