"The Benefits of Using Web Content Management Systems"

Gregory L. Koch II

Gregory L. Koch II earned his Bachelor’s degree in Technical Communication from New Mexico Tech in May of 2009 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology. His interests include visual design, Internet and web communications, and single sourcing, server and network management. Greg has developed several web applications using Web Content Management Systems and recently served as Lead Web Developer and Designer for New Mexico Tech’s website redesign project. 

Contents

Abstract and Introduction

Background

Web Content Management Survey

Results and Discussion

Implications

Conclusions

Work Cited

Appendix A: Survey Questions

Appendix B: Survey Data

Conclusion

Web content management systems propose many interesting changes to the way organizations work with their websites. When used correctly, they have the potential to save organizations tremendous amounts of time and money. As shown in my survey, they can help improve an organization’s image and increase their sales.  Implementing a WCMS is generally a great investment that will pay for itself over a short period of time.

Even though there is not a large amount of literature on the benefits of WCMSs, there is information that can help organizations with their decisions when selecting WCMSs. In many cases, management requires certain features and may limit the budget for WCMS implementation. If management is presented with factual evidence that, with the correct system, a significant increase in productivity and sales will occur, it may help sway their decision.

My primary research shows that WCMSs are being used more widely by organizations and justifies looking into more specific questions about the implementation of WCMSs, including sales figures before and after implementing a WCMS, client relationships, and satisfaction of the employees responsible for the website. A case study showing the specific benefits of implementing a WCMS would also benefit technical communicators, information technology specialists, and administrators greatly.

As mentioned above, the university I attend will be launching a new website, using an open source WCMS. Even as early as the development and population phases of the new website, the benefits of using a WCMS are obvious. Employees across campus will be able to update their sections of the website without the webmaster’s involvement.

As a continuation of the NMT website redesign, I plan to create a set of surveys to ask users and administrators of the website about their experiences with the current website (which uses only HTML files) and the new website.  The additional research will also significantly benefit technical communicators looking at methods for streamlining their web work.

In my thesis I have explored the literature of Web Content Management systems and identified a significant gap in the literature.  Because of this gap I created a survey to identify whether WCMSs are being used and the benefits organizations have found while using them.  My study has added valuable information to the area of WCMSs but could be continued by administering case studies and additional surveys.