Everyone’s talking about web-based recruitment, and while take-up is still relatively low, it’s climbing. The trouble is, not everyone realises exactly what’s involved. And more to the point, what’s really in it for you?

Wondering why there’s so much fuss about social networking, wikis, blogs and the rest of the so-called ‘Web 2.0’ paraphernalia? Is it really something that’s going to cross the divide from the consumer world to business and people management? And what exactly does all this stuff do?

Are you struggling to get your hands on the data you need? Is it a nightmare trying to change the business processes you’ve automated? These are perennial problems for the IT industry – now, however, new development techniques are starting to make life a lot easier.

Most organisations measure their recruitment performance on the basis of HR efficiency – how long it takes to recruit, for example, or what it costs. But do those metrics really reflect broader business needs?

Comparing the price of different software packages is about much more than calculating licence fees. The cost of getting systems up and running varies widely – and that’s before you start forking out on maintaining and upgrading them.

The IT industry has a mixed history when it comes to software projects, and one of the common reasons for failure is lack of user buy-in. Avoiding problems is all about getting people involved from day one, fighting for training budget – and catering for vested interests

It’s one thing purchasing new HCM software – it’s another getting it up and running. Implementation projects don’t have to be a headache, but the decisions you make upfront will make all the difference

‘Hosted services’ are a completely different way to use HR, payroll and other business software. Instead of installing and managing applications yourself, service providers run them for you and charge for what you use. Big question: is there a catch?