How could this website be improved? - http://www.icas.org.uk/site/cms/contentChapterView.asp?chapter=2

“What makes a great website? The short answer is 'one that achieves your goals.' It should also be useful and easy to navigate.”
[Tanja Lian Sablosky, 2003]

My first impressions from entering the site were that the home page was cluttered, instead of initially directing the various cross sections of its users, it attempted to immediately satisfy their craving, posting adverts and announcements which in the main would be irrelevant.

“One of the Web's strengths is the volume of information available. That is also one of its weaknesses.”
[Tanja Lian Sablosky, 2003

I feel that there is much which could be learned from the Strathclyde University homepage. Here the web surfer encounters a more refined, user lead page, where the quest for information begins logically. First the user is identified, according to their particular status they select the most appropriate label allowing the resultant content to be more specifically tailored to their assumed interests. While there exists a tab down the right hand side of the page, however it functions more like an index. It does not segment the potential stakeholders and may often be missed or obscured by the central adverts which are given priority.
"People are drowning in information, but are thirsty for knowledge."

A website such as this should be perpetually updated, as it is a reference point for many graduates seeking employment or practitioners confirming the most current accounting treatment. The lasted revision of the “statement of guidance” was made on the 02/09/2004 is this two year dormancy adequate? The site is deficient of an RSS feed which would also enhance its value for users. A limited number of vacancies are published on the site, however if this was the only aspect that you were interested in then this information would be much more efficiently communicate via an RSS aggregator which the site has failed to acknowledge yet.

“Great Web sites share everything they learn and hear (that's relevant of course) with their users. Give behind the scenes accounts of your latest site features, go open source, start a newsletter, and you'll get more than you give.”
[Tanja Lian Sablosky, 2003

There is currently no supplements or handy downloads that may to entice new browsers, this is also evidenced by the relatively low number of hits returned form a Google link search only 116 other site directly feed into the ICAS page. Returning to the aspect of “sharing” currently only one way communication is possible with the website via the “contact us” link. Interactivity is yet another missed opportunity. This facet would be particularly useful given the subjective nature of accounting. Providing a mechanism for discussions may enhance clarity and iron out gremlins, where the findings can be easily referred back to by people suffering similar woes. It may also raise further deficiencies which can be adhered to by the ICAS web designers, evolving its current offering to best serve the needs of its users.

References;
• http://www.icas.org.uk/site/cms/contentChapterView.asp?chapter=2
• Rating your Website, Tanja Lian Sablosky. ABA Bank Marketing, 2003