FOUR STAGES

While working with our clients demands a high level of adaptability to the client’s specific situation, our projects usually follow a structure of four stages. Within each phase, we employ a different set of tools. Each of these sets is uniquely adapted to the specific phase, but also to the specific case.

Our projects start with establishing what is going on, defining what we would want to change, planning this change, and executing it. As consultants we are not satisfied with giving good advice: we want to see the advice be implemented. Therefore, our projects are not completed until change implementation is effectively underway.

UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT SITUATION

To understand the current situation and how it came about, we need to get deep into the client’s business and understand where the problem begins. What is the issue that has created this challenge for the client and where does it stem from?

We organise workshops with the main stakeholders, interview some of them, get some information from desktop research, or help our clients commission and interpret third party research. Based on all this information, we perform an analysis of the situation and we present our findings to the client.

PHASE GOALS

Data gathering

Analysis of the data

Issue definition

PHASE TOOLS

We discuss the relevant business problem in a group setting by including all of the stakeholders. This allows us to discuss the issue and also potentially uncover latent or neglected topics that could influence or even define the issue.

Complex issues require a deep understanding of their genealogy and in-depth interviews with stakeholders can provide the sort of rich data that is required in such cases.

We perform our own desktop research or commission, monitor and interpret third-party qualitative and quantitative research.

Once the issue has been defined and analysed, we present our findings to the shareholders.

GOAL DEFINITION

Now that we understand the issue, what would be the business goal related to this issue that we wish to achieve short-term (within a year) and long-term (within the next five years)?

Deciding on the optimal goal may require discussing several scenarios, their consequences and the resources or time they may require. How does each goal contribute to the success of the company as a whole? Are they too ambitious and are they achievable?

PHASE GOALS

Identifying the desired outcome of issue mitigation

PHASE TOOLS

The ideal future situation is discussed with the shareholders and goals are defined.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Different paths can be chosen to reach the same (or similar) destination. However, they are not all equally expensive in terms of time and resources required, and hidden costs they may incur.

Taking all this into account, which path forward is optimal? We help the client make the decision and prepare a detailed plan of execution.

PHASE GOALS

Identifying possible paths of implementation

Evaluating the paths through budgetary, timeframe and other limitations

Identifying the optimal implementation path

Finalising the implementation plan

PHASE TOOLS

The planning process includes a group discussion with the stakeholders to allocate resources and enable the preparation of the plan.

High level planning with an overview of all the activities and timings.

Detailed plans on the level of different departments are prepared, including resources planning, timing, responsibility allocation and KPIs.

The presentation of the high-level and detailed plans to all of the stakeholders and all of the employees responsible for the execution.

IMPLEMENTATION

Every plan is just as solid as the company’s capability to execute it. However, the shortcoming in an area due to lack of experience, human resources or know-how should not be an obstacle.

We are motivated to get the plan in motion, therefore we help our clients start the process. We do our part and make sure that the client’s people and resources are used efficiently to reach the goals set up in the plan.

PHASE GOALS

Making sure that the plan is executed on time and within budget

PHASE TOOLS

We can either help execute or execute independently the required tasks in the area of marketing, finance, legal, ISO certification of business IT.

Whenever needed, our team of experts can take over the management of internal teams implementing the plan.

Whenever needed, our team can take over the management of a special project related to the implementation of the plan.

If needed, we can help the client recruit the best people to fill specialist job positions relating to finance, marketing or legal.