ASSESS
ASSESS
We begin each consulting project by assessing our client’s needs.
This involves targeted information gathering; we might start with several years of annual reports, for example, or visit the client’s stores. We’ll conduct select exploratory interviews with company executives, managers and key employees, and an initial review of internal documents, forms, or programs. This information will lead us to a Preliminary Business Impact Analysis that identifies our client’s key concerns (e.g., cost of turnover).
As a result of our assessment, we will present to our client a preliminary report that outlines our hypotheses and identified needs of the client. We’ll also clarify our approach and process to addressing those needs. And finally, we’ll present a proposal (and contract if appropriate) to implement our recommendations.
DIAGNOSE
DIAGNOSE
Once we’ve agreed upon the scope of the project, we are ready to diagnose the situation.
We’ll embark upon a more detailed review of our client’s internal documents, forms and programs, and we’ll conduct additional in-depth interviews with executives, managers and key employees. Our goal at this stage is to develop quantitative analyses and synopses of the information we have gathered.
At this point, we will be ready to deliver to our client a summary of our observations and conclusions from our diagnostic, as well as supporting information such as customer impact reports.
DESIGN
DESIGN
With a clear understanding of the situation, we can begin designing and evaluating alternative solutions. We’ll get to work on the development of an overall blueprint, recommendations for action, and the tools and deliverables that will be necessary to achieve our goals.
Our blueprint will include priorities and strategies for improvements, as well as conceptual solution designs. We’ll conduct workshops and executive presentations at this stage of the project, to ensure that we have buy-in from the key employees, managers, and executives necessary. And we’ll provide projections on the business impact our recommendations and strategies will generate.
PLAN
PLAN
It’s time to finalize the plan! During working sessions with our client, we’ll review and operationalize the design of our solution. We’ll also develop a detailed program plan and timeline.
IMPLEMENT
IMPLEMENT
As we implement our solution, clients can expect periodic review sessions and ongoing consulting support. We’ll deliver the tools and services our client needs to make the implementation a success, and we’ll revisit our Business Impact Analysis based on the new progress we’ve made.
Case Studies
Global rollout of customer development software for medical equipment firm
This medical equipment company had recently spun off from its parent, but was dismayed to see the unexpected erosion of its customer base. The company approached cube 2.14 for help in diagnosing the cause and developing a solution.
Global implementation of compliance software for oil & gas company
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance was a headache for this multinational oil and gas company. To help, they purchased new software, but they needed a plan to implement it – first in the US, and then worldwide. Cube 2.14 was able to develop and implement a solution.
Development and implementation of lab technician training program for large research firm
New lab technicians at this large research firm were expected to be productive in a very short time. But the company had no consistent method for training new hires. No training documentation existed, and there was no support for those tasked with training. In fact, it wasn’t even clear which new hires would be trained on which procedures. The firm turned to Cube 2.14 for help.