The diagram above provides a summary of the business analysis and project definition components available from Consilium Blue, as well as providing context to the end results, whether it is a business case document, a requirements specification or a detailed project plan.

 

Each component is described in more detail below:

 

Problem & Scope Definition  Prior to almost any other work is the need to clearly identify the problem, or range of problems, in scope. A problem may also be an opportunity, however it needs to be quantified as much as possible, as well as its impact on business growth, efficiency, effectiveness, or operations in general. A clear outline of the scope provides context for any other analysis work or project definition work being planned.

 

Process Mapping  If required, business processes can be documented at several levels - the incremental steps and logic in place for a process to operate well, the people and roles engaged in the process, the information being collected and transformed at each step, and what interactions might exist with other processes or actions undertaken by the customer. Processes may already be defined to some extent, or some workshop and/or interview steps may be needed to turn tacit knowledge into a detail mapping outcome for subsequent analysis.

 

Business Analysis Methodologies  There is a wide selection of methodology options available - the most appropriate ones depend on the customer's industry, problem or opportunity, or on the level of detail required. Examples include a SWOT analysis for external or internal strength and opportunity asssessment, an evaluation of the political, technological or economic landscape via a PESTLE analysis, or some alignment checks with strategy, mission or goals using a MOST analysis. A variety of other industry techniques are available, as well as methods that might be constructed and utilised by Consilium Blue specifically for the customer's need.

 

Strategy Alignment / Gap Analysis  Running a business is a complex endeavour and ensuring that there is line of sight between an initiative, or even roles, with selected strategies and business goals is sometimes quite critical. This type of analysis can take several forms depending on the circumstance and the customer's preferences, however it may be a worthwhile activity to explore if required.

 

Requirements Analysis  At the heart of any IT initiative, or business initiative, is the need for a clearly articulated requirements document. The document is the outcome of some deep-seated analysis of needs and must represent some very specific functionality associated with a project, whether it is a transactional change or a new form of analytics and decision-making. Requirements analysis relies on input from many business sources and the analysis derived from other components. Consilium Blue can draw on a range of templates and methodologies to assist in the requirements analysis work, however it still relies heavily on the right people asking the right questions to ensure that a quality outcome is achieved.

 

Opportunity Identification & Assessment  Whether it is in scope ot not, the act of analysis from multiple angles can identify opportunities that the customer is either looking for, or is unaware of. Apart from undertaking a detailed assessment as required (if in scope), Consilium Blue will endeavour to communicate opportunities that emerge to the customer even if it is out of the engagement scope.

 

Solution Option Identification & Feasibility Assessment  If required, specific or multiple solutions can be explored in depth, with positives and negatives covered in detail. The feasibility of adoption within the customer's circumstances can be outlined in detail. Methodologies and templates are available to assist, however sometimes a custom approach may be necessary.

 

Market Technology & Approach Trends  There is the option to undertake a cross-check for solutions being proposed with the technology trends at hand for equivalent solutions, and even adoption trends that may be relevant for the type of solution being considered. Technology shifts on a regular basis, however Consilium Blue seeks to keep track across a wide range of technology domains.

 

Custom WBS & Schedule Framework  Depending on prior solution identification work and other analyses, the outline of a project can be assembled at multiple levels. One of the early steps is the assembly of a work breakdown structure (WBS) which seeks to define all tasks & deliverables for the project. Typically these are grouped logically and the WBS is used as a communication tool to ensure that all relevant project needs have been captured. Beyond this, inter-relationships and dependencies can be defined as well as resources and availabilities, and tasks durations to construct a project schedule. The assembly of a detailed schedule is not within th scope of Consilium Blue - that is the role of a project team to be assigned by the customer. However, a schedule framework that would define degrees of dependencies and resource role needs can be assembled if required as part of the engagement scope. The delivery of both WBS and schedule frameworks are intended to act as a kick-start for the commencement of a formal project for the customer.

 

Risk Analysis & Mitigation Plan  All projects have risks - some typical for types of projects and some very unique to the project itself. Not all risks are apparent and can only be drawn out via a concerted dialogue between stakeholders, and often as part of a continuous dialogue throughout a project. Consilium Blue has experience with a number of risk assessment methods and templates, to varying degrees of detail subject to project complexities, as well as the practical approaches in embedding risk assessment as well as corrective or preventive mitigation steps within a project's overall plan and management process.

 

Resource Estimation Modeling  A critical part of a project time and cost estimation process is the identification of critical roles required in the project and the numbers (subject to schedule allocation also). Models are available that allow a fast and flexible means of determining which resources are required for types of tasks and over what timeframe. This is typically a crucial project planning step, in getting the right roles (and people) as well as for cost estimation purposes.

 

ROI & NPV Calculations  This is a critical component of a subsequent business case and reflects one of the critical evaluation areas for a project to proceed. Return-on-Investment (ROI) and Net Present Value (NPV) are widely used methods for project evaluations - Consilium Blue can assist if needed for both of these calculation types.

 

Stakeholder, Communications & Team Operations Plan  There are often multiple other components to a project's structure - stakeholder management plan, communications plan, governance approach & process, documentation repositories and team communication protocols are some examples. Consilium Blue has experience across multiple projects for these types of setup activities and can assist where required.

 

Business Case Definition

Requirements Definition (Business)

Functional Specification (Technical)

Project Plan Definition

These documents are the outputs to a number of the components covered in the sections above. One or more may be in scope as part of the engagement. Consilium Blue has the experience over multiple project types and multiple years to deliver quality results for each type of deliverable.

 

For more information send an email to info@consiliumblue.com or click here.