Our Approach
Viprotel aims to engage clients on a "per project to completion" basis, meaning firstly, a lead consultant will be engaged from beginning to end of the project. Secondly, Viprotel is in a position to bring additional subject matter expertise, as required.
The initial engagement and the client's requirements
Clients needs vary widely, so each client engagement is approached in an individual and personal manner with each project being assessed according to its unique requirements. It is important to ensure that the client's needs are fully understood and that a clear statement of works is defined, so that both the client and Viprotel consultants have a clear view of how the project will be executed.
Initially Viprotel and the client will have a couple of exploratory meetings to discuss the client's objectives, aims and expected outcomes. Viprotel will then provide a short overview synopsis of the business challenge, possible ways of addressing these challenges and a short proposal outlining a scope of work to be undertaken. This first stage is non chargeable and the client can benefit from independent assessment of the challenges faced. If the client decides that Viprotel is the selected consultancy agency, then a formal contract of engagement will be agreed between the parties and the consultancy project will commence.
During the consultancy engagement
Successful projects and high client satisfaction are achieved through clear communication. The scope of many projects often "morph" and change direction through time. Viprotel is flexible in its approach, as it is necessary to accommodate variations in thinking and understanding over time, but it also believes that it is very important to ensure an appropriate degree of change control is implemented with the client, so that project deliverables, milestones and expectations are maintained "in sync".
Viprotel preferred scoping method is to start with a high level outline plan, maybe one to two pages maximum, explaining in its view what the key challenges are being addressed and what are the key goals to be achieved from the project. Often, it maybe that several different approaches are proposed, especially if the client themselves are still undergoing their own thought process as to what is required.
Within the first week or so of the project, depending on complexity and size of project, Viprotel will update the initial outline plan with a more clear view of second level deliverables and timescales. Viprotel has engaged on some very complex projects, where it has been necessary to establish specific sub streams to address all elements of the overall project. In this instance Viprotel will help drive the establishment of sub-stream resources and work with sub-stream owners to deliver their individual work plans in support of the outline plan.
It is important that several stakeholders are fully briefed and engaged at the outset of the project. Viprotel's experience is that unless all key stakeholders are supporting the project, then it is likely that roadblocks will be encountered on the way. In extreme circumstances these roadblocks may even cause the project to completely stop. It is in all parties' interest that the project proceeds to completion as smoothly as possible to ensure as best return on investment, on all sides, as possible. Regular (often weekly) key stakeholder or project sponsor reviews are expected, to ensure that the project and its deliverables are progressing in line with client expectations.
Who will be involved?
Each client and project will be assigned a senior partner from Viprotel, who will take overall ownership for the client relationship and overall project delivery. Initially, this is likely to be the Managing Director of Viprotel. Depending on the complexity, breadth and volume of the project, individuals will be assigned to work with the senior partner to deliver the project. It is likely that the senior partner themselves undertake a significant share of the workload, as Viprotel is leveraging these knowledgeable individuals to provide the quality and experience that has been successful and positively received by other clients.
When it is necessary to assign additional individuals, the client will be informed and be part of the assignment process. Associates may be employed by Viprotel, or additional 3rd party consultants may be used as required on a per project basis. At all times, these associates will be highly experienced individuals and their appropriate skills will be applied to project as required.
Project Closure
At the end of the project, a formal project summary document will be produced. It is expected that both Viprotel and the client formally sign-off the project and its recommendations or completed deliverables. The closure and consolidation of a project is as important as the definition and development. By producing a closure report all parties can reflect on all aspects of the project and concur with its findings.
It is expected that any differing views will have been captured and addressed through the regular stakeholder reviews and so the closure report should represent all key views, however a draft will be circulated to the key stakeholders to allow them to review, comment and request changes as appropriate. In the event that agreement on differing views is not achievable, internally between client staff or even between client staff and Viprotel, then these differences will be clearly explained and suggested courses of action to further substantiate one argument or the other will be proposed. This situation can easily occur with cutting edge technology when the market can go in several different directions. At this stage individual opinions exist and unless a collective view can be agreed, these individual views will remain.
A formal report also allows key thoughts to be properly documented, so that if similar challenges or requirements re-occur in future, then such a report can be pulled out and "old ground" be easily revisited. Too often, especially within industries undergoing frequent organizational changes, that thinking and knowledge within individuals gets segmented and even lost over time as employees move on to new roles or change companies.
Because Viprotel aims for high client satisfaction and takes pride in the work it delivers, it will strive to put the client first at all times and it will endeavour to bring clarity and interlock to the project process.
If you wish to discuss how Viprotel's approach can fit in with your business model and aims, click here.
