IS Strategy Case Studies

Issue
The Company had a number of projects that had failed to make money.  There was an impression that their project management processes could be improved.  Paras consultants were hired to develop process models for some past projects and then assist in developing project management guidelines.

Consulting Approach
The project took place over a visit to client’s offices in Houston in which three projects were analysed:

• Exploration focused
• Appraisal programme
• Development project

RAD diagrams were prepared for each project and a short presentation was given to management on the key conclusions from the analysis:

• Front end loading
• Early involvement of all disciplines

Outcome
Many of the problems that occurred in the projects analysed arose from poor quality decision making before the project even started.  The work done by Paras consultants on performance improvement resulted in financial savings and better decision making by the Company.

Issue
The Company’s Business Unit felt that they were paying too much for their IT and were getting a poor quality service.  There were some pressing business pressures that required the implementation of new systems by a fixed deadline.  The team were not confident that ‘central services’ could deliver.  Paras were hired to find a cheaper and better solution.

Consulting Approach
Paras consultants spent some time with the Company preparing a description of the services that were needed and then approaching the major IT service suppliers for quotations.  It became clear through the project that a declaration of UDI was unfeasible.  Therefore Paras concentrated on facilitating better communication of requirements between the BU and the central services.  It also became apparent that the way the services were charged out did not encourage BU’s to reduce costs.  The savings resulting from any one BU’s activities were smoothed across all the others.

Outcome
The work done by Paras consultants had been hired triggered a positive response.  Through targeted communications the head of IT ensured that the BU was satisfied with the outcome.