Other Case Studies

Issue
The client was concerned about their market positioning for data management, particularly in the UK. They wished to have themselves in a position to win further data management contracts. The company believed that it was under marketed and that there was still a market perception of ‘baggage’ left over from previous merger activity.

Consulting Approach
The focus of the project was to gain an understanding of the client’s technical capability.  Paras consultants spent a few days in the client headquarters interviewing programme developers and data managers.  Paras were also asked to review the work being done in the UK. The results of this analysis were written up in a short presentation that was discussed with management. 

Outcome
The key conclusions from the work were:

• The clients technical capability is a well kept secret
• The focus for marketing effort in the UK should be on the major partners and influences, both to sell services directly and to best position themselves for any potential tender.

Resources
Two consultants were involved in the preparation and delivery of this project, which was completed within two weeks.

Issue
The client needed to replace their old ERP system.  They noted the threat and opportunity afforded by E-commerce to revolutionising their business.  They were planning a major BPR project costing USD80mm to re-engineer the company for E-commerce.  They wanted to engage management and staff in the dialogue about E-commerce.  To this end Paras were engaged to facilitate a workshop of Operations managers.

Consulting Approach
Paras consultants visited the client for a one day planning session to gain an understanding of the issue. The workshop lasted half a day and was based round a presentation followed by an exercise asking the participants to think through what they could do with E-commerce.  The workshop was held with the clients operation staff at their annual gathering. 

Outcome
The work done by Paras consultants triggered a very positive response.  Participants found the sessions helpful, and a number of useful documents were produced for ongoing use.

Resources
A lead consultant and a support consultant worked together to prepare the session.  The project was turned around within 2 and a half weeks.

Issue
The client had developed a training programme to retrain logging engineers and data management outsource project management.  Paras were asked to provide a two-day training module to help the participants understand how an oil company works.

Consulting Approach
Paras consultants prepared a two day seminar that covered the following topics:

•  How do oil companies compete?
•  Oil Company processes (seismic to simulator)
•  IT architecture
•  Data Management

Outcome
The work done by Paras consultants triggered a very positive response.  Participants found the sessions helpful, and a number of useful documents were produced for ongoing use.

Resources
A lead consultant and a support consultant worked together to prepare the session.  The project was turned around within 4 weeks.