A: Needs Assessment: A Needs Assessment generally focuses on identifying a problem or opportunity to be addressed by the business. It can be as broad as determining what business to go into, or as specific as clarifying work flow requirements for a particular process. A Needs Assessment is usually performed where uncertainty exists regarding the specific source, nature, or boundaries of operational inefficiencies, or where clarification is needed to enhance business effectiveness. Most business problems are fairly obvious, but occasionally complex processes or seemingly intractable challenges might lead to a formal Needs Assessment.
A1: New businesses or projects frequently require marketing research, assistance in product selection, evaluation and pricing, identification of distribution channels, and so on.
A2: Growing businesses often need clarity on market trends, awareness of competitive and regulatory changes and impacts, management and staffing needs, and changes to operations.
A3: Mature businesses must constantly guard against loss of market share, encroachments by younger and possibly more technologically nimble competitors, and the need to avoid complacency. Identification of emerging opportunities and how to change without compromising core competencies must also remain high on the corporate priority list.
A4: Businesses that are in a transitional stage have their own unique set of problems and opportunities that must be identified and addressed. Solutions diversity of experiences can be tapped to rapidly grasp and manage your needs.
B: Analysis and Design: Where the needs, problems, or opportunities are known, or based on the Needs Assessment, Analysis and Design provides a functional mapping of what and how things are to be done to Implement the proposed solution. This really is a two part process, requiring agreement on the proposed solution arising from Analysis before proceeding to the Design stage.
B1-B4: Regardless of your stage of business development, the need to plan - the fundamental concept behind Analysis and Design - cannot be overstated. Business plans, marketing plans, financial plans, strategic plans, promotional plans, planning for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture plans, etc., are critical components for business success. From micro-enterprises to corporate giants, plans make the difference between order and chaos, between a high probability of success and failure. Solutions specializes in the planning process for businesses.
C: Implementation: A decision to proceed based on Analysis and Design means things start to happen that directly affect your business operations. Solutions is implementation oriented, and will work with you to make your decisions work for you. From RFP's and technical evaluation, to employee orientation and training, Solutions has the expertise available to smooth any transition.
C1: In the formative stages, implementation can range from actually creating the business entity, to employee screening and hiring, to setting up bookkeeping and accounting systems, to a myriad of other details.
C2: Growing companies need objective and trusted insight into the effects of proposed changes, implementation of training, establishment of servicing agreements, and other aspects critical to operational success.
C3: Mature businesses understand the need for outside implementation support to help overcome established practices and habits, to motivate and encourage employees, and to reassure clients and customers.
C4: Businesses in transition especially require the stability represented by an established outside consulting firm like Solutions to overcome transitional hurdles and help level the playing field.
D: Operations: Once Implementation has occurred it becomes vital to ensure operations are monitored and adjusted as necessary to maintain efficiency and effectiveness. Ongoing assessment and evaluation can lead to productivity improvements as well as an enhanced public image and improved market penetration.
D1&D2: New and rapidly growing businesses need an early warning system to check and correct operational challenges before they seriously affect the ability of the business to survive. Solutions experienced and professional staff can be an invaluable aid to the business owner.
D3: Mature companies often have their own operational monitoring and evaluation procedures in place. Solutions can provide independent assessment of the effectiveness of those procedures, and may be able to suggest revisions based on changing technologies or markets, or identify new areas of consideration based on new opportunities.
D4: Transitional businesses frequently find themselves faced with a need to quickly change operational procedures, products or services, and often with new or reduced staff. Solutions has the ability to step in and assist in a variety of areas, both administrative and operational.
E: Renewal: In today's rapidly changing environment it is becoming a cliché to note the absolute requirement for business flexibility and responsiveness. Change is bad only when it is chaotic and unplanned. Solutions can be a value-added component of your business by serving as your change agent when and where necessary.
E1&E2: Formative and growth stage businesses may focus on the bright present to the exclusion of the dimmer future. Yet the foundations of the future are laid in the present, and what you do now can profoundly affect the ease with which future change can be made. Solutions experience can be tapped to help ensure a smoother future.
E3: A mature business cannot remain static and survive. Reassessment and renewal need to be clear corporate objectives that are addressed regularly. Solutions can team up with your business to ensure you stay on top of the trends of the market.
E4: Transitional businesses are by definition in a renewal mode, even where renewal means closure, and Solutions has the resources available to accompany you through the process.