Multi-disciplinary Operations Consulting
Basic Understandings
SNE has found that there are certain salient points on which client and consultant must agree up front. Client engagements are often complex. In many cases, SNE becomes the bearer of bad news as it delves into current and projected operations of a company. In certain turnaround situations, things will become worse before they become better. In some cases, the cure takes some time to work while the symptoms persist or even get worse. Such a situation demands open discussion and focused efforts.
SNE understands the necessity to keep costs contained. Out-of-pocket and travel expenses are minimized. Further, formal plans, reports and studies are very costly to produce. Hence, with client concurrence, SNE may sometimes utilize an abbreviated outline report that serves the needs of the client. However, SNE has the capability to prepare formal plans and other documentation for clients, as requested or as deemed necessary.
A single point of contact or designee creates an efficient working relationship. The contact should have the authority to make project decisions on a day-to-day basis. The quality of this contact is one of the most important considerations in maintaining project budgets and schedules.
An engagement can be terminated by either party upon 30 days written notice. However, full return on investment is not normally realized without project completion. Unfinished project documentation is not turned over to the client because SNE has concluded that such work might be interpreted as a finished product and considered to be substandard work by anyone who was unaware of the true circumstances. Of course, all finished documentation is provided to the client and SNE assures confidentiality of all finished and unfinished project documentation.
Finally, full project benefits are gained only when an entire plan is completed. In most cases, plans produce benefits over a period of years. Even though short-term gains may be noted fairly soon, the most substantial gains are achieved over a much longer time span. Thus, all necessary resources should be available to support the project over its entire lifetime.