Before starting the process of data collection and transformation, it is essential to exchange thoughts and ideas regarding your requirements and their implications for the various aspects of the assessment in terms of time and effort required to collect, process, and transform data into high quality models that provide you with new strategic insights.

The second crucial step of the strategic assessment is data collection. Depending on the available resources - time, people, and budget - we collect the necessary information by means of secondary sources, or when required, we conduct primary research to ensure we reach a sufficient level of information accuracy.

Before starting the benchmarking fieldwork, we firstly determine the depth and breath of the benchmark scope in order to focus on relevant data collection and information sources. 

Depending on your issues, needs, and business context, we firstly help you to determine achievable goals, the metrics used, and the strategy applied to conduct a sensible and feasible benchmark.

As a next step and along the agreed metrics, we articulate the benchmark fieldwork and the data collection methodology.

Initial data collecting will be done through secondary research. We are specialized in identification of data sources at a global scale. When required, we will conduct primary research to ensure we achieve a required level of data accuracy. 

Once the data is collected and converted into usable information, the time has come to identify potential performance gaps  and to reveal underlying root causes.

We also provide support in the development of short term action plans to narrow the gap by means of operational improvements. 

Secondly, we guide you with the institutionalization of best practices by integrating them in your strategic plans, business processes, and procedures.

To agree on the required approach, we firstly have to gain a sound understanding of your concerns and/or needs. By means of one or two joint interview sessions we will jointly arrive of a clear problem definition.

As a second step,  we share our approach to the study and the desired outcome in terms of strategic insights and options. The approach formulation includes aspects such as timelines, project team members involved, required internal support, and possible out-of-pocket expenses related to data collection.

During the third stage, we will use various internal and external sources to collect the data that we are using as input of extensive information packages describing your sector from a competition perspective. 

Once all information is structured, we will develop the models and diagrams helping us to understand the current and future competition intensity and the consequences for your business context.

As a first step, we conduct one initial session with the leadership team to jointly set the goal, to agree on the approach and requirements, and to collectively arrive at a feasible ambition level.

Once the ambition level is agreed upon, we will review the previously articulated generic and functional objectives and strategies. The more objective metrics were articulated, the easier is should be to assess the achievements to date. Once provision here is that the actual results related to the set objectives have been measured on a regular basis.

Based on the agreed ambition level, we will collect available metrics and data helping us to understand the actual situation and status of past strategic initiatives. The fieldwork includes interviews, assessments, data collection and possibly external research when measurable results are not available. 

In the case we agree on a qualitative strategic review session with relevant internal stakeholders, we will structure, organize, and facilitate the complete session as well.   

As a final step we draw conclusions from our findings and provide you with a structured and substantiated report.