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Devero Consulenze

We are a small consulting firm founded by a professional with over ten years of experience in project management and operational excellence. Our primary goal is to enhance the overall value generated by your company, then optimize internal processes in alignment with your strategic priorities. About Us

We provide practical advice and immediate solutions so you can focus on what truly matters: your business objectives.

Would you like to improve your company’s project management capabilities?

Project Management Services

  • Provide expertise on key project management components such as project charters, stakeholder analysis, roadmap organization, and reporting guidelines.
  • Offer tailored support for ongoing projects, helping teams optimize performance and stay on track.
Would you like to start your operations or expand to Italy?
  • Expert guidance on navigating the Italian business landscape, offering support for companies looking to establish or expand their operations in Italy
  • Support on researching, reading and filling requirements for grants and loans, where applicable
Would you like to improve your operations?

Operational Management/Improvement

  • Conduct thorough assessments of operational processes using surveys, observations, value chain analysis, and waste control techniques.
  • Develop actionable improvement plans and oversee their implementation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Would you like to improve innovation and change management?

Support on Change Management, Innovation, and Problem-Solving

  • Help organizations prioritize initiatives, structure efforts, and implement dashboards for clear tracking and communication.
  • Provide strategic support to foster innovation and resolve complex challenges.
How we do
  • Customized Training: Develop and deliver training programs tailored to the specific needs and goals of your organization.

  • Remote Collaborative Mentorship: Facilitate regular synchronous calls for guidance and provide asynchronous support through instant messaging and email for ongoing assistance.

  • Workshops: Organize and facilitate workshops focused on presentations, discussions, and brainstorming sessions to address key challenges and opportunities.

  • Surveys and Analysis: Design, distribute, and collect surveys; analyze the data, and present actionable insights to drive informed decision-making.

  • Research and Literature Review: Conduct in-depth research to support client projects, provide evidence-based recommendations, and ensure strategies and solutions are informed by the latest industry knowledge and best practices.

  • Network of Collaborators: Leverage a robust network of collaborators across various disciplines to offer specialized expertise when needed.

Highlights

Workshop: Apply AI to your business
Workshop: digitalize your firm
Apr 11, 2025

Subsections of Devero Consulenze

About Us

We are a consulting firm specializing in project management, operations management, and process optimization for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Operating between Italy and Germany, we are committed to providing tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth.

Our expertise spans the full project management lifecycle, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. In operations management, we focus on optimizing processes, improving productivity, and strengthening supply chain efficiency to help businesses achieve operational excellence.

Why Choose Us

We rely on clear and proven principles designed to guide you from the strategic phase to operational execution, with a practical and results-oriented approach.

Data Literacy

You cannot manage or improve what you do not measure.

We aim to foster a true data culture within the organization, shifting from simply “managing data” to “managing with data” by leveraging reliable information to make informed decisions.

Workshop: apply AI to your firm

Example: Digitalisation and AI in a small electrical installation company

Measure Before You Act

Measure twice, cut once.

We conduct a thorough quantitative analysis before taking any action. This approach allows us to identify key indicators, monitor them over time, and adopt improvement strategies based on real evidence rather than intuition or assumptions.

Case Study: Digitalisation

Gradual and Sustainable Growth

You can’t run before you walk.

Our approach involves progressing step by step: first, we enhance the areas that generate value, then we work on boosting efficiency. This ensures tangible, lasting improvements, avoiding blind leaps or unsustainable upheavals.

Focus on the Value Chain

We analyse your value chain and align it with your strategy to concentrate on what truly matters for your business. We identify and strengthen high-impact elements, optimising processes to maximise added value. This includes mapping processes, eliminating waste, and introducing effective methods and tools.

From Strategy to Action

We support companies in managing their innovation roadmaps, seeing projects through with method and determination. We address resistance to change, turning it into an opportunity for growth and improvement. Our support is aimed at “bring ideas to life,” transforming them into concrete, measurable, and successful initiatives.

When We Are Not the Best Choice for You

There are times when our offering might not be the ideal solution for everyone, especially if you already have a clear understanding of your company’s needs and those needs are highly specialised in areas outside our core expertise. For instance, our excellence lies primarily in project management, where we bring decades of experience and proven methods. However, if your requirements demand vertical expertise in areas such as cybersecurity or implementing specific technologies, we may not be able to deliver the same level of specialisation.

In such cases, rather than positioning ourselves as the partner at all costs, we prefer to be honest: the most efficient solution for you might be to work with an organisation with more focused expertise that can provide extremely specific know-how from day one. We believe that complete transparency about our actual ability to support you in achieving your goals is the first step to preserving trust, even if it means pointing you toward a path different from ours.

Subsections of About Us

Our Team

Stefano Merlo - Founder

myself myself

Stefano is an experienced professional in project management and operational improvement, with over twenty-two years of experience in roles ranging from operational tasks to leadership positions in global companies. He excels at translating complex business requirements into effective action plans and concrete results, with a particular focus on clear communication and process optimisation.

During his recent professional experience, Stefano has managed and implemented over fifty global, multidisciplinary projects involving teams of up to thirty people from around the world, achieving high levels of satisfaction from both internal and external clients. As an Operations Manager, he supervised production and quality control for top-tier clients, contributing to significant improvements in the value chain. This hands-on expertise, combined with change management and critical problem-solving skills, enables him to quickly adapt to dynamic business environments and maximise efficiency.

Supporting his professional journey, Stefano earned a degree in Political Science from Università Statale di Milano and an MBA with Distinction from Warwick Business School, one of the world’s most prestigious and accredited business schools. During the MBA, he explored topics such as strategy, leadership, and innovation, enhancing his strong academic foundation with high-level managerial skills.

Data-driven and results-oriented, Stefano excels in concise communication and fostering synergy among multidisciplinary teams. His strong focus on the value chain allows him to clearly distinguish value-generating activities from wasteful ones, ensuring a strategic and efficient approach.

His sensitivity to others’ satisfaction is one of the qualities that make him particularly effective. Stefano adapts his communication and work style to the specific needs of colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone fully understands shared processes and objectives.

With his deep understanding of organisational dynamics, Stefano successfully tackles complex problems and change scenarios, promoting a positive working environment. His ability to mobilise teams and generate sustainable, lasting value makes him a strategic and reliable partner for any organisation.

Apr 11, 2025

Blog

Industrial Clusters Theory and the LVMH Texas plant

Apr 11, 2025

The struggles of the luxury giant LVMH in Texas as a reshoring case of attempting to produce nationally goods that have long been outsourced.

Zoning Rules as Homeowner Insurance

Apr 9, 2025

The risks associated with buying a house and their mitigation through urban planning.

Biases, "respectable" economists and their policies

Apr 7, 2025

To persuade, it is not enough to say that an idea is not "respectable". It needs confrontation on data and logic, beyond prejudice.

Europe and Critical Raw Materials

Mar 26, 2025

The European Commission is taking significant steps to reduce the EU's reliance on external sources for critical raw materials.

Confirmation Bias and Marketing

Mar 4, 2025

How confirmation bias frequently undermines the marketing efforts of small manufacturing firms.

Update on Nuclear Power in Italy

Feb 21, 2025

It has returned to the center of public debate in Italy, and beyond.

Henry Ford

Feb 16, 2025

A radical approach to workforce management.

Human Factor in the construction industry

Feb 8, 2025

Industry growth between poor productivity and lack of skilled workers.

AI and Cybersecurity

Feb 6, 2025

Synergies and challenges of AI within a firm.

European Union AI Act

Jan 31, 2025

The world’s first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence.

AI in British government

Jan 22, 2025

An ambitious plan for AI in public administration.

World Economic Forum - Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025

Jan 13, 2025

Insights from the World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report

Kotter and innovation in agribusiness

Jul 8, 2024

How a production farm in Northern Italy can embrace transformative change by automating pesticide spraying and harvesting processes using Kotter’s 8-Step Model for Leading Change.

Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI)

Dec 23, 2024

A structured framework to support firms on evaluating their digital maturity and identify possible improvements..

Subsections of Blog

Stefano Merlo Apr 11, 2025

The Industrial Clusters Theory, and the LVMH Texas plant

For Western nations, unwind global supply chains and restart domestic manufacturing, particularly for complex or high-quality goods, is incredibly difficult to achieve in the short term, and it would almost certainly lead to a massive increase in consumer prices. The recent struggles of luxury giant LVMH in Texas offer a stark, real-world example of these challenges.

In 2019, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, alongside then-President Donald Trump, inaugurated a new Louis Vuitton factory on a ranch in Alvarado, Texas. The facility, named “Rochambeau,” was intended to produce iconic handbags, often retailing for $1,500 and upwards, bearing the coveted “Made in USA” tag. According to a recent Reuters report1 citing former employees and industry sources, the Texas plant has reportedly become one of Louis Vuitton’s worst-performing facilities globally, plagued by production issues. A primary challenge lies in finding and training workers capable of meeting the brand’s exacting craftsmanship standards. Sources described difficulties even producing simpler components, significant material waste (reportedly up to 40% of leather hides, double the industry norm), and pressure leading supervisors to overlook methods used to conceal defects. Consequently, poorly crafted bags deemed unfit for sale were allegedly shredded and incinerated. This highlights the fundamental difficulty of replicating a specialized, high-skill manufacturing process in a region lacking a deep-rooted ecosystem for it, even for a company with LVMH’s resources. The reported starting wage of $17 per hour in 2024, while well above the Texas minimum, arguably reflects the mismatch between pay expectations and the level of artistry required for a $2,000+ handbag, further complicating recruitment and retention. Despite these issues, LVMH plans to consolidate further in Texas, aiming to close a California workshop by 2028, though convincing skilled workers to relocate has proven difficult.

The initial rationale for the Texas venture2 was strategically sound on paper. The US is a critical and growing market for LVMH. Producing domestically offered advantages like avoiding potential import tariffs and, crucially, enabling a faster, more agile response to American consumer demand, reducing lead times and logistics costs compared to shipping from European ateliers. Texas was chosen for its central location and perceived history in leatherworking, sweetened by local tax abatements. LVMH projected creating 1,000 jobs, aligning with the political narrative of revitalizing US manufacturing. The expectation was that American workers could be trained to replicate the quality honed over decades in Louis Vuitton’s traditional workshops in France, Spain, and Italy. However, the gap between this expectation and the reported operational struggles underscores the complexities involved.

This challenge is explained, in part, by the concept of industrial clusters, extensively researched by Michael E. Porter3. Porter argues that despite globalization, location remains critical. Economic activity often concentrates in “clusters” – geographic areas where interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions (like universities or training centers) create a unique competitive environment. These clusters foster high productivity, drive innovation through shared knowledge and competition, and stimulate new business formation. The advantages stem from proximity: easier access to specialized inputs and skills, deeper relationships, faster information flow, and strong local incentives. This deep pool of specialized knowledge, skilled labor, and institutional support, often built over generations, is precisely what exists in established high-end manufacturing districts (many now in East Asia, as well as traditional European centers) and is incredibly difficult – and time-consuming – to replicate from scratch elsewhere.

Compounding the challenge of building specific skills for luxury goods is a broader, systemic issue within the United States: a persistent manufacturing skills gap. According to studies4 by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute (the workforce development partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, NAM), the US could face a shortfall of 2.1 million manufacturing workers by 2030, potentially costing the economy $1 trillion in that year alone. Even before the pandemic, manufacturers reported difficulty finding skilled labor. Today, despite higher unemployment compared to 2018, finding the right talent is reportedly 36% harder. Executives struggle to fill even entry-level production positions, let alone specialized roles requiring advanced skills or craftsmanship. This shortage stems from a mix of factors, including a perception gap about modern manufacturing careers and a lack of workers with the necessary technical skills.

The LVMH Texas experience serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Western economies aiming to reshore manufacturing. It demonstrates that even well-funded, globally recognized brands struggle to quickly establish high-quality production in new locations lacking established industrial clusters and facing a tight skilled labor market.

Reshoring complex manufacturing is not a quick fix, and it won’t come cheap. The difficulties in achieving quality and efficiency, coupled with significantly higher Western labor costs (even $17/hr is far above wages in many established Asian manufacturing centers, yet potentially insufficient for luxury-level skill in the US), inevitably point towards higher production costs. These costs, stemming from training investments, lower initial productivity, material waste, and wages, would ultimately be passed on to consumers, leading to a massive increase in prices for goods currently produced more efficiently elsewhere. While strategic reshoring for critical industries might be necessary, the idea of a wholesale reversal of globalization without significant economic pain and substantial long-term investment in skills and infrastructure remains, for now, largely wishful thinking.


  1. Hummerl, T. and Cunningham, W. (2025, April 10). LVMH finds making Louis Vuitton bags messy in Texas. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/lvmh-finds-making-louis-vuitton-bags-messy-texas-2025-04-10/ ↩︎

  2. Bain, M. (2019, October 18). Why Louis Vuitton opened a factory on a ranch in Texas. Quartz. Retrieved from https://qz.com/1730894/trump-praises-louis-vuitton-for-opening-a-factory-in-texas↩︎

  3. Porter, M. E. (2000). Location, Competition, and Economic Development: Local Clusters in a Global Economy. Economic Development Quarterly, 14(1), 15-34. https://doi.org/10.1177/089124240001400105 (Original work published 2000) ↩︎

  4. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) News Room (2021, May 4). 2.1 Million Manufacturing Jobs Could Go Unfilled by 2030. NAM. Retrieved from https://nam.org/2-1-million-manufacturing-jobs-could-go-unfilled-by-2030-13743/↩︎

Stefano Merlo Apr 9, 2025

How Zoning Rules Acts as Homeowner Insurance

An excellent section in Abundance1 discusses the risks involved in buying a house and how they are often mitigated.

The authors quote a passage from Fischel2, noting that buying a home is akin to pouring your life savings into one undiversified company, highly vulnerable to local risks like neighborhood changes or shifting municipal policies.

They then suggest that public policy, particularly zoning rules, has evolved to mitigate these risks. These rules – such as common local regulations dictating minimum lot sizes, preventing the construction of multi-family or public housing projects, and mandating extensive parking – aren’t just arbitrary, according to this view.

Instead, they function to protect the existing character and, crucially, the property values of an area. They act as a buffer against changes that could negatively impact a homeowner’s massive, illiquid investment.

By limiting development and maintaining the status quo, zoning effectively provides a form of insurance for homeowners. This use of bureaucratic structures to safeguard existing investments echoes broader discussions on how such practices can preserve wealth, particularly among established groups3.


  1. Klein, Ezra and Thompson, Derek (2025). Abundance, Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster. ↩︎

  2. Fischel, William A. (2015). Zoning Rules!: The Economics of Land Use Regulation, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. ↩︎

  3. Shiffer-Sebba, D. (2025). Keeping the Family Fortune: How Bureaucratic Practices Preserve Elite Multigenerational Wealth. American Sociological Review, 90(2), 291-317. https://doi.org/10.1177/00031224251319001 (Original work published 2025) ↩︎

Stefano Merlo Apr 7, 2025

Biases, "respectable" economists and their policies

Imagine you see someone using a frying pan to put nails in the wall. You tell them, « No proper homeowner would do that. »

While using a hammer is correct, this way of speaking doesn’t persuade. If their method works for the few nails they need and nothing seems to go wrong, just saying it’s not ‘proper’ gives them no real reason to change. You miss the chance to explain the actual advantages of a hammer that matter to everyone – maybe it’s faster, safer in the long run, or avoids hidden damage. These are better reasons than just talking about being ‘proper’.

We see this same problem often when people discuss economics. When important economists say, “No respectable economist would support these policies,” it’s like the frying pan comment. This kind of statement often doesn’t reach the people it’s aimed at. Why? Because the people who do support those policies probably don’t care about that particular group’s idea of ‘respectable’. So, the criticism becomes meaningless noise to them. This approach builds walls between groups (echo chambers) instead of helping understanding or allowing challenges to possibly bad policies. It stops people with different ideas from talking to each other, which is necessary to check our own biases (see confirmation bias).

Instead of focusing arguments on what ‘respectable’ experts approve, perhaps the real challenge should be looking for ideas or criticisms so fundamental, based on clear evidence or logic, that even economists with very different or less ‘respected’ views would have to agree they are valid, or at least seriously discuss them. Finding this common ground, or points of disagreement that everyone acknowledges, seems far more productive than relying on the label of ‘respectability’, which is often subjective and used to exclude people.

Stefano Merlo Mar 26, 2025

Europe Aims for Independence: Investing in Critical Raw Materials

The European Commission is taking significant steps to reduce the EU’s reliance on external sources for critical raw materials, particularly China.

Recently, the Commission unveiled a list of 47 “strategic projects” that will receive funding and support to develop new mines, processing facilities, and recycling plants across Europe. This initiative addresses the urgent need to secure access to essential materials, including rare earth metals, which are vital for technological advancements, military and space industries, and the ongoing green transition. These 47 projects, selected from 170 applications, involve a substantial investment of €22.5 billion and span 13 European countries.

Italy is set to play a role in this European strategy with the selection of four key projects. All four Italian projects focus on the recycling of critical raw materials, highlighting the importance of creating a circular economy within the EU. These projects include a major initiative by Glencore in Portovesme, Sardinia, to convert part of a zinc production complex into a facility for recycling end-of-life batteries to extract lithium and other valuable materials. Solvay will utilize its plant in Rosignano, Tuscany, to recover palladium from catalytic converters. Additionally, Itelyum Regeneration in Frosinone will recycle electronic waste, and Circular Materials in Padua will focus on recovering nickel, copper, and platinum from industrial liquid waste.

These European initiatives and the Critical Raw Materials Act aim to bolster the EU’s resilience in a complex global landscape. By increasing domestic extraction, processing, and recycling capacities, Europe can mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by events like the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising protectionist policies. The focus on critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements will not only support the growth of key industries but also drive innovation and sustainability. With streamlined permitting processes and substantial financial backing, these strategic projects pave the way for a more secure and self-sufficient future for Europe.

Stefano Merlo Mar 4, 2025

Confirmation Bias and Marketing in Small Manufacturing Firms

Small manufacturing firms often operate with limited resources and razor-thin margins. Effective marketing is a necessity for survival and growth. Yet, a pervasive cognitive bias, confirmation bias, frequently undermines their marketing efforts, leading to missed opportunities, wasted resources, and ultimately, stagnation.

What is Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias, the tendency to seek out, interpret, favor, and recall information that confirms or supports one’s prior beliefs or values, is a natural human inclination. However, in the realm of business, particularly marketing, it can be a devastating force. This article explores the specific ways confirmation bias negatively impacts the marketing activities of small manufacturing firms, highlighting the pitfalls and offering potential solutions.

Skewed Market Research and Customer Understanding:

Small manufacturers often operate within niche markets, developing a strong sense of their customer base. This familiarity, however, can breed complacency and a reluctance to challenge existing assumptions. Confirmation bias manifests in:

  • Selective Data Gathering: Instead of conducting comprehensive market research, managers may focus on data points that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs about their target audience. For instance, if a manufacturer believes their product is primarily valued for its durability, they might only seek feedback related to durability, ignoring crucial aspects like aesthetics or user experience.
  • Misinterpretation of Feedback: Even when presented with diverse customer feedback, managers might selectively interpret it to fit their existing narrative. Negative feedback that contradicts their assumptions is often dismissed as outliers or misinterpretations, while positive feedback is amplified and generalized.
  • Ignoring Emerging Trends: The manufacturing landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, consumer preferences, and competitive pressures emerging regularly. Confirmation bias can blind managers to these changes, leading them to cling to outdated marketing strategies and product offerings. They might dismiss early signals of a shifting market as temporary blips, only to be caught off guard when the change becomes mainstream.

Ineffective Product Positioning and Messaging:

Confirmation bias can severely hinder a firm’s ability to effectively position its products and craft compelling marketing messages. This happens through:

  • Echo Chamber Marketing: Managers might rely on their own internal perceptions and the opinions of like-minded colleagues or long-standing customers, creating an echo chamber that reinforces their existing beliefs about the product’s value proposition. They may fail to consider how their products are perceived by a broader audience or new potential customers.
  • Sticking to Familiar Messaging: If a particular marketing message has been successful in the past, managers may be reluctant to change it, even if market conditions have shifted. They might continue to emphasize features that are no longer relevant or resonate with the current target audience, ignoring the need for updated messaging.
  • Overlooking Competitor Analysis: Confirmation bias can lead to a distorted view of the competitive landscape. Managers might focus on the weaknesses of their competitors while downplaying their strengths, creating a false sense of security. They might fail to recognize emerging competitors or new product innovations that threaten their market share.

Inefficient Resource Allocation and Marketing Spend:

Limited resources are a constant challenge for small manufacturers. Confirmation bias can lead to inefficient allocation of marketing budgets, resulting in wasted resources and missed opportunities.

  • Investing in Familiar Channels: Managers might continue to invest in marketing channels that have been successful in the past, even if they are no longer effective. They might be reluctant to experiment with new channels or technologies, such as digital marketing or social media, due to a lack of familiarity or a belief that they are not relevant to their industry.
  • Overreliance on Personal Networks: Small manufacturers often rely on personal networks and word-of-mouth marketing. While these can be valuable, they can also be limiting. Confirmation bias can lead managers to overestimate the reach and effectiveness of their personal networks, neglecting the need for broader marketing efforts.
  • Ignoring Data-Driven Insights: In today’s digital age, data analytics provide valuable insights into customer behavior and marketing performance. However, confirmation bias can lead managers to ignore or dismiss data that contradicts their preconceived notions. They might focus on metrics that support their existing beliefs while ignoring those that suggest a need for change.

Hindered Innovation and Adaptation:

In a rapidly changing market, innovation and adaptation are crucial for survival. Confirmation bias can stifle these critical processes.

  • Resistance to New Ideas: Managers who are heavily invested in their existing beliefs may be resistant to new ideas or suggestions from employees, customers, or external consultants. They might dismiss innovative concepts as impractical or irrelevant, preventing the firm from exploring new opportunities.
  • Fear of Change: Confirmation bias can create a fear of change, leading managers to cling to familiar processes and products even when they are no longer effective. They might be reluctant to invest in new technologies or adopt new marketing strategies, fearing the uncertainty and potential risks.
  • Stifled Employee Creativity: When managers are resistant to new ideas, it can stifle employee creativity and innovation. Employees may feel discouraged from sharing their insights or suggestions, knowing that they are likely to be dismissed.

Combating Confirmation Bias:

Overcoming confirmation bias is an ongoing process that requires conscious effort and a commitment to critical thinking. Here are some strategies that small manufacturing firms can implement:

  • Embrace Data-Driven Decision Making: Rely on objective data and analytics to inform marketing decisions. Avoid relying solely on intuition or anecdotal evidence.
  • Seek Diverse Perspectives: Encourage feedback from a wide range of sources, including employees, customers, suppliers, and industry experts. Actively seek out dissenting opinions and challenge your own assumptions.
  • Conduct Regular Market Research: Stay informed about emerging trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities. Conduct regular market research to validate or challenge your existing assumptions.
  • Experiment and Iterate: Embrace a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement. Test new marketing strategies and product offerings, and be willing to adapt based on the results.
  • Foster a Culture of Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication within the organization. Create a safe space for employees to share their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
  • Implement Blind Testing: When possible, conduct blind tests to evaluate marketing materials or product features. This can help to minimize the influence of personal biases.
  • Hire External Consultants: Bring in external consultants with expertise in marketing and market research. They can provide an objective perspective and challenge existing assumptions.
  • Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Invest in training and development programs that focus on critical thinking and decision-making skills.

By acknowledging the presence of confirmation bias and actively working to mitigate its effects, small manufacturing firms can improve their marketing effectiveness, enhance their competitiveness, and achieve sustainable growth. In a world of constant change, the ability to challenge assumptions and adapt to new realities is not just an advantage, it’s a necessity.

References

Stefano Merlo Feb 21, 2025

Nuclear Power in Italy: An Opportunity for the Country's Energy Future

Nuclear power has returned to the center of public debate in Italy, and beyond. The growing demand for energy, the need to decarbonize the production system, and the geopolitical challenges linked to fossil fuels have prompted many countries to re-evaluate this energy source. In Italy as well, after the 1987 referendum that decreed its abandonment, there is a growing interest in nuclear power, fueled by various industrial and political players.

The Latest News:

In February 2025, Confindustria organized a conference in Rome to relaunch the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) report on nuclear power. The event saw the participation of important figures from the industrial and political world, including Aurelio Regina, delegate of the president of Confindustria for Energy, and Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of Environment and Energy Security1. During the conference, Aurelio Regina stressed the importance of nuclear power for the energy transition and to maintain the competitiveness of Italian industry. “If we want to maintain our industrial vocation and at the same time proceed with the energy transition, nuclear energy is an unavoidable option.”1

Minister Pichetto Fratin expressed openness towards nuclear power, stating that “The draft law on nuclear energy is ready and will go to a forthcoming council of ministers, I hope it can be approved by the autumn. In the meantime, we are working with the Ministry of Economy on the bill decree. It is possible that they will arrive together. On the coverage we have to check with the Ministry of Economy, they are doing it, we will see in the next few days. My commitment is to create the conditions to provide answers to the needs of the country.”1

Nuclear Power in the European Context

At the European level, nuclear power is experiencing a phase of strong development. The European Commission has included nuclear energy in the Green Taxonomy, recognizing its role in the fight against climate change. Several European countries, including France and Sweden, are investing in new nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and fast reactors. Italy, despite not having active nuclear power plants, participates in research and development projects in the nuclear field at the European level.2

The Draghi Report

The Draghi Report on European competitiveness, published in September 2024, underlines the importance of energy at competitive prices for the economic growth of the European Union. The report highlights how the cost of energy in Europe is significantly higher compared to other regions of the world, such as the United States and China. This competitiveness gap is due to several factors, including dependence on natural gas imports, exposure to spot markets, and price volatility. The Draghi Report does not explicitly express itself in favor of nuclear power, but underlines the need to diversify energy supply sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.3

The Advantages of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power has several advantages compared to other energy sources:

  • Low environmental impact: nuclear power plants do not produce greenhouse gas emissions during their operation, contributing to the fight against climate change.
  • High efficiency: nuclear power plants have high energy efficiency, producing large amounts of energy with a relatively small amount of fuel.
  • Reliability: nuclear power plants can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, guaranteeing a stable and continuous energy supply.
  • Safety: nuclear power plants are designed and operated according to strict safety standards, minimizing the risk of accidents.

The Challenges of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power also presents some challenges:

  • Construction costs: the construction of a nuclear power plant requires substantial investments and long times.
  • Waste management: the radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants must be managed and disposed of safely.
  • Social acceptance: public opinion is often divided on nuclear power, due to concerns related to safety and environmental impact.

The Future of Nuclear Power in Italy

The future of nuclear power in Italy is still uncertain. Despite the growing interest from some sectors, public opinion remains divided and the political picture is not yet entirely favorable to a return to this energy source. However, the energy and environmental challenges that the country faces could push to reconsider the role of nuclear power in the national energy mix. Italy has a long history of research and development in the nuclear sector. In the 1960s and 1970s, the country built and operated several nuclear power plants, but the 1987 referendum led to their closure. Today, Italy participates in research and development projects in the nuclear field at the European and international level.4

New nuclear technologies, such as SMRs, offer the possibility of building smaller, safer, and cheaper plants compared to traditional ones. These technologies could represent a solution for Italy, allowing it to produce clean and reliable energy without the risks and high investment costs of large plants.5

Conclusions

Nuclear power is a controversial energy source, but it has undoubted advantages in terms of decarbonization, efficiency, and reliability. Italy, despite having abandoned nuclear power in 1987, is witnessing a renewed interest in this energy source, fueled by the energy and environmental challenges that the country faces. The future of nuclear power in Italy will depend on the ability to overcome the challenges related to costs, waste management, and social acceptance.

An informed and transparent public debate on the topic is fundamental to overcome the resistances and fears related to nuclear power. Italy has the skills and technologies to return to being a leading country in the nuclear sector, contributing to the energy transition and economic growth of the country.


  1. Picchio N. (2024, 21 February). Le imprese: nucleare unica via per industria e transizione. Il Sole 24 Ore, 5. ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. IEA (2025), The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/the-path-to-a-new-era-for-nuclear-energy, Licence: CC BY 4.0 ↩︎

  3. Draghi, M. (2024), The future of European competitiveness. https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en ↩︎

  4. World Nuclear Association. (2025, 17 January). French-Italian collaboration on SMR deployment. world-nuclear-news.org. https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/french-italian-collaboration-on-smr-deployment ↩︎

  5. IAEA (2023, September 14). What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? International Atomic Energy Agency. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-are-small-modular-reactors-smrs ↩︎

Stefano Merlo Feb 16, 2025

Henry Ford's workforce management: salary increase and reduced working hours

Henry Ford’s mass production system revolutionized manufacturing, but its success wasn’t solely about the assembly line. A less-discussed, yet equally vital, component was his radical approach to workforce management. Ford recognized that even the most efficient processes are useless without a stable and motivated workforce. His solution: the $5 workday and the 8-hour workday.

As described in “Invisible Advantage: How Intangibles are Driving Business Performance”1, early manufacturing suffered from crippling employee turnover. Factories were harsh, and workers, often new to industrial life, quit frequently. Ford’s Highland Park plant experienced a staggering 400% turnover rate, requiring 54,000 hires annually to maintain a 13,000-person workforce. This constant churn disrupted production and ballooned training costs. The assembly line, while boosting output, worsened the problem by intensifying worker dissatisfaction.

Ford understood this unsustainable turnover was a major bottleneck. His 1914 solution was revolutionary: an eight-hour workday and a $5 daily wage – unheard of at the time. This bold investment in human capital paid off spectacularly.

Turnover plummeted from over 400% to just 37%. This newfound stability brought numerous benefits. Training costs decreased as the company no longer constantly replaced employees. Experienced workers became more proficient, improving quality and efficiency. Crucially, a stable workforce fostered camaraderie and pride, boosting morale and productivity.

The $5 wage wasn’t just about reducing turnover; it was about attracting and retaining top talent. Ford’s generous pay drew skilled workers, creating a highly motivated and capable workforce. This fueled growth, with profits doubling from $30 million to $60 million between 1914 and 1916. The increased efficiency and productivity allowed Ford to meet the booming demand for the Model T, cementing his market dominance.

Ford’s human-capital strategy demonstrates a key principle: investing in your workforce isn’t just a cost, it’s a vital investment with substantial returns. By addressing the root causes of turnover – poor conditions and low pay – Ford unlocked the true potential of mass production. He proved that a motivated, well-compensated workforce is crucial for operational excellence and growth. His $5 revolution wasn’t just charitable; it was a strategic imperative that transformed the automotive industry and remains a powerful lesson for businesses today.


  1. Low, J., & Kalafut, P. C. (2002). Invisible Advantage: How Intangibles are Driving Business Performance. Perseus Publishing. ↩︎

Stefano Merlo Feb 8, 2025

The Human Factor: Why Happy Workers are the Foundation of a Productive Construction Industry

The construction industry is at a critical juncture. On one hand, it’s poised for a period of immense growth, driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and the push towards a more sustainable future. McKinsey predicts global construction spending could reach a staggering $22 trillion by 2040. Yet, the industry is grappling with a significant paradox: low productivity and a shrinking workforce.

A recent McKinsey report, “Delivering on construction productivity is no longer optional,”1 rightly highlights several key challenges hindering productivity, including slow technology adoption, difficulties in scaling improvements, and complex project dynamics. However, I believe it overlooks the most crucial element: the human factor.

In my personal view, productivity must go hand in hand with happy workers. Satisfied workers are the bedrock of a thriving and efficient construction industry. They are more engaged, more productive, and less likely to leave their jobs. In an industry facing a growing labor shortage, prioritizing worker satisfaction is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s an absolute necessity.

The Power of Satisfied Workers

Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between worker satisfaction and improved productivity. For example, a Gallup study found that companies with highly engaged workforces outperform their peers in earnings per share2. Other studies are available (example: Oxford University’s Saïd Business School3 and Management Science4) with different methodologies and therefore different numbers, but with very similar conclusions.

In the construction industry, this translates to:

  • Fewer Safety Incidents: When workers feel valued and safe, they are more likely to follow safety protocols, leading to a reduction in accidents and injuries.
  • Better Quality Work: Engaged workers take pride in their work, resulting in higher quality construction and fewer defects.
  • Less Rework: Satisfied workers are more attentive to detail, minimizing errors and the need for costly rework.

Why Satisfaction Matters More Than Ever

The construction industry is facing a looming labor crisis. An aging workforce, coupled with a widening skills gap, is creating a shortage of qualified workers. To attract and retain top talent, construction companies must prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of their employees.

Here are two actionable strategies that entrepreneurs can implement to foster a more positive and productive work environment:

1. Invest in Training and Development

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your commitment to your workers is to invest in their professional development. This not only enhances their skills and knowledge but also shows them that you value their growth and potential.

  • Targeted Skills Training: Provide training programs that address specific skills gaps in your workforce, such as advanced carpentry techniques, digital tool proficiency (BIM software, project management tools), or safety certifications.
  • Leadership Development: Offer opportunities for workers to develop their leadership skills, preparing them for future supervisory or management roles.
  • Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced workers with newer employees to foster knowledge transfer and create a supportive learning environment.
  • Tuition Assistance: Support employees who wish to pursue further education, such as associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in construction management or related fields.

By investing in training and development, you’re not only improving the skills of your workforce but also increasing their engagement, motivation, and loyalty.

2. Implement Incentive and Rewards Programs

Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and contributions is essential to boosting morale and reinforcing positive behaviors.

  • Performance-Based Bonuses: Offer bonuses tied to individual or team performance metrics, such as meeting project deadlines, exceeding quality standards, or achieving safety goals.
  • Profit-Sharing: Consider implementing a profit-sharing program, allowing employees to share in the company’s success and fostering a sense of ownership.
  • Employee Recognition Programs: Publicly acknowledge and appreciate employees who go above and beyond, through awards, certificates, or company-wide announcements.
  • Non-Monetary Rewards: Offer non-monetary incentives, such as extra time off, flexible work arrangements, or opportunities for career advancement.

A well-designed incentive and rewards program can motivate employees, improve productivity, and enhance overall job satisfaction.

A Call to Action

The construction industry stands to benefit immensely from a more human-centric approach. By prioritizing worker satisfaction, construction entrepreneurs can unlock the full potential of their workforce, driving productivity, improving project outcomes, and creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.


  1. McKinsey & Company. Delivering on construction productivity is no longer optional. McKinsey & Company. August 9, 2024. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/delivering-on-construction-productivity-is-no-longer-optional ↩︎

  2. Gallup. Employee engagement drives growth. Gallup. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236927/employee-engagement-drives-growth.aspx ↩︎

  3. University of Oxford. Happy Workers Are 13% More Productive. University of Oxford. October 24, 2019. Accessed February 8, 2025. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-10-24-happy-workers-are-13-more-productive ↩︎

  4. Clément S. Bellet, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, George Ward (2023) Does Employee Happiness Have an Impact on Productivity?. Management Science 70(3):1656-1679. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4766 ↩︎

Stefano Merlo Feb 6, 2025

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: an assessment

This document explores the crucial intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, using a case study inspired by the World Economic Forum’s white paper, “Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: Balancing Risks and Rewards” (available here). We simulate an AI cybersecurity assessment for “Bellini Composites,” a family-owned Italian manufacturer, and present a realistic discussion between the company, its founder’s father (a tech-savvy but cybersecurity-skeptical), and a cybersecurity consultant.

Bellini Composites: A Case Study

Bellini Composites, a 30-employee company nestled in the Italian Alps, specializes in high-performance composite materials for high-end motorcycle manufacturers and racing teams. Founded 25 years ago by Paolo Bellini, the company prides itself on the superior strength-to-weight ratio and customizability of its carbon fiber parts. With an annual turnover of €5 million and a 15% operating margin, Bellini Composites reinvests significantly in R&D, its core strength.

The six-person R&D team, comprised of highly skilled engineers, constantly explores new resin formulations, fiber weaves, and manufacturing processes. While equipped with modern CNC machinery and CAD/CAM software, Bellini Composites has yet to delve into AI-driven predictive maintenance or other AI-powered optimizations. They recognize the potential benefits of AI but are also wary of the security implications.

The Assessment and Discussion

The following sections detail the AI cybersecurity assessment, including the questions posed, Bellini Composites’ responses, a skeptical reactions, and the cybersecurity consultant’s expert counterpoints.

1. Risk Tolerance

Has the appropriate risk tolerance for AI been established and is it understood by all risk owners?

Bellini Composites’ Response:

“We’ve discussed risk tolerance at the executive level, focusing on production downtime and protecting our proprietary composite formulas. We’re very risk-averse regarding production stoppages, as delays can impact our delivery schedules and potentially lead to lost contracts. We’re also extremely protective of our R&D findings. This is documented in our general risk management policy, but we haven’t specifically considered AI-related risks. We need a workshop with Paolo (CEO), Marco (Production Manager), Elena (R&D Lead), and our external IT consultant to define acceptable risk levels for each potential AI project. For example, what level of data exposure is acceptable during AI training for material optimization? This needs to be documented.”

Critique:

“Risk tolerance? Bah! We’ve always taken calculated risks. We need to focus on getting these AI projects running to boost production. All this talk about risk assessment is slowing us down.”

Consultant’s Response:

“I understand your desire for speed. However, neglecting risk assessment is like driving a race car without brakes. A targeted ransomware attack exploiting an AI vulnerability could shut down production for weeks, costing far more than any short-term gains. A proper risk assessment identifies specific AI vulnerabilities, allowing us to prioritize security measures effectively. This isn’t about slowing down; it’s about ensuring long-term growth.”

2. Risk vs. Reward

Are risks weighed against rewards when new AI projects are considered?

Bellini Composites’ Response:

“We currently do a basic cost-benefit analysis. For example, we know predictive maintenance on our specialized autoclave could minimize downtime, but we worry about the AI misinterpreting sensor data. However, this is informal. We need a structured risk/reward template for AI projects, including quantifiable factors like downtime cost, potential gain in material efficiency, IP theft risk, and AI system cost.”

Critique:

“The reward is obvious: increased efficiency, better materials, more profit! The risks? Some vague talk about data breaches. We’ve been fine for 25 years; why worry now?”

Consultant’s Response:

“While the rewards are significant, dismissing the risks is short-sighted. Cyberattacks are rising, and manufacturers are targeted. A competitor could manipulate your AI-powered material optimization algorithm, leading to product failures and reputational damage. A structured risk/reward analysis quantifies these risks, showing that security investment is an insurance policy.”

3. Governance Process

Is there an effective process in place to govern and keep track of the deployment of AI projects?

Bellini Composites’ Response:

“AI initiatives are currently handled ad-hoc. We need an “AI Steering Committee” with Paolo, Marco, Elena, and our IT consultant to approve AI projects, define data access policies, monitor progress, and enforce security protocols.”

Critique:

“Governance? Bureaucracy! We’re a small, agile company. An ‘AI Steering Committee’ sounds like red tape.”

Consultant’s Response:

“Agility is important, but centralized AI governance is essential. Without it, you risk incompatible systems and security gaps. The AI Steering Committee provides strategic oversight, ensuring AI projects align with business goals and security standards are consistent. This streamlines the process in the long run.”

4. Vulnerabilities and Risks

Is there clear understanding of organization-specific vulnerabilities and cyber risks related to the use or adoption of AI technologies?

Bellini Composites’ Response:

“We’re generally aware of cybersecurity risks, but haven’t considered AI-specific vulnerabilities. We’re concerned about data poisoning attacks on our materials database. We need a dedicated AI risk assessment, including penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and analysis of potential attack vectors. We should also consider the risk of bias in AI algorithms.”

Critique:

“Vulnerabilities? We have firewalls and antivirus software. That’s enough, isn’t it?”

Consultant’s Response:

“Traditional measures are a good start, but AI introduces unique vulnerabilities. AI models are susceptible to data poisoning and adversarial attacks. A dedicated AI risk assessment is crucial to identify these vulnerabilities and implement safeguards. It’s a complex system with its own security challenges.”

5. Stakeholder Involvement

Is there clarity on which stakeholders need to be involved in assessing and mitigating the cyber risks of AI adoption?

Bellini Composites’ Response:

“IT, R&D, and Production are obviously involved. Legal needs to be involved for GDPR compliance. We haven’t considered HR, but they might need to be involved if AI changes job roles. We need a stakeholder map defining roles and responsibilities.”

Critique:

“Stakeholders? IT, R&D, Production – that’s who needs to be involved. Why involve HR or Legal?”

Consultant’s Response:

“Neglecting stakeholders can create blind spots. Legal ensures GDPR compliance. HR addresses potential job changes. A comprehensive stakeholder analysis ensures all aspects of AI adoption are addressed.”

6. Assurance Processes

Are there assurance processes in place to ensure that AI deployments are consistent with the organization’s broader organizational policies and legal and regulatory obligations?

Bellini Composites’ Response:

“We have general quality control, but nothing specific to AI. We need specific testing and validation for AI models, including robustness testing, bias detection, and explainability analysis. Continuous monitoring is also crucial.”

Critique:

“Assurance processes? We test our products thoroughly. Isn’t that enough?”

Consultant’s Response:

“Traditional testing is essential, but AI requires specialized assurance processes. AI models are complex and their behavior can be unpredictable. We need specific testing procedures, including robustness testing, bias detection, and explainability analysis. Continuous monitoring ensures reliability and safety.”

Stefano Merlo Jan 31, 2025

European Union AI Act

The European AI Act1 is the world’s first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence within the EU. Designed to foster innovation while ensuring AI is safe, fair, and transparent, the Act safeguards users from harmful AI applications while unlocking benefits like improved healthcare and sustainable transport.

A Risk-Based Approach for Trustworthy AI2

The AI Act classifies AI systems based on their potential risks—unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal—with corresponding obligations.

  • High-risk AI (e.g., healthcare, transportation) must comply with strict transparency, safety, and human oversight measures.
  • Banned AI applications include social scoring and real-time biometric identification in public spaces, reflecting the EU’s commitment to ethical AI.

Fostering Innovation with Regulatory Sandboxes

To balance regulation with innovation, the Act introduces regulatory sandboxes, enabling companies—especially startups and SMEs—to test AI systems in controlled environments. This allows businesses to refine their models while ensuring compliance, fostering a trustworthy AI ecosystem that encourages responsible development.

Transparency for General-Purpose AI3

The legislation also applies to general-purpose AI models, such as chatbots and image generators. These models must clearly disclose AI-generated content, comply with copyright laws, and provide transparency in their operations, ensuring users can trust AI-driven interactions.

Implementation Timeline4

The EU AI Act was officially published in the EU Official Journal on July 12, 2024, marking a major milestone in AI governance. It will come into force on August 1, 2024, with full application starting August 2, 2026. However, certain provisions outlined in Article 113 will take effect earlier.

What This Means for Businesses

For companies operating in or serving the EU, compliance with the AI Act ensures consumer trust, legal certainty, and a competitive edge in the evolving AI landscape. By aligning with ethical AI principles, businesses can navigate regulation while driving innovation in a responsible manner.

Stefano Merlo Jan 22, 2025

'Humphrey': An AI toolkit for the UK civil service

The UK government has recently announced an ambitious plan to use AI to modernise public services1. They are creating a suite of AI tools called “Humphrey” that will help civil servants work faster and more efficiently2.

For example, a tool called “Consult” will analyse public responses to public consultations, allowing the government to better understand public opinion. Another tool, called “Minute”, will automatically generate meeting summaries, freeing up officials to focus on more important tasks.

How can a small business benefit from AI?

While you may not have the same resources as the UK government, your small market research firm can still benefit from AI. As the technology becomes more accessible, we will start to see a growing number of affordable and easy-to-use AI tools that can be used by small businesses. For example, you could use AI to analyse large sets of market data to spot trends that you might otherwise have missed. Or you could use AI to automate repetitive tasks such as transcribing interviews or coding data.

External consultancy to leverage AI

AI is a rapidly evolving field, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest developments. If you are interested in using AI in your business, it might be helpful to consult with an expert. An AI consultant can help you identify the right AI tools for your needs and can assist you in implementing these technologies within your business.

AI has the potential to transform the way businesses operate, and small businesses in the UK are well-placed to take advantage of this technology. With a bit of planning and foresight, you can use AI to automate processes, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.

Stefano Merlo Jan 13, 2025

World Economic Forum - Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025

The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 20251, published by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Accenture, highlights a widening gap in cyber resilience between SMEs and larger organizations.

  • Only 14% of organizations are confident they have the necessary people and skills to address cybersecurity challenges effectively.
  • Many SMEs lack the resources for robust cybersecurity, often relying on basic tools that leave them particularly vulnerable, especially within interconnected supply chains.
  • While 78% of private sector leaders believe that cyber and privacy regulations help reduce risk, 69% find these regulations overly complex or struggle with ensuring third-party compliance.

Main Organizational Challenges to Cyber Resilience for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face three primary challenges in achieving cyber resilience. The evolving threat landscape is growing more complex, requiring a level of adaptability that many SMEs struggle to achieve. Additionally, the ongoing skills shortage leaves organizations without the talent needed to manage these risks effectively. Finally, a lack of incident response preparedness leaves SMEs particularly vulnerable when breaches occur, further widening the gap between small businesses and larger organizations.

Cyber Resilience Gap

The gap in cyber resilience between small and large organizations continues to widen. A staggering 35% of small organizations report insufficient cyber resilience, a sevenfold (7x !) increase since 2022. In contrast, larger organizations have made significant progress, halving their reports of insufficient resilience. This disparity has reached a critical point, with 71% of cyber leaders agreeing that SMEs are increasingly unable to protect themselves from escalating risks. Larger organizations, more likely to implement advanced security measures like AI safeguards, are encouraged to support SMEs to strengthen the resilience of the entire ecosystem.

Adoption of Cybersecurity Measures

SMEs often lack the resources to build robust cybersecurity infrastructure, leaving them reliant on basic tools and practices. This dependence significantly increases their vulnerability, especially in interconnected supply chains, where attacks on smaller entities can propagate across entire ecosystems.

AI Deployment and Risks

While 66% of organizations recognize the transformative potential of AI in cybersecurity, only 37% have implemented processes to assess AI tools’ security before deployment. For SMEs, the challenge is even greater: 69% lack the necessary safeguards for secure AI deployment. This gap exposes smaller organizations to heightened risks from insecure AI models, further complicating their cybersecurity posture.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

SMEs often form critical links in larger supply chains but typically lack the security maturity to address the risks inherent in such interdependencies. Key vulnerabilities include software flaws introduced by third parties and the potential for cyberattacks to spread across the entire ecosystem. These weaknesses not only threaten SMEs but also pose risks to the broader networks they are part of.

Inequity in Cyber Resources

Since 2024, the cyber skills gap has widened by 8%, leaving two-thirds of organizations facing moderate-to-critical shortages of essential talent. Only 14% of organizations feel confident in their current cybersecurity capabilities. SMEs, in particular, struggle with limited financial resources, infrastructure, and access to skilled professionals, making it challenging to build a strong security foundation. This inequity in resources and workforce disproportionately affects SMEs, hindering their ability to respond to evolving threats effectively.

Regulatory Requirements

While 78% of private sector leaders agree that cyber and privacy regulations effectively reduce risk, 69% report that these regulations are overly complex or difficult to implement. Verifying third-party compliance is another common challenge. The European Union’s NIS2 Directive aims to address these issues by raising cybersecurity standards, requiring enhanced incident reporting, stricter supply chain oversight, and increased accountability for boards of directors. However, for SMEs, navigating these regulatory complexities remains a significant hurdle.


  1. World Economic Forum and Accenture, Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, January 2025. Available at: reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Cybersecurity_Outlook_2025.pdf↩︎

Stefano Merlo Jul 8, 2024

Driving Innovation in Agribusiness: A Roadmap for Change Using Kotter’s 8-Step Model

Kotter - Leading Change 1996 Kotter - Leading Change 1996

Innovation and adaptability are crucial for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive agribusiness landscape. In this blog post, we’ll explore how a production farm in Northern Italy can embrace transformative change by automating pesticide spraying and harvesting processes using Kotter’s 8-Step Model for Leading Change (Kotter, J.P., 1996)1.

This roadmap will guide the farm’s journey toward efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. While this roadmap presents a dream-like scenario, it is important to acknowledge that the implementation may face numerous challenges and unexpected detours. These steps are designed to provide guidelines, spark ideas, and serve as a point of reference for structuring a well-organized plan, helping to navigate potential obstacles effectively.

Step 1: Create a Sense of Urgency

The farm must inspire its stakeholders to act with passion and purpose to seize the opportunity for innovation. Highlight the current inefficiencies in manual pesticide spraying and harvesting, such as high labor costs, limited scalability, and the risk of human error. Share compelling data to show how automation can:

  • Reduce costs by optimizing resource use.
  • Improve worker safety by minimizing exposure to pesticides.
  • Increase productivity, enabling the farm to compete in a growing market.
Warning

It’s important to address the concerns of workers who may see automation as a threat to their employment. Emphasize that automation will not replace jobs but transform them, creating new opportunities for employees to work in roles such as technology management, system monitoring, and maintenance. Offer reassurances that upskilling programs will be provided, enabling workers to grow alongside the farm’s technological advancements.

Organize workshops and presentations for employees and stakeholders to communicate the importance of these changes and the risks of maintaining the status quo.

Step 2: Build a Guiding Coalition

Form a coalition of key individuals who are passionate about the farm’s future. This group should include:

  • Farm managers: To provide leadership and oversight.
  • Technical advisors: To guide the selection and implementation of IoT and robotic technologies.
  • Key employees: To offer practical insights and represent the workforce.
  • External partners: Such as technology providers and consultants.

Empower this coalition to guide, coordinate, and communicate the change initiative effectively.

Step 3: Form a Strategic Vision

Articulate a clear vision for the farm’s future:

  • Vision Statement: “To enhance operational efficiency and maintain competitiveness in the agribusiness sector by leveraging advanced automation and IoT technologies.”
  • Strategies: - Implement robotic pesticide spraying systems to ensure precision and reduce waste.
    • Adopt automated harvesting machines to enhance efficiency and minimize labor costs.
    • Utilize a SaaS-based IoT network to monitor and optimize operations seamlessly.

Step 4: Enlist a Volunteer Army

Large-scale change requires widespread support. Create excitement among employees and stakeholders by:

  • Sharing success stories of other farms that have successfully automated similar processes.
  • Offering training sessions to empower workers to understand and embrace the new technologies.
  • Encouraging open communication to address concerns and gather feedback.

Foster a sense of collective purpose and show how everyone’s efforts contribute to the farm’s long-term success.

Step 5: Enable Action by Removing Barriers

Identify and address potential obstacles to progress:

  • Financial Barriers: Secure funding through grants, loans, or partnerships with technology providers.
  • Resistance to Change: Offer comprehensive training and demonstrate the benefits of automation to hesitant employees.
  • Technical Challenges: Work closely with SaaS providers to ensure the equipment is portable, easy to install, and user-friendly.

Streamline decision-making processes and provide resources to overcome these challenges efficiently.

Step 6: Generate Short-Term Wins

Celebrate early successes to build momentum:

  • Milestone 1: Successfully implement the robotic pesticide spraying system on a trial basis and measure its impact on efficiency and cost savings.
  • Milestone 2: Deploy automated harvesting machines for a small section of the farm and showcase the results to stakeholders.

Publicize these wins through meetings, newsletters, and social media to energize and motivate the team.

Step 7: Sustain Acceleration

Leverage the initial successes to push for broader changes:

  • Expand automation to all sites and production areas.
  • Continuously evaluate and upgrade the IoT network and robotic systems.
  • Use the time and cost savings to invest in R&D projects, such as exploring alternative pest control methods and developing frost protection systems.

Encourage ongoing feedback and iteration to maintain momentum.

Step 8: Institute Change

Embed the new practices into the farm’s culture:

  • Document the processes and outcomes to establish a playbook for future innovations.
  • Regularly evaluate the impact of automation on efficiency and profitability.
  • Recognize and reward employees who champion the changes.

Reinforce the connection between these new behaviors and the farm’s success, ensuring they become ingrained in day-to-day operations.

Bonus Insight

For successful transformation, leadership and management must collaborate effectively. Avoid focusing solely on early wins and instead drive the project to full completion (Kotter, J.P., 1996, p.129):

Good leadership, poor management

Initial transformation may succeed, but falters as short-term results become inconsistent.

Poor leadership, good management

Short-term gains are achievable, often through operational improvements like cost-cutting or acquisitions, but sustainable, long-term change is rarely accomplished.

Poor leadership, poor management

No progress or direction.

Good leadership, good management

The highest likelihood of achieving lasting success.

Conclusion

By following Kotter’s 8-Step Model, this farm can transform its operations, setting a benchmark for innovation in the agribusiness sector. With a clear vision, collaborative effort, and strategic execution, the farm can achieve its goals of efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.


  1. Kotter, J.P. (1996). Leading Change. Harvard Business School Press. Available online ↩︎

Stefano Merlo Dec 12, 2020

Transition 4.0 and the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI)

Industry 4.0 is accelerating, but many companies struggle to understand its value and how to apply it concretely. Questions like “What is Industry 4.0?”, “Where do we start?”, and “What are the opportunities for improvement?” are common among businesses that want to adopt these solutions.

The Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) was developed to address these challenges. It’s a structured framework that helps companies evaluate their digital maturity level and identify practical steps for improvement. Based on three fundamental pillars (Process, Technology, and Organization), SIRI also includes an Assessment Matrix, a tool that balances technical rigor and practical applicability, defining end goals and intermediate steps for continuous improvements.

SIRI is a structured framework designed to help businesses assess their readiness for digital transformation and the adoption of Industry 4.0 practices. Originally developed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with industry experts, SIRI provides a standardized and practical approach to analyzing the digital maturity of companies. Among the partners who contributed to its development is TÜV SÜD, a global certification body with a strong focus on quality, safety, and sustainability. This collaboration has allowed for the integration of high-quality standards and a practical approach to evaluating the capabilities of businesses in the context of Industry 4.0.

SIRI offers companies numerous benefits on their path to digital transformation. These include:

  • Competitive Benchmarking: It allows companies to compare their performance against competitors, precisely identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement.

  • Strategic Focus: It helps organizations focus on initiatives with the maximum strategic impact, ensuring optimal use of available resources.

  • Flexibility: It’s applicable at any stage of the digitalization process, regardless of the initial technological maturity level, making it suitable for companies of all sizes and sectors.

  • Education and Knowledge: It provides a clear understanding of the fundamental principles, key technologies, and tangible benefits of Industry 4.0, thanks to a structured framework based on three pillars, eight fundamental dimensions, and 16 key parameters.

  • Practical Guidance: It offers a detailed roadmap to progressively achieve desired goals, allowing for targeted and continuous improvements.

  • Common Language: It eliminates the confusion associated with technical terminology of Industry 4.0, creating a standard language that facilitates communication among different stakeholders, both internal and external to the company.

  • Transformation Support: It improves collaboration with technology providers, making it possible to identify priorities, fill gaps, and plan structured transformations effectively.

The SIRI assessment methodology is based on five key principles that guide a structured and flexible approach to analyzing a company’s digital maturity:

  1. Current State as a Starting Point: SIRI provides a clear and detailed overview of the company’s current state of digital maturity, focusing on the present rather than future projections.

  2. Standardized and Open to Innovation References: It uses Industry 4.0 principles as a reference base, but without excluding emerging concepts and technologies that could affect the industrial landscape.

  3. Comprehensive and Customizable Coverage: All dimensions of the framework must be examined, with proportional attention to their relevance for the specific sector and the company’s strategic priorities.

  4. Flexibility in Results: Reaching the maximum level in all dimensions is not a universal goal; companies should focus on levels that reflect their needs and ambitions.

  5. Continuity Over Time: SIRI is conceived as a dynamic and iterative tool, to be used periodically to support continuous improvement and adapt to changes in the business context.

To know more, visit EDB Singapore - The Smart Industry Readiness Index.

Services

Specialized, independent consultancy services designed precisely for German companies.

Data and Measurement Literacy

Data chain maturity, digitalisation, data culture, breaking silos, and innovation strategy.

Operational Excellence

Review of value chains, measurement techniques, improvement strategies, and expansion initiatives.

Strategy, Innovation and Change Management

Diagnostics, monitoring goals and results, strategy.

Project Management

Diagnostic, training and mentorship, custom-made on your needs.

Subsections of Services

Navigating the 🇮🇹 Italian Business Landscape for German Enterprises

Are you a German enterprise looking to expand into, or optimize your operations within, the dynamic Italian market? Doing business successfully in Italy requires more than just a great product or service; it demands an understanding of the local culture, business practices, and market nuances.

As an Italian native based in Germany, equipped with an MBA and several years of hands-on international business experience, I offer specialized, independent consultancy services designed precisely for German companies like yours. I bridge the linguistic, cultural, and operational gap, enabling you to achieve your business objectives in Italy efficiently and effectively.

The Challenge: Why You Need Local Expertise

German companies often face specific hurdles when engaging with the Italian market:

  • Cultural & Linguistic Nuances: Misunderstandings can hinder negotiations, relationship building, and operational flow.
  • Market Specifics: Navigating Italian regulations, bureaucracy, and unique business etiquette can be time-consuming and complex.
  • Identifying & Vetting Partners: Finding reliable suppliers, distributors, or acquisition targets requires thorough local knowledge and due diligence.
  • Effective Sales & Client Engagement: Reaching and communicating effectively with Italian prospects and customers requires a tailored approach.

Our Solution: Tailored Services for Your Italian Ventures

I provide practical, results-oriented support tailored to your specific needs:

Due Diligence & Market Research

  • In-depth investigation and analysis of potential Italian business partners, suppliers, or acquisition targets.
  • Comprehensive market analysis, competitor research, and identification of market entry opportunities.
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Sales Representation & Business Development

Acting as your dedicated sales representative or local point of contact in Italy.

  • Targeted Marketing & Lead Generation: Representing your brand professionally and identifying qualified leads.
  • Client Acquisition & Cold Calling: Proactively approaching and engaging potential Italian clients and partners in their native language.
  • Local Client Support: Providing first-level support and relationship management for your existing Italian customers.

Cross-Cultural Business Facilitation

Assistance in negotiations, interpreting business communication, and understanding cultural expectations to build stronger relationships.

Your Advantage: Why Partner With Me?

  • Strategic Insight: An MBA foundation ensures a strategic approach to your market entry, sales, or partnership goals.
  • Practical Experience: Benefit from several years of real-world experience navigating international business challenges.
  • Efficiency & Proximity: Based in Germany for seamless communication and collaboration, while providing effective on-the-ground action in Italy.
  • Independent & Flexible: As a freelancer, I offer personalized, agile, and cost-effective solutions tailored directly to your requirements.

Who Can Benefit?

This consultancy service is ideal for German Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporations aiming to:

  • Successfully enter the Italian market.
  • Find, vet, and establish relationships with reliable Italian business partners or suppliers.
  • Evaluate Italian companies for potential acquisition or investment.
  • Establish or strengthen their sales presence and customer support in Italy.
  • Improve communication effectiveness and navigate cultural differences smoothly.

Let’s Discuss Your Italian Strategy

Ready to confidently navigate the Italian market and achieve your business goals? Let’s schedule an initial, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific needs and how I can help you succeed.

Data and Measurement Literacy

A network representation of the topic model describing the scientific literature of AI and Business. A network representation of the topic model describing the scientific literature of AI and Business.
Workshop: Apply Artificial Intelligence to Your Business
Workshop: Digitalise Your Business

The Data Literacy

Data literacy represents an organisation’s ability to systematically integrate, interpret, and utilise digital information to support strategic and operational decisions. It goes beyond mere access to a vast array of data and focuses on having the skills and processes needed to extract value. In a context where Artificial Intelligence, advanced analytics systems, and real-time data management are reshaping business models, embracing this culture means adopting an approach centred on measurable and up-to-date evidence. This enables businesses to anticipate market trends, optimise customer experience, and foster sustainable growth in productivity and competitiveness.

Adopting a data culture also means recognising that intuition and experience alone are no longer sufficient. It requires merging managerial insight and market signal interpretation with analytical, technological, and organisational expertise. This involves creating multidisciplinary teams, investing in staff training, redefining decision-making processes, and establishing effective data infrastructures. It is a profound cultural transformation that relies on data to build an ecosystem where every participant – from field operators to top management – can contribute to the company’s growth by accessing timely and relevant information. In doing so, businesses not only respond more precisely to customer needs but also position themselves to innovate and thrive in increasingly complex and interconnected markets.

Measuring

The ability to accurately measure business processes is the cornerstone of any data-driven strategy. Without consistent metrics, reliable analytical tools, and a constant flow of accurate data, a company cannot fully understand its operations or identify areas for improvement. A solid measurement methodology, including well-defined data collection systems, quality controls, and verification protocols, ensures dependable information to inform decisions. This enables performance analysis across operational, financial, and market dimensions, identifying inefficiencies, process bottlenecks, and opportunities for innovation.

Developing a robust measurement methodology is not merely a technical matter but also an organisational and cultural one. It requires training personnel, defining clear responsibilities, and aligning departments around common goals for data quality. Investing in analytical tools and skills must go hand-in-hand with establishing transparent procedures, ensuring that every measurement is meaningful and actionable. Only then can a company build a shared “measure” that supports tactical decisions while fostering a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement. In this cycle, every element of the value chain contributes to achieving higher, tangible, and sustainable results.

Workshop: AI for Operational Excellence

A concrete and contextualised workshop to guide you in understanding how technological solutions can generate real value for your business.

Digitalisation

Explore your digital potential.

Case Study #1

Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in a Small Electrical Installation Company

Case study #2

Operational Improvement in a Market Research Boutique Firm

Subsections of Data and Measurement Literacy

Apply Artificial Intelligence to Your Business

Motivation

Concepts like digitalisation, cloud, and artificial intelligence (AI) can mean a lot or nothing at all unless they are contextualised within your industry and company. This workshop aims to clarify how modern technologies, with AI playing a central role due to its wide range of potential applications, can be applied to your processes and value chains to enhance success and align outcomes with your strategy.

Through a concrete and contextualised approach, the workshop will guide you in understanding how technological solutions can generate real value for your business.

Did you know that …

Artificial intelligence is seamlessly integrated into many everyday tools, including LinkedIn Sales Navigator, where it enhances efficiency and precision in lead generation and outreach.

  • AI analyzes your saved leads, searches, and connections to recommend new prospects or accounts that match your target audience.
  • AI-powered tools like Relationship Explorer uncover connections between you and potential prospects, such as mutual contacts, to facilitate introductions and build rapport.
  • AI provides real-time updates on account activity, such as changes in roles, hiring trends, or company priorities, enabling more effective and timely outreach.
  • AI optimizes the use of search filters to help identify the most relevant prospects by learning from past interactions and preferences.
Example: Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in a small electrical installation company

Discover a practical case of application of this service: from the initial meeting to the final report, through exploratory analysis, identification of intervention areas, collaboration agreements, research work, idea-sharing and evaluation questionnaires, and the discussion workshop.

Learn more

Process

Defining the Need

The process may begin by identifying a company’s need, such as the potential to increase margins, volumes, or revenues due to a competitive advantage, juxtaposed with concerns about outdated management platforms. Alternatively, it could start with the recognition that AI is advancing rapidly and may offer a tailored solution ready to be integrated into the client’s business model, transforming it into a competitive edge.

In line with most consultancy practices, the initial meetings involve working closely with the client to translate their need into a foundation for collaboration. For instance, this could involve defining a question to address, such as: “What can AI do for my business to increase margins while maintaining other strategic metrics, like employee and customer satisfaction, unchanged?”

Aligning on Objectives

The consultant, in collaboration with the client, clarifies the workshop’s objectives and examines the company’s maturity level concerning the topic at hand. This personalised process may include:

  • Interviews with technical and operational managers.
  • Internal questionnaires to assess familiarity with AI.
  • On-site analysis of operational, administrative, and specific activities.

During this phase, we evaluate whether the collaboration is viable and outline the terms of an agreement.

Example: Initial approach, exploratory discussion, and needs identification

Preparing the Topic List

Based on the identified needs, the consultant develops a list of topics to discuss during the workshop to ensure the most important and promising points are addressed.

The consultant and the coordinator jointly decide which topics will be covered during the workshop and which will be handled asynchronously (questionnaires, online discussions) to optimise workshop time.

Example: Exploratory analysis

Enriching the Topic List

Once the list is defined, the consultant searches for case studies, industry literature, and technological solutions to enrich the workshop with practical examples.

Example: Analysis of processes or AI solutions available on the market

Defining the Workshop Agenda

The consultant proposes an agenda to the coordinator, who reviews it based on timing and internal needs. The consultant ensures that all agreed topics are covered adequately.

For each topic, the consultant typically:

  • Initiates a discussion on the current state, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
  • Presents research findings and related case studies.
  • Leads a brainstorming session on how to apply the discussed concepts to the company, gathering an initial ranking of the options based on participants’ immediate perceptions.

Participants best suited for the workshop (e.g., technicians, warehouse managers, IT, customer management) are selected, and preliminary information may be requested via questionnaires to optimise the session. The focus is on maximising the value of participants’ time during the workshop while handling asynchronous activities separately.

The consultant will share reference materials (slides, articles, case studies) in advance.

Example: Results analysis and workshop agenda preparation

During the Workshop

Tools such as whiteboards and post-its are used, and sessions are recorded to avoid allocating resources to note-taking in real-time.

The consultant ensures that the workshop addresses the initial request, moderating less relevant parts of the discussion and fostering those with the most value.

Post-Workshop: Prioritisation

After the discussion, the consultant analyses and aggregates raw results into a preliminary report, which includes an estimate of the effort required for each solution’s implementation and the expected return on investment.

Questionnaire Questionnaire

The consultant then prepares a questionnaire, presenting the identified proposals along with details of the required effort and expected value, leaving space for comments and opinions. Participants are given a few days to complete the questionnaire, providing valuable feedback to prioritise the identified solutions.

Finally, the consultant integrates questionnaire results with preliminary analyses to prepare a final report. This report offers a comprehensive overview of priority solutions and their implications, including guidance on costs, benefits, and implementation strategies.

Example: Results

Closing the Collaboration

A satisfaction questionnaire will be provided to evaluate the workshop’s effectiveness and improve future editions.

Workshop: Digitalise Your Business

The book scanner in the Aschaffenburg City and Collegiate Archives, central section The book scanner in the Aschaffenburg City and Collegiate Archives, central section

Explore Your Digital Potential with a Structured Approach

Our digitalisation analysis workshop provides an in-depth examination of your organisation’s current state, highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities to align with advanced Industry 4.0 technologies. Based on the globally recognised Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI), applied according to the UK government’s guidelines and tailored to your specific needs, this service offers a comprehensive diagnosis to help you better understand your digital maturity level and identify practical steps towards technological transformation.

Info

A Competitive Edge for Your Future

Our workshop enables you to optimise operational processes, increase productivity, and prepare for future challenges. Additionally, we support you in attracting and retaining young, motivated talent by offering them a technologically advanced and stimulating work environment. The workshop helps answer questions such as:

  • Can your organisation effectively use data to generate value and achieve strategic objectives?
  • What are your top priorities (and investment areas) to improve and maintain maturity in data usage?
  • What are the risks or missed opportunities arising from low maturity in digitalisation?

Measuring the value brought by digitalisation poses challenges. According to 73% of respondents, the inability to clearly define impacts or metrics is a significant obstacle. Furthermore, difficulties in data collection and the presence of organisational silos are among the top three barriers to fully leveraging digitalisation potential.

Measuring digital value comes with its challenges. According to 73% of respondents, the inability to clearly define impacts or metrics is a significant obstacle. Additionally, difficulties in collecting data and the presence of organisational silos are among the top three barriers." — Deloitte, Mapping Digital Transformation Value - The Metrics that Matter

A Clear Process for Tangible Results

Using a proven methodology, our workshop combines structured analysis, collaborative brainstorming, and practical case studies to create tailored solutions for your organisation. From an initial assessment via the SIRI questionnaire to the delivery of a final report with a strategic roadmap, our approach ensures that each step is geared towards maximising value for your organisation. With our support, you will be equipped to tackle digital transformation with confidence, method, and success.

A Tried-and-Tested Methodology

Our diagnostic methodology is inspired by the UK Central Digital and Data Office guidelines, adapted to your industry, business model, and organisation.

This framework is built on ten key strengths:

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leveraging data to enhance the work you do.
  • Understanding Available Data: How you record, catalogue, and preserve the data you own.
  • Equipping Teams with Data Skills: The level of “literacy” regarding the data under review and the analyses required within your organisation.
  • Having the Right Systems: The tools and systems available to manage and utilise data effectively.
  • Data Management Practices: Practical approaches to ensure data usability.
  • Data Security: The effectiveness of IT systems, skills, and policies in safeguarding data.
  • Ethical Data Use: Considerations for planning, collecting, and using data ethically.
  • Defining Data Purpose: Understanding data’s value in your organisation’s policies, strategies, and principles.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Interactions with others in the data ecosystem.
  • Accountability for Data: Ensuring clear roles and responsibilities for data management within your organisation.

Rather than evaluating every detail of this comprehensive framework, we will focus on the measures most critical and relevant to your objectives.

Detailed Methodology

Initial Meeting and Goal Definition

The consultant will discuss the primary objectives of the collaboration with the client, ensuring a clear understanding of the organisation’s specific needs and workshop expectations.

Agreement Formalisation

  • A draft collaboration contract is prepared, detailing objectives, timelines, operational methods, and intermediary phases.
  • The draft is reviewed with the client to ensure mutual alignment.

SIRI Questionnaire Administration

  • The consultant provides the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) questionnaire to the client, designed to stimulate internal reflection on the organisation’s current digitalisation status.
  • The client can complete the questionnaire themselves or delegate it to appropriate team members. Multiple contributors may provide input if needed.
  • The aim is not to achieve a quantitative result but to initiate discussions and provide valuable insights for subsequent phases. Non-relevant questions can be skipped without impacting effectiveness.

Response Analysis and Workshop Planning

  • The consultant analyses the questionnaire responses, leveraging additional resources such as industry-specific success stories and case studies.
  • Based on the findings, the consultant proposes discussion points and workshop topics to the client.
  • After agreeing on the topics, time allocation, and participants, the consultant drafts a detailed workshop agenda.

Workshop Delivery

During the workshop, the following activities are conducted:

  • Current Status Discussion: Analysing the organisation’s strengths and weaknesses concerning selected topics.
  • Case Study Presentation: Sharing research and relevant practical examples.
  • Collaborative Brainstorming: Interactive discussions on applying emerging ideas and technologies to the organisation.
  • Preliminary Evaluation: Gathering initial rankings of ideas based on their relevance and perceived impact.

Post-Workshop Summary and Second Questionnaire

After the workshop, the consultant prepares a follow-up questionnaire to prioritise the ideas discussed, identifying initiatives with the highest strategic potential.

Final Report and Next Steps

The final report includes:

  • A summary of strengths and areas for improvement.
  • A detailed roadmap with recommendations for next steps.
  • Practical suggestions for implementing digitalisation solutions and enhancing Industry 4.0 compatibility.

The report is presented and discussed with the client, providing a foundation for future digital transformation initiatives.

Case Study: Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in a Small Electrical Installation Company

Initial Approach and Exploratory Discussion

A small electrical installation company, with approximately thirty employees, including administrative staff, technicians, and installation operators, contacts the consultant for an exploratory meeting. The request is roughly as follows:

Other, larger companies in our consortium are implementing AI solutions in their daily operations. However, we lack the knowledge, personnel, and time to dedicate to this. Moreover, we operate uniquely, and we are sceptical that solutions suitable for others can apply to us without issues. Nevertheless, we are aware that the industry is evolving, and we want to invest in an exploratory analysis of our business.

During the initial exploratory meeting, the consultant identifies that, while the company is open to exploration and potential change if it brings benefits, the management is unsure where to start. They are reluctant to undertake a lengthy evaluation process across every area of the business, as they believe things are generally working well and adhere to the maxim:

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Despite this, the consultant offers to prepare an agenda for an internal discussion, providing a platform to validate the perception that things are working well, but could improve:

Given all the innovation and technological progress out there.

The consultant identifies general industry topics and proposes a questionnaire for all employees to collect ideas and opinions. Since this is still a pre-contractual phase, the consultant does not have access to confidential company data, such as the employee list or detailed business model information. Thus, the questionnaire is designed to be generic and open-ended, distributed by the client or their delegates. Responses are returned anonymously. The topics include:

  • Work management: types of tasks, scheduling, human resources allocation, tools, consumables, feasibility analysis, planning, task follow-up, and interactions with clients and on-site operators.
  • Inventory management: low-value consumables (transport materials, cleaning supplies), high-value consumables (tapes, cables, panels), electrical and electronic equipment (processors, control units, signalers, actuators), personal protective equipment, vehicle fleet, supply chain, and contingency alternatives.
  • Operator management: training, health and safety, turnover, substitution processes, motivation, incentives, goal-setting, performance measurement, and remuneration.
  • Knowledge management: task logs, client lists, future intervention schedules, archives of manuals and data sheets, standard and non-standard procedures, and price list updates.
  • Research and development: updates on new technologies, industry conferences, industrial consortia, new clients, and new regions.
  • Client management: invoicing, payments, client database, advertising campaigns, market analysis, and satisfaction.

The consultant aggregates the responses within the agreed timeline and presents a proposed agenda for discussion within the company’s management team.

Note

This is a common pre-contractual phase in consultancy relationships. However, the approach can vary significantly based on the parties involved and their specific requirements. Each consultancy balances the amount of unpaid work with the need for exploratory analysis to clarify otherwise vague, unfocused, or even unfounded requests, ensuring value for both the client and the consultant.

Identifying Needs

After discussions among administrators and installation staff, a key issue emerges regarding inventory management, which is organised visually. Components are stored on shelves for easy visibility, allowing operators to walk through, pick what they need for the day, and access manuals and data sheets stored beneath the shelves for field consultation. Administrators check the shelves daily and visually track components running low.

Detailed issues identified by the company include:

  • The system worked well when the inventory contained only a few hundred items. Today, with over 1,500 different items, double shelving is sometimes necessary, hiding parts of the inventory.
  • Operators often report missing manuals after previous teams have taken them. Recently, photocopies and online searches have become common workarounds.
  • The time required for daily inventory checks and reordering has increased, leading to delays or cancellations of checks on certain days, causing cascading delays due to unavailable components.

A key question for the workshop might be:

Details

How can we digitalise and/or apply AI to improve inventory management?

Primary objectives identified include:

  • Administrative optimisation: Reduce administrative time and reallocate the savings to research and development (R&D) activities:

    • Update existing components with better-performing alternatives.
    • Explore new technologies and industry publications.
    • Negotiate better supplier terms through more consistent and regular ordering.
  • Operational optimisation: Reduce operator time spent searching for manuals, improving productivity and satisfaction for both operators and clients.

  • Eliminating delays: Ensure all necessary components are always available in inventory.

The Contract

The consultancy agreement will include:

  • Scope: Conduct an operational analysis of how digital and AI technologies can optimise inventory management, identifying high-potential intervention areas.

  • Deliverables:

    1. Audit of current processes, value chain, timing, and resource usage.
    2. Report on available technologies, with a cost-benefit analysis for identified processes.
    3. Questionnaire to gather employee opinions on proposed ideas.
    4. Distribution of the questionnaire and collection of responses.
    5. Analysis of results and preparation of a workshop agenda.
    6. Workshop moderation and result collection.
    7. Final recommendations, including cost-benefit analyses, informed by the workshop and questionnaire findings.

Exploratory Analysis

To create a structured audit of the existing and relevant business processes, the focus will be on:

  • Identification of necessary data: Determine which data is required to measure progress towards each objective. For example:

    • Administrative optimisation: Time spent managing inventory within a set time frame.
    • Operational optimisation: Efficiency in accessing necessary information in the field; the number of instances where this information was not readily available.
    • Delay elimination: The number of cases where a required component was unavailable in inventory, necessitating a reschedule.
  • Identification of available data: Metrics mentioned above are not currently collected systematically by the client company but are based on informed subjective evaluations. It is deemed necessary to collect more robust evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the identified solutions. The consultant will coordinate the audit throughout the collaboration.

    Data collection will occur through online forms; participants will receive an email on Friday morning, and responses are expected by the end of the day. Questions will consist of multiple-choice answers or value scales, and completing the form should take no more than three minutes from opening the email to submission.

  • Analysis of existing processes related to each objective: The consultant will interview key stakeholders in these processes via video calls or, if feasible, on-site shadowing. Subsequently, value chain analyses, resource utilisation, and timing will be prepared based on collected information. Intermediate results will be shared with stakeholders to ensure mutual understanding of the exchanged information.


If a process or piece of information is not relevant to achieving the objectives, it will not be analysed. The consultancy’s goal is not to produce unnecessary documents or tick boxes but to create mutual value for both the client and the consultant. Stakeholders have the right and duty to raise concerns if they notice discussions diverging from this goal.

An example of this analysis, focused on “Administrative Optimisation,” is as follows:

Warehouse Administrator Activity Positive Notes Negative Notes Adds Value?
Goes to the warehouse Provides a break from desk work and an opportunity to organise thoughts. Often perceived as generally productive. The warehouse contains “heavy” equipment requiring protective gear different from office attire. The administrator must wear suitable footwear and a helmet per standard safety procedures. Minimal. Productivity gains from leaving the desk are not attributable to this process specifically but could result from any physical activity.
Walks through shelves and examines all containers Some containers of similar items are double-stacked due to space constraints, requiring manual rearrangement for inspection. Negative. The perceived “disorder” often causes stress and unplanned reorganisation work.
Notes “at-risk” (nearly empty) containers Developed a simple and effective notation system: shelf number, container number, empty/at-risk/needs monitoring. This method notes both orders to place and items to monitor in future checks, minimising the risk of overlooking them. Minimal. Although items to monitor are noted, they still require regular checks as they are not few enough to justify immediate orders.
Returns to the office Unlike the trip to the warehouse, returning is often stressful due to awareness of accumulated urgent tasks. The perceived productive effect of the initial break is almost nullified. Minimal.
Places orders for low-stock items Many platforms suggest similar or more modern products during the order process. On quieter days, the administrator explores alternatives, contributing to R&D. However, this activity is ad hoc rather than structured. Multiple supplier platforms require different credentials. For simplicity, the same password is used across platforms, contrary to recommended online account management practices. Moderate. The administrator explores new technologies, contributing to personal curiosity and company growth. However, the unstructured process makes it heavily reliant on platform marketing algorithms, which may not always align with business goals.
Final notes Some days are more challenging than others in the office, with higher-priority tasks requiring cancellation of this activity or delegation to less experienced staff, often doubling the time needed. This activity is also required for planning high-value interventions to ensure commitments to end clients are made with adequate component coverage.

An initial version of the analysis was shared with the warehouse administrator, who provided valuable feedback that was incorporated into the final report.

Consultant’s overall assessment:

  • The process is not only ineffective but also ill-suited for handovers in the absence of the primary operator, making it a critical and vulnerable link in the supply chain with associated risks.
  • The administrator is confirmed to be qualified and willing to continue R&D activities, as endorsed by management. However, the current approach is inadequate and would benefit from revision or restructuring. Although this is outside the scope of the current consultancy, the immediate focus should be on freeing up the necessary time to explore its feasibility.
  • The negative impressions noted during the initial interview (inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the process, associated risks) are confirmed. The following solutions are suggested to address identified needs:
    • Ensure access to inventory information for consultation: This supports intervention planning.
    • Provide real-time alerts when an item falls below a predefined threshold: This reduces the risk of falling below critical operational levels.
    • Enable quick access to the order placement page: Improves efficiency.
    • Create monthly and quarterly schedules for ordering consumable components: This would allow negotiations for more favourable terms with suppliers.
    • Generate semi-annual schedules for ordering high-value components: Some of these components have long lead times; ordering only when stock is depleted is insufficient.
    • Address the habit of using the same password across multiple portals: Enhances cybersecurity.
    • Ensure alignment with other consultancy objectives: Supports overall strategic coherence.

Analysis of Processes or AI Solutions Available in the Market

At this stage, the consultant works independently to research solutions to propose to the client for mitigating or solving the identified issues. Each proposal is integrated with the experience gained during the analysis and annotated with potential costs and benefits as evaluated by the consultant, to be discussed with the company.

Note

While this phase formally involves independent work by the consultant, efforts are made to avoid wasting time analysing solutions that are clearly unsuitable for the context (e.g., requiring unjustifiably high financial investments or demanding knowledge beyond the operators' realistic capacity within a reasonable timeframe). To ensure focus, the consultant shares research progress with relevant stakeholders, as agreed during the contract discussion, respecting agreed-upon time and resource constraints. For instance, implementing warehouse management using robotic arms and mobile robots could eliminate the need for operators and installers to enter the warehouse, with real-time inventory tracking. However, such a solution would require a complete spatial restructuring and an unjustifiable financial investment. While this may look appealing in a report, the consultant would not analyse it further due to its impracticality.

Continuing with the example of the objective “administrative optimisation,” two key needs emerge from the identified requirements:

  1. The need for software-based warehouse management.
  2. The need for computerised inventory tracking.

Additionally, two further solutions are considered:

  • Augmented reality.
  • Predictive AI for inventory trends.

Warehouse Management Software

Given the company’s growth and projections for steady expansion, a software solution is necessary to ensure scalability in managing inventory.

Several warehouse management software options are available on the market, differing by technology, application, and integration. As the team lacks advanced IT skills, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution with remote support is considered, while on-premise solutions are excluded.

Three options are identified:

  1. Generic warehouse management software

    • Covers common warehouse management needs (inventory tracking, orders, reporting). Easy to use, versatile, and applicable across various industries. Relatively low cost.
    • Typically lacks support for sector-specific needs (e.g., integration with order management platforms). Generally does not include AI-driven demand forecasting.
  2. Specialist warehouse management software

    • Offers more features tailored to the sector, such as advanced search by industry parameters and higher customisation.
    • Higher cost, reduced flexibility, and increased dependency on a specific vendor.
  3. Warehouse management software integrated into ERP systems

    • Fully integrated into overall business processes.
    • Requires an ERP system, which is costly and complex to implement.

Additional selection criteria include the ability to store supplier portal credentials securely using a password manager, enabling the use of robust and unique passwords.

Computerised Inventory Tracking

Two options are considered for inventory tracking:

  • Barcode-based tracking

    • More affordable, standardised, and simpler technology, with the possibility of use via smartphones.
    • Labels must be visible and clean for scanning.
  • RFID-based tracking

    • Enables automated scanning without the need for line-of-sight, can read container contents, and tags are reusable and reprogrammable.
    • More expensive and complex to implement, with potential interference from specific materials.

This technology would be used by administration for incoming goods and by operators for outgoing items, using portable barcode scanners. Additionally, management software could allow uploading of manuals and data sheets, making them available in the field by scanning a barcode with a smartphone.

Augmented Reality

Using headsets or smartphone apps, operators could receive directions on where to move within the warehouse to locate specific items, speeding up access operations. This would simplify inventory handling for less experienced staff.

Predictive Artificial Intelligence

Numerous predictive AI applications analyse historical data to forecast future trends. Applied to warehouse inventory, AI can help predict future component flows and support procurement decisions.

It is important to note that the more historical data available, the better the predictive model, particularly for materials unaffected by technological changes (e.g., fasteners and consumables). It is worth investigating whether to train the AI with historical data or start from scratch, accepting an initial period where predictions may not be possible.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Modern large language models (LLM) can power chatbots that allow operators to interact using natural language. These tools can assist field operators who need installation or setup information without manually searching an index. Instead, they pose a voice query, leaving the AI to locate the information within data sheets.

Questionnaire Preparation and Distribution

The consultant will prepare a questionnaire to share the analysis and ideas with all relevant stakeholders within the company. The goals of this data collection are:

  • Ensure the ideas are not perceived as imposed but shared with all relevant stakeholders.
  • Provide as many opportunities as possible to uncover overlooked details that could inform future decisions.
  • Enable feedback and comments on proposed ideas.

Like the quantitative monitoring questionnaire, this will be available online with adequate time for completion. Most questions will be multiple-choice, but text comments will also be encouraged. Additionally, a secure anonymous feedback box will be provided to encourage candid or critical input without fear of exposure.

Results Analysis and Workshop Agenda Preparation

The consultant will collect questionnaire results and prepare an agenda for the in-person workshop. This can take various forms:

  • A discussion of pre-defined ideas to identify weaknesses, potential conflicts, or hidden opportunities.
  • An evaluation of multiple options where management seeks an open discussion before making a decision.
  • A brainstorming session to outline ideas, possibilities, opportunities, and conflicts under the consultant’s guidance.

For this case, the consultant will propose a discussion workshop to review the advanced proposals and feedback from the questionnaire, allowing for open dialogue.

Note

During the workshop, there will be no presentations of specific ideas or products. If needed, these will be circulated in advance for participants to review. The aim is to minimise using valuable meeting time for presentations that can be handled asynchronously, focusing only on relevant discussion points.

The agenda will be shared with the client and participants well in advance, allowing time to respond to preliminary questions asynchronously.

Workshop Moderation and Results Collection

The workshop will be moderated by the consultant per prior agreements with the client and based on feedback received to date. The consultant will document key notes and unanswered questions for follow-up.

Further Prioritisation and Final Report

The consultant will synthesise the results of all activities into implementation recommendations, including cost-benefit analyses and resource and timeline estimates to inform management decisions.

If the workshop evaluates multiple options without a clear preference, the consultant will prepare a prioritisation questionnaire, allowing stakeholders to reflect and provide input on ranking the initiatives.

The final report will also include an analysis of collected data to measure the effectiveness of proposed initiatives, with recommendations for updates post-implementation. This concludes the consultancy under the current contract, with the potential for further collaboration on implementation, monitoring, or additional steps.

Illustrative Example Only

While the analysis and recommendations employ well-established practices with proven success, every company is a unique and complex entity requiring a tailored approach to meet its specific needs.

Case study #2: Operational Improvement in a Market Research Boutique Firm

This case study examines how a small market research firm addressed the trade-off between growing customization demands and maintaining efficient syndication processes. Through collaboration with the consultant, the firm identified key pain points, implemented solutions, and transformed its approach to client requests and data management.

The Request

During the initial introductory meeting, the client highlighted their challenge with the widely encountered trade-off between product customization and syndication. While every customer inevitably requests some level of data personalization, the client’s immediate concern is not simply whether to approve or deny these requests. Instead, their focus is on effectively capturing and tracking such requests to make more informed decisions about which to accept as exceptions, which to develop into syndicated product features, and which to decline.

Together, the client and the consultant identified a set of opportunities, both those currently underutilized and those that could be leveraged through desired changes.

This is happening now:

  • Capture requests poorly, leading to lost insights or overlooked needs.
  • Allocate development resources to low-return features while neglecting VIP client requests that could yield higher profits and strengthen relationships with tier-1 clients.

Missing the opportunity for:

  • Personalize/target advertising messages to align more closely with customer needs.
  • Prioritize feature development for highly requested changes or VIP client requests.
  • Improve knowledge management to support employees handling customer interactions more.

The Collaboration Agreement

As part of the broader operational improvement initiative undertaken jointly by the client and the consultant, the consultant proposed a plan to address the following needs:

  • Eliminate data fragmentation across scattered sources such as post-its, email inboxes, and similar tools.
  • Provide a comprehensive view encompassing all clients, requests, dates, statuses, meeting outcomes related to the topic, and team members’ opinions.

Initial Assessment

Given the small size of the firm, the consultant and the client agreed to forego a broad survey and instead conduct an initial assessment through an email questionnaire, followed by a 60-minute interview with the person responsible for product development. The consultant prepared a set of standard questions covering marketing, product development, and client interactions, ensuring the format allowed for flexible and open-ended responses.

Extract from the survey

Marketing

  • Target Audience:

    • Who are your primary target customers?
    • What is your unique value proposition compared to competitors?
  • Marketing Channels

    • Which marketing channels (e.g., digital, traditional) do you currently use?
    • How do you measure the effectiveness of each channel?
  • Content and Messaging

    • What types of content do you produce (e.g., blogs, videos, ads)?
    • How do you manage and maintain brand consistency?
  • Metrics and Analytics

    • What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track for marketing success?
    • How frequently do you analyze marketing performance?
    • How do you use data to refine your marketing strategies?

Product Development

  • Product Roadmap

    • How do you define and prioritize product features or improvements?
    • What processes are in place for collecting and integrating customer feedback into development?
    • How often is your product roadmap updated?
  • Innovation and Testing

    • How do you identify opportunities for innovation in your product offerings?
    • What methods do you use for prototyping and testing new ideas?
    • How do you ensure quality control during product development?
  • Collaboration and Resources

    • How do marketing, sales, and R&D collaborate during product development?
    • Are the resources allocated to product development sufficient for your goals?
  • Time-to-Market

    • How do you manage your product lifecycle to balance speed and quality?
    • What challenges do you face in bringing products to market quickly?

Client Service/Discovery/Development

  • Customer Onboarding

    • What is your process for onboarding new clients?
    • How do you set expectations and communicate deliverables to clients?
  • Customer Support

    • What systems are in place to handle customer inquiries and issues?
    • How do you measure and track customer satisfaction?
  • Client Insights

    • How do you gather and analyze client feedback to inform decisions?
    • What methods do you use to identify emerging customer needs?
  • Retention and Development

    • What strategies do you use to retain existing clients?
    • How do you identify and pursue opportunities for upselling or cross-selling?
    • How do you measure the lifetime value of your clients?
  • Client Relationship Management (CRM)

    • What tools or systems do you use for managing client data and interactions?
    • How do you ensure that all client-related data is accurate and up-to-date?

Consolidating the responses from the questionnaire and the follow-up interview, the key findings relevant to the case study are summarized as follows:

  • Structured Marketing Plan: The firm runs regular advertising campaigns, maintains consistent social media engagement, and distributes newsletters. Analytics are performed through traffic monitoring and conversion tracking tools.
  • Product Management: A simple yet organized product pipeline and lifecycle management system is in place.
  • CRM Usage: The company subscribes to a SaaS ERP/CRM, which is utilized for tracking client contracts and deliveries.
  • Client Interaction Logging: A shared spreadsheet is used to log all client interactions. Team members add entries in real-time, and given the relatively low volume, versioning conflicts have not been an issue.
  • Customer Requests: Requests are received through various channels, including email, chat, and phone, at any time of day. These are logged either directly into the spreadsheet, or noted on paper if team members are away from their workstations.

Solution Design

The consultant reviewed the collected materials from a new perspective, reshaping them to outline a path toward addressing the identified needs. A list of proposed improvements was presented for discussion with the client:

Integrate the Product Management Workflow into the ERP/CRM:

  • Enable visibility into each client’s subscriptions and the status of any product development they are subscribed to or interested in.
  • Reduce overall data fragmentation by consolidating information.

Integrate the Marketing Plan into the ERP/CRM:

  • Incorporate the lifecycle of client relationships, including contracts and marketing activities, to inform future marketing campaigns.
  • Eliminate data silos by consolidating all marketing data within the ERP/CRM.

Integrate the Client Interaction Capture Mechanism into the ERP/CRM:

  • Implement a system to record client interactions directly in the ERP/CRM, allowing for seamless mapping of captured information to existing ERP/CRM data.
  • Further reduce data fragmentation and improve accessibility.

Provide Employees with a Structured Script for Product Modifications:

  • Equip employees with a predefined script for calls regarding product changes to capture critical details, such as:

    • Expected outcome/benefit, and why cannot be done with the existing;
    • Proposed change that would (allegedly) return the expected outcome;
    • Urgency/desired timeline;
    • How often will be used and by whom;
    • Impact of not-doing it.
  • Ensure questions are addressed during the initial interaction when clients are more willing to engage, rather than relying on follow-ups where client responsiveness may diminish.

Ensure the ERP/CRM Supports the Following Features:

  • Customized Reporting: Facilitate detailed analysis of enhancements, client interactions, and development progress.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Enable employees to log interactions in real-time, even when they are away from their laptops.

Create Dedicated Reporting Mechanisms:

Develop reports tailored to track and analyze client lifecycle data, marketing effectiveness, and product development status.

Solution discussion

The consultant designed a questionnaire to distribute among the company’s employees to gather their feedback, recognizing the importance of their input as the end users of the proposed solutions. The questionnaire outlined the costs and benefits associated with each proposal and included the following questions:

  • What do you see as the strengths of this proposal?
  • What are your concerns or objections? What potential issues do you foresee?
  • Is there anything related to this proposal that you would like to suggest?

Additionally, the questionnaire provided a link to an anonymous feedback form to encourage candid responses and foster discussions about potentially sensitive topics.

The responses were gathered, compiled into a report, and presented to management, who decided to proceed with all the proposed suggestions.

Execution

  • The consultant was granted access to the ERP/CRM and internal documents, including logs tracking marketing efforts and product development activities. This provided a comprehensive understanding of the current data structure to plan the migration.

  • Collaborating with the team, the consultant finalized a detailed list of relevant metrics to track for each customization request, such as urgency, potential impact, resource requirements, and alignment with strategic goals.

  • The consultant merged the product development data into the ERP/CRM, incorporating custom dimensions to monitor and manage customization requests, ensuring all information was centralized and easily accessible.

  • Utilizing the ERP/CRM’s customization features, the consultant created tailored forms and workflows to capture client interaction data. These forms were integrated directly with the ERP/CRM and product management tools to streamline operations and maintain consistency.

  • To illustrate the value of the integrated data, the consultant developed a set of initial reports. These allowed the team to cross-analyze the newly tracked customization dimensions and gain actionable insights into client needs and operational processes.

  • The consultant collaborated with the ERP/CRM provider to design a custom training program for the firm, focusing on creating and managing custom reports, empowering the team to maximize the ERP/CRM’s potential.

  • A simple cheatsheet outlining a script for handling customization requests was created. Printed copies were distributed to employees, who were encouraged to keep them accessible at their desks for immediate reference.

Conclusion

This structured approach enabled the firm to enhance its customization request processes and strengthen its overall operational efficiency.

Operational Excellence Enhancement Programme

The Operational Excellence Enhancement Programme helps elevate your operational performance through a combination of tailored training and hands-on consultancy. We identify inefficiencies and propose effective strategies to support long-term improvements. This programme not only enhances processes but also instils a culture of continuous improvement kaizen 改善, positioning your organisation for long-term success.

Problems We Address

  • Inefficient processes leading to high operational costs

Many businesses struggle with outdated or inefficient processes, resulting in wasted resources, longer delivery times, and higher operational costs. This consultancy service helps identify and eliminate inefficiencies through process mapping, workflow optimisation, and waste reduction strategies, ultimately reducing costs and improving profitability.

  • Inconsistent quality and poor performance

Operations suffering from inconsistent quality control or frequent errors can harm a company’s reputation and customer satisfaction. Operational Excellence consultancy helps standardise processes, implement quality management systems, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes.

  • Lack of agility in responding to market changes

Businesses often find it challenging to adapt quickly to changes in market demand or customer preferences due to rigid processes or poor resource allocation. This consultancy service builds operational flexibility by improving resource management, increasing responsiveness, and implementing scalable processes, enabling businesses to adapt quickly and remain competitive.

Programme Modules

Industrialisation and Implementation

Transition from the startup phase to the operationalisation of a product line.

Operational Efficiency Consultancy

Optimise your company’s operations by streamlining workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and achieving measurable productivity improvements.

Support and Monitoring

Operational Efficiency Support and Monitoring

Training Workshops

On-demand Operational Efficiency Training Workshops

Subsections of Operational Excellence

Industrialisation and Implementation

The transition from the design or startup phase to industrialisation represents a critical evolution in the lifecycle of a process or product. During this phase, the focus shifts from conceptualisation and prototyping to creating a scalable, repeatable, and robust industrial process. This transition involves refining initial designs, optimising process parameters, and selecting suitable equipment and materials to meet the demands of large-scale production. The goal is to ensure the process is not only technically feasible but also economically sustainable and compliant with industry standards.

Key activities during this phase include conducting pilot tests, validating process scalability, and managing challenges that arise when moving from a controlled environment to real production conditions. Collaboration focuses on identifying bottlenecks, improving efficiency, and ensuring the process meets quality and efficiency requirements. This phase also includes preparing support documents, such as operational procedures and compliance records, to enable consistent and reliable operations. Additional activities involve capacity planning, supply chain integration, and staff training to prepare for full-scale implementation.

At the end of this phase, the process transforms into a fully operational system capable of meeting production goals while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. The industrialisation phase not only bridges the gap between innovation and execution but also lays the foundation for future improvements and scalability.

Operational Efficiency Consultancy

This service is designed to help businesses simplify their operations, reduce inefficiencies, and achieve measurable productivity improvements. It begins with a thorough assessment of your current processes, identifying bottlenecks, waste, and areas for optimisation. Through a combination of detailed data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and direct observation, we work closely with your team to understand both the strategic and operational challenges you face.

At the end of the diagnostic phase, we deliver a comprehensive consultancy report detailing key findings and prioritised recommendations for improvement. These actionable insights are tailored to your organisation’s unique needs and include both quick wins for short-term impact and transformational initiatives for long-term success. The final deliverable includes an implementation roadmap, along with ongoing support to ensure changes are effectively integrated and sustained over time.

Components

  • Process Analysis and Mapping: Our consultants collaborate with your team to analyse current workflows and identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
  • Strategic Improvement Planning: Develop a customised roadmap for operational enhancements, prioritising initiatives based on impact and feasibility.
  • Implementation Support: Provide guidance and support during the execution of improvement strategies, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

Tools to Be Utilised

Process Analysis

  • 4V Analysis: Volume, variety, variation, and visibility; positioning of the process.
  • Level of Analysis: Supply network, operations, and processes.

Performance Analysis

  • Performance Objectives Model: Polar diagram assessing cost, quality, flexibility, dependability, and speed.

Potential Beneficiaries

SMEs in Manufacturing, Logistics, or Services

  • Benefit: Reduce waste, increase productivity, and improve profitability by optimising workflows and managing resources more effectively.
  • Why it matters: In my industry, even small inefficiencies can significantly impact profitability. Streamlining my operations will help reduce costs and stay competitive.
  • Why I’d pay for this service: The potential savings from cutting waste and better resource utilisation will far outweigh the cost of the consultancy. This investment will improve my company’s financial performance in the long term.

Growth-Oriented SMEs

  • Benefit: Create scalable and sustainable processes that handle increased demand without compromising quality or efficiency.
  • Why it matters: As my business grows, bottlenecks and resource constraints could slow progress. With this service, I can prepare for growth and prevent these issues before they harm my operations.
  • Why I’d pay for this service: Investing in operational excellence ensures that growth is not hindered by process failures or inefficiencies, which could cost me valuable revenue and market share.

Digitally Transforming SMEs

  • Benefit: Gain clear guidance on integrating new technologies into operational processes, adopting digital solutions more efficiently.
  • Why it matters: Introducing new technologies often reveals inefficiencies I wasn’t aware of, potentially causing operational disruptions. Collaborating with a consultant enables me to quickly identify and address these issues, maximising my digital investments.
  • Why I’d pay for this service: The cost of expert guidance is far lower than the potential losses caused by mistakes or delays during digital transformation. This helps me implement changes more quickly and cost-effectively.

Family-Run or Founder-Led SMEs

  • Benefit: Bring more structure and efficiency to my business without losing the personal touch and agility that set us apart.
  • Why it matters: Informal processes have worked well so far, but as we grow, they are creating inefficiencies. With expert support, I can formalise operations without compromising the core values of my company.
  • Why I’d pay for this service: I lack the internal resources or expertise to manage this transformation alone. Hiring a consultant provides the necessary expertise to grow efficiently and sustainably.

High-Operational-Cost Businesses

  • Benefit: Significantly reduce operational costs by identifying inefficiencies and freeing up resources to grow the business.
  • Why it matters: High operational costs are eroding my profits and limiting my ability to invest in other areas. Reducing these costs will improve my margins and enable me to reinvest savings into innovation or expansion.
  • Why I’d pay for this service: The money I save by reducing costs will far exceed the consultancy’s cost, making it a smart investment to improve financial performance.

Operational Efficiency Support and Monitoring

  • Definition of Performance Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and measure success.
  • Coaching for Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of ongoing efficiency improvement through regular check-ins and support.
  • Knowledge Transfer: Ensure your team is fully equipped to maintain and advance operational excellence independently.

On-demand Operational Efficiency Training Workshops

  • Principles of Operational Efficiency: Understand the fundamental concepts of lean operations, process optimisation, and continuous improvement.
  • Implementation of Best Practices: Learn proven methodologies and tools such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory management.
  • Interactive Sessions: Participate in workshops, case studies, and simulations tailored to your industry and organisational needs.

Strategy, Innovation and Change Management

In an ever-evolving market, change is not only inevitable but also an opportunity to grow, innovate, and stand out. Our Strategy, Innovation and Change Management consulting services are designed to help businesses tackle the challenges of change with confidence, transforming ideas into tangible and sustainable outcomes.

Driving Innovation in Agribusiness

With a personalized approach, we assist you in:

  • Reviewing your short-, medium- and long-term strategy based on your vision and your mission. An expert and external set of eyes can give you unbiased suggestions and “food for thoughts”.
  • Managing organizational changes smoothly and effectively.
  • Identifying new innovation opportunities and turning them into competitive advantages.
  • Building a company culture that embraces continuous improvement and progress.

Whether it’s about implementing new strategies, improving processes, or introducing innovative technologies, we are here to guide you toward a successful future. Embrace change with the confidence of having an experienced and reliable partner by your side.

Business Plan

Support on writing a Business Plan

Lead Generation

Finding and converting high-quality leads.

PESTLE

Understand and anticipate the external factors that influence your business, to build resilient and innovative strategies.

Subsections of Strategy, Innovation and Change Management

Write a Business Plan

A business plan is not only a useful document for planning ideas and resources in business management, but a necessary document to attach to many funding applications from private entities (banks) or public ones (public administration, for example, PNRR incentives). Lending institutions want to understand not only if the project is sustainable, but also if it’s heading toward a defined goal. Not only are the data themselves important, but also how they’re organized and presented.

A consultant can provide support in arguing the statements made, in market research, in the analysis of the surrounding environment, in economic and financial planning, and in defining objectives.

It consists of:

  • Description of the business idea, profile, and company objectives: A vision and strategic goals for the medium and long term.
  • Value proposition: A definition of the target market, competitive advantage, value chain, and what makes the company sustainable and profitable.
  • Spending programs: Economic and financial sustainability, liquidity, and funding sources.
  • Market characteristics: An analysis of the external environment, such as competition, industry saturation, etc.
  • Business strategies: Marketing plan, description of operations, distribution strategies, and customer relations.
  • Key resources/activities and strategic partnerships: Technical/productive assets, technical solutions, and key resources.
  • Requirements and constraints: Relevant regulations and necessary authorizations.
  • Economic aspects of the project and development prospects: Cost structure (fixed and variable, direct and indirect), and revenue model.
  • Innovative solutions characterizing the proposed project idea: Any adoption of innovative solutions from an organizational, productive, and commercial perspective.

Sales Generation & Efficiency Consulting

Finding and converting high-quality leads can become a time-consuming process, especially for startups that rely on manual outreach methods. Our Sales Generation & Efficiency Consulting service is designed to increase your sales outcomes while reducing the effort required, giving you clear visibility on timelines, deliverables, and financial investment right from the start.

What’s the Return On My Investment?

By engaging in a structured consulting framework, you will gain:

  • A thorough assessment of your current lead generation approach.
  • Customized recommendations for streamlining your processes and maximizing conversion rates.
  • A transparent, fixed-price engagement model, ensuring you know exactly what you are investing in.
Which Market Need Does It Fulfill?

Many startups and small businesses rely on manual, time-intensive methods of prospecting — often using tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator and sending individual InMails. This approach can lead to:

  • Low lead quantity or quality, resulting in minimal sales growth.
  • Unclear ROI on the time and resources spent on outreach.

This service addresses the inefficiency inherent in such processes and provides a clearer, data-driven pathway to acquiring more leads or increasing conversion rates.

It is especially targeted to:

  1. Startups and growing businesses looking to optimize or revamp their lead generation strategy.
  2. Organizations that require upfront clarity on costs and deliverables; they need to see the financial commitment from the outset to justify engaging a consultant.
  3. Teams ready to invest in a structured consulting process but concerned about the time and effort typically associated with identifying the root of their sales challenges.

Our Process

We understand that consulting depends on your specific problem or opportunity. However, to accommodate clients who want upfront clarity about costs and scope, we offer a fixed package with well-defined phases, timelines, and pricing. While the exact cost may vary based on the final scope, it will remain within a similar range.

Assessment & Diagnostic (Weeks 1-3) | Free of Charge

  1. Week 1

    • Survey: We send a questionnaire to map your current tools, subscriptions, team hours, and workflow for sales preparation.
    • Initial Call (~1 hour): We discuss survey findings, clarify the situation, and note specific challenges.
  2. Week 2

    • Follow-Up: We exchange additional details via email/IM.
    • Second Call (as needed): We clarify any remaining questions about your processes.
  3. Week 3

    1. We identify a Problem Statement (PS) — the primary issue or opportunity to address.
    2. We propose a collaboration framework based on the PS.
    3. Upon mutual agreement, we finalize the scope, duration, and price.
    4. No fee is charged for this entire diagnostic phase.

Solution Design (Weeks 4-9)

  • We work independently to research and draft custom solutions that address your Problem Statement.
  • Every two weeks (Weeks 5, 7, and 9), you receive:
    • A one-page summary of key findings or recommendations.
    • A detailed report for deeper insights.
    • Optional call to discuss progress and next steps.
  • We also test and evaluate promising tools or approaches that fit your specific needs.
  • The expected time investment for the consultant is ~2 hours/week for data gathering, interviews, benchmarking, and financial/operational impact analysis.

Implementation Planning (Weeks 10-13)

  • We develop a step-by-step plan outlining tasks, responsibilities, timeline, and required resources.
  • We refine the plan through email/IM or short calls to address constraints, budget considerations, and possible risks.

Closure

  • We deliver a final report, which includes:
    • A one-page summary plus a detailed document covering the proposed solution to the PS.
    • An implementation plan with associated resource needs and investment estimates.
  • We finalize the engagement with a videocall or presentation, ensuring clarity on the next steps.

Pricing

The total fixed cost for this engagement is 1,000 EUR, broken down as follows:

  • 550 EUR invoiced at the end of Week 9 (upon completion of the Solution Design phase).
  • 450 EUR invoiced at the end of Week 13 (upon completion of the Implementation Planning phase and delivery of the final report).

No payment is required during the Assessment & Diagnostic (Weeks 1-3).

Example of a Problem Statement: does it sound familiar?

Our startup invests several hours per week in researching prospects on LinkedIn Sales Navigator and sending individual InMails. Despite this effort, our lead generation remains low, and we convert a small fraction of those leads into sales. We want to streamline and automate parts of this workflow, reduce time spent, and ultimately increase our conversion rate.

This illustrative PS demonstrates the kind of specific challenge we focus on. By applying our structured consulting process, we aim to diagnose the root causes, identify optimal tools or strategies, and lay out a detailed plan for increasing sales efficiency.

Get Started

If you’re ready to improve and accelerate your sales generation process, our Sales Generation & Efficiency Consulting package provides upfront clarity on both investment and deliverables.

Book a FREE initial consultation and diagnostic phase

Decide then with full confidence whether to proceed with the full engagement.

PESTLE Strategic Diagnostic

To successfully navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected environment, it is essential to understand and anticipate the external factors that influence your business. Our PESTLE Strategic Diagnostic provides an in-depth analysis of these key elements, helping you build robust and well-informed strategies.

The PESTLE framework examines six fundamental dimensions:

  • Political: Regulations, government policies, and stability impacting your sector.
  • Economic: Macroeconomic trends, inflation, interest rates, and market dynamics.
  • Social: Demographic, cultural, and behavioral changes affecting your clients and market.
  • Technological: Innovations, digital trends, and opportunities related to automation and technology.
  • Legal: Regulations, compliance, and legal risks specific to your industry.
  • Environmental: Sustainability, ecological impacts, and environmental responsibilities shaping your corporate social accountability.

With our support, you can:

  • Identify key risks and opportunities in each dimension.
  • Align your business strategy with the ever-changing external context.
  • Strengthen your decision-making capabilities with a comprehensive and strategic perspective.

The PESTLE Diagnostic is not just an analysis but a powerful tool to help you look beyond today and plan for tomorrow with confidence and success.

Introduction to Project Management

Every organisation faces unique challenges: we understand this and adapt established methodologies to your specific environment by following this process:

Initial diagnostic

Evaluation of the maturity level of project management practices within your organisation to establish a path for improvement.

Training

Flexible training through lectures, workshops, and knowledge assessments.

Collaboration

Real-time collaboration, practical application and support

Project Management On Demand

On-demand project management

Project management training is complex, particularly for organisations new to these disciplines. Many companies invest in tools without a solid theoretical foundation, often leading to missed opportunities and inefficiencies. Our approach bridges this gap, focusing first on solid project management principles, then supporting your team in practical application – ensuring a seamless transition from theory to real-world implementation.

Designed for organisations with minimal or no internal expertise, this package provides training and hands-on guidance, ensuring teams not only understand project management concepts but also apply them effectively in their daily operations.

Benefits

Our offering stands out for:

  • Customised Approach

Adapting methodologies to the unique characteristics and challenges of each organisation.

  • Comprehensive Training and Mentorship

Basic training in project management combined with practical mentorship, ensuring concepts are applied effectively.

  • Building Internal Competencies

Empowering teams with the knowledge to manage projects independently.

  • Integration of Related Disciplines

Incorporating concepts such as product development, data culture, prioritisation, and clear communication.

  • Real-Time Collaboration

Working alongside your team on concrete projects to accelerate value generation and return on investment.

Each package is tailored to your company’s specific needs.

Book a FREE initial consultation and diagnostic phase
Example Investment

An example of an investment for a total of sixteen hours of in-person training, covering four topics with lectures, workshops, case studies, and subsequent remote collaboration and support, could look like this:

Phase Estimated Hours for the Company Duration
Assessment 4 One week
Training 16 Two weeks
Collaboration 10 Four weeks
Remote Support 8 Eight weeks

In the above distribution, phases can overlap or be spread out over time, depending on requirements. For example, it is recommended to include remote support availability even three to six months after training to address scenarios that may not have emerged earlier.

Subsections of Project Management

Analysis of existing project management methodologies

Our project management methodology maturity analysis service is designed to thoroughly assess the practices currently in use within your organisation. By collecting detailed data through a questionnaire and follow-up interviews lasting approximately 45 minutes with two or three key individuals – ideally including those who will take on future project responsibilities and training recipients – the consultant gains a clear understanding of the current state of organisational processes.

The analysis focuses on areas such as information collection and sharing, decision-making processes, and the use of data to maximise project value. Using the framework of the Project Management Maturity Model (PMMM), we tailor this methodology’s principles to your organisation’s specific needs, offering targeted and customised support.

The process includes a review of existing company materials, such as documents and databases, to identify connections between project management and the broader business context. The goal is not to analyse the overall organisational structure but to focus on the practical and operational aspects directly impacting project execution.

Benefits

  • Customised Approach: We tailor our methodology to the specific needs of your company, ensuring that suggestions and solutions align with your value chain and business context.
  • Building on Existing Practices: Rather than starting from scratch, our approach aims to recognise and optimise the project management concepts you already have in place, building on a solid foundation to maximise results.
  • Tailored Roadmap: Evaluating your project management maturity level allows us to define a clear, targeted action plan for subsequent modules, optimising applicability and minimising wasted time.
  • Increased Efficiency: Improving the maturity of project management methodologies enhances your organisation’s ability to tackle complex challenges and seize future opportunities.

The Questionnaire

The Project Management Maturity Assessment Questionnaire is a comprehensive tool designed to analyse the maturity level of project management practices within an organisation. Based on the ten knowledge areas of the PMBOK Guide, the questionnaire explores fundamental aspects such as integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risks, procurement, and stakeholder management. Each area includes detailed questions, explanations, and practical use cases, providing a clear picture of strengths and areas for improvement.

The model is grounded in seminal studies, such as Pennypacker and Grant (2002)1, which conducted an in-depth industry-wide assessment of project management maturity. It integrates principles from the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), developed by the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, and the Excellence Model of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). It also incorporates elements of the Risk Maturity Model, highlighting the activities needed to establish a sustainable and repeatable risk management programme.

Thanks to its flexible and customisable structure, the questionnaire is suitable for organisations of any size and sector. The results help decision-makers define a strategic roadmap for optimising project management practices, improving the ability to achieve business objectives, reducing risks, and increasing operational efficiency. This approach, enriched by contributions from high-level academic models and research, provides a clear pathway to project management excellence.

Analysis Process

Initial Information Gathering

The process begins with sending a questionnaire to the company representative (client). The client may choose to complete it personally or delegate it to 1-2 key individuals, preferably those who will be involved in future project management. Once completed, the questionnaire provides a detailed overview of current project management practices, collecting qualitative and quantitative information to reflect the current maturity level.

Questionnaire Analysis and Discussion

The consultant analyses the responses received to evaluate the maturity level of project management practices and identify strengths and areas for improvement. Subsequently, one or two interviews lasting approximately 45 minutes are conducted with designated individuals. These sessions aim to discuss the questionnaire results, explore the reasons behind the current state, and gather additional details useful for the evaluation process.

Report Preparation and Sharing

Based on the collected data, the consultant drafts a detailed report, including an analysis of the current state of project management, a maturity assessment using the PMMM framework, and operational recommendations for improvement. The report may propose actions such as specific training, redefining the project management structure, introducing new tools or processes, and integrating best practices. Finally, the report is shared with the client in a dedicated meeting where results are discussed, and the next operational steps are agreed upon.


  1. Pennypacker, J. S. & Grant, K. P. (2002). Project management maturity: an industry-wide assessment. Paper presented at PMI® Research Conference 2002: Frontiers of Project Management Research and Applications, Seattle, Washington. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. ↩︎

Project Management Training

Program 'Practical Project Management'

A practical and human-centric training program that moves beyond standard methodologies to focus on the soft skills, mindset, and proactive strategies required for project success.

The trainer designs interactive training sessions with variable duration and distribution, tailored to the project’s needs. There is no predefined syllabus; instead, it is built around the department’s intended focus, which aligns with the organisation’s objectives. The training can prioritise operational excellence, focusing on strategies for efficiency, quality control, and waste minimisation. Alternatively, it can emphasise execution modularity, concentrating on concepts like Agile Project Management and iterative development rather than waterfall methodologies. If the department is designed for collaboration across separate locations, the training covers methodologies for sharing plans, information, and working asynchronously.

The training is conceptually divided into modules and topics, and practically into modes of interaction with the trainer. Ideally, each topic includes a theoretical introduction, a case study demonstration, and a collaborative analysis of the case study, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the approach. Where possible, the topic is applied and discussed in relation to an actual scenario within the organisation. Case study materials are provided in advance whenever feasible, allowing the team to familiarise themselves with the context and streamline group sessions.

Project Charter

Structured and practical approach to guide organisations in creating and reviewing the project charter.

Stakeholders Analysis

A short seminar on stakeholder analysis reporting during a project.

Subsections of Training

Program 'Practical Project Management'

About This Program

This training program is the result of over 10 years of experience in project management. It moves past textbook theories to deliver practical tools and actionable advice for creating real value from your projects.

This is a proposed approach that will be customized for your organization. We will begin with a diagnostic to understand your specific needs, objectives, and goals, and then tailor the program to best suit your team.

Topics

  • Proactive Planning and Adaptability: Learn to anticipate project needs, embrace change, and balance meticulous planning with agile execution.

  • Navigating Organizational Dynamics: Master the art of managing unspoken priorities, hidden agendas, and stakeholder relationships.

  • Effective Communication and Influence: Develop the skills to communicate clearly, build trust, and lead teams without relying solely on formal authority.

  • Mitigating Biases and Assumptions: Understand how cognitive biases affect decision-making and learn to challenge assumptions to ensure project objectivity.

  • Delivering Strategic Value: Discover how to read between the lines of assumptions/requests/expectations, how to identify true sponsor needs, and how to deliver “augmented results” that exceed expectations.

Module #1: The Human-Centric Project Manager

This module focuses on the personal and interpersonal skills that define an effective project manager, emphasizing that the role is more about influence and adaptability than pure management.

Proactivity and Creativity

The project manager’s role requires a hands-on, curious, and creative approach. We will discuss why asking questions, running simulations, and exploring new methods are often more valuable than formal training.

The Myth of Flexibility

Debunking the idea that project management is a “flexible” career. We’ll explore how the work is tied to the schedules and needs of stakeholders and team members, requiring a different kind of discipline.

Manager as a Coach

The qualities of a great manager, including empowering teams, coaching for career development, and expressing genuine concern for team members’ well-being.

Techniques for encouraging healthy, productive conflict and the various approaches to conflict resolution (e.g., confronting, compromising, avoiding).

Module #2: Unspoken Dynamics and Priorities

This module explores the hidden signals and political realities that shape project success, particularly in how priorities are set and communicated.

Understanding Priorities

Analyzing how real priorities often deviate from formal plans. We will cover how to read subtle cues from top management, such as a sudden increase in update requests or last-minute meeting changes, to anticipate and adapt to new priorities.

Meetings and Agendas

Every meeting has both an explicit agenda (the official discussion points) and a hidden agenda (underlying political or personal objectives). We will discuss how to track both to ensure all objectives are met and to navigate the project’s political landscape.

Meetings and Trust

Examining how a lack of trust can lead to inefficient, micromanaged meetings where no one can provide real value. We will discuss building a high-trust environment.

Module #3: Foundational Planning and Execution

This module covers the core tools and frameworks for project planning and execution, emphasizing a modular and proactive approach.

Think Slow, Act Fast

We will discuss how dedicating significant time and effort to thorough planning, followed by swift and decisive execution, helps deliver results more predictably.

Delegating Outcomes, Not Actions

A critical management skill is empowering team members by delegating responsibility for a desired outcome rather than just a specific action.

Modularity in Projects

Drawing on the concept from “How Big Things Get Done,” we’ll discuss the benefits of turning working procedures into documented, reusable “LEGO blocks” to improve efficiency and reduce turnover costs.

The Project Charter

A key planning document that defines a project’s purpose, scope, and objectives.

Stakeholder Management

A deep dive into identifying, analyzing, and engaging stakeholders. We’ll cover tools like the power/interest grid and the RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to define roles and communication plans.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The foundational planning tool for decomposing a project into manageable parts. We’ll discuss how to create a WBS that is detailed enough to be useful without becoming micromanagement.

Module #4: Advanced Prioritization and Documentation

This module provides an in-depth look at sophisticated prioritization techniques, behavioral biases, and documentation practices.

Behavioral Biases in Project Management

An overview of key biases such as optimism bias, the planning fallacy, and anchoring. We will discuss how to identify and mitigate them to make more objective decisions.

Prioritization and Decision Techniques

We will explore practical frameworks for making better decisions, including the 80/20 Rule, identifying bottlenecks, the 6-hats workshop, using ballpark estimates, and developing a “Theory of Change” to ensure your actions lead to your goals.

Documentation and Checklists

Exploring different documentation methods, such as Amazon’s 6-page narrative and the role of checklists. We’ll also challenge the conventional view of checklists, suggesting they can be a tool for growth by including tasks that push the team outside its comfort zone.

Quality Management

Defining and implementing a quality policy. This section will cover the importance of customer satisfaction, continuous improvement (Plan-Do-Check-Act), and management responsibility.

Lessons Learned

The importance of conducting a formal review at the end of a project to document successes, failures, and best practices for future projects.

Creating the Project Charter

The Project Charter is an essential document for initiating a project with solid foundations and ensuring alignment among various stakeholders. Our consultancy and training service provides a structured and practical approach to guide organisations in creating and reviewing this crucial tool, leveraging over a decade of experience and the robust theory derived from the Project Management Institute’s CAPM® certification.

Key Strengths of the Service

  • A Decade of Experience: Our team has worked on numerous complex projects across diverse sectors, ensuring a deep understanding of organisational dynamics and best practices for drafting an effective Project Charter.
  • Certified Theoretical Foundation: The methodologies we use are based on globally recognised standards and include the latest updates in project management.

What We Offer

Planning for Drafting and Reviews

We teach you how to structure the drafting process of the Project Charter, including the steps needed to gather and organise relevant information, identify key stakeholders, and establish a roadmap for periodic reviews.

Organising Team Alignment Workshops

Learn how to facilitate collaborative workshops involving cross-functional teams and stakeholders. We demonstrate techniques to foster dialogue, resolve conflicts, and achieve a shared agreement on project objectives, roles, and responsibilities.

Benefits

By leveraging this service, you will be able to:

  • Create a clear and comprehensive Project Charter that serves as the foundation for project management.

  • Quickly align teams and stakeholders on goals and expectations.

  • Integrate internationally recognised best practices into your organisation.

Stakeholders Analysis

Reporting

A short seminar on stakeholder analysis reporting during a project. Clear instructions, practical tips, a real-world example, and a downloadable template allow project managers to keep track of stakeholder dynamics and their contribution to the project’s success.

  • Structured Framework for Reporting

Provides clear sections to document stakeholder information, such as their role, relationship with the project, controlled resources, and their level of engagement and interest.

  • Annotated Instructions

Offers step-by-step guidance on completing each section of the report, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the process.

  • Best Practices for Use

Includes recommendations on how to make the best use of the report during various project phases, including regular updates and key decision points.

  • Real-World Example

Presents a stakeholder matrix report applied to a real case, demonstrating how to use the template effectively in practice.

  • Downloadable Template

A ready-to-use, downloadable template that can be easily integrated into project management processes.

Why It Matters

  • Provides a structured approach to consistently reporting on stakeholder dynamics.
  • Simplifies the process of updating critical stakeholder information.
  • Helps ensure alignment, anticipate potential conflicts, and maintain project momentum.
  • Supports informed decision-making.
  • Facilitates communication on stakeholder engagement.

Support for Ongoing Projects

A collaboration programme to:

  • Apply the concepts covered during training to real-world projects, establishing and initiating a structured approach to project management.
  • Receive remote support for implementing theory using your preferred tools.

Collaboration

Once the theoretical framework has been understood, the trainee will apply the concepts to real scenarios within the organisation.

The trainer will be available synchronously (via video conferencing or instant messaging) to assist in applying concepts, migrating existing materials, and planning and organising the initial work.

Remote Support

At this stage, the trainee will be autonomous but may require occasional support if new, previously unaddressed scenarios arise during practice. The trainer will be available asynchronously (via email or instant messaging during predefined time slots) to provide clarifications, explanations, and support for problem-solving.

Project Management On Demand

The Service

We provide a dedicated project manager as a service (PMaaS) tailored to your needs, focused on delivering the desired outcomes without requiring specific training beyond what is strictly necessary for the initiative.

Tip

This solution allows organisations to focus on their business priorities by delegating project management to a specialised partner.

Ideal for those lacking internal resources to manage an urgent and critical initiative, the project manager will apply proven methodologies from established literature (such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge), adapting them to your company’s specific requirements.

Examples of Application

Whether you need resources for short or long-term projects, we offer expertise and flexibility in:

  • Recovering Troubled Projects

Quickly diagnosing critical issues, course-correcting, and getting projects back on track.

  • Interim Leadership

Managing PMOs or similar organisations for short or long periods, with the option to transition back to your control when ready.

  • Filling Skills Gaps

Providing support in specialised areas such as risk management to complement your team’s expertise.

Execution

The project manager will proceed with execution following standard project management procedures, tailored to the current project stage and your organisation’s unique circumstances.

Typical activities include:

  • Selecting the project management methodology based on resources and expected outcomes (e.g., Agile, waterfall, hybrid)
  • Defining the project scope
  • Drafting the project charter for financial planning and scheduling
  • Risk assessment and alternative scenario evaluation
  • Resource allocation
  • Preparing the project plan
  • Execution
  • Periodic communications
  • Project closure
  • Archiving all project documentation within your repository

The project manager can also take over ongoing projects that need to be continued, reviewed, or redirected towards different objectives.

Advantages of the On-Demand Solution

Speed and Simplicity in Initiating New Projects

PMaaS avoids the costs and delays associated with recruiting, selecting, and onboarding new resources, providing an operationally ready team to hit the ground running.

Performance Optimisation and Transparency

The service offers advanced tools to monitor timelines, performance, risks, and accrued value, improving visibility and decision-making support.

Focus on Strategic Goals

Enables organisations to concentrate on quality outcomes and achieving business objectives by delegating complex tasks such as training, HR management, and project monitoring.

Attention to Critical Priorities

With a dedicated project manager, critical tasks are handled with care and efficiency, reducing operational complexity and ensuring the project remains aligned with strategic objectives.

Simplified Decision-Making

An experienced project manager streamlines decision-making by providing clear analysis, progress visibility, and data-driven recommendations, allowing organisations to focus on long-term strategies.