Unlocking Business Potential: How Strategic IT Investments Can Drive Performance and Prepare for the Future
All too often, IT decisions are made reactively, driven by immediate needs or the allure of cutting-edge technology, rather than a clear understanding of the company’s long-term strategic goals. As I discussed in a recent article, “Organization Design: Stop Drawing Boxes Before Defining the ‘Why’,” rushing to define structures before clarifying the strategic intent is […]
Beyond Cost Savings: Why Value Chain Integration is Key to Resilience and Profitability and Strategic Imperative for a Volatile World
Empty shelves and broken promises? The relentless pursuit of cost savings through outsourcing has left many companies dangerously exposed. Learn how value chain integration can unlock resilience, innovation, and long-term profitability. I. Introduction • A stark reality: I worked for a company that suffered severe consequences due to value chain disruptions (the COVID-related supply chain […]
Organization Design: Stop Drawing Boxes Before Defining the Why
How many times have you seen it? A company announces a reorganization, and suddenly, org charts are flying around like confetti. New reporting lines are drawn, roles are redefined, and names are shuffled – all before anyone has clearly articulated the strategic priorities driving these changes. I’ve seen this happen repeatedly throughout my career, and […]
Why Process Stability Is a Prerequisite for Lean Six Sigma Projects
Before you launch your next Lean Six Sigma project, ask yourself one critical question: Is the process stable? In our latest article, we break down why process stability is essential before pursuing any performance improvements — and what it really means for a process to be “in control.” From control charts to real-world industry examples, […]
Is Service Integration and Management (SIAM) right for you? A comprehensive guide based on my outsourcing experience
Purpose of this article: To explain Service Integration and Management (SIAM), explore its benefits and drawbacks, identify suitable use cases. Introduction The global IT outsourcing market is expected to increase by 9,3% in 2025 compared to 2024 (Gartner) This growth is fuelled by the constant pressure on expenses, the rapid pace of digital transformation especially […]
Successfully managing end user workplace services: Key components for mid-sized companies
Is your mid-sized company (100-999 employees) struggling to manage end-user workplace services? You’re not alone! From scalability to security, we’ve seen it all. Here’s our battle-tested guide to navigating the top challenges and maximizing your IT ROI. Learn the Do’s and Don’ts to transform your workplace and empower your teams and businesses. This guide is […]
Don’t Fall Down the Rabbit Hole: Mastering Define and Measure in DMAICV
With 15 years of experience as a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, we’ve seen firsthand how critical the Define and Measure phases are to successful process improvement using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology. While the urge to jump directly to the “Improve” stage is strong, neglecting these foundational steps often leads […]
M&A Success: A 25-Year Veteran’s Guide to Vision, Culture, and Avoiding Integration Pitfalls
Over the past 25 years, I’ve been directly involved in seven acquisitions, two carve-outs, and one spin-off. These experiences have offered deep insights into what makes M&A successful—and what can lead to disappointment or even failure. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about people, culture, and a clearly defined vision. In this article, I […]
The Hidden Price of “Do More With Less”: Combating IT Team Burnout and Resentment/Passive aggressiveness
We all know the drill: relentless pressure to cut costs, especially in IT. It’s the mantra of today’s competitive landscape. But what if this constant squeeze is costing us more than it saves? I’ve seen firsthand how this never-ending quest for efficiency, particularly during outsourcing renewals, can backfire, leaving teams exhausted, demoralized, and, frankly, a […]
How Competence and Clarity are Foundational for Successful Project Management
In the realm of project management, empowerment is often elevated to a supreme virtue. Leaders are encouraged to distribute decision-making authority throughout their organizations, fostering a culture of autonomy and innovation, particularly within Agile methodologies. However, as L. David Marquet aptly illustrates in his insightful work, Turn the Ship Around!, empowerment without competence can lead […]
