How much are your fees?
It depends on the nature of the project and the anticipated length of the engagement. A daily fee approach is usually agreed or possibly a fixed price contract so long as the scope and change control procedures are clearly defined. Daily rates can be lowered in relation to the length of the engagement.

What is the length of the contract that you tend to work?
It varies from a daily involvement to 1 year. Most projects are 3-6 months long and are then handed over to internal staff.

1. Often the internal Project Management skills within an organisation (especially in association with Knowledge Management) are not sufficient for a major project

2. There is sometimes a lack of experience with the different International cultures that are useful when trying to get things done. For example, the French work in a very different way from the Germans and from people in the US.

3. It is often easier for an external consultant to get an international team together and to function effectively.

Why is it easier for an external consultant to get an international team together and for it to function effectively?
Politics often get in the way internally. This is a fact of life in business. We would wish that weren't the case, but it often is. The best thing is to acknowledge this from the start. How many times has a project been started and not completed because staff have 'other things to do'? A consultant has no such baggage and is focussed entirely on the project objectives. People can see this, respect it and perform accordingly.

What expenses do you charge?
Those incurred in the execution of the project. These will be defined and agreed as part of the initial contract. A budget can be prepared when the scope of the project is defined.

When are you available?
I try to leave a certain 'white space' in the work that I do so that I can respond to short term requests, at least to attend a preliminary discussion about a project. Other than that please give me a call so we can discuss what's on your mind, 07976 951765. Usually after an initial discussion, a convenient start date can be mutually agreed.

Do you accept any project?
No. A project based in Singapore was recently rejected as it would cause too much conflict with present agreements. Certain projects can be set up and then passed to a junior project manager or the project management skills within the company can be assisted for a short period.

When do you get called in?
Nearly always too late! It is common to be contacted when it becomes clear to a company that they cannot manage the project. At this time a deadline is usually already agreed and there is little time to implement a full methodology. This reactive management is not good. Results will be obtained but the project is always neater in the detail when a good project management methodology can be implemented from the beginning.

What kind of work do you usually do?
Because of the breadth and depth of experience, a range of projects can be undertaken. These range from detailed Lotus Notes consultancy through to business process definition, business relocation, building refurbishment and web design and build. So long as the project is complex and frightens you then I can help!