A good IT strategy brings energy, clarity and alignment to an IT Function, enabling a superior contribution to the wider business. However, the IT strategy definition process can be challenging. For example, the wider business strategy may be in flux or there may be conflicting views on key issues such as levels of IT spend and outsourcing.
Berkeley’s approach to IT Strategy
The Berkeley difference
The Berkeley approach to IT Strategy differs from that of other consulting firms. Berkeley’s differentiating features are:
- Experienced consultants – Berkeley consultants typically have between 7 and 25 years’ experience – consultants who “hit the ground running” and start to add value very quickly, and who can provide valuable insight and judgement based on experience elsewhere, rather than simply following a cookbook approach.
- Combining strategy and delivery skills – It is widely recognised that most IT strategies fail not through design but through execution. Berkeley consultants bring a strong combination of both IT strategy and delivery skills – Berkeley’s philosophy is that the two should not be divorced. So Berkeley consultants will help challenge and validate client thinking, such that not only is the strategy based on robust commercial assumptions but that it is practical to deliver. Ivory-tower approaches and overly academic solutions are not Berkeley hallmarks.
- Not overwhelming with large teams – Typically Berkeley provides just one or two consultants to work as part of the client team in developing the IT strategy, guiding the client through the process through the provision of structure, challenge and insight. In this way, ownership of the thinking and control of the process remains clearly with the client - they do not feel that the strategy is being ‘done to them’, but that they are developing it for themselves.
- Independence – Berkeley have no associations or alliances with any organisations. We don’t offer any IT outsourcing, Systems Integration or Software Development services. You can be sure that the only agenda we have is the client’s agenda, unencumbered by any consideration other than acting in the client’s best interests.
- Quality – At the heart of what Berkeley do, quality starts by recruiting the best people through stringent recruitment processes. Berkeley then build quality in through the way they work and through their internal assurance and support processes. Berkeley’s exceptional reputation for the quality of its work is evidenced by the very high level of repeat business, at over 95%.
Can Berkeley Help?
Are you about to embark on a strategy definition? Are you re-shaping an IT function in response to a change in business strategy or context? Or is your IT function under pressure to outsource but the rationale for outsourcing seems confused? If so, Berkeley may be able to help. If you would like to talk through the challenges you face, you can contact Berkeley at strategy@berkeleypartnership.com.
If you would like to learn more about Berkeley's approach to IT Strategy please take our quick online IT Strategy Health Check which explores the key points which underpin a successful IT Strategy.
Examples of Berkeley's work
The biggest compliment clients can and do pay Berkeley is that they keep coming back. In fact, over 95% of the consultancy’s work comes from repeat business. So not only do Berkeley’s clients see the results they want, but they clearly enjoy the journey. Read more about Berkeley’s IT Strategy work:
"Working with Berkeley was fun, interesting, challenging and ultimately incredibly useful. Berkeley's no-nonsense approach brought clarity to some of our most complex business strategy challenges. Their advice was always considered, frank, constructive and informed by their experience, and has helped ensure that our strategy can be implemented rather than sit on a shelf."
Chris Gardner, Executive Director, IT, PRS for Music