Projects and Assignments
Acquisition Target Reviews
Multiple Private-Equity-backed Businesses
Building on 10+ years of technical due diligence activity, Cogitant has developed a service offer with partner Beyond M&A providing early-stage analysis of acquisition targets for private equity buyers. These Outside-In reviews provide a quick non-intrusive analysis of targets across business, operating model and technology dimensions, based on public domain information only, and without involvement of the target. These reviews provide an initial assessment of technology deployed, information security posture, and high-level risks. In addition, review output provides valuable insight when conducting more detailed due diligence directly with the target.
During 2023 Cogitant completed ~15 studies on behalf of multiple client organisations and in multiple business sectors.
Solar JV - Equity Purchase
Major International Energy Business
Cogitant supported an in-depth review of digital technology deployed by this solar farm developer and operator. The review included the general digital landscape supporting international operations, cybersecurity strengths and weaknesses, and compliance with applicable power generation regulattions.
Increasing Equity Stake in Business
Energy Major
Cogitant helped this client assess risks and opportunities around providing additional funding to a novel geothermal energy business looking to expand its operations.
Review of International Biogas business
Global Energy Business
Cogitant led a technical due diligence review of a potential acquisition involving a start-up business active in the supply of biogas and with ambitious international growth plans. The review considered aspects of Operations Technology used in the biogas plants as well as the general IT landscape, and included the target business's technology suppliers. Cogitant completed an external permiter review as part of the investigation.
Power Generation Asset Review
Energy Business
Helped this client review a complex and large-scale set of power generation assets being considered for purchase as part of an energy transition strategy. A high level of sensitivity around deal secrecy within the target organisation limited the review scope to data room documents only. Cogitant helped the client understand the most significant technology-related risks associated with the plans based on this limited information.
Major International Energy Company
Due Diligence review
Cogitant worked with this client to help evaluate a potential investment in a technology-driven B2C services business. The review included analysis of data room contents and a series of meetings with the target's technology team. A non-invasive outside-in review provided some additional insight for discussion with the target team. The final report detailed challenges identified with the business operating model as well as with elements of the technology platform.
Creating a new Market Leader
Two Global Energy Majors
Cogitant was called in to lead a bilateral evaluation process key to the formation of a new Joint Venture between two of the world's leading energy businesses. Mike built trust with technical and management teams from both organisations and led an impartial and collaborative review of technology options for the new JV. As part of a small 'clean team' he conducted a structured review and analysis of Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS) technologies deployed by both partners, building concensus for a joint decision on the best approach for the JV. The JV agreement was signed in March 2023 and became fully operational in December.
Major International Energy Company
Due Diligence reviews
Cogitant worked at pace to establish key risks and areas for further due diligence from a very large body of Data Room evidence presented by the seller of this European energy distribution business. Findings were collated and reported back to the deal team for inclusion in early-stage negotiations.
Architectural Design and Technology Business
OSINT and Outside-in Review
Cogitant completed a short review of this architectural modelling and 3D visualisation tools business on behalf of a partner business providing due diligence to a prospective buyer. The review provided insight into organisational history and culture as well as technologies deployed. A non-invasive outside-in review provided some useful information about the target business's approach to information security and data privacy.
Major International Energy Company
Due Diligence review
Cogitant worked with a small client team to complete technology due diligence on this green energy trading business. The activity included reviewing extensive VDR content, arranging and managing expert sessions, and a visit to the business's headquarters to meet staff and review IT arrangements. A short non-invasive outside-in review provided some additional insight for discussion with the target, and risks and suggested remediations were noted in a detailed report.
Major International Energy Company
Due diligence on multiple potential acquisition targets in Asia
Cogitant worked with a local client team to complete due diligence on a number of strategically important acquisitions in the Electric Vehicle charging and battery-swapping space. Reviews included consideration of local information security and regulations for the management of critical infrastructure, including China's Multi-Level Protection Scheme MLPS.
Major International Energy Company
Preparation of sales and VDR materials
Cogitant worked with a strictly limited group of in-the-know client staff to research and prepare IT landscape descriptions supporting the marketing of a significant collection of downstream assets. The information was incorporated into a Confidential Information Memorandum for the assets and published via the project Virtual Data Room.
Major International Energy Company
Supply chain partner review
Cogitant completed a short due diligence exercise reviewing IT, OT and information security position of this supply chain and prospective JV partner in West Africa. The report published identified risks and remediations.
Preparation of Materials Suppoting Sale Process
Energy Major
Information describing how digital technologies support mature business assets is not always readily available or in a form suitable for communication with prospective buyers. Since 2009 Cogitant has been helping this client prepare upstream and downstream assets for sale by collating information from multiple sources, managing audit and discovery tasks as needed, and packaging information in a concise and understandable form to support the sale process. In this case the assets were complex and split across multiple sites.
Major International Energy Company
Review of potential partner's marketplace / IoT platform
Cogitant assisted with this review of the technology behind a prospective JV partner's product and services marketplace and vehicle telemetry (IoT) solution. Working closely with a wider team from the client and target organisations, the review centred on platform scalability, security, and suitability for development into a full SaaS solution.
Major International Energy Company
Due Diligence review of IT and OT landscapes
Cogitant led a technology DD review considering IT and OT assets and approaches within this owner / operator of multiple power generation and grid management assets. The review included analysis of VDR contents, some initial OSINT and outside-in review, and then organisation and management of expert sessions with the target's IT team. Mike joined a visit to a production site to meet staff and review physical arrangements and inventory. Findings were documented and presented to the client team and Mike joined discussions with the group CISO about review findings.
Private Equity Buyer
Specialist Technology-enabled Recruitment Business
Cogitant contributed to this partner-led due diligence activity on behalf of a private equity buyer. Mike's contribution centred on an outside-in technology and OSINT review of the target business, identifying information about the underlying technologies deployed as well as some important supplier dependencies and relationships. These early findings helped direct discussions during the due diligence process to a satisfactgory conclusion. The acquisition completed successfully in June 2022.
Private Equity Buyer
Review of Large International eCommerce Business
Cogitant contributed an outside-in information security review and an OSINT analysis to this partner's due diligence activities, as well as contributing to the final report issued to the prospective private equity investor. The study identified cultural and tecnical issues that contributed to higher-than-expected levels of technical debt and performance limitations, in addition to information security issues and risks arising from inadequate admin processes.
Major International Energy Company
Biofuels Manufacturer
Cogitant reviewed the IT in use within this renewable energy business and its parent company, as part of a prospective acquisition. Activities included review of Virtual Data Room content, leading technical deep-dive meetings with the target and parent, and producing a short assessment report.
Major International Energy Company
Energy Industry Service Provider with Advanced Technologies
Cogitant completed due diligence on this acquisition target based on virtual data room content and expert sessions held with the client's and target's technologists. Topics under review included cloud platform development, autonomous vehicle design and operation, and machine learning for image recognition and analysis. Cogitant's key contribution was to identify the nature and maturity of technology actually deployed, as well as to assess the quality and feasibility of roadmaps presented.
Major International Energy Company
Strategic JV with Major Offshore Wind Energy Partner
Cogitant supported this client's early discussions with a potential partner in the Offshore Wind sector. Meetings allowed the parties to share and understand IT approaches and capabilities and build confidence in ability to work together on major infrastructure investment projects. A JV was formed and announced in March 2022.
Major International Energy Company
EV Charging Business Acquisition
Early-stage technology due diligence on a potential acquisition target.
Major International Energy Company
US-based EV Charging Business Acquisition
Cogitant took an active role in technology due diligence for this fleet EV charging technology business acquisition. Mike worked with the client's team to analyse Virtual Data Room content and organised expert sessions with the target's CTO and team, publishing a detailed report to client management. The acquisition completed successfully at the end of 2021.
Major International Energy Company
International refinery options
As part of this client's review of downstream refining assets, Cogitant prepared detailed IT inventory information for multiple sites to support options appraisal work.
Major International Energy Company
EV Battery Swap Business
Market-specific factors in China mean that battery swapping for 4-wheelers is progressing alongside EV charging routes, especially for fleet electrification. Cogitant supported this client's local and international teams to understand the digital capabilities and risks associate with investment in this target business. Acquisition of a joint-venture stake completed in November 2021.
Major International Energy Company
Supporting Carve-out and Sale of a European Fuels Retail Business
Cogitant supported the early stages of this complex business carve-out and sale. The target business formed a small but integrated part of the client's European downstream organisation, and Mike's analysis and documentation of the IT landscape helped shape the divestment approach. Mike also helped onboard of the project delivery team and provided guidance as plans progressed. The sale was agreed in September 2021 and is expected to complete early in 2022.
Major International Energy Company
EV Charging Technology Business
Cogitant completed early-stage technology due diligence on this EV charging technology business.
Major International Energy Company
Critical Review of Partner Documentation
In this project Cogitant's client was the non-operating partner in a joint venture downstream business that the partners were looking to sell. The operating partner and their consultants had responsibility for preparaing documentation supporting the sale, including description of the IT and OT landscapes. Mike reviewed the documentation, performed some independent analysis of the assets and worked with the authors to improve the accuracy and the effectiveness of the documents.
Major International Energy Company
Upstream Joint Venture Options
Cogitant provided a short analysis of actions and consequences associated with options to withdraw from a series of upstream joint ventures.
Major International Energy Company
Documentation of Upstream JV Assets
Cogitant analysed and documented IT assets associated with one of this client's upstream Joint Ventures, as part of discussions with partners about future JV strategy.
Major International Energy Company
Divestment Options Analysis
Cogitant's analysis of IT landscapes supported client discussions around a number of different divestment scenarios being considered.
Major International Energy Company
Buying into an EV technology JV with Leading Car Manufacturers
Cogitant helped this client complete due diligence on an Electric Vehicle charging technology business, prior to successfully buying a substantial stake. Technology DD had a broad and significant scope in this project, as the target's products and services were all digital in nature. Mike completed initial information gathering and review of materials presented in a Virtual Data Room by the target, before engaging directly with the target's technology team and business leadership. Mike co-ordinated efforts with other client team members and prepared a comprehensive due diligence report, detailing risk areas and potential mitigation approaches. The deal was approved and completed in March 2021.
Major International Energy Company
Sales process support
Cogitant prepared documentation supporting the successful sale of this small retail and b2b fuels business, presenting IT landscape information supporting buyer due-diligence processes. The sale completed successfully in January 2021.
Major International Energy Company
Supporting Sale of a 5 Billion USD Petrochemicals Business
Cogitant played an important early role in preparing this $5 billion division of a major international energy company for sale. Working to very tight timescales and with limited access to experts within the target business, Mike compiled and presented IT landscape information supporting the buyer's due-diligence process and activities. He also supported the client in pre- and post-signing discussions with the buyer, and helped build initial transition plans and approach.
Post-announcement Mike helped onboard a full team of client and third-party resources, providing advice and guidance to the programme director and leadership team. During the execution phase Mike stepped in as needed to provide project data and analysis for steering board discussions, and to help unscramble and prioritise the complex and challenging requirements around license novation and transfers. The transaction completed without disruption to business operations on 31 December 2020.
Major International Energy Company
Sales process support and disintegration planning
Cogitant helped this client prepare a retail business for sale, presenting IT landscape information to potential buyers and developing an IT dis-integration and transition plan. Further details of the project remain confidential as terms could not be agreed for the sale.
Major International Energy Company
Due Diligence and integration planning
In addition to completing a due diligence review of the potential counterparty, Mike assisted the business team identify and analyse sources of value associated with the proposed joint venture, and used this analysis to develop a prioritised transition plan and budget for IT.
International Fortune 500 Utilities and Energy Business
Innovation Framework for Board Discussion
Cogitant developed a simple framework for use in a Board workshop on innovation approaches and processes. The framework included concepts of replication, translation and transformation, setting current activities in context and providing a stimulation to further exploration and discovery.
Major International Energy Company
Pre-sale information analysis and publication
Building on earlier work, Cogitant developed documents describing the IT landscape associated with a set of offshore business assets. Using this material, Mike supported initial discussions with the prospective buyer covering potential asset transfers and transition planning. The sale was completed in January 2020.
International Fortune 500 Utilities and Energy Business
Preparing an IT update for Board presentation
Working with the CIO of this large and complex international business, Cogitant prepared a pre-read and presentation slide deck covering information security, risk management and organisational change topics for discussion with the client's Board Audit Committee. Key challenges included presenting technical topics (AD consolidation, cloud adoption, IT risks and mitigations) and complex data (skills and staffing, infrastructure statistics) in meaningful and enlightening ways to a critical but non-technical audience.
Major International Energy Company
Due Diligence and Planning for a new 2 billion USD Joint Venture Business
Cogitant has worked over an extended period with this client preparing and reviewing plans for a Joint Venture to be undertaken with a major international player, one of the largest businesses in India. The initial JV scope included fuels retail and aviation activities, building on existing upstream relationships between the parties. Mike built a detailed picture of the counterparty's existing business and IT activities based on Virtual Data Room contents and other sources. He also participated in due diligence visits to the counterparty's offices and sites, reviewing materials collected and preparing reports for the client.
Heads of Agreement were signed in August 2019, with the first in a series of detailed business agreements being signed in December 2019. The new JV business moved into live operation in July 2020.
Major International Energy Company
Simultaneous sell-side and buy-side Due Diligence
Cogitant's client was seeking to create a new Joint Venture business in a highly fragmented market, based on a combination of its own bioenergy business assets and those of a competitor. Working initially with minimal access to IT teams in either business, Mike developed the sell-side IT prospectus for the client's business, alongside analysing information about the counterparty from public domain sources and their virtual data room. Working with multiple information sources, Mike built a detailed overview of IT assets in both businesses, preparing the way for development of JV legal transaction documents and initial IT transition plans.
The deal completed with the launch of the new JV business in December 2019
Major International Energy Company
Building a Robust Software Inventory and Advising on Negotiation Approach
This client intended to divest its stake in a long-standing JV. While not the JV operator, it had over a long period provided the JV with rights to use software under subsidiary clauses in its corporate agreements. Under the plans to diivest, our client needed to account for the licensing position in detail, and arrange to pass on to the JV partner and / or counterparty any rights that were deemed "belonging to the JV". Cogitant's task was a complex analytical one, taking large volumes of unstructured data in the form of spreadsheets, reports and emails spanning a 20-year period and distilling them into a coherant view of the current position and recommendations for action.
Having provided the negotiation and procurement teams with a secure evidence-based position to work from, Mike also supported the negotiations taking place at local level. The divestment completed successfully in October 2019.
International Fortune 500 Utilities and Energy Business
Preparing Board-level briefing on proposed cyber-security governance
Cogitant worked with the VP for Information Technology to prepare a short Board update covering proposals to update cyber-security organisation and processes.
Energy Client Lecture for Ivy-League University
Developing an Information Security Lecture for Presentation to MBA Students
Cogitant was commissioned to develop a one-hour lecture for delivery to MBA students as part of the Risk Management curriculum at one of the USA's top universities. The content included a broad introduction to the topic along with a series of case-study examples and best practices for managing cyber-security risks.
International Fortune 500 Utilities and Energy Business
Preparing IT Strategy Presentation for Exec and Senior Management Annual Conference
Cogitant worked with the VP for Information Technology and team to produce a keynote presentation on IT strategy for a corporate senior management conference. Mike prepared a coherent and visually appealing set of slides summarising work previously undertaken with the client, and showcasing two success stories associated with global sharing of knowledge and capabilities in a largely federal organisation.
Major International Energy Company
Adapting and Applying Due Diligence approach for a new type of business
Cogitant was engaged from the earliest stages of evaluating this electric vehicle charging technology and services business. Mike studied the target business and developed a due diligence approach reflecting the business model and activities, many of which were new to the client organisation. As management of an extensive charging point network and relationships with EV owners formed an important part of the value in the deal, Information Technology matters had high focus and visibility throughout the pre-sale and pre-completion phases. Scope of work included IT standards, policies and procedures as well as technologies deployed, with particular emphasis on digital security. As the client's first acquisition post GDPR implementation deadline there was also addition focus on approach to personal data privacy. The deal completed slightly ahead of plan in July 2018.
High-growth Service Provider to the Pharmaceutical Industry
Choosing a New Infrastructure Service Provider
Cogitant provided process, commercial and subject matter expertise to support an infrastructure services RFP and selection process for this client. Mike helped develop a robust RFP document and contributed to the list of suppliers to be approached. He worked with the client IT team to review and rate prospective suppliers and proposals through the shortlisting and formal evaluation stages, and sat as part of the final selection panel. He supported the CIO and team in contract review and commercial negotiation stages, helping secure a sound agreement on reasonable terms. The contract was awarded in February 2018.
International Fortune 500 Utilities and Energy Business
Briefing Corporate Execs on technology developments and new strategy
Cogitant worked with the VP for Information Technology to refine thinking around a new cloud-first infrastructure strategy, and prepare materials for the Board-level audience. Mike then developed pre-read and presentation materials for the meeting explaining the proposed technology and organisational approach to move towards infrastructure harmonisation and better sharing of scarce resources across the group. The presentation was well received and proposed approaches endorsed.
Major International Energy Company
Pre-sale information publication and project initiation with buyer
Cogitant collated information from multiple sources and prepared IT documentation to support the sale process for this offshore asset sale. Mike met with the prospective buyer before and after signing to discuss IT applications, infrastructure and communication system associated with the asset, and to review transition options and plans.
International Fortune 500 Utilities and Energy Business
Promoting Enterprise-wide Optimisation of IT
Cogitant worked with the newly appointed Vice President for IT to develop and publish an IT strategy document for Corporate Board discussion. The document introduced opportunity areas across applications, infrastructure and organisation, promoting and leading constructive discussion about proposed changes to structure and approach. A simple conceptual model based on Jeanne Ross's work on process architectures was introduced to support global / local discussion in a currently decentralised international business.
International Fortune 500 Utilities and Energy Business
Providing Current, Relevant Information Security Briefing
Cogitant developed a tailored information security briefing to help improve levels of awareness and understanding within the client organisation's management team. The briefing drew on a combination of actual client experiences and risks, set against the external threat landscape. Risks and consequences were illustrated via three relevant case studies, and practical risk-based steps to mitigate threats on an ongoing basis were presented.
Major International Energy Company
Pre-signing due diligence study of prospective Asian fuels retail JV partner
Cogitant led an IT DD investigation of this prospective JV partner based initially on public domain and data room information. Mike prepared the agendas, briefing and information collection documents that supported a series of discussions with partner and client teams, culminating in a visit to the partner's head office and fuel retail facilities. Mike also prepared first-order IT build cost estimates for the new JV business for inclusion in investment decision support documents. The JV agreement was signed in April 2017.
Major International Energy Company
Early-stage preparation of IT landscape documentation for two large upstream divestments
During the early stages of preparation for marketing and sale, Cogitant collated and analysed information from multiple sources to develop an accurate picture of the IT landscape supporting two large collections of upstream business assets. These collections were marketed separately and ultimately sold to different buyers. The business scope of each sale included offshore platforms, onshore processing and storage, and onshore / offshore pipeline networks. The divestments involved multiple equity stakes and transfer of operatorship responsibilities.
Cogitant's analysis and documentation was used to support discussions with prospective bidders, and to inform client discussions around likely transition costs and complexity during the early stages of the projects. The knowledge base provided a good foundation for the client project teams assembled to execute the dis-integration and transition projects, which both concluded successfully in 2017. Mike continued to provide subject matter expertise and guidance to the execution teams and conducted an independent Post-Implementation-Review for one of the projects.
Major International Energy Company
Due diligence, transition planning and negotiation
From initial research and data room analysis through to commercial negotiations and legal documents review, Cogitant played an important part in preparing IT-related parts of this bid to acquire a 1 billion GBP fuel retail network. Cogitant's responsibilities included:
- Seller and target research - IT landscape, capabilities.
- Analysis of business and IT information available via data room; driving IT Q&A process; preparing and presenting analysis, risks.
- Development and refinement of cost models for integration and ongoing operating costs, as input to business valuation. Monte Carlo simulation modelling uncertainties.
- Review of transition and integration options and plans with local and global IT teams.
- Due diligence reviews with seller IT teams & preparation of reports for client
- Modelling capex and opex impact on client organisation.
- Legal document review & mark-up.
- Transition services discussions and negotiations.
Major International Energy Company
Pre-sale information gathering for complex facility sale
Cogitant worked with the local IT team to prepare asset documentation for this petrochemicals facility sale. Mike supported initial transition planning and on-boarding of the project team manager charged with executing the complex separation project.
Major International Energy Company
Marketing, transition planning and Execution
Cogitant was engaged initially to support IT-related discussions with potential bidders for this major European oil terminal, and to assess the bidders' ability to execute in the client's required timeframe. Upcoming changes in regulation drove an aggressive timescale for completion, and so Cogitant was retained to work with both client and buyer teams to drive planning and execution of detailed and complex cut-over activities. The divestment completed successfully on time and with minimal disruption to operations.
High-growth Service Provider to the Pharmaceutical Industry
CEO / CFO advisory, IT staff mentoring
Cogitant has provided advice and guidance to the senior management team of this dynamic and rapidly growing Private Equity-backed pharma services organisation via a series of engagementsd. After providing some initial IT strategy guidance, Mike helped direct an infrastructure update project (VMWare-hosted SharePoint, Lync/S4B, laptop backup) and an audit of the incumbent IT supplier. Subsequent activities have included staff mentoring, CFO advisory and IT investment planning, budget preparation and spend tracking.
Following appointment of a new board-level innovation and technology director with IT accountability, Cogitant has helped with induction, organisational development and preparation of an infrastructure RFP.
Aviation Division of Major International Energy Company
Pre and post-acquisition planning and execution
Cogitant made a significant contribution to this successful acquisition and integration of fuelling activities at 80 airports across 7 European countries. Initial tasks included pre-bid due diligence - assessing both the IT needed to operate in-scope assets and the seller's ability to support the transition - and preparation of IT cost estimates for the acquisition. Cogitant worked with the client project team to evaluate and recommend a suitable transition approach and timeline for business integration. Following agreement of deal terms, Cogitant provided subject matter expertise and support to the client team, including insight into target business activities and technologies deployed, and analysis of target supply chain operations. Other contributions included IT spend tracking across the programme and appraisal of seller security arrangements associated with transition services.
A series of country-based projects transitioned target business operations to standard client processes and systems during 2015. The programme completed within time and budget without any disruption to airport operations. Performance of the acquired businesses exceeded expectations within the first year of operations.
Major International Energy Company
Pre-sale preparation for JV divestment and transition of operatorship
Cogitant prepared IT-related documentation for inclusion in the data room for this $500m sale, and supported the early stage discussions and Q&A process with bidders. The task required analysis and synthesis of information from multiple sources along with interviews and site visits. Mike supported initial transition planning and on-boarding of a full-time project manager responsible for execution.
Major International Energy Company
Divesting an offshore fibre optics telecoms business to a private equity-backed buyer
This offshore telecoms network was owned and operated by Cogitant's client - an oil major - providing services to its own platforms as well as to many other platform operators. Cogitant helped bridge the gap between technical and legal teams within the client organisation, preparing clear and concise documents describing in-scope assets. Mike worked with the legal team to draw up the complex set of agreements needed to support the sale and provide for and protect the client's interests as a future service user.
Age and accuracy of documentation raised some significant challenges as the project progressed, resolved by Mike's strong analytical, technical and detective abilities. Mike also represented client interests in technical and commercial discussions with the buyer, helping secure best value for the client and a smooth transition of business to the buyer.
Major International Energy Company
Supporting a Business Divestment and Restructuring Programme
Cogitant has supported successful completion of a significant multi-country business divestment and restructuring programme involving downstream LPG activities within one of the world's largest energy companies. The engagement involved guiding and supporting project teams preparing for and executing a diverse and complex set of technology, process and people-related changes across eight regional business units.
Cogitant's involvement began soon after the intention to restructure and divest businesses was made public. The engagement scope has included activities supporting preparation, bidder and buyer engagement, inventory and sale-scope agreement, along with overseeing planning and execution of divestment projects. Short lead-times between deal signing and completion were achieved through expedient risk and scenario-based planning and execution. Different approaches were needed for each business unit, reflecting the complex and heterogeneous systems landscapes and the differing needs of the 7 buyers involved. Each divestment in the programme completed on time, within budget and without business disruption.
€7 bn International Supply Chain Management Company
Development of an Applications Strategy based on Business Process Aspirations
Cogitant worked with divisional IT leadership to understand and document the business operating model being implemented as part of a major change programme, producing materials to support IT / business discussions around required applications landscape changes. The work included developing a rationale for change based on business process aspirations, depiction of the future state, and development of an application portfolio management approach to support a phased migration from a decentralised to a centralised applications landscape.
Leading UK University
Mitigating infrastructure-based business continuity risks
This 1994 group University needed to reduce its exposure to infrastructure-based risks and improve service levels. Cogitant provided a structured approach supporting the options analysis and decision-making processes, and supported development of a business case for new facilities that was approved by the University Executive Board IT subcommittee in late 2010. Mike represented the University IT function's interests during the design, build and commissioning phases of the development, and chaired the steering group overseeing migration of equipment and services to the new facility. The project successfully achieved risk mitigation goals and delivered live services early in 2012.
€7 bn International Supply Chain Management Company.
Comprehensive analysis of options for development and convergence of international datacentres
In this study Cogitant has worked with IT Management Board members and staff to identify and appraise options and scenarios for the improvement and convergence of an estate comprising c. 20 datacentres in more than a dozen countries. Mike provided technical and financial analysis as well as development of briefing papers and business case documents supporting the programme of capital investments required.
€7 bn International Supply Chain Management Company.
Producing consistent, high quality presentation material for use with prospective customers
IT solutions underpin every aspect of the services this company provides to its customers. Cogitant reviewed a range of historical internal and external communications materials and information, supplemented by discussions with key staff and developed a simple, coherent set of Powerpoint-based marketing materials. These presentations describe the services, solutions and underlying technologies used in a clear and consistent way and at a level of detail suitable for use with existing and prospective customers.
$2bn Division of International Energy Company
Supporting rational discussion of a proposed organisational change
Working with the divisional CIO, Cogitant developed a communications document that provided stakeholders with a clear and concise view of the proposed change in IT team roles and responsibilities, along with analysis of impact and risks.
$2bn Division of International Energy Company
Developing a Divisional IT Strategy
Building on a recently completed ERP strategy development activity, Cogitant extended the analysis across the remaining IT scope within the division. Working closely with the divisional CIO and regional IT managers, Mike collected divisional and country-level business and IT information for analysis, proposing a coherent set of programmes and plans based on strategic needs identified.
$2bn Division of International Energy Company
Developing an ERP landscape strategy and convergence plan
This international division of a much larger petrochemicals company had a disparate ERP landscape reflecting the division's history of acquisitions. Cogitant worked with the divisional CIO and business leadership team to develop and agree a strategy for future ERP systems deployment and use. Key activities undertaken included:
- Understanding existing organisational structures, processes, systems landscape components and capabilities.
- Identifying drivers for change including business strategy, IT solutions service life.
- Supporting rational discussion of local vs. global and divisional vs. corporate needs.
- Introducing a model to promote understanding of ERP and business process alignment needs.
- Defining essential and desirable characteristics of future ERP landscape.
- Identifying and evaluating alternative approaches to landscape maintenance and development.
- Developing and promoting recommendations for division and segment management discussion and approval.
€6 bn International Supply Chain Management Company.
Directing a review and planning exercise for a complex international systems development project
This international logistics company was seeking to identify how best to develop its portfolio of customer-facing supply-chain solutions, in line with developing business needs worldwide. The CIO engaged Cogitant to drive an efficient review and planning activity, working with his Applications Director and team. Mike directed the detailed review and planning activity involving client teams from the IT and business development teams in Europe, North America and Asia. He organised and managed seven parallel client-staffed workstreams each tasked with defining requirements and solution approaches in a particular scope area. Mike prepared updates and final recomendations for Board-level review, working with corporate finance to develop financial models for a number of different investment scenarios.
€6 bn International Supply Chain Management Company.
Analysing organisational, process and technical challenges driving systems availability issues
Ongoing service availability and performance issues with a critical warehouse management system were causing operational problems for one of this client's largest 3PL customers. Cogitant undertook a comprehensive review and analysis of people, process and technology associated with development and delivery of the service. The independent nature of the review allowed collection of candid views from participants which after moderation and analysis provided new insight into the origins and nature of the problems. Mike presented the findings to the CIO and VP responsible, and issued a detailed report including analysis and improvement recommendations.
€6 bn International Supply Chain Management Company
Developing a business case for replacement of a legacy customer-facing solution.
Cogitant worked with client teams from business development, finance and IT to understand and analyse options for the replacement of a an end-of-life customer-facing solution in a potentially high growth / high margin area of business. Mike identified and secured the information needed, performed technical and financial analysis on the data, and prepared business case documentation of a standard suitable for boardroom discussion and appraisal.
Leading UK University
Developing and presenting an impact analysis following a major structural change
This 1994 Group University had recently embarked on implementation of a new organisational structure to improve operational flexibility and efficiency. The plans involved changes to legal as well as organisational structures within the University. Cogitant worked with key stakeholders to understand and assess the potential impact of the changes on existing processes and systems, preparing and presenting a short paper on findings and recommendations to the CIO and then to the University's Executive Board IT subcommittee.
$8 bn Division of International Energy Company.
Board-level briefing on potential impact of IT on future business and business strategy
Cogitant developed a briefing paper and presentation to provoke and support discussion about how IT might enable and shape future business strategy. The material was presented by the CIO in an extended Board meeting and workshop where future company strategy was being discussed and developed. The presentation topics were selected through discussion with the CIO and his team, and included ERP opportunities, knowledge management, social networking, multi-channel customer interaction, supply chain engineering and RFID.
Leading UK University
Developing an IT Strategy and Action Plan
Cogitant worked with the CIO, IT management team and Executive Board members of this 1994 Group UK University to develop an IT strategy aligned with the University's vision, and addressing a series of operational and structural challenges faced by the team. Mike provided a structure and process for the development, analysed the as-is situation and key drivers for change, and proposed a programme of changes encompassing operating model and technology landscape. Mike supported the CIO in discussing the proposed strategy with stakeholders, and developed a draft action plan for the implementation of the recommendations made within the strategy.
€6 bn International Supply Chain Management Company.
Planning and facilitating a strategic risk management process for the IT Management Board
Worked with IT Management Board members individually to identify potential strategic risks, then prepared and facilitated a workshop session in which Board members reviewed and prioritised risks quickly and effectively using an automated polling system. Supported discussion and concensus-building via real-time analysis, and after the workshop supported development of risk mitigation plans.
€6 bn International Supply Chain Management Company.
Communication a new IT infrastructure strategy
This international logistics company has a history of growth by acquisition, and having established a global IT organisation was planning significant restructuring and rationalisation of its IT infrastructure. Cogitant worked with the Group CIO and Global Infrastructure VP to develop and publish a clear statement of the proposed strategy, suitable for communication with Board members and the company's private equity investors.
$8 bn Division of International Energy Company.
Directing and contributing to a refresh of IT strategy, and leading development of strategy and plan documents
Cogitant worked with the CIO and IT leadership team to refresh the division's IT strategy and plans, developing a clear, coherent and comprehensive set of documents supporting communication with stakeholder groups including Business Unit, sector and group executives. Key tasks included:
- Proposal and agreement of development approach and document frameworks.
- Collation and analysis of strategic business and IT drivers.
- Development of IT strategic responses and themes with client team.
- Production of a series of high quality documents describing strategies and plans, tailored to specific target audiences.
$8 bn Division of International Energy Company.
Advising on approach to IT performance scorecard development.
The IT department within this division was seeking to introduce a performance scorecard that would help drive improvements in efficiency and service levels. Cogitant produced and presented a short briefing paper for the CIO and leadership team providing background information, high-level implementation options and best-practice recommendations based on research and experience of similar activities.
€6 bn International Supply Chain Management Company.
Reviewing the operating model of a software development centre and recommending improvements
Cogitant was commissioned by the Group CIO to conduct a review of a 70-strong US-based software development and support centre that had suffered operational difficulties. The scope covered all aspects of the operating model within and surrounding the centre, including:
- Operational and governance processes
- Organisational design
- Roles and responsibilities
- Team culture
- Staff capabilities.
Mike conducted the review via a series of structured on-site workshops and 1:1 interviews with staff, using ITIL v3 as a reference model. He delivered a report detailing findings including strengths, successes and challenge areas, along with an assessment of process gaps and maturity . He presented the key findings and recommendations for improvements to the CIO and senior management.
World Top-5 University
Reviewing future IT skills needs
This Russell Group university was advising the government of a leading Gulf state on the development of IT education within the country's university sector. Mike provided independent advice and critical review of proposals that were under development, drawing on his industry knowledge and experience along with additional research and analysis work.