The starting and ending point of VII Consulting’s engagement and model is the client. To this end, our consulting framework is constructed around a number of dynamic stages, each of which emphasizes a different aspect within the solution providing life cycle. Within each stage is a set of sub-elements, diagnostics, tools and outcomes that are used to drive the overall process. These all come together to form the total framework of our client solution and engagement. Each of the stages can be undertaken independently, jointly, or in parallel with each other.

Central to our consulting process is that the outcome of the engagement must deliver sustainable value to the client. Each of the phases is designed to ensure that the eventual solutions and recommendations deliver value that is sustainable. The seven stages are:

• Client: Define their perception of their business environment, their business strategy and goals, the final outcome desired and influencing factors, the roles of people involved, the current situation and the problems within the situation. This stage delivers an understanding of the client, the people, the situation and the problem.
• Clarify: Determine the nature, scope and detail of the issues and problems that need to be addressed. The stage looks at the dynamics and interdependencies of complex problems, and identifies key factors, drivers, and blockers both internally and externally. It also explores risks of strategy. The primary question is to understand “what is going on”.
• Create: Critically develop a solution that is measured against clear success criteria taking a divergent view to find possible options. Identifies course of actions and solutions, their compatibility, and against business priorities.
• Change: It is imperative to understand and manage the fundamental aspects that drive and underpin the change process of the solution.
  Confirm: This is an engagement process that ensures that the change(s) has taken place using quantitative and qualitative measures. In essence, is the change delivering the desired value?
• Continue: For the change and solution to be sustainable, learning from the transition and knowledge and skills must be shared.
  Close: The engagement is ended and the added value is revisited and re-emphasised. Further actions, if any, are discussed