We certify the supply chain processes of firms and also complete supply networks. For that certification, we use a threefold approach: We do an automatic check based on existing certifications such as ISO or DIN. Second, we interview relevant employees of the firms or the network, analyze that data, and derive existing issues. For a generalized statement, in a third step, we use questionnaires to generalize our hypotheses. The certification allows firms and supply networks to identify weaknesses and prepare their processes for the global competition.

Process:
The first step includes an upload of your certificates into our analysis tool. Duration for the 1st step is mostly around two weeks. We prepare a presentation for the management board, highlighting the major weaknesses and existing issues. This also includes a proposal for the second step, especially whom to interview and the duration of the second step.

Within the second step, we interview identified stakeholders using a semi-structured interview guideline. The analysis is done by with the help of code words converting qualitative data into quantitative data. The results are discussed within a workshop being hosted by the management board. Besides the management board, mostly, the 1st and 2nd level management participates. During that workshop, most relevant topics for the firm or network are identified for further investigation. Based on the results, the second step can also be defined as last point within a consulting project. In that case, a strategy and projects are the outputs of step 2. The duration mainly depends on the amount of interviews.

In case the firm or network wants to generalize the results, a third step can be added. The third step covers the development of a questionnaire based on identified issues within the first and second step. The third step is helpful in case many employees are involved within the investigated processes such as in a supply network. Findings on inter-relations and inter-dependencies can be tested and either validate or reject findings on the employees´ level as identified in the previous step on management level. The duration is between two months and four months.

Questions: certification@competitive-strategy.net

Remark to our methods:
The combination of our qualitative and quantitative approach ensure the coverage of relevant topics and issues within the firm or network, and generalize the findings in order to propose an appropriate strategy / advices.

In specific, a qualitative approach allows to control events, while it might capture only contemporary events. However, its strengths provides us with the ability to analyze multiple sources of evidence. The qualitative approach is enriched by our quantitative approach enabling us to test our hypotheses, solve conflicting statements, and test them for significance; thereby generalize findings, create value and an advantage for firms or networks.