WHO WE ARE
b.effect is a process and project management consultancy that specialises in guiding software and technology organisations to achieve sustainable productivity and excellence by creating a culture of awareness and constant refinement. We use agile-inspired principles to develop completely customised, fit-for-purpose processes and solutions that help pave the way from where you are now to where you want to be.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
THERE ARE PLENTY OF QUALIFIED AGILE CONSULTANTS OUT THERE, SO WHAT MAKES B.EFFECT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?
WE’RE MORE THAN AGILE
Our solutions are founded on Agile principles, but we’re far from married to a single methodology. We’re problem solvers, not evangelists, and pure Agile methods aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. We prefer to approach challenges with an open mind and a creative outlook to design fit-for-purpose solutions that gel with your organisation’s culture and teams.
WE’RE CULTURE-DRIVEN
The IT industry is competitive, and unhappy teams don’t stick around. That’s why we put huge amounts of thought into the people and personalities that we deal with. Every transformation is designed to minimise bottlenecks and pesky pain points, and create positive momentum that keeps your team inspired, fulfilled and excited for the future.
WE’RE TRANSFORMATIVE
Like a pebble dropped in a pond, small actions can have monumental consequences for the growth and productivity of your organisation. Catching negative habits before the ripples spread is a key part of b.effect’s service, but it’s in transforming these habits into positive and proactive behaviour that our value really shines.
WE’RE IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL
“Hit-and-Run” is not our style. When it comes to transformation, old habits die hard, and we like to make sure our fixes stick. Don’t worry – that doesn’t mean we’ll be in your hair 24/7, we just prefer to be on hand to nudge teams and managers back on course if they pick up a speed wobble.
“You have been created with the ability to change the world. Every single choice you make … every single action you take … matters. But remember, the converse is also true. Every choice you do not make … every action you do not take … matters just as much.”
~Andy Andrews. The Lost Choice~
challenges we solve
Every organisation has its own, unique challenges. There is no silver bullet, and solutions are never a one-size-fits-all kind of game. These are a few of the most common issues our clients ask us to weigh in on. If you have a specific challenge or solution you’d like to chat about, please get in touch!
DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTIVITY IS SLOW AND/OR UNPREDICTABLE
Delivery timelines are essential from an operations and marketing perspective, but deadlines are notoriously inaccurate.
By improving the planning process, changing the way tasks are quantified, and focusing on total throughput rather than day estimates, we can very successfully improve the predictability – and speed – of development delivery.
IT’S DIFFICULT TO TRACK WHAT TEAMS ARE DOING
To optimise productivity, avoid duplication and deliver full value to your customers, you need to be able to see an overview of team commitments and ongoing progress.
To give you the visibility you need, where you need it (and get you front row seats to watch our transformation take effect), we can help select and set up the most suitable tools to track key measurables from every department.
THE CODE HAS MORE BUGS THAN THE RAINFOREST
There are a number of reasons teams could be underdelivering on quality. Poorly-defined requirements, unachievable deadlines, and commitments based on unrealistic estimates are just a few. By reassessing all the processes involved, from pre-spec all the way through to deployment, we can minimise the incentive to cut corners and address any bad habits creeping in.
The results usually include drastically improved code quality, increased throughput, and a better collaborative environment that encourages team growth and ownership.
KEY STAFF ARE LEAVING
You can’t ignore the influence of the proverbial paycheque when it comes to staff retention, but job satisfaction can be an equally powerful motivator. That’s why b.effect puts such emphasis on aligning our solutions with your organisation’s culture and values – we want your teams to feel engaged and excited by their roles and contributions to the bigger picture.
Give them a cohesive, purposeful and fulfilling workplace, and they’ll give you loyalty in return.
MANAGEMENT IS TOO BUSY FIGHTING FIRES TO DRIVE CHANGE
The technology industry is an adapt-or-die kind of field. Stagnation is the fastest way to become irrelevant. When management is too busy fighting fires to see through the smoke however, it’s difficult to plan ongoing improvements.
We like to tackle this challenge from both sides of the equation: the behaviours and processes that are causing the fires, and the management techniques used to deal with – and prevent – them. Once that transformation is on a positive trajectory, we also teach leaders the most effective ways to introduce change within their specific teams so they can keep up the improvement cycle long after our involvement is concluded.
CONTACT US
Excited to begin your transformation? So are we! Get in touch and we can discuss your goals in more detail. Mail to ripple@beffect.co.za or, if you prefer a personal touch, give us a ring on 081 030 5066 or 082 538 3422.