How we work
Engagement models
The right commercial model depends on who directs the work, who is accountable for the result and how certain the scope is. Here are the eight we work with, and a short tool to help you narrow the choice.
The eight models
-
Staff augmentation
Qualified professionals work under the customer’s project direction.
-
Managed project delivery
The consulting organization is responsible for agreed deliverables under a defined scope.
-
Statement of work
A contractual engagement defining scope, deliverables, responsibilities, acceptance criteria and commercial terms.
-
Time and materials
Delivery based on agreed resource rates and actual authorized effort.
-
Fixed-price project
A defined scope delivered for an agreed commercial amount, subject to change control.
-
Dedicated delivery team
A stable team assigned to a customer’s defined technology initiative.
-
Managed services
Ongoing services governed by defined responsibilities, operating procedures and applicable service agreements.
-
Hybrid delivery
A combination of onsite, remote and contractually authorized distributed delivery.
Which model should we discuss?
Six questions. You get one to three models worth talking about, with the reasons. Your answers stay in your browser.
This tool runs in your browser and needs JavaScript. Without it, contact us and we will walk through the same questions with you.
Side by side
| Model | Who directs the work | Who is accountable for results | How it is usually priced | Fits when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff augmentation | You | You | Rate by time | You have the plan and need skills |
| Managed project delivery | Us, with your decisions | Us, for agreed deliverables | Fixed price or rates | You want one party accountable for the outcome |
| Time and materials | Shared, depending on the arrangement | Shared. You approve effort. | Rates by actual effort | Scope is likely to change |
| Fixed-price project | Us | Us, within the scope | Agreed amount, change control | Scope is clear and stable |
| Dedicated delivery team | You set direction, the team lead manages | Shared | Monthly team rate | A long initiative with a steady roadmap |
| Managed services | Us, under procedures | Us, under the agreement | Recurring fee | Systems are live and need steady care |
| Hybrid delivery | Depends on the arrangement | Depends on the arrangement | Combined | You need onsite presence and distributed capacity |
A statement of work is the contract that sets these terms. It can sit under any of the models above. Each engagement is different, and the written terms decide.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between augmentation and managed project delivery?
In augmentation you direct the work and own the result. In managed project delivery we are responsible for agreed deliverables under a scope, with acceptance criteria.
Can we combine models?
Yes. A common pattern is a fixed-price discovery phase, followed by time and materials for the build, then managed services for support.
When is fixed price a bad idea?
When the scope is likely to change. Both sides then spend their effort arguing about change requests.
Do you offer all eight?
We discuss which fit your situation. Some, such as managed services, depend on the type of system. We tell you plainly when something is not a fit.
Is the tool a quote?
No. It suggests models to discuss. Quotes come from a scoped conversation.
Related
-
Implementations and migrations
How we take responsibility for complex transformation programs: twelve migration types, a seven-stage method and the deliverables you receive at each stage.
-
Workforce solutions
Contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire talent, staff augmentation, dedicated teams, MSP and VMS support and technical screening.
-
Managed services
Ongoing support for applications, ERP, cloud and infrastructure under agreed scope, hours and reporting.
Tell us which of these is you
I need a technology project delivered
Describe the system, the change and the timeline. A technical lead replies to talk about scope.
Discuss a projectI need to hire technical talent
Send the role, headcount and start date. A recruiter confirms the details before sourcing starts.
Request talentMy systems may be at risk
Ask for an assessment, a penetration test or help fixing findings. Under attack now? Call.
Speak with a security expert