The definition of ‘data’ can be pretty ambiguous. The thought of dealing with it can also be very overwhelming. As you read this, what is popping into your mind if you need to picture ‘data’? Is it a spreadsheet full of numbers or statistics generated by different computer coding languages? None of these is wrong, but data is more than that.
Finding the right data and utilising it can be a game-changer in many situations. With that being said, this article will walk you through the several types of data the consulting team at SYKE looks at, and how we collect it!
We collect and analyse both quantitative (usually numbers) and qualitative (often non-numerical) data to assist clients in achieve their objectives. Notably, qualitative data can be harder to analyse as it is not as black and white as quantitative data, especially when it involves an open-ended question or non-tangible metrics like perceptions.
To achieve the client’s objectives, such as implementing a CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management) solution, we collect data including their existing issues when dealing with contract management (CM), stakeholders’ expectations, challenges that are typically faced within the organisation, amount of time taken to deal with particular CM process etc.
Through the data that has been collected, we can have a better view of problems that our client is facing, leading to a tailored solution and approach. For example, a client may approach us with the request to implement a new legal front door to improve the legal matter management within the organisation. So, we must dive into the needs of our client, collecting the correct data to ensure that the best method of implementation and correct solution has been selected.
Hence, we will proceed to obtain opinions and concerns of the stakeholders (qualitative), quantitative data of the existing legal matter management work and other relevant factors depending on the project. And yes, you read it correctly – opinions and concerns can also be data… They fall under qualitative data and are crucial for the consulting team to make the magic happen.
It is a collective responsibility for both the consultants and our client to locate the relevant data to prevent inefficiency. We do not want to look at the whole dictionary to only realise that only the definition of one word is needed!
Next, you may wonder where and how we collect this fantastic data? In consulting, we collect the required data through discovery workshops, stakeholder interviews and survey forms. We ask questions that are useful for the progress of the projects and look at the reports to extract useful numbers or information that allows us to target the core of the issues while ensuring the best practice has been carried out.
It is no big secret how data is collected; it is all up to how we utilise it. Everyone can have the recipe to make the perfect bowl of ramen, but not everyone will be able to make that perfectly. Here at SYKE’s Consulting Practice, we will be the extra pair of hands that you need as we dig through the sea of data, helping perfect the bowl of ramen; utilising the years of experience we have in the team.
We do not only help you to implement whatever you asked us to, we ensure we have looked at the right data, followed by a detailed analysis. Our door is always open if you need help with CLM implementation, change management… or anything that involves complications of data!
Soh Yee is a Junior Legal Tech Consultant at SYKE. She is a master holder of the MSc Management Consulting degree and a law graduate. She is passionate about solving challenging tasks and finding the perfect tech solutions for her clients. Prior to joining SYKE, Soh Yee gained experience as a covid swabber, linguist, and sales associate; meaning she is equipped with strong communication skills. Lastly, her experience as the team captain of the Leeds University Women Basketball Club has shown her ability to be a team player and leading the team.
