OREANDA-NEWS. “Today, strategy without technology is no strategy at all,” says Phil Dunmore. “So digital transformation—the use of tech to radically improve performance—is a hot topic at Cognizant.” Excerpts:

“The demand for classic strategy consulting seems to be declining, so even though demand for consulting is actually growing, it is focused more on strategic execution than pure strategy. Today, however, we are at a stage where many companies are heavily focused on planning and implementing their digital transformation, which is accelerating this change, and there is a more iterative and agile approach to delivering strategic transformation.

Today, consultants need five things to be able to address complex, long-term problems: Analytical thinking, insight, implementable solutions, domain knowledge, and client engagement and trust.

Every client is investing in digital these days. This includes how to use digital to transform the externally-facing business, the markets and engagement with customers, as well as how to transform the internal operations to drive effectiveness, efficiency and employee engagement.

In the future, once companies have fully embraced and implemented ‘digital’, we shall see organizations fine-tuning specific digital features and functionalities.

Many companies—and hence potential candidates—talk about having digital expertise, but in most instances their experience is relatively limited. We are looking for some direct relevant experience combined with digital DNA—the insights, thinking and approach to be successful in digital consulting.

Digital is at the heart of our organization as well as our client’s. As such, all areas are a priority, from digital transformation strategy to designing and implementing digital solutions from a business and technology perspective.

Demand for external consulting continues to increase, as evidenced by the growth we are seeing in both our global and UK consulting business, which is growing well over company average.”