Methodology
Capital Visas has found it beneficial to use several approaches to develop customized solutions for our clients. One of these is our Continuous Information Improvement (CII) methodology, which provides a systematic and consistent process for addressing client needs. CII is a rigorous approach that analyzes information, designs solutions, and executes the best approach for the client. A best practice for client service, it helps optimize client management efforts and provide continuous feedback on the client’s case.
CII also uses project management methodology to deliver client services and products. It is a specialized process developed internally, following the Project Management Institute's best practices for project management. This methodology tracks each immigration case project through its life-cycle phases: Initiate, Plan, Execute, and Close. The objective is to make the consulting engagement run smoothly and meet the expectations of each client.
The CII methodology consists of five steps:
Identify
The first step in the CII process is to identify the opportunity, beginning with an examination of the client’s situation and the formation of initial hypotheses of the problem. We ask clients two questions: “Where are you today?” and “Where do you want to be tomorrow?” The answers help the client and our team to understand the organization’s current situation and possible improvement opportunities.
The consultants at Capital Visas identify the opportunity for the client and the process to getting the visa they require for the final destination. There are various approaches undertaken for the many visa categories and deepening on the clients reason in getting the visa then the case managers can identify the best route to undertake.
Analyze
We evaluate the gaps between the present situation and the ideal model the client’s management team has in mind. We collect quantitative and qualitative data from internal and external sources, analyze the data and information, and learn about measurement systems, internal standards, and desired performance level. We typically present a gap analysis, which compares the client’s objectives to benchmarks, or industry best practices.
Design
Developing the optimum solution for a client’s problem is a systematic process. It must be customized to fit the applicants needs and profile. We start by visualizing success — what the solution must accomplish, and establishing the essential and desired criteria the solution must meet. Typically, we propose several alternative solutions, and then evaluate each against the applicants goals. Once the costs, the potential returns, and the risks associated with each solution are identified, we select the best solution. We then assess the applicants commitment to the solution and the change that will result to create a successful immigration application submission.
Execute
In this phase, we help clients implement our recommendations by acting in several capacities: as project leader, facilitator, trainer or other desired roles. For success, client ownership and participation in the implementation is essential. We create an action plan for the implementation of the visa process that establishes what will happen and when, and who will be responsible. Matching each key task with the desired performance level is a critical component of the process, as long-term objectives are set and intermediate milestones identified to help drive and manage change. We examine the potential problems along the implementation path, and develop actions to prevent or contain these pitfalls in the lifecycle of the immigration process.
Measure
The final step involves measurement and monitoring of the immigration process. Throughout the CII process, various measurements are used to determine the current state of the process, any risks we may need to mitigate and implement change to ensure we deliver the best outcome for the applicant’s immigration process. We strive to build in measurements clients can use to capture the results by continuous case status updates and important announcements in changing rules and regulations on specific visa types.
Project Management
Our caseworkers develop a project schedule for all deliverables and sub-deliverables based upon client requirements. They develop a detailed project plan and other plans addressing communications, change management and project issues as well as the resource and timeline information. Our best practices allow us to manage each case effectively.
The Four Phases in the Project Lifecycle
Initiate
This phase is critical for a project’s success and we begin by determining the applicants need for the project. During project initiation the scope of the project is clearly defined along with all the assumptions and constraints, resource requirements, roles and responsibilities, key dependencies, project timing and fees.
Plan
project team is formed, and roles and responsibilities assigned to team members. The project plan includes a detailed schedule of project tasks, plans for responding to issues, risks, and change requests that may arise during the execution of the project, contact information for team members and the applicant, and a communications plan for disseminating project information. All of these elements set the tone and expectations for how the project will progress.
Execute
The execution phase targets the accomplishment of the activities documented in the project plan using the resources and schedule specified. Proper project execution also includes the communication of progress and status of the visa process, the setting of correct expectations, and the control of schedule, costs, and information communicated to clients. Successfully managing day-to-day operations is critical to the success of the applicant’s visa process.
Close
The fourth and final phase of a project lifecycle provides the formal ending to the visa process and allows documentation of knowledge gained during the project. Capital Visas representatives formally signoff that the contracted project deliverables have been completed.
