Pre-project discovery with Columbus

Columbus recommended a pre-study as part of their larger transformation strategy for select clients. They engaged with stakeholders from various departments at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, including English, Academic, Education, and Technology, to gain insights into the pre-project context. While there was a consensus on the need for updating the operational model and systems, perspectives varied on the ideal future model. 

Based on this feedback, Columbus collaborated with CUP&A to outline a forward-looking strategy, aiming to address present challenges and optimise for upcoming opportunities. Joanna Goodrick, Head of Business Architecture and Strategic Alignment at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, highlights the depth of Columbus’ understanding of the issues facing CUP&A from the outset.

“Columbus not only understood the overall challenges but also demonstrated insight into the wider strategic and contextual aspects of e-commerce. They also provided insight into the specific technical and platform concerns, as well as the intricacies of technical architecture,” she explains.

Joanna also emphasised Columbus’ adaptability in tailoring the pre-study to CUP&A’s specific organisational needs. “We could see this adaptability immediately, helping us address both strategic concerns and practical queries surrounding the platform and architecture,” explains Joanna. “It was impressive, especially compared to our experiences in the broader selection process.”

Joanna also describes how the pre-study provided enlightening insights into areas the organisation had not yet explored: “This significantly contributed to our understanding of the necessary transformations required for the success of our e-commerce program.”

“The Columbus team’s collaborative approach ensured our stakeholders felt genuinely engaged and heard, playing a crucial role in the pre-study project’s success.”

- James Butcher, Head of Customer Solutions, Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

Outcomes

Columbus provided a comprehensive final presentation and report, which now forms the foundation for Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s digital commerce programme. The report not only sheds light on the effort and investment necessary to achieve the future state but also opens up possibilities for CUP&A to accelerate its digital commerce journey.

The key achievements for Cambridge University Press & Assessment:

• Greater alignment among stakeholders and agreement on e-commerce services, along with a strategic direction that stakeholders could buy into
• Thorough assessment of current operations based on customer insights
• Prioritised opportunities and challenges, considering business benefits
• Defined future operational state, complete with target personas and customer journeys, rooted in business benefits
• Presentation of a high-level implementation roadmap, including immediate next steps
• Detailed technical architecture and solution shortlist, featuring specific prioritised capabilities and functionality required for future business models.

“The pre-study was incredible value for time, effort and money given the position it’s put us in."

- Joanna Goodrick, Head of Business Architecture and Strategic Alignment, Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

Joanna highly recommends the pre-study approach to other businesses. “It’s hard to imagine a scenario where a business undergoing any form of digital transformation in the e-commerce or digital space wouldn’t benefit from external guidance when faced with even a degree of complexity,” she explains.

“A pre-study approach is an excellent way to ensure you derive greater value from the investments you make, whether it relates to stakeholders, technical architecture, data architecture, operating model, KPIs or so on.”

Joanna also highlights potential pitfalls CUP&A could have encountered without completing the pre-study: “We might have resolved some of the functional and technical issues, added features and capabilities, but not truly realised the value of those investments - certainly not optimised the value,” says Joanna. “It also would have taken us a lot longer to get to the same place we’re at now.”

James shared his views on the report from Columbus, noting, “It’s fair to say the pre-project work exceeded our expectations. Initially, we hadn’t explicitly asked for recommended vendors or suppliers, yet the report not only identified leading suppliers and potential options but also outlined the associated considerations and caveats. It was hugely helpful and has enabled us to enter the project phase well prepared - already having narrowed down options to address our particular needs.”

“Columbus helped our stakeholders arrive at a common vision, understanding that such a vision isn’t unique to us and that the broader world successfully achieves this. This support enabled our stakeholders to get behind the vision, giving credibility to and belief in the direction in which we’re travelling.”

- Joanna Goodrick, Head of Business Architecture and Strategic Alignment, Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

Working with Columbus

Joanna highlights that working with the Columbus team was a collaborative experience enriched by their extensive practical and theoretical knowledge across various businesses. The team was not only able to provide insights into effective practices adopted by other organisations but also emphasise that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

“It truly was a collaboration of active listening and evolving together. Our stakeholders felt their significant experiences with current e-commerce pain points influenced the proposed future state. They recognised that the proposal reflected our organisation’s needs,” says Joanna.

Joanna also underscores Columbus’ ability to propose a strategic direction. This proposal resonated with CUP&A’s stakeholders and aligned their transition to a digital enterprise. A significant area that emerged focused on data in digital commerce, encompassing the roles of data architecture and product data. “The Columbus team were able to unpack that for us, even during the pre-study phase, broadening our understanding and providing invaluable insights,” says Joanna. Echoing this sentiment, James highlighted Columbus’ instrumental role, stating, “Columbus has been a pivotal player in our digital commerce journey so far. I’m confident this partnership will continue to provide vital support through the project phase.”