SAP Corner
OTA has worked with Sap AG, Americas, Canada and Latin America since 1995, conducting customer-facing education and consulting engagements, as well as supporting the deployment of SAP internal change initiatives in its field organizations.
As an SAP Services Partner, OTA provides experienced Organizational Change Management (OCM) consultants on SAP projects. OTA is also an SAP Education Partner, delivering
SAP Executive Workshops and SAP OCM Seminars at customer sites and at SAP’s training facilities.
OTA’s OCM accelerators have been licensed by SAP and incorporated into the ASAP Focus Implementation Methodology and the SAP OCM Toolkit. Also, the SAP Organizational Change Management Workshop offered by SAP Education was designed and is delivered by OTA.
To view OTA’s contribution to SAP internal initiatives, click here.
To view OTA’s SAP Soft Skills Training Curriculum, click here.
To review OTA’s Customer Facing offering, click here.
OTA is a member and participant of ASUG and its staff has given several conferences on OCM
methodology and implementation tools.
© : 'SAP, the SAP logo, and the SAP Partner logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world'
More information:
List of SAP Internal Initiatives:
- SAP Project Leadership Workshops 1 and 2 (2006-2008, with SAP US PMO)
- Designed for Lead Consultants and Project Managers, +40 deliveries of these 3-day workshops in
2006-2008.
- Blends consulting /leadership skills with tools / methods contents - Interview Skills Workshop for SAP Consultants (2005-2008)
- Improve the effectiveness of SAP consultants during engagement interviews
- Classroom and e-learning version available - Improving Blueprinting Practices (2005-2006)
- In-depth survey of skills requirements for consultants, project managers and customers during the
Blueprint phase. Input to development of the SAP Team Lead Workshop (Project Leadership workshops)
- Development of custom workshops around consulting & facilitation skills - ASAP Focus Mid-Market Implementation Methodology (2004-2005, SAP Consulting – Global)
- Development of an internal “paradigm shift” multimedia presentation using a “manufactured home” metaphor
- OTA’s proprietary change management accelerators licensed by SAP AG - Transition Roadmap for Change Initiatives (2002-2003, SAP Global)
- Facilitate the development of a standard process to evaluate, deploy and govern global change initiatives
(ex. mobility policy, HR profiles, practice development, new methodology roll-out’s, etc.) - CEL Risk Management (2001, SAP AG)
- OTA was key author of version 1 of SAP’s Risk Management Handbook
- Coordination of Risk Management deployment in Latin America subsidiaries - Bid Management Framework (2000-2002, SAP Canada)
- Process, checkpoints, templates for services bid management - Development & Delivery of ASAP Methodology Training (1999)
- Co-development and multiple deliveries of ASAP90 – Project Management & Leadership
- Certification and multiple deliveries of ASAP95 – Organizational Change Management - Project Management Boot Camp (1999-2000)
- Design and delivery of a 2-week program for SAP America Project Managers - New Hire Training (1997- today, SAP Americas)
- Consulting and “soft” skills
- Training later deployed throughout the Americas (English, French, Spanish and Portuguese)
- OTA seminars on presentation skills, negotiation & conflict management, and project management - R/3 Implementation Framework (1995, SAP US)
- High level implementation framework. Used to set executive expectations on implementation activities &
responsibilities.
OTA’s SAP Soft Skills Training Curriculum:
Following is a list of OTA’s SAP training seminars and their outlines. Click on the seminar title to see a brief description. Detailed outlines can be obtained by communicating with OTA at : info@ota.ca.
OTA seminars can be customized to meet specific professional development requirements. To access a list of OTA’s Training Modules, click here.
List of OTA’s SAP Soft Skills training seminars:
- SAP Consulting Fundamentals
(An overview of the consulting role in an SAP context) - SAP Consulting Skills
(Improving your effectiveness as an internal or external consultant) - SAP Consulting Skills for the Mid-Size market
(Shifting to a new implementation paradigm) - SAP Selling Services
(A practical approach to the CEL (Customer Engagement Lifecycle) concept) - SAP Consultant Interview Skills
(Making your personal value proposition clear to the customer) - SAP Project Leadership 1 & 2
(Improving your effectiveness as an SAP Leader. Delivered in partnership with the SAP US PMO) - Situational Leadership for SAP Managers
(Effective techniques for coaching colleagues, employees and customers)
Outlines of OTA’s SAP Soft Skills Training Seminars:
SAP Consulting Fundamentals (1 day)
Description
This one-day workshop is designed as a lecture/discussion for groups of new hires delivered at the beginning of a
training boot camp. The workshop also introduces the role that consultants play in the successful execution of an SAP project.
Intended as an interactive presentation, this session is facilitated by a strategic change management professional from OTA that can describe the multiple facets of an SAP project implementation.
Objectives
- Raise their awareness of the skills that SAP consultants are expected to have
- Position the SAP Consulting/Field Services mission and portfolio of services
- Describe types of engagements
- Define management and customer expectations for professional and ethical behaviour
- Introduce fundamental consulting and survival skills
Seminar Outcomes
- A clear understanding of your role as an SAP consultant
- The development of “best practices” for success as an SAP consultant
- A path to achieve excellence in an SAP consulting career
- The opportunity to do a “skill audit”, so that you can work towards improving on your weaknesses
*: To obtain a detailed outline of this seminar, contact OTA at: info@ota.ca
SAP Consulting Skills (2 days)
Description
It takes more than product or business knowledge to make an effective consultant. Designed specifically for internal or external consultants working on SAP projects, this highly acclaimed workshop allows participants to expand their interpersonal and organizational diagnostic skills. Real-life project examples and simulations concentrate on proven techniques to maximize value to the project and the organization.
Objectives
- Improve consulting effectiveness
- Provide opportunities for skills development and sharing lessons learned among participants
- Understand the evolving responsibilities and challenges associated with five (5) common consulting roles
- Identify the typical organizational and personal impacts of various SAP solutions
- Establish trust and rapport with key project stakeholders and manage expectations
- Improve your ability to work effectively in complex project environments
- Ensure that your expertise is applied effectively
- Accelerate the adoption of project-driven innovations
- Practice proven “survival skills” for consultants
Seminar Outcomes
- A clear understanding of your role as an SAP consultant
- The development of “best practices” for success as an SAP consultant
- A path to achieve excellence in an SAP consulting career
- The opportunity to do a “skill audit”, so that you can work towards improving on your weaknesses
*: To obtain a detailed outline of this seminar, contact OTA at: info@ota.ca
SAP Consulting Skills for the Mid-Size Market (2 days)
Description
Pre-configured solutions are becoming the norm for enterprise software in the mid-size market. This puts new constraints on implementation
teams and calls for new consulting approaches.
Designed for consultants, team leads and project managers working on SAP projects leveraging pre-configured solutions, this workshop describes
the new rules for success of these engagements. Special emphasis is given to the different behaviors and skill sets required of consultants and
techniques for establishing and controlling customer expectations. Real-life examples, discussions and simulations concentrate on proven
techniques to maximize value to the customer while ensuring delivery success.
This workshop was developed by OTA Inc., who collaborated on the ASAP Focus Roadmap for the mid-market developed by SAP AG for the mid-market.
Objectives
- Understand the market pressures and customer expectations behind pre-configured projects
- Identify the new consulting behaviors needed to achieve success in pre-configured projects
- Identify the differences between the Mid-Size Implementation Roadmap and traditional ASAP
- Practice techniques for establishing trust and partnerships with key project stakeholders
- Use metaphors for managing expectations
- Learn to say “No”, while preserving customer relationships
- Apply techniques for fostering customer ownership of issues and action plans
- Apply techniques for handling resistance
Seminar Outcomes
- An understanding of the consulting modifications needed for the niche of the mid-sized market
- An understanding of the process of accelerated implementation through pre-configured projects
- The ability to have confidence when applying for consulting positions in the mid-sized market and the ability to have a positive impact in those SAP engagements
*: To obtain a detailed outline of this seminar, contact OTA at: info@ota.ca
SAP Selling Services (2 days)
Description
Designed for Account Team members involved in the selling of SAP services, this workshop helps participants articulate a unique value
proposition around an SAP Services Map.
The processes, techniques and deliverables are complemented by lessons learned, best practices, tips, tricks and simulations on services
opportunities. Course materials can be customized to fit with the organizations existing sales methodology.
Objectives
- Understand the What, When and How of selling services
- Improve project success ratios
- Achieve a better understanding of their role in a specific SAP project context
- Increase familiarity and usage of structured sales methods, techniques and tools
Seminar Outcomes
- Knowledge of current market trends where SAP services are sold, including an understanding of competitors and their strategy
- The acquisition of best practice tips and techniques for more effective selling
- Skill development through simulations and practice to be capable of articulating a unique SAP value proposition
*: To obtain a detailed outline of this seminar, contact OTA at: info@ota.ca
SAP Consultant Interview Skills: Winning the Consulting Engagement (1 day)
Description
This highly acclaimed workshop helps SAP consultants build up their confidence and performance when being interviewed for consulting
engagements.
Experienced instructors introduce a proven Interview Success Model (Connect / Content /Convince) that participants can apply to develop their own
reusable personal value proposition.
Heavy emphasis is given to practice and skills development; each participant being involved in several simulated presentations/interviews.
Objectives
- Develop a reusable personal introduction and value proposition (Interview Cheat Sheet)
- Apply techniques for dealing with objections and difficult questions
- Share lessons learned for face-to-face and phone interviews
- Practice interviews and receive customized feedback from the instructors and their peers
Seminar Outcomes
- More confidence in interview situations (telephone and face-to-face)
- Increased consultant placement and utilization
- A better understanding of what to expect in interviews
- A better understanding of how to have an impact in interviews
- An ‘edge’over other candidates for the position
*: To obtain a detailed outline of this seminar, contact OTA at: info@ota.ca
SAP Project Leadership 1 & 2 (3 days each)
Description
Developed and delivered in partnership with the SAP Consulting-North America PMO, these three (3) day workshops focus on the knowledge and skills required of SAP project leaders. Overviews of the latest SAP implementation methods, tools and templates are balanced with the leadership skills necessary to guide mixed teams of SAP consultants, third party contractors and customers. Simulations and case studies prepare project managers, as well as functional and technical team leads for the real-life challenges they will encounter.
Objectives
- Describe the responsibilities and expectations for the SAP Team Lead role in the management of SAP-led projects
- Understand and apply the resources available to SAP Team Leads to mitigate common risks and ensure the consistency, quality and value of their deliverables
- Assess and practice leadership skills: teaming, coaching, communication, negotiation & conflict management
- Share lessons learned and resources with peers
Seminar Outcomes
- Understanding the behavioral changes necessary to transition from a consultant role to a team lead role
- Development of the skills needed to be an effective team leader
- Best practices for getting maximum team synergy
*: To obtain a detailed outline of this seminar, contact OTA at: info@ota.ca
Situational Leadership for SAP Managers (1 day)
Description
This one-day workshop introduces the Blanchard Situational Leadership (SLII) model to SAP managers, providing opportunities to enhance communications, diagnosis and flexibility skills. Because it opens up communications, SLII is especially effective when working with knowledge workers, whether they be colleagues, subordinates or customers. SLII invites individuals to teach managers about themselves and what kind of help they need in order to develop their competence, motivation and confidence. The workshop also introduces best practices and available resources for managing virtual teams in a multicultural environment.
Objectives
- Assess their ‘preferred’ leadership or coaching style
- Apply a structured approach for assessing competence, motivational and performance needs
- Understand the consequences of under and over-supervision in different SAP contexts
- Be able to apply different leadership styles depending on the requirements of the tasks at hand and the needs of the individual
- Practice a structured coaching approach to a variety of SAP situations
- Develop a common language for discussing people development challenges with managers and peers
Seminar Outcomes
- The development of the skill of flexing your leadership style to be most effective in any situation
- An understanding of the team formation process and the skill to motivate virtual teams to optimal performance
- The ability to analyze, diagnose and intervene when performance lags with individuals or groups
- Knowing where to find resources at SAP for increasing the effectiveness of virtual teams and dealing with cross-cultural communication challenges
*: To obtain a detailed outline of this seminar, contact OTA at: info@ota.ca
