The Customer:

A large retail bank in Seychelles.

The Challenge:

Originally a savings institution, the bank converted into a commercial bank by subjecting itself to the provisions of the relevant legal and regulatory framework. The bank had to prepare a medium term "Business and IT Strategy Plan" (BITSP) based on a comprehensive SWOT analysis to be able to evolve into a full-fledged commercial bank. The bank also had to train its entire staff in various areas of commercial banking.

Recommended Solution: i-flex Consulting offered to:

	provide business and IT strategy consultancy on-site
	conduct detailed analysis of training needs, design and deliver the required training programs

By conducting an initial diagnostic study, i-flex solutions provided the bank with a list of quick action points and defined the main scope of the assignment.

During the initial stage, training programs were designed and conducted on:

	basics of banking for junior-level personnel
	comprehensive course in general banking for middle-level executives
	credit management course for senior/middle management level
	trade finance and foreign exchange courses for the respective management staff

Training courses were designed on-site after a thorough understanding of the bank's training needs, keeping in view the future business plans of the bank so that the training effort fully integrates into the overall transformation process of the bank.

A totally participative planning process was initiated by i-flex, and the entire management got involved in strategic planning. Beginning with a workshop, which focused on analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the bank and opportunities and threats in the environment, the process culminated in i-flex presenting the Business and IT Strategy Plan for the next five years to the Board of Directors of the bank.

Customer benefits

	the business strategy plan will serve as the bank's blueprint for transforming itself from a savings bank into a complete commercial bank
	the IT strategy plan will serve as the technology roadmap for the bank for the planned period