About

Discordia is a boutique consulting company specialising in providing advice in

  1. Strategic management
  2. Project management
  3. Penetration and Vulnerability Assessments

In times of change and chaos such as that being currently experienced globally, its imperative that  business look at its vision and reason “for why”, and take an assessment on whether it is doing the right thing for right now.

Discordia consultants have developed the skills and processes to ensure that your company is prepared to take advantage of these turbulent times.

Strategic Management

Strategic management refers to the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating the long-term goals and objectives of an organisation. It involves analysing the organisation’s internal and external environment, making decisions about the allocation of resources, and formulating strategies to achieve a competitive advantage and fulfil the organisation’s mission.

The key components of strategic management include:

  1. Strategic Analysis: This involves assessing the organisation’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats in its operating environment. This analysis helps identify strategic issues and trends that may impact the organisation.
  2. Strategy Formulation: Once the analysis is complete, strategic goals and objectives are established. Strategies are then developed to achieve these objectives, considering factors such as market positioning, competitive advantage, resource allocation, and risk management.
  3. Strategy Implementation: This phase involves putting the formulated strategies into action. It includes aligning the organisation’s structure, processes, and resources with the chosen strategies. Clear communication, effective leadership, and proper coordination are essential during implementation.
  4. Strategy Evaluation: Regular evaluation and monitoring of the implemented strategies are crucial to assess their effectiveness and make adjustments if needed. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are often used to measure progress towards strategic goals. Evaluation helps identify areas of improvement and opportunities for innovation.

Strategic management is important because it helps organisations adapt to changing market conditions, make informed decisions, and effectively allocate resources. It provides a framework for setting priorities, aligning efforts, and maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic business environment.

Project Management

Discordia consultants are well versed in most mainstream project methodologies including: Prince2, PMBOK, Agile (Scrum), Waterfall, WSDM.

Grounded with a business understanding of the outcomes required from the project, our consultants are outcome focussed and has gained a reputation for rehabilitating difficult and failed projects.

Project management methodology refers to a structured approach or framework that guides the planning, execution, and control of projects. It provides a systematic and organised way to manage projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meeting the desired objectives. Different methodologies exist, but the summary below covers some common elements:

Project management methodologies can vary in their level of formality, flexibility, and specific processes. Some popular methodologies include:

  • Waterfall: A linear approach where each project phase is completed sequentially.
  • Agile: An iterative and flexible approach that emphasises adaptability, collaboration, and frequent feedback from stakeholders.
  • Scrum: An Agile framework that divides work into time-boxed iterations called sprints, with a focus on self-organising teams and continuous improvement.
  • PRINCE2: A structured project management methodology that provides a comprehensive framework for managing projects, including defined roles and processes.

Organisations may adopt a specific methodology or customise one to suit their unique needs and project requirements. The chosen methodology guides project managers and teams in implementing best practices, increasing project success rates, and improving overall project management efficiency.

Penetration and Vulnerability Assessments

Penetration testing and vulnerability testing are two essential components of a comprehensive security assessment for an organisation’s systems and networks. While they share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two:

Vulnerability Testing: Vulnerability testing is focused on identifying and assessing weaknesses or vulnerabilities in an organisation’s systems, applications, or network infrastructure. It involves using automated tools or manual techniques to scan and analyse the target environment for known vulnerabilities. The objective is to identify potential

Key Differences:

  • Vulnerability testing focuses on identifying and assessing vulnerabilities, while penetration testing simulates real attacks to determine the impact of successful exploits.
  • Vulnerability testing is often automated, whereas penetration testing involves manual testing and a higher level of expertise.
  • Vulnerability testing is broader in scope and can cover a wide range of systems, applications, and infrastructure, while penetration testing is more targeted and specific to certain objectives.

Both vulnerability testing and penetration testing are crucial for organisations to identify and address security weaknesses effectively. By conducting regular assessments, organisations can proactively enhance their security measures, protect against potential threats, and minimise the risk of unauthorised access or data breaches.