Primeum has developed an exclusive methodology for analysing its clients variable pay schemes, which is conducted in two critical stages:

• a study based on a thorough statistical analysis to lay bare the different elements of a scheme and highlight inconsistencies, counter-productive outcomes and any other divergence from scheme intentions,
• a series of interviews conducted with variable pay scheme beneficiaries and management to ascertain how they view the current plan, with a report on strengths and weaknesses, effects on motivation, etc.

This ‘X-ray’ throws into relief any scheme dysfunctions arising from beneficiary misapprehension of scheme objectives or from inappropriate scheme rules. Such a diagnosis is a vital starting point for designing a new scheme, since it provides a clear exposition of the current context, beneficiary behaviour and company objectives.