Strategic Consulting Frameworks: Consulting Preparation

By Fleuron Consulting and Thibault Gehin

Strategic Consulting Frameworks" by Fleuron Consulting is a comprehensive workbook designed for professionals in management consulting, business strategy, corporate training, and MBA students. This 2024 publication delves into various strategic consulting frameworks, vital for problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning across industries. Each framework is thoroughly explored with core concepts, practical applications, real-life examples, and insightful tips, ensuring a deep understanding of their role in consulting. Key themes include Strategy and Operations, Organizational Effectiveness, Performance and Process Optimization, and many more, covering frameworks like Porter's Five Forces, SWOT Analysis, McKinsey 7-S Framework, and Lean Management. This resource is essential for those preparing for case interviews, engaging in high-impact projects, or seeking to enhance their strategic and operational consulting skills.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thibault Gehin
• Release date: Dec 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223750857

Book preview

By Fleuron Consulting

2023

Introduction to Strategic Consulting Frameworks

Purpose of This Workbook:

This workbook is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of various strategic consulting frameworks. These frameworks are essential tools for consultants, aiding in problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning across various industries. Each framework is presented with its core concepts, practical applications, real-life examples, and additional insights, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of their utility in a consulting context.

Key Themes and Frameworks:

Our exploration covers a wide range of themes, each critical to the art and science of consulting:

Strategy and Operations:

Porter's Five Forces

SWOT Analysis

PESTEL Analysis

BCG Growth-Share Matrix

Value Chain Analysis

Organizational Effectiveness:

McKinsey 7-S Framework

Balanced Scorecard

Organizational Culture Models

Performance and Process Optimization:

Lean Management

Six Sigma

Theory of Constraints

Gap Analysis

Change Management and Organizational Transformation:

Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model

ADKAR Model

RACI Matrix

Market Analysis and Competitive Positioning:

Ansoff Matrix

VRIO Analysis

Blue Ocean Strategy

Goal Setting and Measurement:

OKR (Objectives and Key Results)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Customer and Market Engagement:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Models

Scenario Planning

Workbook Structure:

Each framework is detailed on an individual page, structured to provide:

A clear description and breakdown of the framework.

Practical applications in a consulting scenario.

Real-life case examples illustrating the framework's use.

Additional insights, common pitfalls, and professional tips.

Suggested resources for further exploration and mastery.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This workbook is intended for management consultants, business strategists, corporate trainers, and MBA students. It serves as a guide for those preparing for case interviews, those involved in high-impact projects with Fortune 500 companies, and professionals seeking to enhance their strategic and operational consulting skills.

Framework: SWOT Analysis

Theme: Strategic Analysis and Planning

Overview:

Description: SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or business venture.

Components:

Strengths: Internal attributes that are advantageous for achieving an objective.

Weaknesses: Internal attributes that are disadvantageous for achieving an objective.

Opportunities: External factors that could be exploited to advantage.

Threats: External factors that could cause trouble for the business or project.

Application in Consulting:

Use Cases: Business strategy formulation, competitive analysis, marketing planning, organizational change, business process improvement.

Methodology: Typically involves gathering input from a broad range of perspectives, including market research, internal audits, and stakeholder interviews.

Real-Life Example:

Scenario: A leading retail company is experiencing a decline in market share due to increased competition.

Application:

Strengths: Strong brand recognition, loyal customer base, efficient supply chain.

Weaknesses: High operational costs, outdated online shopping platform.

Opportunities: Expanding e-commerce market, potential untapped international markets.

Threats: Emerging online retailers, changes in consumer spending habits.

Outcome: The company could leverage its strong brand and efficient supply chain to revamp its online presence and expand into new markets, while also addressing operational inefficiencies to reduce costs.

Additional Insights:

Key Considerations: Balance between internal and external factors, ensuring that strengths and opportunities are maximized while weaknesses and threats are mitigated.

Common Mistakes: Overemphasis on either internal or external factors, failure to act on the analysis.

Consulting Tips: Utilize SWOT as a starting point for deeper analysis, combine with other frameworks like PESTEL for comprehensive strategic insights.

Related Resources:

Books: Good to Great by Jim Collins, offers insights