An Introduction to Business & Management Consultancy 3/e

Marc Baaij is an associate professor of strategic management at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) at the Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Previously he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as manager of research and strategy consultant. Marc specialises in methods and techniques for strategy development and implementation, with a focus on stakeholder management and strategic foresight development. He has written professional books and scientific articles on strategic management, management consultancy, and structured problem solving. Besides teaching bachelor, master, and MBA students, Marc also provides open and in-company training in structured problem-solving and communication for managers, consultants, and other business professionals. He also serves as a soundboard for managers in cases of strategy development and implementation. Marc holds a master's degree in economics and is a PhD in strategic management.

Chapter 1: Understand business and management consultancy Chapter 2: Explore the disruption of the consultancy industry by AI Chapter 3: Choose a business and management consultancy firm Chapter 4: Become a business and management consultant Chapter 5: Sell a business and management consultancy project Chapter 6: Identify the client's problems and opportunities Chapter 7: Structure the client's problems and opportunities Chapter 8: Develop and validate the hypotheses about the client's problems and opportunities Chapter 9: Develop and validate the possible solutions to the client's problems and opportunities Chapter 10: Structure a presentation about the recommended solution Chapter 11: Prepare for the implementation of the recommended solution Chapter 12: Facilitate the implementation of the recommended solution

"This excellent introduction is clear and accessible to clients and consultants alike, with an emphasis on structured problem solving techniques, but also covering wider industry issues, including AI. It is well informed, up to date and grounded in practice." -- Professor Andrew Sturdy "This new edition is a must-read for anyone aspiring to excel as a business and management consultant. It provides an accessible, state-of-the-art collection of concepts, methods, and practical tips, offering invaluable guidance for achieving success in this dynamic field." -- Professor Muel Kaptein "Marc Baaij's book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to excel in business and management consultancy. It offers a comprehensive overview of the consultancy industry, addressing every aspect-from structured problem-solving and ethical considerations to practical tools. Beyond its professional focus, the book also serves as a guide for applying structured thinking and problem-solving approaches to personal challenges, making it an insightful resource for students, educators, professionals, and anyone seeking practical tools for tackling complex issues." -- Dr Panagiotis Stamolampros (Ph.D, MBA, FHEA)