An Introduction to Management Consultancy 2/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: The Management Consultancy Phenomenon Chapter 2: The Management Consultancy Industry Chapter 3: The Management Consultancy Firm Chapter 4: The Management Consultant Chapter 5: Selling a Consultancy Project Chapter 6: Identifying a Client's Real Problem Chapter 7: Structuring the Real Problem Chapter 8: Designing and Conducting Analyses Chapter 9: Developing a Solution Chapter 10: Structuring a Presentation Chapter 11: Preparing for Implementation Chapter 12: Facilitating an Implementation

'This book is essential for those who want to be a successful management consultant: it offers an accessible and state-of the-art treasure trove of concepts, methods and tips for becoming a successful management consultant.' -- Muel Kaptein 'This book provides a thorough introduction to management consulting as a role, industry, workplace and practice. The detailed and insightful presentation of the management consultant's tool-box and problem-solving methods - from how do define the problem to designing the slides to present the recommendations - will be an invaluable resource for every aspiring management consultant.' -- Andreas Werr 'This book is an excellent introduction to management consulting for students at all levels as well as consultants and clients. It is highly accessible and comprehensive, covering the basics, but also advanced techniques and the latest developments. A real achievement.' -- Andrew Sturdy 'I thought the first edition was fabulously comprehensive and resourceful for my graduate level course on management consulting. This new edition is even better! It is leaner, flows better, simplifies the cases, improves the graphics, and offers suggestions to the consulting neophyte while going beyond the superficial. I can't wait to use the new edition once made available!' -- Paul Joyce 'Excellent resource for the professional, academic or entrepreneur starting a consulting practice. A must have resource to guide you in successful consulting practices and processes! Baaij provides a clear blueprint to effective consulting.' -- Jeffrey Moore 'This book will teach you the basis of consulting. Its wide scope ensures learning about the content side - the importance of structured problem analysis-, as well as learning about the process of consultancy - form selling projects to considering implementation. I will happily use this as a resource for my university students.' -- Jacomijn Klitsie 'There are very few books specifically devoted to the field of Management Consulting that are able to capture the complexity of the industry in a way that learners can easily understand. Marc's book achieves just that while addressing the major challenges the industry faces around ethics, professionalization and regulation. We are all on a lifetime learning journey, whether we are consultants or students and this book is an essential companion along the way.' -- Alan Price 'This book is an excellent, complete and thoughtful overview of the ins and outs of Management Consultancy. Marc Baaij combined his practical experience and academic rigor to create a useful and engaging introduction to the consultancy business. A great guide that will help students navigate in the profession of giving advice.' -- Ard-Pieter de Man 'Marc Baaij's book provides an excellent introduction to management consultancy, not only for those of you who would like to work as a consultant, but also if you are a client or if you want to learn valuable problem-solving skills. The first chapters give a comprehensive overview of the business of management consultancy. Most of the chapters however break up the entire cycle of management consultancy and discuss useful methods for each step.' -- Aswin van Oijen 'An excellent text for any student studying consultancy for the first time. The text provides an industry perspective to the sector to give students a 'real-world' understanding of the nature, breadth and depth of the industry. The case studies provide specific 'real-world' examples for students to help them contextualise learning and position the knowledge. Building from an outside-in perspective, the text draws the reader into the sector and builds their knowledge and critical understanding of the industry, its value, purpose and issues, along the way. If you are looking for a great primer on the subject to help build knowledge and understanding of the wider concepts and provide industry knowledge and practical examples, then this is place to start.' -- Paul Matthews 'The book forms a fascinating reading for anyone who is looking to develop their ability to think and solve problems in a structured way. It is a must-read for a reader with a strong interest in the management consultancy industry as it does not only provide an overview of the industry, but also insights towards how someone can dive into the problems, break down key assumptions and prioritize issues.' -- Dr Panagiotis Stamolampros 'I highly recommend Marc Baaij's book to anyone who is keen to learn about the profession and practice of management consultant. The book has a contemporary focus and strikes a good balance between theory and practice. It is an invaluable reference for students, teachers, and practitioners'. -- Dr. Austin Chia 'A comprehensive treatment of management consultancy, this book addresses both what management consultancy is, what consultants do, and lifts the lid on the methods they use to achieve their results. It is an excellent resource for students interested in learning about the industry and pursuing a career as a management consultant. The use of cases at the end of each chapter is a very effective way for students to deepen their understanding and apply the concepts. For lecturers, this represents a go-to resource for all aspects of this topic area.' -- Chris Owen