Management Consulting, 2nd Ed.
Delivering an Effective Project

By Philip Wickham
Prentice Hall / Financial Times
August 2004
ISBN: 0273683470
319 Pages, 7 ½" x 9 ¾"
$85.00 Paper Original


Management Consulting provides an introduction to the theory and practice of consultancy as an industry and a process. It is well-suited to an increasing number of dedicated management consulting programs and work placement "modules" at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The book offers an accessible and clearly-written overview of the concepts and skills involved in undertaking - and successfully delivering - any form of consultancy project.

The second edition builds on these strengths as well as enhancing its suitability and relevance for use by both business and non-business students (e.g. engineering, art & design, media, computing) undertaking live projects in the workplace as part of their academic study. The second edition is charged with a greater depth of theory, particularly on organizational and technological change, and more extensive referencing, adding academic and analytical rigor to the study of the area. It also features more on creative techniques, media and design, thus broadening its appeal to students a wide range of disciplines. The book retains its significant research and project skills basis, coaching students on how to deliver an effective report on their placement.

Features
Comprehensive introduction to industry and processes of consultancy ?
Balance of theory and practical skills in delivering an effective project ?
Ideally-suited to students undertaking a work-based project in any discipline ?
Strong pedagogical structure incorporates learning outcomes, summaries and group exercises ?
Forward-looking material on consultancy as career option

Contents
Preface to the second edition
Preface to the first edition
A note on the layout of this book
Acknowledgements

I. MANAGEMENT CONSULTING IN CONTEXT
1. The nature of management consulting
2. How consulting adds value
3. Types of management consulting project
4. The consulting process
5. The skills of the consultant
6. The project proposal and the project log

II. PROJECT EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS
7. The consultant-organizational interaction I: setting goals
8. The consultant-organizational interaction II: making the journey
9. Consulting and organizational development
10. Creative approaches to analysis
11. Auditing the client business's capabilities
12. Evaluating business opportunities
13. Analyzing decision-making in the client business
14. The decision context

III. PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERY OF THE PROJECT
15. Consulting project planning
16. Managing project shocks
17. Time management
18. Communication skills
19. Rapport-building skills
20. Team-working skills
21. Leadership skills
22. Presenting your ideas

IV. CONSULTING AS A CAREER
23. Learning from success
24. Consulting as a career Index


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