Consulting Tools and Tips from Coursera

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Syllabus

Work Smart and Quickly with Internet Research

What's the first thing you do when learning something new? Internet, of course. So, if you have a new client, in a new industry that you don't know a lot about, where should you start? Learn the first 10 steps you should take to learn the company's business, financials, and industry trends. Work smart.

Understand Industry Supply Chain Dynamics

All companies and organizations sit within an industry landscape; they have suppliers, customers, rivals, and even new entrants (new competitors). What's the power dynamics among those players and who has the leverage? Professor Michael Porter famously said that "strategy is how you cope with competition." How can your client create barriers to entry and dig an "economic moat" around their business profits?

Create Data Through Surveys and Observations

Consultants require useful data to make persuasive recommendations. Some of that data is available in ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems and IT databases. However, some other data doesn't exist; you need to create it through client interviews, surveys, observations, benchmarking, or other methods. It's a beautiful thing when consultants are able to drive correlation between the disparate pieces of "data" and tell a coherent story.

Use Benchmarks as a Starting Point

Benchmarking is the simple idea of comparing performance against others. When you go to the doctor and they measure your vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate) against your peer group (e.g., women in their 50s), this is benchmarking. It's also a commonly used consulting tool because a) clients often want to know how they are performing relative to their peers, and 2) it's a convenient way for consultants to identify gaps in performance. While the concept is simple, it's incredibly difficult to do well. It's vulnerable to bias and manipulation. As a consultant, it can get you in trouble, and you should use it wisely.

Use Excel to Model the Results

Management consultants use Excel daily. They need to organize, analyze, and uncover correlations between data. So, consultants practice Excel hygiene to keep their file useful: a) don't hard code values, b) keep a copy of your source data, c) document assumptions, d) don't merge cells. However, once you get past these beginner tips, you should consider who the audience is for the file before you spend too much time "making it pretty." For example, your manager wants to quickly understand and audit your work. Your client wants you to use the Excel model to show them your thinking and make a recommendation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the fundamentals of consulting, such as how to gather data and analyze results

Taught by John Kim, who has extensive experience in management consulting

Develops skills that are highly relevant to the management consulting industry

Covers a wide range of consulting topics, including industry dynamics, data analysis, and financial modeling

Includes practical exercises and case studies to help learners apply the skills they learn

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Consulting Tools and Tips with these activities:

Excel Modeling for Data Analysis

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Enhance your Excel skills through guided tutorials. This will provide a solid foundation for organizing, analyzing, and presenting data, strengthening your ability to extract insights and support decision-making.

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Review the basics of Excel, including formulas and functions.
Learn advanced techniques for data manipulation and analysis.
Practice creating visualizations to effectively communicate findings.

Read Porter's Competitive Strategy

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This book offers critical tools for understanding the competitive landscape and developing strategies. Covering concepts like competitive positioning, differentiation, and industry analysis, it will enhance your consulting toolkit.

View Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing... on Amazon

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Identify the key concepts and frameworks presented in the book.
Apply these frameworks to real-world examples and case studies.
Summarize the key insights and recommendations from the book.

Interview Guide for Client Engagement

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Craft an effective interview guide to gather critical information during client engagements. This activity will hone your questioning skills, facilitate structured data collection, and strengthen your interactions with clients.

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Identify the key areas and objectives for data collection.
Develop tailored questions to gather specific information.
Practice conducting interviews using the guide.

Six other activities

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Consulting Skills Workshop

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Attend a workshop designed to develop specific consulting skills. This will provide an interactive and immersive learning experience, allowing you to refine your abilities in key areas such as problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management.

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Research and identify relevant workshops.
Register and attend the workshop.
Actively participate in exercises and discussions.

Benchmarking Analysis Project

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Embark on a hands-on project to compare your client's performance against industry peers. This will reinforce concepts of identifying relevant metrics, collecting data, and drawing meaningful conclusions.

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Define the benchmarking objectives and scope.
Identify relevant industry metrics and data sources.
Collect and analyze data to identify performance gaps.
Develop recommendations for improvement based on the analysis.

Peer Review and Feedback Sessions

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Engage in peer review sessions to enhance your work and expand your perspectives. By exchanging feedback, you'll identify areas for improvement and develop a better understanding of different approaches to consulting.

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Find a peer group or study buddy.
Establish a regular schedule for review sessions.
Provide constructive feedback on deliverables.

Scenario-Based Consulting Exercises

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Engage in simulated consulting scenarios to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. These exercises will challenge you to apply the frameworks and concepts learned in the course to practical situations.

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Review the scenario and identify the key issues.
Develop a structured approach to analyze the situation.
Evaluate alternative solutions and make recommendations.

Consulting Case Study Presentation

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Develop a persuasive presentation that showcases your consulting skills. This will challenge you to synthesize data, develop recommendations, and communicate your findings effectively to stakeholders.

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Analyze the case and identify the key issues.
Develop a clear and concise presentation structure.
Use data and evidence to support your recommendations.

Become a Mentor to Junior Consultants

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Take on a mentorship role and share your knowledge with aspiring consultants. This will not only benefit others but also reinforce your understanding of core concepts, enhance your communication skills, and expand your professional network.

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior consultants.
Set clear goals and expectations.
Provide guidance and support on projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Consulting Tools and Tips will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

Consultants are professionals that provide expert advice to organizations. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful consultant. You will learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and develop recommendations. This course will also help you to build a network of contacts and develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, whether you're interested in management consulting or another specialty.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. Consulting Tools and Tips will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Data Analyst. You will learn how to use data to identify trends, develop recommendations, and communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will prepare you to work with a variety of data sources and to use a variety of analytical techniques.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts conduct research to help organizations understand their customers and markets. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Market Research Analyst. You will learn how to conduct surveys, focus groups, and other research methods. You will also learn how to analyze data and develop recommendations.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations improve their performance by analyzing their business processes and identifying areas for improvement. Consulting Tools and Tips will help you develop the skills that you need to be a successful Business Analyst. You will learn how to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop recommendations.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide advice to businesses and individuals on financial matters. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, will provide you with the financial knowledge and analytical skills you need to be a successful Financial Analyst. You will learn how to analyze financial statements, develop financial models, and make investment recommendations.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling the operations of an organization. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Operations Manager. You will learn how to manage projects, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and marketing products. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, can help you develop the skills that you need to be a successful Product Manager. You will learn how to conduct market research, develop product specifications, and launch new products.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Sales Manager. You will learn how to develop sales strategies, manage sales pipelines, and close deals.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, can help you develop the skills that you need to be a successful Marketing Manager. You will learn how to conduct market research, develop marketing strategies, and manage marketing budgets.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources of an organization. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, may be useful for individuals interested in a career in Human Resources. You will learn how to recruit and hire employees, develop employee training programs, and manage employee benefits.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, may be useful for individuals interested in a career in Project Management. You will learn how to develop project plans, manage project budgets, and track project progress.

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Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, may be useful for individuals interested in a career in Supply Chain Management. You will learn how to develop supply chain strategies, manage inventory, and improve customer service.

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Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, may be useful for individuals interested in a career in Quality Management. You will learn how to develop quality management systems, conduct quality audits, and improve product quality.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, may be useful for individuals interested in a career in Risk Management. You will learn how to conduct risk assessments, develop risk management plans, and implement risk management controls.

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Compliance Manager

Compliance Managers are responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with laws and regulations. This course, Consulting Tools and Tips, may be useful for individuals interested in a career in Compliance Management. You will learn how to develop compliance programs, conduct compliance audits, and manage compliance risks.

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