We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
John Kim
This is the #4 course in the specialization on management consulting.
Read more
This is the #4 course in the specialization on management consulting.
Read more
This is the #4 course in the specialization on management consulting.
Management consultants are quick learners. When you first join a generalist consulting firm, you are expected to learn core consulting skills and will likely be staffed on projects across industry and functions. You might be on a chemicals pricing project, then a retail cost-reduction project. It’s critical that you learn “how to get smart quickly” and ask smart questions. At the same time, you should develop an armory of tools to create data through client interviews, surveys, benchmarking, and observations.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/e4mjd9/consulting
Two deals to help you save
We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
What's inside
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
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
Save this course
Save Consulting Tools and Tips to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Excel
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Data Gathering
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Consulting Skills Workshop
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Soft Skills
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops.
-
Register and attend the workshop.
-
Actively participate in exercises and discussions.
Benchmarking Analysis Project
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Benchmarking
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Find a peer group or study buddy.
-
Establish a regular schedule for review sessions.
-
Provide constructive feedback on deliverables.
Scenario-Based Consulting Exercises
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor junior consultants.
-
Set clear goals and expectations.
-
Provide guidance and support on projects.
Excel Modeling for Data Analysis
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Excel
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Data Gathering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Consulting Skills Workshop
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Soft Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops.
- Register and attend the workshop.
- Actively participate in exercises and discussions.
Benchmarking Analysis Project
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Benchmarking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer group or study buddy.
- Establish a regular schedule for review sessions.
- Provide constructive feedback on deliverables.
Scenario-Based Consulting Exercises
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Data Analyst
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.
Market Research Analyst
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.
Business Analyst
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.
Financial Analyst
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.
Operations Manager
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.
Product Manager
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.
Sales Manager
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Human Resources Manager
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.
Project Manager
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.
Supply Chain Manager
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.
Quality Manager
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.
Risk Manager
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.
Compliance Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/e4mjd9/consulting
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Consulting Tools and Tips.
This guide to clear and concise communication is essential for consultants, enhancing the course's emphasis on presenting findings and recommendations effectively.
This seminal work provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation and disruption, complementing the course's content on industry analysis and competitive dynamics.
This practical guide to data visualization provides valuable insights into communicating data effectively, complementing the course's module on using Excel for modeling and presenting results.
Save
This in-depth treatment of benchmarking provides a comprehensive understanding of its principles and applications, enriching the course's module on using benchmarks as a starting point.
Save
This practical guide to the Lean Startup methodology provides insights into iterative product development and customer validation, expanding the course's coverage of data-driven decision-making.
Explores the challenges of maintaining a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing business environment, providing insights relevant to the course's discussion of industry dynamics.
This collection of articles from McKinsey & Company provides insights into cutting-edge management practices and industry trends, supplementing the course's content on consulting tools and techniques.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/e4mjd9/consulting
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Consulting Tools and Tips.
Introduction to Management Consulting
OpenCourser.com/course/0becti/introduction
Introduction to Management Consulting
Solidity for Beginners: Write and Test Smart Contracts
OpenCourser.com/course/9swzhp/solidity
Solidity for Beginners: Write and Test Smart Contracts
Essential PowerPoint for Management Consultants & Analysts
OpenCourser.com/course/eaosgl/essential
Essential PowerPoint for Management Consultants & Analysts
Getting a Consulting Job
OpenCourser.com/course/5ilzvt/getting
Getting a Consulting Job
Consulting Presentations and Storytelling
OpenCourser.com/course/ajfzfv/consulting
Consulting Presentations and Storytelling
Performance Improvement Projects for Management Consultants
OpenCourser.com/course/ljsuoq/performance
Performance Improvement Projects for Management...
Understanding Smart Objects in Adobe Photoshop
OpenCourser.com/course/7utyms/understanding
Understanding Smart Objects in Adobe Photoshop
Ethereum Tutorial: Ethereum & Smart Contracts from Scratch
OpenCourser.com/course/i3wvhj/ethereum
Ethereum Tutorial: Ethereum & Smart Contracts from Scratch
Generative AI for Consultants
OpenCourser.com/course/sqzm4u/generative
Generative AI for Consultants
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Emory University
Instructor
John Kim
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Management Consulting. It's comprised of five courses:
- Consulting Presentations and Storytelling
- Introduction to Management Consulting
- Getting a Consulting Job
- Consulting Approach to Problem Solving
- Consulting Tools and Tips (viewing)
Good to know
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
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser