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John Kim
This is the #3 course in the specialization on management consulting.
Management consultants excel at solving difficult and complex business problems. How do they do this? Shouldn’t clients know more about their situation than external consultants? Consultants are trained to systematically break down problems into logical pieces, then aggressively pursue answers with data:
• Think about the problem broadly; strategy, operations, people, technology
• Define the problem clearly; articulate “what does success look like?”
• Break the problem into “buckets” so it is easy to understand
Read more
This is the #3 course in the specialization on management consulting.
Management consultants excel at solving difficult and complex business problems. How do they do this? Shouldn’t clients know more about their situation than external consultants? Consultants are trained to systematically break down problems into logical pieces, then aggressively pursue answers with data:
• Think about the problem broadly; strategy, operations, people, technology
• Define the problem clearly; articulate “what does success look like?”
• Break the problem into “buckets” so it is easy to understand
Read more
This is the #3 course in the specialization on management consulting.
Management consultants excel at solving difficult and complex business problems. How do they do this? Shouldn’t clients know more about their situation than external consultants? Consultants are trained to systematically break down problems into logical pieces, then aggressively pursue answers with data:
• Think about the problem broadly; strategy, operations, people, technology
• Define the problem clearly; articulate “what does success look like?”
• Break the problem into “buckets” so it is easy to understand
• Use hypotheses to “guess” your way to the potential answer(s)
• Find and clean up messy data; convert the data into useful recommendations
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/tmo05v/consulting
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What's inside
Syllabus
Problem Definition and Scoping
Problem definition may sound abstract or boring, but it's incredibly important to solve the RIGHT PROBLEM. Like a detective at a crime scene, a consultant needs to stay open-minded; think broadly about the problem and "look around" for obvious (and missing) clues. In practical terms, a clear problem statement helps the consulting manager keep the scope broad enough for flexibility and creativity, while narrow enough that the work can get done within the project time-frame.
Read more
Syllabus
Problem Definition and Scoping
Problem definition may sound abstract or boring, but it's incredibly important to solve the RIGHT PROBLEM. Like a detective at a crime scene, a consultant needs to stay open-minded; think broadly about the problem and "look around" for obvious (and missing) clues. In practical terms, a clear problem statement helps the consulting manager keep the scope broad enough for flexibility and creativity, while narrow enough that the work can get done within the project time-frame.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Designed explicitly for those seeking to advance their skills in management consulting
Led by instructors with extensive experience in consulting
Concepts taught are highly relevant to current industry practices
Emphasis on logical problem-solving and data-driven decision-making
Covers essential aspects of management consulting, such as problem definition, hypotheses testing, and data analysis
Part of a specialization on management consulting, indicating a comprehensive learning path
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Reviews summary
Structured approach to business problem solving
According to students, this course provides a solid and structured approach to problem-solving, particularly for those new to or aspiring in consulting. Learners consistently praise the instructor's clear explanations and engaging delivery, which make complex frameworks like DMAIC digestible. Many found the modules on problem definition, hypothesis-based consulting, and the importance of data analysis highly practical and immediately applicable to their roles. While largely viewed as a strong foundational course, some more experienced learners felt the content was too theoretical or lacked advanced depth and hands-on exercises, suggesting it's best for beginners rather than those seeking a deep dive into complex scenarios.
Serves as an excellent starting point for those new to consulting concepts.
"As someone new to consulting, this course gave me the perfect structured approach to tackle problems."
"This course is a must for aspiring consultants."
"It's a good introduction, but don't expect to become an expert without further practice."
Provides strategies that are immediately applicable to real-world scenarios.
"The practical examples made it easy to apply to my real-world work challenges. Highly recommend for anyone looking to sharpen their consulting skills."
"I'm already applying these methods in my current role."
"This course demystifies the consulting process. The step-by-step guidance on hypothesis testing and data-driven recommendations is invaluable."
Offers a highly organized and easy-to-follow problem-solving methodology.
"This course was truly enlightening! The instructor's clear explanations of problem definition and hypothesis-based consulting were exceptional."
"As someone new to consulting, this course gave me the perfect structured approach to tackle problems."
"I gained valuable insights into structuring problems and validating solutions with data."
"Excellent course! It provided me with a solid framework for approaching complex problems."
Could benefit from additional practical exercises and case studies.
"Good for theory, but need to seek hands-on practice elsewhere."
"I found myself wanting more practical application or real-world project work."
"The sections on data analysis and data cleansing were particularly useful, though I wish there were more hands-on exercises for these parts."
May feel too basic or theoretical for learners with prior experience.
"Decent course, but a bit too theoretical for my taste. While the problem-solving frameworks were explained, I found myself wanting more practical application or real-world project work."
"Disappointed with the lack of depth. If you already have some experience in business analysis or project management, much of this will feel redundant."
"The content is generally good, but the pace sometimes felt slow, especially for someone with a business background."
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 Approach to Problem Solving with these
activities:
Review Estimation Tools
Show steps
Review material on the types of tools that can be used to estimate solutions to problems and practice using them in a spreadsheet.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
List the estimation tool types.
-
Explain how waterfall, bottom-up, and three-point estimates interrelate.
-
Estimate a project's number of hours using estimation tools.
Compile and Review Course Notes
Show steps
Regularly compiling and reviewing notes helps reinforce course material, improve recall, and prepare for assessments.
Browse courses on
Review
Show steps
-
Gather and Organize Course Materials
-
Summarize and Revise Notes
-
Test Understanding through Practice Questions or Recall
Review Consulting Frameworks and Techniques
Show steps
Reviewing frameworks and techniques allows learners to familiarize themselves with industry best practices and refine their consulting skills.
Browse courses on
Problem Definition
Show steps
-
Identify Relevant Frameworks and Techniques
-
Explore Online Resources and Tutorials
-
Apply Frameworks to Practice Scenarios
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Participate in Peer Consulting Sessions
Show steps
Peer sessions provide a platform for students to collaborate, share knowledge, and refine their consulting approaches.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Establish a Peer Group or Find a Partner
-
Set Regular Meeting Times
-
Discuss Consulting Cases and Exchange Insights
Practice Hypothesis Development
Show steps
Increase your ability to generate hypotheses by practicing in a safe and supportive environment.
Browse courses on
Hypothesis Development
Show steps
-
Review hypothesis formulation.
-
Develop hypotheses and justify them using IF/THEN statements.
Solve Consulting Practice Problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems helps reinforce course concepts, develop analytical skills, and build problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Gather Practice Questions
-
Attempt Solving Problems
-
Review Solutions and Identify Areas for Improvement
Work on a Consulting Project
Show steps
Developing a consulting project can help connect the course material with real-life implementation.
Show steps
-
Craft Problem Statement
-
Gather and Structure Data
-
Hypothesize and Test
-
Develop Recommendations
-
Present Findings
Learn Vertical Techniques
Show steps
Improve your ability to prioritize by learning and trying out vertical techniques such as the Pareto principle.
Browse courses on
Pareto Principle
Show steps
-
Find an online tutorial on Vertical Heuristics and the Pareto principle.
-
Learn about how to identify the vital few and the trivial many.
-
Apply the concepts to a business case.
Write a Consulting Case Study
Show steps
Creating a case study allows students to apply course concepts to specific scenarios and demonstrate their understanding.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
-
Select a Consulting Scenario
-
Identify Relevant Course Concepts
-
Analyze the Scenario
-
Develop Recommendations
-
Write and Format Case Study
Design a Problem-Solving Strategy
Show steps
Improve your problem-solving skills by creating a framework that can be used to approach any problem.
Show steps
-
Identify the key components of a problem.
-
Create a step-by-step process for solving problems.
-
Test the framework on a real-world problem.
Create a Data Visualization Dashboard
Show steps
Improve your data visualization skills by creating a dashboard that presents data in a clear and concise way.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Identify the key metrics.
-
Choose the right visualization techniques.
-
Create the dashboard.
Prepare a Consulting Case
Show steps
Further develop your ability to solve business problems by identifying and solving a problem faced by a real company and presenting your findings to stakeholders.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
-
Identify a Challenge or Opportunity
-
Choose an Industry or Company
-
Research and Analyze the Issue
-
Propose Solutions
Review Estimation Tools
Show steps
Review material on the types of tools that can be used to estimate solutions to problems and practice using them in a spreadsheet.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- List the estimation tool types.
- Explain how waterfall, bottom-up, and three-point estimates interrelate.
- Estimate a project's number of hours using estimation tools.
Compile and Review Course Notes
Show steps
Regularly compiling and reviewing notes helps reinforce course material, improve recall, and prepare for assessments.
Browse courses on
Review
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and Organize Course Materials
- Summarize and Revise Notes
- Test Understanding through Practice Questions or Recall
Review Consulting Frameworks and Techniques
Show steps
Reviewing frameworks and techniques allows learners to familiarize themselves with industry best practices and refine their consulting skills.
Browse courses on
Problem Definition
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify Relevant Frameworks and Techniques
- Explore Online Resources and Tutorials
- Apply Frameworks to Practice Scenarios
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Participate in Peer Consulting Sessions
Show steps
Peer sessions provide a platform for students to collaborate, share knowledge, and refine their consulting approaches.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Establish a Peer Group or Find a Partner
- Set Regular Meeting Times
- Discuss Consulting Cases and Exchange Insights
Practice Hypothesis Development
Show steps
Increase your ability to generate hypotheses by practicing in a safe and supportive environment.
Browse courses on
Hypothesis Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review hypothesis formulation.
- Develop hypotheses and justify them using IF/THEN statements.
Solve Consulting Practice Problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems helps reinforce course concepts, develop analytical skills, and build problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather Practice Questions
- Attempt Solving Problems
- Review Solutions and Identify Areas for Improvement
Work on a Consulting Project
Show steps
Developing a consulting project can help connect the course material with real-life implementation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Craft Problem Statement
- Gather and Structure Data
- Hypothesize and Test
- Develop Recommendations
- Present Findings
Learn Vertical Techniques
Show steps
Improve your ability to prioritize by learning and trying out vertical techniques such as the Pareto principle.
Browse courses on
Pareto Principle
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an online tutorial on Vertical Heuristics and the Pareto principle.
- Learn about how to identify the vital few and the trivial many.
- Apply the concepts to a business case.
Write a Consulting Case Study
Show steps
Creating a case study allows students to apply course concepts to specific scenarios and demonstrate their understanding.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a Consulting Scenario
- Identify Relevant Course Concepts
- Analyze the Scenario
- Develop Recommendations
- Write and Format Case Study
Design a Problem-Solving Strategy
Show steps
Improve your problem-solving skills by creating a framework that can be used to approach any problem.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key components of a problem.
- Create a step-by-step process for solving problems.
- Test the framework on a real-world problem.
Create a Data Visualization Dashboard
Show steps
Improve your data visualization skills by creating a dashboard that presents data in a clear and concise way.
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key metrics.
- Choose the right visualization techniques.
- Create the dashboard.
Prepare a Consulting Case
Show steps
Further develop your ability to solve business problems by identifying and solving a problem faced by a real company and presenting your findings to stakeholders.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a Challenge or Opportunity
- Choose an Industry or Company
- Research and Analyze the Issue
- Propose Solutions
Career center
Learners who complete Consulting Approach to Problem Solving will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Business Consultant
Business Consultant
Consultants work with companies to identify and solve business problems. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses improve their performance. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful business consultant. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Management Analyst
Management Analyst
Management analysts help organizations improve their performance by analyzing their operations and identifying areas for improvement. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help organizations improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful management analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. They use their skills to develop and implement solutions that can help organizations improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful operations research analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts work with organizations to design and implement new or improved computer systems. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help organizations improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful systems analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data analysts use data to solve problems and make decisions. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help organizations improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful data analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts use data to understand the needs and wants of customers. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses improve their marketing strategies and products. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful market research analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts use data to analyze the financial performance of companies and make investment recommendations. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help investors make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful financial analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and make predictions. They use their skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful quantitative analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts use data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful business intelligence analyst. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data scientists use data to solve complex problems and make predictions. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful data scientist. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians use data to solve problems and make predictions. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful statistician. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Economist
Economist
Economists use data to analyze the economy and make predictions. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful economist. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries use data to analyze risk and make predictions. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful actuary. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations managers use data to improve the efficiency and productivity of businesses. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses improve their bottom line. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful operations manager. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project managers use data to plan and execute projects. They use their analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement solutions that can help businesses achieve their goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful project manager. It will teach you how to define problems, collect and analyze data, and develop and implement solutions. It will also help you to develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are essential for success in this field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tmo05v/consulting
Reading list
We've selected 13 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 Approach to Problem Solving.
A practical guide to the consulting methodology used by McKinsey & Company. Offers a structured approach to problem-solving and provides case studies that demonstrate real-world applications. Useful to learn about other consulting frameworks and approaches.
Save
A comprehensive exploration of cognitive biases and how they affect our decision-making. Provides insights into the psychological aspects of problem-solving, which could complement the course's focus on data and logical reasoning.
Save
A comprehensive guide to using data analytics to drive decision-making. Provides practical frameworks and case studies that demonstrate how data can be used to solve business problems. Useful for students interested in data-driven consulting.
A classic book on disruptive innovation and how established companies can avoid being disrupted by new technologies. Provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation and offers strategies for adapting to changing markets. Useful as additional reading for students interested in innovation and business strategy.
Save
A book on the key elements of good strategy. Provides a framework for evaluating and developing effective strategies. Useful as additional reading for students who want to develop their strategic thinking skills.
An overview of data science techniques and their applications in business. Provides a practical understanding of how data can be used to create value and solve problems. Useful as an additional reading to the hypothesis-based consulting and data request and data cleansing modules.
A practical guide to using Python for data analysis and visualization. Provides hands-on experience with data cleaning, manipulation, and analysis techniques. Useful for students who want to develop their data analysis skills.
Provides a step-by-step process for solving problems, emphasizing critical thinking skills. Offers practice problems and exercises to reinforce learning. Useful as an additional reading to the problem definition and scoping module.
Save
An introduction to design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving. Provides practical tools and techniques for understanding user needs and developing innovative solutions. Useful for students interested in creative problem-solving and user experience.
A book on marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. Provides insights into the challenges of crossing the chasm between early adopters and mainstream markets. Useful as additional reading for students interested in technology marketing and innovation.
A popular book on the lean startup methodology, which emphasizes the importance of rapid iteration and customer feedback. Provides insights into the process of developing and testing new business ideas. Useful as additional reading for students interested in innovation and problem-solving.
An introduction to data analytics concepts and techniques. Provides a foundation for understanding how data is used in problem-solving and decision-making. Helpful for students with limited data analysis experience.
A book on fostering creativity and innovation in the workplace. Provides insights into the creative process and offers practical exercises to help develop creative thinking skills. Useful as additional reading for students who want to enhance their problem-solving and innovation abilities.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tmo05v/consulting
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Rating
4.8
Effort
7 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Emory University
Instructor
John Kim
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Management Consulting. It's comprised of five courses:
- Consulting Presentations and Storytelling
- Getting a Consulting Job
- Introduction to Management Consulting
- Consulting Approach to Problem Solving (viewing)
- Consulting Tools and Tips
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