Methodologies Used by Consultancy Firms to Add Value to the Companies - Coursework Example

Consultancy Project Task Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………3 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..4 Research-Informed Literature…………………………………………..…………………………5 Knowledge and Understanding of Subject………………………………………………………12 Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………….…….15 Practical Application and Deployment…………………………………………………….…….16 Skills for Professional Practice……………………………………………………………..……17 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….……18 References………………………………………………………………………………………..20 Abstract Consultancy is fast growing as a booming business within the modern world economy. More and more companies spring up by the day and specialize their skills, services, and professional output towards a given field or line of production. These firms strive to be the best in whatever field they operate, and as such, provide its clients with the best market solutions for the particular inclination of business they choose to operate. On the other hand, this specialization brings about differentiation, as well as, market specificity, which makes these firms the best services providers in such a field. Consequently, this leads to attraction of customers, both individual and companies who come to contract their consultancy services at a fee in return for their professional services and expertise (Kaarst-Brown, 1999). This research paper covers a consultancy project whereby it examines the various methodologies used by consultancy firms to add value to the companies, as well as, deduce the relevance of such operators within the market sphere. As such, it will explore the strategic relevance of consultancy to an organization, The Apple Corporation, through undertaking a systematic analysis of the available data on consultancy projects, as well as, to evaluate critically the various assumptions and arguments over the whole issue. This further leads to a conclusion whereby the research draws appropriate and realistic conclusions over the effectiveness and efficiency of consultancy in management. These conclusions enable the management of the company to male sound and informed decisions or judgments that lead to successive operations within the company (Kent, 1992). Consultancy Project Introduction Consultancy has various definitions depending on the field or line of professionalism through which its application takes place. However, in the business field of management, consultancy refers to the creation of values to organizations, through a systematic application of knowledge, assets, and techniques, in order to improve the performance of the business. The successful achievement of this mission is through rendering of objective advice, as well as, undertaking the implementation of the selected business solutions. However, there is some discord within the application of this definition across the entire board of consultancy, whereby some consultancies believe that their work is only to advice, especially strategy consultancies. On the other hand, the implementer consultancies believe that a consultancy firm should go ahead and implement all the advice it gives to the parent firm in order to ensure its successive implementation. As such, this distinction marks a difference between strategy consultants, such as BCG, Bain, McKinsey, and Apple, and implementer consultants, such as IBM, Accenture, and CapGemini (White, 1979). For a consultancy firm to effectively perform and discharge its duties, it requires to have extensive knowledge about the field or line of practice in which it operates. As such, the typical embedment of knowledge of these firms occurs through its “Practices”, “Body of Knowledge”, and “Consultants”. The main role of a consultancy firm is to undertake three mandatory steps towards the improvement of the performance of a company. The first step is to identify the problem, which the company is facing, especially in its given line of operations or field, such as defining the problem, and establishing its course. The next step is to research and recommend a possible solution to the problem. This should be a viable solution, such that when the company implements it, it will get the recommended results and as such, spring back to productivity. The last step is to help implement the solution established. This is where most strategy consultants stop, although some go ahead to assist the company in implementing the recommended solutions in their operations (McKelvey, 1981). Research-Informed Literature Overview of Apple Corporation This company is one of the major employers in the world. For instance, in September 2011 it had approximately 60,400 full time employees as well as other 2, 900 contractors and employees. Steve Jobs formed the company on 1 April 1976 alongside other two co-founders, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Its headquarters are situated in Cupertino in California. It is mainly involved in computer software, computer hardware, digital distribution as well as consumer electronics. Its best-known products across the world markets include, iPhones smart phone, Mac line of computers, iPad tablet computer, iPod music player, iOS operating systems, safari web browser, iLife and iWork as well as iTunes media browser among others. Tim Cook who serves as its chief executive officer heads it. The company enjoys a huge market across the world. For instance, it has operations in all six continents of the world. The Apple Consultants Network (ACN). The Apple Corporation has a consultancy network known as the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). This fee-based membership program designed specifically to provide a platform for IT professionals who deliver services for Mac and iOS devices, such as the iPad and the iPhones. As such, the network features a number of independent professional service providers and technology consulting firms that specialize in Apple and third party solutions. As such, this is a platform launched by the Apple Corporation to enable it reach out extensively to its customers. Consequently, the company certifies all its consultants within the ACN on Apple Technologies and tasks them with the duty of delivering on-site technology services, as well as, support home users and businesses of all sizes (Cooke, Collinge, Laurentis & McNeill, 2010). This includes Certified Professionals, who are member companies staffed with professionals holding competencies and certifications from Apple, Industry Expertise, who are member companies with industry specific knowledge, as well as, experience that enables them serve in a variety of business needs, and Multi-Platform Support. These member companies enable customers of the company to either switch from, or integrate different technologies. The other platform provided by the Apple Consultants Network is the Onsite Services, which enables customers to enjoy the convenience of services offered by the company at their private places of business. The utilization of the Apple Consultants Network by the Apple Corporation enables it to provide the best market services for its customers, and as such, meet the tastes and preferences of its customers. The platform enables the customers of the company to get the help that they need, wherever, and whenever they need it. This position helps the company to meet specific needs of its customers, especially for those at a long distance and lack the opportunity to seek help from the company’s offices. This platform enables Apple technologies to offer a wide range of solutions to its customers wherever they are, such as at their homes, their places of work, or while on the go on a journey or trip. It provides a platform to its customers such that whenever they have a project in mind, or require simple help to get started along the right path of investment, there are local consultants and numerous IT experts to support them through their projects. As such, apart from providing its customers the best quality service for their particular needs, the ACN helps Apple technologies to command a wide market share. The Apple Consultants Network provides customers with the best source for Apple-certified, independent technical professionals focused on delivering professional services and support on all the platforms operated by Apple Technologies. It also offers the customers with several tips of hiring a consultant, especially one versed with great knowledge and expertise in their line of project or investment. As such, the Apple Consultants Network offers the customers a wide range of choice of their local professionals with a wide variety of expertise in various lines of fields and specialization in Apple and related technologies. All a customer need to in order to get the right consultant for his or her project is to go to the Consultant Locator, an icon found on the company’s website, and then search for a professional within their local area. This provides them with a list of available consultants within there are of residence, work place, or travel destinations. The customer can then select a consultant from this list, and choose one that best meets their needs and specifications. CompTIA Network+ Certification This is one best example of the certified skills and professionals working under the Apple Corporation to offer various technological advice and expertise to its customers. In fact, the company recently created a platform that allowed CompTIA Network+ certified professional to serve in their board of Apple Network Consultants (ACN). Apple technologies accept experts and professionals with credentials in this field to join the long list of ACN professionals. As such, professionals in CompTIA Network+ who join the ACN program and complete the Apple’s Mobility learning path stand at a great position to offer a wide range of consulting services , especially in line with the iOS deployment and integration. The increasing demand for mobility solutions provides these professionals, especially through their involvement in the ACN program to pursue a completely new source of revenue for their private businesses. The benefits of a consultant operating under the ACN program are numerous, inclusive of their affiliation with Apple for mobility services, using the program logo, professional listing in the Apple Consultants Locator, as well as, enjoying equipment and software discounts for demo systems. This membership also allows them to have access to the ACN community communications. This platform also offers the customers a wide range of services in the technologies field, thereby enabling them to get the best of services for their projects and investment plans using Apple or its related technologies (Markham & O’mahoney, 2013). Return on Investment The Apple Corporation believe that technology investments can save a client or customer time and money, as well as, assist the client or customer to get further ahead of the competition. As such, the right consultant is very instrumental in setting the customer or client on the fast track by recommending solutions, creating customized workflows, as well as, providing ongoing training and support to enable them meet their goals and objectives cost-effectively. Consequently, the company created a platform that would enable its customers and clients to access and get their preferred source of technical consultants. The Apple Consultants Network provides the clients and customers of the company with a wide base of preferred source for Apple-certified technical consultants. The company sets the professional credentials of these consultants, and certifies them with Apple or related technologies in order to ensure they provide the right services for their customers, as if it were the company itself offering these services. The adoption of this program is mainly because the company cannot reach out to the entire market sphere where its customers and clients require their services and expertise. Membership by professionals in the ACN comprises of consulting firms that deliver technological consulting, as well as, other professional services to their clients of all types. All the customer or client needs to do is to use the online tools provided on the company’s website and find a consultant within their local area. Each member company of the ACN has technical personnel holding Apple certifications, and has independent ownership and operations. However, these member companies or individuals in the ACN must meet the strict requirements set by the Apple Corporation before their inclusion into the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). For instance, a client or customer wishing to offer comprehensive professional services can consult the ACN and locate the best consultants in this field. A client passionate about delivering high quality services and innovative solutions can contact the ACN, which offers services that span across the entire spectrum, such as basic setup and configuration of iPads, iPhones, and Macs, as well as, other advanced enterprise solutions (Corporation Essvale, 2011). The Apple Consultants Network provides its clients and customers services that meet its tastes and preferences, such as when outsourcing, or when augmenting IT staff for the business, or just in need for occasional support while at home. as such, the ACN enables investors to get the most out of their technology investments, find local member companies for remote or onsite assistance, get professional advice on Apple and other multi-platform solutions, as well as, select from a variety of member companies that best fit the client’s requirements and budget. This also enables the company to fit its services within the reach and range of the customers making them readily available to most of its clients and customers. Consulting Solutions in the Software Market One of the major companies operating under the ACN and providing the clients the best solutions in the software industry is the Nucleus Software Limited. This company features in the long list of member companies of the ACN and customers can access it through the platform provided by the Apple Corporation. Nucleus Software is a leading global IT products and solutions company that delivers consistent value to mission critical business processes of Banking and Financial Services Sector. The company has a robust portfolio of IT products and solutions for the Banking and Financial Services industry (BSFI) that operated consistently for 27 years, delivering value and trust to its clients. As such, the main objective of consulting solutions for this software provider is to ensure that its clients and customers have success in their investments while using the Nucleus Software. The proficiency in providing consulting solutions stems from the experience gained by the company for more than 3,500 implementations around the globe. The company offers a wide range of consulting services, with the main one being technology consulting. The goal of providing Technology Consulting solutions is to enable a successful implementation ad integration of the core banking systems as required by the clients. The first step is to develop a prioritized list of strategic initiatives. Furthermore, the process of turning these initiatives into reality requires a detailed and clear blueprint, which in other words means a scalable architecture. As such, in order deliver solutions to the client that improve their business performance require its ability to integrate seamlessly solutions and systems through a scalable and flexible design. This software company operates exclusively in the financial solutions industry by providing the strategic expertise and understanding of key technological drivers to plan the adoption, development and integration of advanced technology into clients’ businesses, thereby enabling the business solutions provider to gain a competitive advantage over other market player (Deelmann & Mohe, 2006). Nucleus Software also performs implementation consulting with a variety of key features, which are matching standard Nucleus Software functions to the client business requirements. This operates on a platform whereby it identifies a Nucleus Software function that needs configuration. It also requires creation of a plan for implementing functions of a company, especially those required to meet the needs of the client. Furthermore, it also estimates the costs and level of effort for each phase of a project, and as such, reduces the risk of the project in case it overruns. Other solutions provided by the company include Project Management Solutions. The company has proven experience in deploying its core banking softwares on a global scale, and as such, the project manager ensures appropriate completion of a project within a set time as well as, within the set budget. All the project managers within the company have appropriate training and continuously undergo an ongoing training program in order to ensure a consistent management of techniques, and overall deployments of successive projects. The company also has implementation and design solutions based on its extensive knowledge of software, as well as, the requirements of the clients. The consulting team of the company provides expert assistance to develop quickly business process flows and maps them on the nucleus software functionality. Apart from providing consultancy solutions for software related operations and programs, it also offers project quality reviews. The review assess the progress of the project from a particular business perspective, and as such, incorporates project planning, project control, progress against plan, adherence to any client specified methodology, change control, forecast of remaining effort, quality control, and customer satisfaction. The company also offers Implementation Readiness reviews whereby its experienced consultants evaluate key areas, identify risks, as well as, make appropriate recommendations that ensure that the client’s project remains on track for a successful implementation. It uses comparison techniques in order to undertake its proven best practices, and as such, the team recommends the most appropriate approach to solve the problem areas, as well as, offer specific recommendations in order to mitigate any identified risks (Halerstede, 2013). Knowledge and Understanding of Subject It is appropriate for the client to understand the concept of consultancy and as such, understand the role it plays within the company’s platform. For instance, the structure set up by the Apple Corporation to create an Apple Consultants Network (ACN) provides its customers with the best platform to access Apple and related technologies. However, if the customer does not understand the role of a consultant, such as being the primary link that provides the customer an appropriate avenue to transform its operations and other roles in productivity, rather than being the key player or critical part of the company’s practice. A consultant should only provide expert advice on a particular field or investment project, not to provide the company with an escape plan to sort out its problems. Consequently, it is imperative for the companies seeking consultancy services from these consultant platforms such as ACN and Nuclear Softwares to understand the role of these consultancy platforms rather than embrace a consultancy company as another department of the organization. A consultancy firm only assists a customer, a client, or a company to overcome the problem that it is currently facing, or to undertake a project that deals with technological investments. As such, the consultancy firms only provides the company with the necessary strategies to resolve its problems by first identifying the problems and its causes, then come up with a list of viable solutions for this problem, and much later recommend a solution that is appropriate for resolving the problem. However, if the company fails to implement the recommended solutions by the consultancy firm appropriately it is not the fault of the consultant, but rather that of the company or client. This is why the external consultant within a company plays a very critical role in the structure and deployment of the project or investment platform adopted by the company (Wise, 2012). Symbolic Roles of an External Consultant A consultant selected to perform a particular role by a client or customer from the ACN platform must understand the needs of the project, the complexities of the business problems, the appropriate plans according to the project layout, as well as, undertake the implementation of appropriate solutions to resolve the problem that the business or company is facing. As such, this proves that the consultant is much more valuable as compared to a pure technician that the company or client can hire to handle the particular field or area of expertise. Henceforth, the ACN ensures that all the external consultants that it accepts as members after certification with Apple technologies possess the required skills and expertise to meet the specific needs of the customers, and rather not limited to a single focus area. However, it is advisable for the customer or client selecting a consultant from the Apple Consultants Network to be very keen and careful in selecting those consultants that only meet the highest standards of quality and accreditation from the organization. All the consultants who are members of the ACN have Apple certification, and as such, meet high quality standards as set by the Apple Corporation, as well as, those who meet the right representation and employment criteria. All consultants meet a meticulous evaluation and assessment process that enables the users or clients to find the right quality that meets their specific needs, especially in line with the large database of resources available at the Apple Corporation. The assessment criteria of members of the ACN undergoes a number of procedures and practices, such as their technical skills and abilities in particular fields and areas paramount in the performance of the company or its related products such as Apple Macs, iPods and iPhones. Other skills that members of the ACN have to meet before getting approval to be members are analytical or design skills, managerial or leadership abilities, verbal and written communication and presentation skills, legal status, problem solving abilities, a professional approach, as well as, strict commitment and adherence to quality. Other assessment platforms that these members have to meet are the sense of responsibility, ability to maintain budgets and deadlines, ability to work under pressure, as well as, ability to work individually and in a team. The approach used by the company in selecting these consultants is by going for those who are “best suitable” for a given role rather than those who are “best available” for the same role. This enables Apple Corporation to provide its customers and clients the Right consultants, at the Right time, to the Right Customer, and at the Right value, which forms the core or key to establishment of a long lasting and quality business relationships, or partnerships. This 4R Approach run by Apple Technologies in establishing an appropriate client-consultant relationship enables the company to create a strong base involving the client, the vendor, and the consultant, especially for the customers who continuously select Apple Consultants Network for their preferred partners in business. Apple technologies specialize in providing technological consultancy services to its clients across various market platforms and spheres. However, it also plays a critical role in consultant management in order to ensure that the consultants meet the set standards and regulations of the company. For instance, proactive thinking and timely action assist the company to manage its consultants in a better way, and as such, ensure maximum efficiency as well as effectiveness while performing in their various fields and deployments. Some of the strategic steps taken by the company to ensure their consultants remain in strict adherence to the company rules and regulations is by staying in touch with the consultant at all times, and assuming the responsibility of a client manager in order to ensure satisfactory performance of the consultant, and appropriate progress of the assignment or project. Another strategy used to ensure quality is visiting the client’s site periodically, as well as, whenever it is necessary, in order to maintain contact with consultant and client management. This consultant management approach adopted by Apple Technologies is an open dual way and positive communication platform that ensures adherence to quality and client satisfaction. Analysis An analysis of the provisions on the ACN program run and operated by the Apple Corporation provides that the platform is more productive and successful in reaching out to its third party customers, as well as, clients. For instance, most of the investors and other companies that want to use the Apple technologies in their investment projects, especially those related to information technology get an upper hand in the market by making use of some of the best Apple certified consultants within the market. In addition, this also provides the company an extended hand to reach out to its customers, and command a considerable market base by providing its esteemed customers with the best consultancy services in technology and software. Many clients and companies are taking up the platform provided by the Apple Corporation through the Apple Consultants Network to get the best consultancy services available in the market in Apple and related technologies. As a result, these companies are in a position to strategically set up their operations within the market and take up emerging market opportunities and advantages. This also gives these companies a competitive advantage over other market players in the industry, as they are in a position to get the right consultancy services, which is the best in the market owing to the accreditation provided by the Apple Corporation as a prerequisite for all members joining the Apple Consultants Network (ACN). However, it is best to consider the costs and efficiency in performance, as well as, the effectiveness in service delivery of consultants especially in a case where clients seek assistance from consultancy firms and networks, such as through Apple’s ACN program. These firms provide the best there is in the market, however, this does not guarantee that the client will have success in his or her project or investment, unless if they undertake a strict and fulfilling implementation of the whole plan. A consultant will only recommend the best solutions for the company to take in managing a given problem, or undertaking a certain investment project. Nevertheless, if the client has wavering commitment to the completion and undertaking of the problem through a disciplined implantation of the recommendations, the blame for the failure of the project lies on the customer and not on the consultant (Sadler, 2001). However, in order to ensure such instances do not happen, especially where the consultant offers the best services and the client fails in implementing them; the Apple Corporation follows up the performance of each project to ensure its conclusive undertaking through the consultant’s management program. This ensures integration of both the consultant and the client to define a clear and precise goal and objective of every project or problem resolution. This in turn ensures appropriate co-ordination in the performance and execution of duties and functions related to the consultancy work and operations. Consequently, both the client and the consultant go home happily after a successful project undertaking. On the other hand, Apple Technologies continues to maintain a global reputation as the best service provider in consultancy services through the Apple Consultants Network (ACN) program. Practical Application and Deployment Before a company or a client selects a consultant, especially through the ACN program launched by Apple Technologies, it has to consider a number of steps necessary that will enable it get the best consultant in the market. The mere fact that a consultant is listed in the Apple Corporation’s list of ACN members does not guarantee that the consultant will deliver in both professional, as well as, technological services. The steps involved in the selection of a consultant include making the initial contact, after choosing a number of viable consultants through the consultants’ locator platform on the company’ website. This includes a list of potential consultants whereby the client sends them his or her terms of reference in order to perform a given project or undertake a certain problem. The consultants, on getting the initial contact from the client or customers, sends a proposal to the client as requested, thereby outlining his or her expertise and proficiency in the given field or line of activities requested by the customer. The client critically evaluates and assesses the proposals to determine if the consultants meet their needs and specifications to qualify for the undertaking of a particular project. This assessment provides the client with an opportunity to select the best consultant among a list of the best within the market, whereby he or she can then carry out interviews with the consultants and on a one-on-one platform deduce who among the listed consultants’ best fits their requirements and qualification standards. The client can even go ahead to check the references of each consultant, such as their accreditation and certification by Apple Corporation to become members of the ACN program. This information gives the customer a solid base of selecting a consultant with an assured guarantee that he or she will deliver on the project appropriately. Skills for Professional Practice Hiring the services of a consultant may be a costly affair for the client or the company. This is because most of these consultants are the best in the market; especially considering the certification, they receive from the Apple Corporation to undertake services on its behalf. As such, the client or customer contracting the services of these consultants should be in a position to compensate them handsomely for their services. As such, it is imperative for the client to include a payment plan in the contract that he or she drafts with a consultant before the commencement of a projects’ implementation. This includes outlining the consultant’s fees, method of payment, progress payments, advances, as well as, penalties. Paying the consultant can take a number of platforms such as hourly fees, daily rates, a fixed price or lump sum remuneration, a fixed price for fees within the limit for expenses, and retainer. A retainer method of payment is appropriate whenever the need or demand for the services of a consultant. As such, the client pays a set amount to the consultant, and then the consultant agrees to be available at the client’s disposal whenever and wherever the client has some work and requires it done. However, if it is impossible to estimate the amount of work done by a consultant, the client can reserve a set amount of the consultant’s time for a certain period for the life of the project. Therefore, the client will receive payments on a regular basis or schedule, such as in every two weeks, or once every month, even if the consultant does not work for the client during the named period. Conclusion In conclusion, it is always important for a client to ensure he or she gets the right value for their money after contracting the services of a consultant. The bottom line of consultancy lies on whether the consultant assisted the organization in resolving its crisis or in undertaking its new project to achieve an advanced goal or objective. The client should also be able to estimate whether it improved or is now better off owing to the services provided by the selected consultant. If not, then it is not necessary to select a consultant, and as such, more appropriate for the company to undertake an in-house performance of the named objectives rather than outsourcing the services of an expert consultant within a given field or line of professionalism. Consequently, a client should select their consultants carefully, and this is the only guarantee that the client will get or achieve the kind of end-result that they require. In addition, it is always imperative for the client to state exactly what they want and expect from the consultant, go ahead to supervise the work performed, as well as, be demanding but fair, about the final product that the consultants deliver. References Choosing Consultants And Making The Best Use Of Their Services - A Handbook. Health & Welfare Canada, 1989. Cooke, P., Collinge, C., Laurentis, C. & McNeill, S. (2010). Platforms of Innovation: Dynamics of New Industrial Knowledge Flows. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. Corporation Essvale. (2011). Career Guidebook for It in Consultancy. New York: Essvale Corporation Limited. Deelmann, T. & Mohe, M. (2006). Selection and Evaluation of Consultants. Munich: Rainer Hampp Verlag. Halerstede, S. (2013). Managing the Lifecycle of Open Innovation Platforms. New York: Springer. Kaarst-Brown, M. (1999). "Five Symbolic Roles Of The External Consultant – Integrating Change, Power And Symbolism", Journal Of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 12 Iss: 6, Pp.540 – 561. Kent, J. (1992).Effective Organizations - A Consultants Resource.. Skills Program For Management Volunteers, Fitness & Amateur Sport Canada, Markham, C. & O’mahoney, J. (2013). Management Consultancy. Oxford: Oxford University Press. McKelvey, M. (1981).When To Hire a Consultant and How to Get Your Moneys Worth. Diamond Planners Ltd., Municipal World, June Procedures for the Selection of Community Planning Consulting Services and the Preparation of Contracts. Ministry Of Municipal Affairs & Housing Factsheet, Community Planning Advisory Branch. Sadler, P. (2001). Management Consultancy: A Handbook for Best Practice. London: Kogan Page Publishers. White, James, P.Ag. (1979). How To Select A Consultant. Presentation To Canadian Consulting Agrologists Association, August Wise, L. (2012). Using Open Source Platforms for Business Intelligence: Avoid Pitfalls and Maximize ROI. London: Newnes. Read More