Demonstrate an understanding of how to identify client needs and be able to develop appropriate research strategies for consultancy interventions

Assignment Brief

Consultancy

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how to identify client needs and be able to develop appropriate research strategies for consultancy interventions
2. Appraise the importance of expert tools and techniques to a consultant
3. Evaluate the relationship between strategic management, leadership and leadership styles and principles that support organisational ethical and value based approaches to leadership
4. Evaluate the application of leadership strategies and the impact on organisational direction

Assessment:

You are a new consultant working for International Management Consultancy organisation (IMC is a fictional consultancy firm). You are required to complete ONE consultancy project out of the choice of the employer scenarios [See the link to the “Assignment Case Studies” on Moodle] which must be completed by the assignment deadline. You must use an employer video case study from the choice available on Moodle. With reference to your chosen employer scenario, produce a 3000-3500 word report which will be assessed on the following areas:

Maximum marks available

1. An analysis of the company`s strategic position 30
2. A set of recommendations to address the issues identified 15
3. An evidence-informed implementation strategy 25
4. A reflection on key learning from the module 10
5. Organisation/academic writing 10
6. Referencing 10

Total Out of 100

Section 1:

An analysis of the company`s strategic position Provide an overview of the company you have chosen.

Identify and apply 2 appropriate tools and techniques to analyse

1. The internal environment of the company
2. The external environment of the company

This analysis of the company`s strategic position should include:

1. Leadership and communication
2. The company culture including its ethical and value base
3. The company`s position in the sector
4. A critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of the tools and techniques you have used
5. The client needs

Following your analysis on the company’s strategic position, identify the main issues that you could advise the company to address.

NOTE: This section refers to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and is worth 30 marks

Section 2:

Recommendations to the organisation

1. Based on your analysis in Section 1, propose 3 recommendations for the company.
2. Ensure that each recommendation is clear, has appropriate detail, is justified and is feasible in this context.
3. Recommendations should refer to the leadership and communications strategy of the company, taking account of internal and external stakeholders.

Section 3:

Implementation of Recommendations

1. Based on Section 2, explain how the company would implement the recommendations put forward to support the changes in its strategic direction.
2. This section will include analysis of the following:
   • Leadership styles - this must include reference to different leadership styles supported by theories, models and/or evidence.
   • Communicating the vision to the key stakeholders 
   • Leadership strategy and the impact on organisational direction
3. This section considers the actions that should be taken by the company in order to achieve the recommendations that you have described above.

Section 4:

Critical Reflection All students, particularly at postgraduate level, need to reflect critically on the learning experience. Select and use a model (e.g. Gibbs reflective cycle) to reflect your learning experience on the CMI module (i.e. workshops, learning journeys, etc.)

Consider the following question:

• How you might apply your learning and knowledge from this module to your own area of study and future career aspirations?

Sample Answer

Consultancy Report for GreenTech Solutions Ltd

Executive Summary

This consultancy report analyses the strategic position of GreenTech Solutions Ltd, a fictional company specialising in environmentally friendly technology. The report applies established tools to evaluate both the internal and external environments of the business. Key client needs are identified, and evidence-based recommendations are presented. A clear implementation strategy is outlined with a focus on leadership, communication, and ethical values. Finally, a personal reflection explores how knowledge from the consultancy module can be applied in future professional practice.

Section 1: Analysis of Strategic Position

Company Overview

GreenTech Solutions Ltd is a medium-sized enterprise operating in the renewable energy sector. The company designs and manufactures solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems. Its mission is to promote sustainability by offering affordable, clean energy solutions to both residential and commercial markets. With rising concerns about climate change and increasing demand for green energy, GreenTech occupies a growing market segment but faces intense competition and technological challenges.

Tools for Strategic Analysis

To evaluate GreenTech’s strategic position, two established tools are applied:

1. SWOT Analysis – for assessing the internal environment.

2. PESTLE Analysis – for examining the external environment.

Internal Environment: SWOT Analysis

Leadership and Communication: The current leadership is collaborative but lacks strategic clarity in communication, particularly during periods of change. Internal communication channels are informal and inconsistent, creating confusion among teams.

Company Culture, Ethics, and Values: GreenTech has a strong ethical foundation rooted in sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, the company’s focus on ethics sometimes overshadows commercial strategy, limiting competitiveness.

Continued...