How to Run a Consulting Project (PowerPoint PPT Slide Deck)

DESCRIPTION

This product (How to Run a Consulting Project) is a 30-slide PPT PowerPoint presentation slide deck (PPT), which you can download immediately upon purchase.

This presentation sets out an approach to run a consulting project. The approach contains three distinct phrases:
1. Sell the project: include Describe the work, Price the work, Get approval, Write the contract
2. Organize the project: include Develop a detailed workplan, Identify appropriate resources
3. Manage the project: include Manage finance, Manage quality, Manage team, Manage client, Topics covered in separate postings.

The deck has 30 slides and contains quite a few examples in elaborating on the approach. This is a companion for another posting Consulting Project Management: Leadership & Team Effectiveness.

See also "How to Write A Business Plan"
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See also "How to Prepare a Business Plan"
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See also "How to Be a Great Manager"
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See also "How to Be a Great Consultant"
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See also "How to Be a Great Associate Consultant "
/browse/marketplace/how-to-be-a-great-associate-consultant-753

See also "How to Deliver Effective Presentations"
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See also "How to Conduct Consulting Interviews"
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This document also delves into practical exercises to develop a high-level work plan, focusing on critical issues like winning new clients and growing market share. It includes detailed instructions for creating Gantt charts, documenting risks, and leveraging issue analysis worksheets, ensuring your team is well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

You'll find comprehensive guidance on managing project finances, from tracking and reviewing budgets to billing and closing the job. The presentation emphasizes the importance of understanding financial assumptions, maintaining accurate records, and working closely with finance contacts to ensure a smooth project wrap-up. This resource is essential for consultants aiming to deliver high-quality results while maintaining financial control.

Source: Best Practices in Consulting Project Management PowerPoint Slides: How to Run a Consulting Project PowerPoint (PPT) Presentation Slide Deck, Documents & Files

PPT SLIDE DEEP DIVES

PharmaCo Performance Management Workplan Overview

This PPT slide outlines a structured work plan for PharmaCo's performance management initiative, detailing the timeline, approach, and key deliverables. It is divided into 2 main phases: designing the performance appraisal (PA) system and building the appraisal system.

The first phase, starting on June 15 and lasting 6 weeks, focuses on establishing the project scope and defining success criteria. Key activities include developing a performance scorecard, identifying metrics, collecting data, and setting targets. This foundational work is crucial for ensuring that the subsequent phases are aligned with the overall objectives of the organization.

The second phase is split into 2 segments: the 2001 pilot and the 2002 beta. The pilot phase begins on August 1 and spans nine weeks, during which 2 training workshops on the appraisal process will be conducted. Workshops with personnel from Fawzi and Schneider are planned to develop individual scorecards, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in this process. The deliverables for this phase include the performance scorecard and the identification of metrics.

Following the pilot, the 2002 beta phase starts on October 1 and lasts 13 weeks. This phase aims to finalize the pilot and implement process improvements. It includes conducting additional training workshops and facilitating the identification and collection of appropriate metrics and targets. Deliverables for this phase will encompass the beta 2002 PA system and trained HR personnel.

This slide serves as a clear roadmap for stakeholders, illustrating the systematic approach taken to enhance performance management within PharmaCo. It emphasizes the importance of structured training and collaboration, which are vital for achieving the project's objectives.

Framework for Effective Management Strategies

This PPT slide outlines a structured approach to project management, emphasizing its critical role in achieving superior results. It introduces the Project Management Module, which is part of a broader framework consisting of 4 key aspects. The central question posed is "How To Deliver Superior Results?" This question serves as a guiding principle for the content that follows.

The slide is organized into 2 main sections. The first section, labeled "Today," focuses on the initial steps in project management. It highlights the importance of effectively setting up the project and managing the team. These elements are foundational, suggesting that a well-structured project setup and strong team management are essential for success.

The second section, scheduled for "Thursday / Friday," expands the focus to client management and career management. This indicates a progression in the project management process, where after establishing the project and team, attention shifts to client relationships and personal career development. This dual focus on external (clients) and internal (career) aspects underscores the multifaceted nature of project management.

Overall, the slide conveys a clear roadmap for individuals looking to enhance their project management skills. It suggests that mastering these areas can lead to improved outcomes in both project execution and personal career trajectories. For potential customers, this document promises a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of project management, making it a valuable resource for professionals aiming to elevate their effectiveness in consulting roles.

Key Decision Points in Client Engagement Process

This PPT slide outlines critical decision points within the GDBF framework, focusing on the phases of client engagement and project management. It is structured into 5 key areas: Client Selection, Client Development, Opportunity Assessment, Selling the Opportunity, Commitment, and Delivery. Each section highlights essential activities and decisions necessary for effective project execution.

In the Client Selection phase, organizations assess the market, select and classify potential clients, and allocate resources for initial efforts. This foundational step sets the stage for future engagement. The Client Development section emphasizes planning the client approach, understanding client needs, and building executive relationships, which are crucial for fostering long-term partnerships.

The Opportunity Assessment phase involves defining and prioritizing opportunities, assessing the value proposition, and classifying opportunities. This step is vital for ensuring that resources are committed effectively to the most promising prospects. Following this, the Selling the Opportunity segment focuses on developing a sales strategy, determining win/loss scenarios, and reviewing results. This is where the groundwork laid in earlier phases translates into actionable sales tactics.

Commitment is about finalizing business arrangements, drafting contracts, and ensuring resource allocation aligns with project goals. The final phase, Delivery, emphasizes executing the project, expanding client relationships, and leveraging knowledge gained throughout the process.

The slide serves as a comprehensive guide for decision-makers, providing clarity on the necessary steps and considerations at each stage of the client engagement process. It emphasizes the importance of structured decision-making and resource allocation to achieve successful project outcomes.

Organizing Work Plans with Gantt Chart Methodology

This PPT slide presents a structured approach to utilizing a Gantt chart as a foundational tool for project management. It outlines essential steps for developing the chart, emphasizing the importance of resource allocation and sequencing of workstreams. The steps include considering the ideal mix of resources, assigning them effectively, and identifying interdependencies among various workstreams. This methodical approach ensures that each component of the project is aligned and that the desired outputs are clearly defined.

The slide features a summary workplan that breaks down activities, responsibilities, and timelines across several weeks. Each activity is assigned to specific roles, such as 'All', 'Sr. Mgr.', and 'BA', indicating a collaborative effort among team members. The timeline spans nine weeks, with visual indicators showing progress for each activity. Deliverables are also listed, providing clarity on what is expected at various stages of the project.

The percentage completion for each deliverable gives a quick snapshot of progress, allowing stakeholders to assess the project's status at a glance. This structured format not only aids in tracking progress, but also facilitates communication among team members and stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned on objectives and timelines.

Overall, this slide serves as a practical guide for project managers looking to implement a Gantt chart effectively, offering a clear framework for organizing work and monitoring progress throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Phases of Effective Management

This PPT slide outlines a structured approach to project management, emphasizing 3 critical phases: Selling the Project, Organizing the Project, and Managing the Project. Each phase is essential for ensuring the project's overall success.

In the first phase, "Sell the Project," the focus is on articulating the project's value. Key activities include describing the work at a high level, pricing it appropriately using GCPM, obtaining necessary approvals through GBDF, and formalizing the agreement with a contract. This phase sets the foundation for stakeholder buy-in and resource allocation.

The second phase, "Organize the Project," involves detailed planning. Here, developing a comprehensive work plan is crucial. Identifying appropriate resources ensures that the project is adequately staffed and equipped to meet its objectives. This phase is about translating the initial vision into actionable steps.

The final phase, "Manage the Project," is about execution and oversight. It includes managing finances to keep the project within budget, completing CQMA reviews to ensure quality and compliance, and effectively managing both the team and clients. This phase is where the project’s success is measured against its initial goals.

Overall, this slide serves as a roadmap for project managers, highlighting the interconnectedness of these phases. Each step is designed to build upon the previous one, underscoring the importance of thorough preparation and ongoing management. Understanding this process can significantly enhance project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.

Engagement Wrap-Up Process for Closure

This PPT slide outlines a structured approach to the engagement wrap-up process in North America, emphasizing the importance of meticulous attention to detail during the final stages of a project. It is divided into 3 main sections: Submit Final Paperwork, Zero-out Final Job Balance, and Close Job. Each section contains specific tasks that need to be completed to ensure the project is concluded effectively and remains within budget.

In the first section, "Submit Final Paperwork," the focus is on reviewing the job balance, verifying that there are no outstanding backlogs, processing the final bill, and collecting on any outstanding invoices. This step is crucial for ensuring that all financial aspects are accounted for before moving on.

The second section, "Zero-out Final Job Balance," involves developing a rationale for adjusting the final job balance to zero. This includes discussions on whether the final balance should be written off as a credit or a debit. This step is essential to maintain accurate financial records and provide clarity on the project's financial outcome.

The final section, "Close Job," lists the tasks necessary for formally closing the project. This includes closing the job number, closing the business development number, and conducting a final Client Quality Management Assessment (CQMA). These actions are vital for ensuring that all aspects of the project are finalized and documented.

The slide also includes best practices, such as reconciling inventory account balances monthly and ensuring that all incurred costs are accounted for in the final bill. These practices serve as guidelines to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the wrap-up process, ultimately leading to better project management outcomes.

Resource Allocation and Budgeting for Teams

This PPT slide titled "Exercise: Developing a Work Plan" outlines key assumptions and proposed team structures for 2 distinct project teams, highlighting budgetary constraints and timeframes. It begins with overall assumptions that clarify the billing rates, indicating they include discounts. Notably, it specifies that the Senior Manager and Partner will have limited availability, dedicating only one day and half a day per week, respectively, to this engagement. This limitation emphasizes the need for efficient resource allocation given the fixed budget.

The first section details Teams 1-3, which operate under a budget of $200,000 and a timeline of 2 to 4 weeks. The proposed team structure consists of 2 managers, 2 consultants, and 2 business analysts, each with specified bill rates. This structure suggests a balanced approach, leveraging both managerial oversight and analytical support to drive project success.

Conversely, Teams 4-7 are allocated a smaller budget of $100,000 and a longer timeframe of 3 to 5 weeks. The proposed structure here is leaner, with one manager, one consultant, and one business analyst. This indicates a strategic decision to minimize costs while still aiming for effective project delivery.

Overall, the slide serves as a practical guide for decision-makers to understand the implications of team structure and budget constraints on project execution. It encourages careful consideration of resource allocation and time management to meet project objectives within defined financial limits.

Financial Model: Net Fees and Engagement Margin Analysis

This PPT slide presents a financial model that outlines the net fees and margin for a consulting engagement. It breaks down revenues and costs over 2 months, April and May 2002, culminating in a total for the engagement. The revenues section includes gross fees, marketing discounts, and net fees, which are calculated as a percentage of the completed basis. The net fees for April and May are specified, showing a clear increase from 630,778 to 777,034, contributing to a total revenue of 2,352,472.

The cost of services is detailed, including chargeable loaded payroll and other direct costs. Notably, the engagement margin is calculated for both months, with a percentage increase from 59.1% to 60.2%. This margin reflects the efficiency and profitability of the engagement. The total business development costs are also highlighted, although they remain at zero, indicating no additional costs incurred in this area during the period.

The model serves as a crucial tool for understanding the financial dynamics of the project. It allows stakeholders to assess profitability and make informed decisions regarding pricing and resource allocation. The clear delineation of revenues and costs aids in identifying areas for potential improvement. The emphasis on net fees and engagement margin provides a straightforward view of the project's financial health, essential for any executive considering the viability of the engagement. This analysis not only highlights current performance, but also sets a foundation for future financial planning and strategy.