Publications and Links
 Here we include material on
1. Catalysts for Change Management
2. Data Management
3. Using Information Technology in Construction-related consultancies
4. Book Reviews
5. Going Independent and Consultancy as a Career
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Articles on Change Management may be found here
Related articles are below.
1. Catalysts for Change Management
Process Mapping
Effective Consulting, an independent publication, included an article on using process mapping as an agent for change. There are many circumstances where the change in the ways that people work are not carefully considered beforehand, buy-in is not achieve, and the result is a disaster. In the examples used here it is a success. Understanding not only the processes as they existed before the change but also as they are intended to later on is vital to enabling effective change.
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Not Just an Office Move
Ambassador, previously the magazine of the Association of MBAs, published my article recognising that since change is inevitable when a company relocates, relocation can be used as an agent for change to help ensure that the changes occur in a constructive, effective way to meet the company’s strategic objectives.
Download the PDF
2. Data Management
 Data Management forms the basis of good information, and formed an extensive element of the Valuebill project (See Case Studies), and I will be providing short articles here. The following is based on presentations I made during the Valuebill project.
Referring to the diagram below, service delivery, regardless of sector or industry, depends on the wisdom of the people, who must have real knowledge of what they are doing based on information sourced from data. That data, the very basis of all that the organisation represents, must be timely, accurate and appropriately referenced. Many assignments and projects aim to improve the quality of the data that an organisation uses, the speed at which it can be obtained, and the certainty that it relates to the task in hand.
In this chart, used often during workshops for the project, we depicted the primary objective of the organisations as the provision of high quality services to their customers. To achieve this they needed certainty as expressed through knowledge, developed in conjunction with their partners and related organisations. These are in turn based on information gleaned from core data. Any improvement programme would therefore enable enhancement of the data at the root of this information and knowledge, and of the processes used for gathering and disseminating that data. Better data, gathered and used more effectively, leads to service improvement. Accurate, timely, relevant data is crucial for effective and efficient service delivery.
What can you do to improve and maintain the data that is core to your organisation?
3. The Use of Information Technology in Construction-related Consultancies:
In 1989 while working for Ernst and Young I provided a paper with this title for The Fourth International Conference on Civil & Structural Engineering Computing. It can be found here.
The paper advocated the increased use of the electronic exchange of information – data, drawings, documents – between the various parties engaged in construction, to reduce errors in understanding between architect, engineering consultancies, property consultants, clients and contractors, to save both effort and time. The core message, that sharing information can save time and money, is at least as important today. With significant waste through misunderstandings, better use of standard communication tools can greatly enhance the availability of accurate, up to date information for client, designer, contractor, sub-contractor and materials suppliers. The ultimate benefits are for everyone: a better job for the client, lower costs, and better relationships for all.
4. Book Reviews
Book reviews and other articles were published by Effective Consulting, the Association of MBAs, and, some years ago I think, by Project Manager Today. These were across a broad range of management subjects and interests, including the Economist Pocketbooks, Project Management, Co-opetition, the massive changes in the former Soviet Union, consultancy and innovation. I may include some reviews here from time to time. I have used every one of the books in my work with students at MBA or undergraduate level, as well as with clients. If you think I should review specific titles please let me know.
5. Going Independent and Consultancy as a Career
Life on your own: Independent Management Consultant or Interim Manager
It seemed to me when I went independent in 1993 that there was little that really recognised the differences between being an independent consultant or interim manager, and starting any other business. There is a difference between starting a professional services company and a new manufacturing company although they should both recognise two things: they need customers and they need profit. Having started independent consultants’ meetings with the Association of MBAs’ support, for which I received the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Association in 2002, I used to receive enquiries at the rate of at least one every week on how to go independent.
In 2002 the Association of MBAs held an evening meeting at which Alan Horne of Albemarle, an Interim Management organisation, and I provided a presentation and discussion on the distinction between the two, and the very significant areas which they share. Even though the presentation was in 2002 it remains relevant today and can be obtained here.
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Consultancy as a Career
The Institute of Management Consultancy (IMC), now the Institute of Business Consulting (IBC), published an annual guide for senior school leavers. I contributed articles to it on careers in Consultancy, from the perspective of someone whose experience covers a range of organisations both as employee and consultant, before embarking on my own.
Those interested in consultancy as a career can find information here.
Aimed primarily at those students who are contemplating a career in consultancy, it may be useful to those considering moving into the industry. For other information on life as an independent consultant please refer to the books listed below.
Books on Consultancy and Interim Management
This is a selection, in no particular order, of books that you might find useful.
- The Top Consultant by Calvert Markham
- How to Be Your Own Management Consultant: by Calvert Markham
- Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss
- High Income Consulting by Tom Lambert
- The Concise Guide to Becoming an Independent Consultant by Herman Holtz
- Managerial Consulting Skills, by Charles Margerison
- Creating and Developing a Consultancy Practice, Martin Wilson
- Profitable Consulting Business by Douglas Gray
- Interim Management by Dennis Russell
- The Freelance Alternative, Marianne Gray
- Going It Alone by Sally Garrett
- Go It Alone by Geoff Burch
If you need more details please contact us.
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