Almost all consulting assignments undertaken by the Company are of a long-term nature, usually encompassing four to nine months. Depending upon the size of the company, the consultant will spend one to two days per week on site working at the client's facility. There are several reasons for this extended period of engagement. First, the work of the consultant must be coordinated with the administrative functions in the company. Almost always, additional information and analysis will be needed and the office staff and supervisory personnel need time to fulfill these requirements as well as complete their normal job responsibilities.
Second, the development of situation specific procedures and programs tailored for the client's operation take time. While the problems many companies have are quite similar, the operating and administrative methods and structure are usually very different. For a control program to work it must fit the pattern and the structure of the company. This development and modification process can only be accomplished over an extended period of involvement.
Third, change takes time. Structured Management consultants actually implement the changes they recommend. Management is a human function, and it takes time to train and teach company employees new procedures and methods and to have them fully grasp their new responsibilities. In addition, there is always some degree of resistance by company employees that the consultant must overcome.
Finally, longer-term engagements have substantially less impact on client cash flow. By extending the engagement over several months, the cost of the project is also spread over an extended period of time. As a result, benefits developed in the early stages of the program generate the cash and profits to continue the project.
If you would like to learn more abut the consulting process and how it can increase the profitability of your business contact us for a free consultation.
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