Consulting - best practices

 Phillips, Trotter & Phillips, (2015) introduce the application of V model in the consulting project.   The V models focus on both objectives and needs assessments in the consulting project. In other words, the Needs Assessments Tool used in the consulting project include five levels of needs and objective. The first level is Payoff needs and ROI objective. In this level, the organization evaluates the problem that needs a serious consideration. The organization may have various problems affecting the operations and strategy and it highlights all the problems and comes with a clearly identified need to solve the problems (Phillips, Trotter & Phillips, 2015).  After evaluating the payoff needs, the business enters into the return on investment objective level where it considers monetary value. The business creates a rough estimate of the projected cost and compares it with monetary benefits. The second tool or technique for needs assessment in the consulting project is the business needs.  In this level, the organization reviews the records and reports to evaluate the operating performance and determine the key issues that affect the business and connect the consulting project to these issues (Phillips, Trotter & Phillips, 2015).  The third technique is the performance needs. After evaluating the business needs, the organization finds the root cause of the problem such as inappropriate technology, ineffective systems, dysfunctional behavior and more. The organization collaborates with the consulting team to implement problem-solving techniques such as data collection through interviews and root-cause analysis to find out the root cause of the problems and offer solutions (Phillips, Trotter & Phillips, 2015). The fourth level is the learning needs where the workforce requires knowledge acquisition and formalized training to implement the new process.  The last level is the preference needs which deals with measuring different values and perceptions for project implementation (Phillips, Trotter & Phillips, 2015). The organization evaluates the differences and values the specific preferences.

In the Need Assessment Tool, the experts say that the organization should look for organization needs by employing various methods such as finding internal and external partners who would help make a quality decision, find data from different sources such as documents, focus groups, interviews and more and define the needs.  In addition, the organization should look for causal factors and actions needed to solve the problem (Kaufman, Oakley-Browne & Watkins, 2003). It should measure different solutions and activities that can be applied to achieve the desired results.  In general, the organization should use the Need Assessment Tool to look for a problem, offer the right solution, and take a proactive approach to implement change, share meaning and develop commitment. 

 I would recommend the organization to take the following measures in determining the Need Assessment Tool. First, the organization should set a strategy. This involves coming up with goals and strategic policies, decisions and choices. Second, it should create tactical procedures to define and achieve the goals and objectives. Third, it should create operational decisions that are based on project implementation, tasks and resources needed for project completion (Kaufman, Oakley-Browne & Watkins, 2003). These three types of decisions are important as they will enable the industry to determine the needs that may benefit the organization, the type of programs and projects to be implemented to help the organization and the budget, project milestone and resources. In looking for a Need Assessment Tool, I would recommend the industry to take these measures or decisions since they all work together in bringing success.

 

References

Kaufman, R., Oakley-Browne, H., & Watkins, R. (2003). Strategic Planning For Success. New Jersey: John

Wiley & Sons.

 

Phillips, J. J., Trotter, W. D., & Phillips, P. P. (2015). Maximizing the value of consulting: A guide for

internal and external consultants.