Assessing the Effectiveness of Business Consulting in Operations Development Projects

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 58, No. 6, pp. 523-541, 2009

19 Pages Posted: 16 May 2010

See all articles by Petri Helo

Petri Helo

University of Vaasa

Fredrik Nordstrom

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Mian Ajmal

Abu Dhabi University; University of Oulu; University of Vaasa

Date Written: October 1, 2008

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the question of the effectiveness of business consultants in operations development projects. It does this by analysing the results of collaboration between a multinational firm and business consultants who applied the theory of constraints to a series of development projects.

Design/methodology/approach – Following the presentation of an overview of business consultants and the need to measure the effectiveness of business consulting practices, the paper presents empirical data on the return on investment achieved from 20 development projects in the multinational company under study.

Findings – The findings indicate that the involvement of business consultants in development projects has a positive impact on outcomes and can be justified in financial terms.

Research limitations/implications – The generalise ability of the results in service sector companies remains to be tested. The data is limited to a set of internal operations development consulting projects within one multinational company. Management consultants and managers will benefit from the results of study.

Originality/value – The study provides important insights into the assessment of the effectiveness of business consultants in operations development.

Keywords: Management Consultancy, Organizational Effectiveness, Project Management

Suggested Citation

Helo, Petri and Nordstrom, Fredrik and Ajmal, Mian Muhammad, Assessing the Effectiveness of Business Consulting in Operations Development Projects (October 1, 2008). International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 58, No. 6, pp. 523-541, 2009 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1608904

Petri Helo

University of Vaasa ( email )

P.O. Box 700
Wolffintie 34
FIN-65101 Vaasa, FI-65101
Finland

Fredrik Nordstrom

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Mian Muhammad Ajmal (Contact Author)

Abu Dhabi University ( email )

Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

University of Oulu ( email )

P.O. Box 4600
Oulu FIN-90014, 90570
Finland

University of Vaasa ( email )

P.O. Box 700
Wolffintie 34
FIN-65101 Vaasa, FI-65101
Finland

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