STRATEGIC CONSULTING PROJECTS

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1 STRATEGIC CONSULTING PROJECTS WELCOME We are delighted to introduce you to the AGSM Strategic Consulting Projects Program. This guide is designed to explain the underlying process of the Program as well as highlighting how AGSM Strategic Consulting Projects can deliver extraordinary results for your company. The AGSM MBA Program is consistently rated as Australia s top-ranked MBA Program* and has a reputation for flexibility and strength. It is proud of its relationship with leading business organisations and peer schools throughout the world. The AGSM MBA Programs are delivered by the Australian School of Business which was formed in 2007 through the merger of the Australian Graduate School of Management and the former Faculty of Commerce and Economics of the University of NSW. * Ranked No.1 MBA in Australia by The Financial Times (UK) Global MBA rankings 2011 The Strategic Consulting Projects Program creates, develops and facilitates opportunities for AGSM MBA students to work in teams with clients on issues of strategic importance. In collaboration with senior executives, the AGSM MBA teams define and analyse the business issue and make recommendations for action through written and oral presentations. Conducted over twelve weeks, these projects have the capacity to address a wide range of issues including: Strategic planning and competitive analysis Market analysis for business growth opportunities Re-designing the customer acquisition process Viability of launching new products in the Australian market Improvement of organisational performance and measurement Determining productivity benchmarks and potential efficiencies Evaluating a pricing strategy Researching and analysing consumer preferences

2 Strategic Consulting Projects provide the opportunity for students to get an inside look at a company and to experience what it is like to be on a consulting team. Strategic Consulting Projects enable your business to tap into the collective strength of AGSM MBA students, who,combined with leading academics, will deliver strategic project capability to your business. Professor Grahame Dowling, Australian School of Business Application Process To propose a Strategic Consulting Project, please send an expression of interest by , including the following information: Company name and contact details Provide some background information on your company Brief outline of the business issue What are the three key questions that you would like answered by the end of the project? Specific requirements in relation to the team members (if applicable) The MBA Program builds a project scope around the client s issue, and then assembles a consulting team of 3-5 Masters of Business Administration (MBA) candidates. A Faculty Member who is an expert in the field or industry in question, ensures that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to the client s satisfaction. Clients include a wide range of business from large multinational corporations to entrepreneurial ventures moving into the next stage after a business plan is launched. We invite you to be part of a rewarding business partnership with AGSM MBA Programs. For more information, please contact: Director of Operations & Student Recruitment j.jones@agsm.edu.au AGSM MBA Programs UNSW SYDNEY NSW 2052 Australia T: F:

3 BENEFITS OF AN AGSM STRATEGIC CONSULTING PROJECT The Australia School of Business, which delivers the AGSM MBA Program, is an academic powerhouse with the talent, expertise and resources to help clients with their business concerns. The key benefits that clients will gain from an AGSM Strategic Consulting Project are: The project was fantastic. The team s analysis of the business was particularly good they gave us an outsider s view of the commercial viability of our business services operations and highlighted our vulnerability Tony Lund, Chief Executive, Disabilities Service Australia Unsurpassed business expertise the MBA students are able to combine a depth of practical application with the latest management techniques. They are experienced in analysing complex problems within a strategic framework and have strong analystical and interpersonal skills. A dedicated team to focus on one particular business issue companies frequently do not have the time and resources to commit a team of individuals to work on a single concern for a lengthy period of time. The AGSM Project Team will work for 10 straight weeks on the business problem or concern. Access to the best and brightest MBA candidates with a diverse team that is motivated and interested in your company and industry. The AGSM MBA Program offers its clients a high-potential recruiting resource. By working with the Project Team, clients may find a good fit for talented candidates who will soon be completing their MBA studies. Consultancy-style work at a fraction of the cost of hiring consultancy firms when the budget is tight yet consulting is optimal, AGSM Management Projects perfectly fill the gap. Clients receive professional quality results at a fraction of typical consulting costs. Renowned MBA Program faculty members with experience and expertise, the MBA Program faculty provide the most up-to-date academic knowledge to advise and support the Project Team and the client. An external view as a third party, the Project Team is able to collect and gather information in an objective fashion and reach results that the client might otherwise be unable to attain. The Project Team In the project planning phase, the AGSM MBA Program is responsible for forming the project team. Each team is comprised of 3-5 MBA candidates, and a Faculty member. The MBA candidates have a diverse background and a unique approach to the business problem. As a team, they work together to successfully complete the rigorous demands of the project. The Faculty member is one of the MBA Program s esteemed academics, selected as a result of their experience and expertise in the field or industry in question. The faculty member provides unique insights as a subject-matter expert to support and guide the team and review the work performed.

4 STRATEGIC CONSULTING PROJECTS WEEK 1 Project launch & proposal WEEK 2 5 Research & analysis WEEK 6 7 Progress update report WEEK 8 12 Final analysis & presentation Pre-project planning Once the client submits a Project Request, the AGSM MBA Program discusses and evaluates the scope and objectives of the potential Strategic Consulting Project. The purpose is to evaluate the project itself (importance of the problem, value that the AGSM MBA Program can add, potential to complete the project within the 12-week schedule, etc), and confirms the client s commitment to the project. Once the project is thoroughly scoped to satisfaction, and the AGSM MBA Program and client are in agreement, the MBA Program Project Team is formed and preparation is made for the project start date. Week 1: Project launch and proposal After the pre-project planning is completed, the project is launched in accordance with the MBA term schedule. It starts with an initial briefing in Week 1 between the Project Team and the client, which provides a full overview of project issues. Following this, the team creates and finalises a project proposal to outline methodology and analysis framework, time schedule, expenses and resource requirements. Both the Project Team and the client agree upon this proposal before moving ahead. Week 2 5: Research and analysis Throughout this process, the team will need to meet regularly with the client contact. Depending on the nature of the project, the team may need to perform the work on your company s premises. Interviewing may be necessary as well as assistance with gathering internal information and feedback. Week 6 7: Progress Update Report In Week 6 and 7, the AGSM MBA Program team arranges with the client a suitable time to present a mid-term progress update. This is intended to keep your company up to date on the project s preliminary findings and next steps. Week 8 12: Final analysis and presentation After the final analysis is completed, the project culimates in two key deliverables: a presentation and a report. At the end of the twelve weeks, the team will deliver a professional presentation to the client. Typically, this includes key executives and decisionmakers involved in the business problem it may also include secondary groups such as others in the company who need to be aware of the problem or clients who will be interested in the results. Following the presentation, the team will provide a final report that will deliver the outcomes/recommendations, as well as details of data collected and the analysis performed.

5 EXAMPLES OF PAST PROJECTS The AGSM Strategic Consulting Project was conducted with the utmost professionalism. The project students and staff worked with Colliers collaboratively to understand our business and left us with a valuable research report which will clearly result in positive business outcomes. Chris Noll, National Executive Director, Colliers Internation Reviewed the global residential property market, including USA, Canada, UK and Australia Researched trends and forecasts for financial services in Australia Identified a business strategy that would allow better alignment of online and offline sales and marketing activities Created a marketing plan for a company launching an imported beverage into the Australian market Re-designed the customer acquisition process as part of an overall performance management approach Completed a study of capital raising in the industrial property market Determined productivity benchmarks and potential efficiencies to improve worker productivity and efficiency based on an assessment of policies, procedures and practices within the organisation Analysed leadership techniques critical to outstanding business success Performed investment appraisal for an Australian office of a transportation company Researched and evaluated the feasibility of creating a manufacturing subsidiary in the Phillipines Created a plan to increase visitation to a major tourist attraction in such a way that strengthened their engagement with the community Developed a strategic plan for internet presence of a niche bricks-andmortars consumer goods business Analysed information technology training needs in Australia for a multinational corporation Types of Projects As a top business school in the Asia Pacific region, the ASB has a full range of business expertise. The AGSM MBA Program s major focus areas include: General Management Marketing Finance and Accounting Organisational Behaviour AGSM Strategic Consulting Project teams have performed strategic consulting for over 100 organisations from the corporate, government and non-profit sectors since Clients include: Merck Sharp & Dohme Hewlett Packard BT Financial Group News Interactive Telstra Deutsche Bank Australian Stock Exchange Qantas AMP TNT Asia Disabilities Services Australia Zurich Australia Federal Airports Corporation IBM Global Services Australia post Colliers International SAP Australia Austrade SBC Warburg IBM Global Services Commonwealth Bank Mayne Nickless Cochlear CSIRO South Australia Water Corporation Energy Australia Sony Fujitsu Australia Dupont Australia Westfield Holdinhs Defence Equity Organisation Royal Botanical Gardens Tyco George Weston Foods Australian Capital Partners Bain International Lucent Technologies Macquarie Bank

6 The project was a great opportunity to work with entrepreneurs in a real-world context and apply some of the skills and knowledge gained during the MBA at AGSM. The project allowed us to work closely with senior management and we were able to get great insight into the decisions that business owners and operators face on a daily basis and in forming the longterm strategic direction of an organisation. Oren Danziger, MBA graduate 2008 Confidentiality of information AGSM MBA Program is aware of the need for confidentiality in business problems, so the entire team is bound to an Agreement of Confidentiality provided by the AGSM MBA Program. This provides our clients with the confidence to provide proprietary information to the project. Please note: All information in this document is correct at the time of printing. Prices and fees are subject to change at short notice. The AGSM MBA Program reserves the right to make changes to the program content, delivery and completion requirement as required. CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G AS00808/060611