Preparing Better Consultants : The Role of Academia

This volume addresses the education of management consultants, highlighting the need for better training to handle business complexities. It critiques current training methods and emphasizes academia's role in providing critical thinking skills. Chapters offer examples of innovative programs and reflections on academia's potential impact.

A volume in Research in Management ConsultingSeries Editor Anthony F. Buono, Bentley UniversityThis volue focuses on a relatively neglected area of managementconsulting, the education of consultants. In today''s business world, we findtraining programs provided by consultancies, certification programs provided byprofessional organizations, on-the-job training of consultants with formal orinformal supervision, self-taught professionals, and some academic programs andcourses. Is that enough? No, better consultants are needed to handle the complexity and changing nature ofbusiness. Academe is in the best position to provide the critical thinking preparation necessary. Yet, academicinstitutions have been slow in embracing this challenge. The role of academia needs to grow in magnitude and incertain directions that educate consultants beyond industry training practices. Chapter authors provide examplesof innovative programs, topical approaches for courses, and thoughtful reflections on the role academia can playin preparing better consultants. There are lessons for business schools, consultancies, and aspiring and practicingconsultants.