The performance evaluation process of a business consultant should incorporate good project management practices into all contract deliveries. External factors, such as global macrotrends, industry dynamics, disruptions, transorganizational dynamics, institutional requirements, competition, market changes, technological changes, regulations, laws and similar forces, go beyond the domain of direct control and influence of an organization. Adroit consultants provide information and resources to help the client learn and understand new and emerging realities, plan and take appropriate measures to succeed. When it comes to assessing the success of a consulting contract, it is essential to consider external criteria and measures.
Self-evaluation and internal metrics are necessary but not sufficient. The evaluation should take into account the external success requirements that are necessary for the project to be successful. Professionals and researchers in the field of management consulting can benefit from evidence-based evaluations of consulting efforts. This approach emphasizes a logical approach that underpins the evaluation of the consultation process from start to finish or at any stage of the consulting activity. Managers can also benefit from knowing the results of the efforts and resources invested in consulting to find better ways to logically plan and justify consulting efforts in their own organizations.
In addition, key stakeholders should be identified and included in the consultation, evaluation, planning and implementation process, according to the circumstances and factors that drive consulting hiring. The cost of resources to hire consultants is justified based on the opinions, hopes and aspirations that consultants can rely on to help their clients deal with the reality of their situations. This trend is accentuated when the consultant and clients face additional responsibility in high-risk situations, as well as uncertain and complex consulting commitments, decisions and outcomes. It considers the factors that drive change, whether external, internal or strategic, and provides valuable knowledge about the effectiveness of hiring consultants. A well-crafted Request for Proposal (RFP) for consulting is essential for success. It helps generate reliable and valid knowledge derived from evaluations of hiring consultants to advance organizational and consulting research and practice.
In addition, aligning your consulting spending with your strategy is key to maximize the quality-price ratio you invest in consulting. Extensions and additional contracts give consultants the opportunity to establish relationships and deeply understand your customers' businesses. Consulting has always been an informal business when it comes to measuring and demonstrating its own impact. In many cases, consulting efforts are led by consultants who sell or promote their services and products prepackaged with claims of success.
