The document discusses best practices and challenges for project management in consulting engagements. It provides five key takeaways: 1) Identify the business impact and value of the project. 2) Focus on providing a positive client experience. 3) Assemble a skilled project team committed to goals. 4) Manage stakeholder expectations and change. 5) Continuously improve processes by leveraging lessons learned.

1. Project Management Best Practices & Challenges in
Consulting Engagements
Hari Kumar
Partner & Managing Director
Deloitte U.S. in India

2. Consulting Projects…Start with the
destination
Delivering projects on time, to the scope defined and within budgets are
table stakes
Impact
to the
client’s
business
Success
Defined
Value to Perceived
the value by
People the client
Copyright © 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

3. Takeaway #1: Identify the ‘so what’ of
the project
"The test of a good consultant is not whether he or she has generated a unique insight, but whether the
insight can be applied to produce positive results. Consultants can't just be smart; they have to be
capable of delivering a business outcome"
- The Economist
Deloitte’s Enterprise Value Map (EVM)
Key Tactics
ü Develop a sound business case for the project
ü Identify the impact of the individual project to the overall business i.e. shareholder value
ü Monitor the business case throughout the project
Copyright © 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

4. Takeaway #2: Focus on the Client
Experience
Key Tactics
Key Tactics
ü Deliver timely, quality and consistent
ü Onboard the team on the service
client’s culture Being
Responsive ü Under commit, over deliver
ü Be sensitive to the client’s
environment in establishing ü Straight Talk
project routines
ü Act as a trusted advisor
Providing
Being A
Client Relevant
Trusted
Advisor Experience Industry
Insights
Key Tactics
Key Tactics ü Establish routines to
effectively share industry
ü Balance team skills and career trends with client teams
goals Committing
Right Team ü Proactively provide tailored
ü Establish routines to motivate industry solutions
the team – yours and clients
Copyright © 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

5. Takeaway #3- Bring your ‘A’ Team
A Few Harmless Flakes Working Together Can
Unleash an Avalanche of Destruction
Key Tactics
ü Think ‘out of the box’
ü Be passionate about the common goal
ü Work with the tools and resources available
Copyright © 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

6. Takeaway # 4- It’s all about the People
What were the biggest obstacles to realizing expected benefits?
Key Tactics
ü One size fits one - Understand your stakeholders and manage their expectation
ü Plan for knowledge sharing
ü Managing change is a full contact sport
Copyright © 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

7. Takeaway #5-
Leverage…Improve…Incorporate
Key Tactics
ü Leverage templates, tools and methodologies to jumpstart projects – clients expect it
ü Formally close projects with lessons learned and incorporate into existing tools
Copyright © 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

8. Copyright © 2009 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.