STAGES OF MANAGEMENT

CONSULTING ENGAGEMENT
– PART II
D. Solution Development
 Is the third phase of the problem-solving process.
 The steps involved in this phase are:
(1) Generation of solution alternatives
(2) Evaluation of solution alternatives
(3) Choice of the preferred solution alternative
(4) Detailed development of the selected solution
(1) Generation of Alternative Solutions
 The first step in the solution development phase.
 A variety of well-defined and controllable approaches can be identified.
These are:
a) Pattern recognition and matching approach – emphasizes experience
b) Brainstorming approach
c) SCAMPER approach
d) Delphi approach – employs idea generation concept
(2) Evaluation of Solution Alternatives
 Based upon a situational feasibility analysis that considers all relevant
dimensions.
 Comparison of alternative solutions by means of established criteria,
represented by qualitative and quantitative factor chosen by the evaluator.
 Among the areas of consideration by which each alternative solution may be
analyzed are:
a) Economic feasibility or cost/benefit analysis
b) Operational feasibility
c) Technical feasibility
d) Scheduling feasibility
e) Legal feasibility
f) Other evaluation factors
(3) Choice of the Most Preferred Solution
 General rule: “Choose the alternative solution that yields the best fit or value
relative to the established criteria.”
 Approaches in an Environment of Certainty
1) Optimizing approach
2) Satisficing approach
 Approaches in Environment of Uncertainty
1) Maximin approach
2) Minimax approach
3) Maximax approach
4) Rationality approach
 Approaches in a Risk Environment
1) Expected value calculation
2) Decision tree approach
3) Monte Carlo Simulation approach
4) Other risk environment approaches
(4) Detailed Development of the
Selection Solution
 The selected solution will undergo detailed design and refinement.
 The stage will involve the designing of:
1) Outputs
2) Inputs
3) Conversion processes
4) Resource and data bases
5) Organization
E. Preparation and Presentation of the
Report and Recommended Solution
 The next stage in an MAS engagement is to present the
recommended solution to management of the client
organization.
 The recommended solution should be presented in a persuasive
manner.
F. Implementation
 The implementation phase involves the following activities:
1. Development of a work plan
2. Establishment of controls over the implementation activities
3. Selection and training of needed personnel
4. Installation of needed physical facilities
5. Development of standard and documentation
6. Testing of the solution being implemented, and
7. Follow-up and evaluation of the implemented solution.
G. Follow-up Evaluation of the
Implementation Solution
 Each review and evaluation should focus on three specific areas:
1. Economics
2. Operations
3. Future performance
IV. Evaluating the Engagement and Post-
engagement Follow-up
 Several benefits may be realized through an effective formal or informal
evaluation program and these are:
1. It will provide direction for staff training program in the MAS division.
2. It will serve as a basis for evaluating on-the-job performance of staff personnel.
3. It will provide data for determining required resources for subsequent similar
engagements.
4. It will provide tangible evidence of quality consciousness consistent with the other areas
of a CPA’s practice.
 The evaluation will formally cover the following:
1. Proposal
2. Engagement Program
3. Work program and schedule
4. Source data and documentation
5. Reports
6. Results