Managing Consultants

Managing Consultants: A Practical Guide for Busy Public Sector Managers addresses the growing reliance on consultants in the face of public service cutbacks. This updated edition streamlines the procurement process for busy public sector managers by providing a clear, step-by-step guide. It integrates practical tips and best practices to navigate the complex landscape of engaging consultants, ensuring successful project outcomes.

Recommended for:

Public sector managers responsible for procuring and managing consultants.
Government officials involved in the decision-making process for engaging consultants.
Anyone interested in understanding the process of working with consultants in the public sector.

You will:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how consultants operate in the public sector.
Learn a structured approach to identify and define the need for engaging a consultant.
Develop strategies for effectively preparing to seek and select the right consultant for your project.
Navigate the process of negotiating fees and expenses associated with consultancy services.
Master the steps involved in choosing the most suitable consultant for your project needs.
Understand the key aspects of executing a clear and effective contract with the chosen consultant.
Gain valuable insights into effective contract and project management practices when working with consultants.
Learn how to manage project closure and conduct thorough project reviews.
Be prepared to address potential challenges and navigate situations where things might not go according to plan.

Detailed Overview

Public sector organizations are increasingly turning to consultants to address specific challenges and deliver projects due to budget constraints and resource limitations. However, navigating the process of engaging consultants can be complex, with regulations and procedures often scattered across various sources.

This updated edition of Managing Consultants addresses this need by providing a user-friendly, step-by-step guide specifically designed for busy public sector managers. It offers a clear framework for navigating the entire process, from understanding how consultants operate to successfully completing a project and conducting a final review.

The book delves into various aspects of working with consultants, including:

Understanding Consultant Operations: This section provides insights into the working styles and approaches of different types of consultants, empowering managers to make informed decisions.
Establishing the Need for a Consultant: This section guides managers through the process of assessing specific project requirements and determining if a consultant is the best solution.
Preparing to Approach the Market: This section equips managers with strategies for defining project goals,developing a clear scope of work, and establishing evaluation criteria for selecting consultants.
Fees and Expenses: This section helps managers understand consultant fee structures, negotiate fair and competitive rates, and manage project expenses effectively.
Choosing the Consultant: This section provides a structured approach for shortlisting and evaluating potential consultants, ensuring the selection aligns with project needs and budget constraints.
Executing the Contract: This section emphasizes the importance of clear and concise contracts, outlining key elements such as project deliverables, timelines, and payment terms.
Contract and Project Management: This section offers practical guidance on managing the project execution phase, ensuring effective communication, monitoring progress, and managing risks.
Closure and Review: This section outlines the essential steps for concluding a project successfully, including project handover, final deliverables, and conducting a comprehensive review to assess results and identify areas for improvement.
What if Things Go Wrong?: This section equips managers with strategies for addressing potential challenges and resolving issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.

By integrating practical tips and real-world examples throughout the book, Managing Consultants empowers public sector managers to make informed decisions when engaging consultants. It provides a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of the procurement process and ensuring successful project outcomes.

Citation and Licensing

Leo Dobes. (2016). Managing Consultants: A practical guide for busy public sector managers. This ebook is published by ANU Press and is publicly available on their website: https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/series/anzsog/managing-consultants Providing a hyperlink to the original source is generally considered legal, as:

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