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University of Johannesburg - Soweto Campus, Chris Hani, Soweto, Johannesburg

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University of Johannesburg - Soweto Campus, Chris Hani, Soweto, Johannesburg

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University of Johannesburg - Soweto Campus, Chris Hani, Soweto, Johannesburg

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Duties of a Consultant

1. Assessment & Analysis

To gather information that will help them understand client’ s needs and objectives, identify strengths, weaknesses and developing areas, consultants conduct in-depth diagnostics through  gathering  data, analysing industry trends, and pinpointinginefficiencies either in individuals or organizations

2. Strategy Development

Consultant craft , design, and implement tailored strategies that would help them in achieving client’ goal.  They take into account the digital transformation, sustainability, cost reduction

3. Implementation Support

As they enter the organization,  consultants become an implementation support structure who come with the aim of guiding or leading the client to implement their recommendations  new systems, processes, or policies that would facilitate the outcomes or positive change they are aspiring. Therefore managing and guiding the entire change process.

4. Monitoring & Evaluation

After implementing change processes, consultants still carry the duty to track performance using metrics (KPIs, Balanced Scorecard, ESG reporting). They also adjust approaches based on results they found and the goal they are aiming to achieve.

5. Expert Advice

Consultants also provide expert and professional advice after they have gained specialist insight into the challenges faced my the client

6. Analyze Data and Identifying Issues

Consultants use various analytical tools and techniques to analyze data, identify trends, and draw insights into specific issues or challenges that the client is facingad well as its root causes.

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What does a consultant do? | #OliverWymanCareers: Don't worry, you're not the only one who's wanted to ask "So what exactly do consultants actually DO?" Watch this video from our UK... | By Oliver Wyman | Facebook

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#OliverWymanCareers: Don't worry, you're not the only one who's wanted to ask "So what exactly do consultants actually DO?" Watch this video from our UK...

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University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus Student Centre, Louisa Street, Doornfontein, Johannesburg

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University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus Student Centre, Louisa Street, Doornfontein, Johannesburg

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University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus Student Centre, Louisa Street, Doornfontein, Johannesburg

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Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities of a Consultant

-Skills

Communication skills - encompass the ability to convey information efficiently and effectively. Active listening skills - refer to the practice of fully engaging with the client. Analytical skills allow examination of any aspect of the organization, aiding both the client and consultant in grasping the problem comprehensively (Banai & Tulimieri, 2013). Interpersonal skills – consultants need the skills to give support to people and be able to maintain relationships (Block, 2023). Other valuable skills may include technical skills, creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, project management, relationship building, negotiation, and time managemen t.

-Knowledge

Consultants need to have in-depth expertise specific to their industry, which is typically gained through years of hands-on experience. Furthermore, they should be familiar with the stages of consulting, including Entry, Contracting, Diagnosis, Intervention, Evaluation, and Termination (Kubr, 2002). It is essential for a consultant to understand ethical standards such as honesty, transparency, and confidentiality (Block, 2023) in all professional engagements and also uphold objectivity, preventing conflicts of interest, and protecting client information. Additionally, a consultant should be well-versed in various research methods and models.

-Abilities

Flexibility and adaptability - consultants must effectively navigate uncertain and changing environments, particularly when project conditions shift. Team player – be able to collaborate effectively with others. Attention to detail – delivering thorough and comprehensive outputs for clients without errors. Reliability – maintaining consistency in quality and performance. Curiosity and inquisitiveness – asking questions to uncover relevant information and seeking clarification for aligned understanding with clients.

Additional abilities include: Resilience, Empathy, and Emotional Intelligence (Hall Advisory, 2022).

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10 Essential Skills Top Consultants Need

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University of Johannesburg Student Center - Auckland Park Campus, Kingsway Avenue, Rossmore, Johannesburg

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The Roles of Consultants

Instances where an organisation is having trouble with employee engagement or low work performance, the expert skills of a consultant or group of them would be called into an organisation that needs unbiased advice and development strategies (Block, 2023). While Gibb (1959) also explains that, in a sense, everyone can act as a consultant in their own way, from giving advice to friends or helping find solutions to family problems - awkward and basically a universal human experience...

Through this it can be seen that the roles of a consultant, whether they are in marketing, business or even construction include: providing employees with objective solutions and problem solving techniques, acting as a change agent through improved work performance and organisational efficacy, managing projects and resources, data analysis through interpreting statistics, and acting as a mentor supporting others and helping them reach both their personal and professional goals and visions (Booth et al., 2016; Ellul, 2006; Gibb, 1959; Peet & Middleton, 2025).

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The Role of a Business Consultant - Guiding and Leading Your Business to Success

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-Banai, M., & Tulimieri, P. (2013). Knowledge, skills and personality of the effective business consultant. Journal of Management Development, 32(8), 886–900. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmd-05-2011-0061

-Block, P. (2023). Flawless consulting: A guide to getting your expertise used. John Wiley & Sons.

-Booth, L., Henwood, S., & Miller, P. (2016). Reflections on the role of consultant radiographers in the UK: what is a consultant radiographer?. Radiography, 22(1), 38-43.

-Christensen, C. M., Wang, D., & van Bever, D. (2013). Consulting on the cusp of disruption. Harvard Business Review, 91(10), 106-114

-Ellul, I. (2006). Guest Editorial: The Role of a Consultant-What Is It Really?. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 58(07), 26-28.

-Gibb, J. R. (1959). The Role of the Consultant. Journal of Social Issues, 15(2).

-Kubr, M. (2002). Management Consulting: A Guide to the Profession (4th ed.). International Labour Office.

-Knowledge  Topper. (2022). Business consulting job description: Business consultant duties and responsibilities.  You.tube. https://youtu.be/nJPf59H9w5g?si=iLf8sbzcocgtAKfi

-Hall Advisory. (2022). The key skills and attributes of an effective consultant. Hall Advisory. https://www.halladvisory.com/single-post/the-key-skills-and-attributes-of-an-effective-consultant

-Mckenna, C., Taylor, F., Gantt, H., Cooke, M., Gilbreth, L., & Emerson, H. (1995). The Origins of Modern Management Consulting. BUSINESS and ECONOMIC HISTORY, 24(1). https://thebhc.org/sites/default/files/beh/BEHprint/v024n1/p0051-p0058.pdf

-OpenAI. (2025) . ChatGPT  (June 17, 2025 version) [Large language model]. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/

-Peet, J., & Middleton, R. (2025). Multi Professional Consultant Practice—What Is it and How Does the Role Contribute Systems Transformation?. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 31(1), e14235.

-Ries, E. (2011).  How today’s entrepreneurs use continuous innovation to create radically successful businesses. The learn start up

-Umbrex. (2025). Profile of Arthur D. Little. Independent Management Consultants. https://umbrex.com/resources/profiles-of-the-top-consulting-firms/overview-profile-history-arthur-d-little/

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Singapore is a tech-forward consulting hub.

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Singapore considered top alternative tech hub to Silicon Valley

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Singapore has taken top spot as a potential world-leading technology hub according to KPMG's latest survey of industry insiders, with seven out of the top ten locales situated in Asia.

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Geneva represents consultants in diplomacy and ethics. Examples include the UN.

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Dubai’s rapid transformations has been fuelled by consulting projects in infrastructure and business.

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Infrastructure Consultants in Dubai, UAE - DAT & Partners

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DAT & Partners: Premier Infrastructure consulting group for civil engineering, highway design, and infrastructure projects in Dubai. Excellence in engineering.

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Many consultants here work on social impact or public sector reform.

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Development Consulting - Rand Sandton Consulting Group

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Rand Sandton Consulting Group is a data analytics and development research firm located in Bryanston, Johannesburg, South Africa. The company provides data, research and advisory services to leading organisations across the public and private sectors.

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India has become a global hub for outsourced consulting support

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German consultants are known for precision, principle, and efficiency.

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Consulting industry - Germany | Consultancy.eu

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Consulting industry of Germany, Europe. News, statistics and trends in the consultancy market of Germany and consulting firms in Germany.

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Arthur D. Little and Roger B. Griffin form the first consulting firm committed to improving processes (Umbrex, 2025).

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Detailed profile of Arthur D. Little Consulting: history, key figures, innovations, global presence, financials, and peer comparison.

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Birthplace of management consulting. Dealing with quality assurance and business strategies (Mckenna et al., 1995).