For Grant Thornton's management consulting practice, how do we balance customized solutions for individual clients versus scalable, repeatable frameworks?

Introduction

The trade-off between customized solutions and scalable frameworks for Grant Thornton's management consulting practice is a critical challenge. This scenario involves balancing client-specific needs with operational efficiency and growth potential. I'll analyze this trade-off by examining the business context, stakeholder impacts, and potential strategies to optimize both approaches.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on Grant Thornton's market position, I'm thinking this trade-off might be driven by competitive pressures. Could you share more about our current market share and main competitors?

Why it matters: Helps understand the strategic context for this decision Expected answer: Mid-tier firm facing pressure from both Big 4 and boutique consultancies Impact on approach: Would influence the balance between customization and scalability

• Considering our revenue model, I assume we charge premium rates for highly customized work. What's the current revenue split between customized and more standardized engagements?

Why it matters: Informs the financial implications of shifting our approach Expected answer: 70% from customized, 30% from standardized work Impact on approach: Would help quantify the potential revenue impact of scaling frameworks

• Looking at client segments, I'm curious about the diversity of our client base. What industries and company sizes do we primarily serve?

Why it matters: Helps assess the feasibility of developing scalable frameworks Expected answer: Mix of mid-market and some Fortune 500 across various industries Impact on approach: Would influence the design of frameworks to ensure broad applicability

• Regarding our team structure, I'm wondering about our consultant-to-client ratio. How are our teams typically staffed for engagements?

Why it matters: Impacts the resource allocation for customized vs. scalable solutions Expected answer: Usually 1 partner, 1-2 managers, and 3-4 consultants per engagement Impact on approach: Would inform how we might restructure teams to balance customization and scalability