Read the Stroz Friedberg case and use two HBR Notes to analyze Stroz Friedberg’s central challenge(s)
Write a three page (maximum), single-spaced executive brief summary paper. You may use unlimited supporting appendices. Building a strong suggestion set through executive summary brief writing is key to consulting success.
Below are keys/prompts to help you to succinctly and persuasively present your executive brief:
a) Identify core issue(s) at hand relative to client’s future ambitions (desired future state – (less) current state = Gap(s) on which to focus solution/recommendation attention).
b) Surface underlying conditions – how did the issue(s) come to be?
(be as concrete as possible within the given information)
c) What will improve the issue(s)? (provide examples/supporting data as much as possible)
d) How do your suggestions solve for the issue(s)?
e) What does the implementation pathway forward involve?
f) Why is this approach likely to succeed and how will success be measured?
Additional input for your executive brief:
- In the recommendations you would make as a consultant to address these challenges (pay particular attention to the ‘why’ behind the recommendations) don’t try to solve everything – move through complexity to get to the core recommendation(s) you expect will have the largest positive impact. The Prioritization Sequence framework from the previous module can help you to focus your efforts and provide the client clarity about the pathway forward.
- Be sure to include in your recommendation(s) the ‘applied path forward’ (don’t just throw a recommendation at them – reduce the firm’s risk by helping them to see ‘how it can be implemented’ and ‘what is the intended/expected benefit’). Feel free to be creative as it helps to build your case (for example, you may choose to use visuals, draw analogies, provide supporting data in a referenced appendix, etc)
Submit your executive summary brief.