CMC Consulting Methodologies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CMC candidate is facilitating a client workshop to prioritize initiatives. Which tool is most effective for plotting initiatives by impact versus implementation effort?
- Fishbone diagram
- 2x2 prioritization matrix (Correct answer)
- PERT chart
- Gantt chart
Correct answer: 2x2 prioritization matrix
A 2x2 prioritization matrix (impact vs. effort) helps stakeholders visually identify 'quick wins,' 'major projects,' 'fill-ins,' and 'thankless tasks.'
Question 2: What distinguishes a 'process consulting' approach (Schein) from an 'expert consulting' approach?
- Process consulting relies solely on quantitative data
- Process consulting helps clients diagnose and solve problems themselves rather than delivering expert answers (Correct answer)
- Expert consulting avoids client interaction during analysis
- Process consulting is used only for IT implementations
Correct answer: Process consulting helps clients diagnose and solve problems themselves rather than delivering expert answers
Edgar Schein's process consulting model builds client capability by facilitating their own problem-solving rather than prescribing solutions from an expert position.
Question 3: In the context of change management consulting, what does the 'Kotter 8-Step Model' primarily address?
- Financial restructuring during mergers
- A sequential process for leading and sustaining organizational change (Correct answer)
- Agile sprint planning for IT projects
- Competitive strategy formulation
Correct answer: A sequential process for leading and sustaining organizational change
Kotter's 8-Step Model guides organizations through creating urgency, forming coalitions, developing vision, communicating change, empowering action, generating wins, consolidating gains, and anchoring change.
Question 4: A consultant applies 'root cause analysis' using the '5 Whys' technique. What is the core principle?
- Ask five different stakeholders the same question
- Repeatedly ask 'why' to drill past symptoms and surface the fundamental cause of a problem (Correct answer)
- Identify five possible solutions before choosing one
- Conduct five rounds of benchmarking before diagnosing
Correct answer: Repeatedly ask 'why' to drill past symptoms and surface the fundamental cause of a problem
The 5 Whys method iteratively questions the cause of each answer until the root cause — not just a symptom — is identified, enabling effective corrective action.
Question 5: Which consulting deliverable type is most appropriate when a client needs ongoing strategic guidance rather than a one-time project solution?
- A final report with recommendations
- A retainer-based advisory arrangement (Correct answer)
- An RFP response document
- A scoping memo
Correct answer: A retainer-based advisory arrangement
Retainer arrangements provide clients with continuous access to consultant expertise, making them appropriate for ongoing strategic decision support rather than discrete projects.
Question 6: In the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle used in consulting engagements, what is the purpose of the 'Check' phase?
- Approve budget allocations for the next cycle
- Measure and evaluate results against the planned objectives to identify gaps (Correct answer)
- Assign tasks to team members
- Develop the implementation roadmap
Correct answer: Measure and evaluate results against the planned objectives to identify gaps
The 'Check' phase involves monitoring outcomes against planned targets to determine whether the intervention achieved its goals and what adjustments are needed.
Question 7: A consultant is designing a stakeholder engagement plan. Which stakeholder group should typically receive the most intensive communication and involvement?
- Low-interest, low-influence stakeholders
- High-interest, high-influence stakeholders (Correct answer)
- Low-interest, high-influence stakeholders
- External media and press contacts
Correct answer: High-interest, high-influence stakeholders
Stakeholders with both high interest and high influence are key partners who must be actively managed and engaged to ensure project success and buy-in.
CMC Consulting Methodologies 3
A CMC candidate is facilitating a client workshop to prioritize initiatives.
Which tool is most effective for plotting initiatives by impact versus implementation effort?