The SOLUTIONSÆrÆUS Consulting Simulation is designed to introduce
you to Andersen Consulting û the worldÆs premier Management Consultancy
providing services to clients in virtually every industry. While working
on this case you will practice the Andersen Consulting Business Integration
Methodology and learn how Andersen Consulting helps its clients change
to be more successful. You will also develop a number of core management
skills such as teamwork, organisation, communication, planning, decision-making
and presentation. This case provides you with the opportunity to work in
a team and take on the role of a firm of Management Consultants on a simulated
Client Engagement.
The client, Apollo Direct Shopping (A.D.S.) is a home shopping company
with call centre, warehouse and distributions operations. Two years ago
Apollo was ranked as the second largest company in the market in the United
Kingdom. However, its position has been eroding recently, with new entrants
offering similar goods at lower prices, introducing innovative distribution
channels and product ranges. Profitability levels are low and falling
and shareholders are becoming concerned. This disappointing performance
has been attributed both to a lack of business integration following the
acquisition, and to inadequate and slow response to the changing
marketplace and demand of their customer.
In response to these challenges Apollo asked three consulting companies
to bid for a project to review the performance of the business and help
the Executive Team to identify opportunities for improvement, make recommendations
and develop a plan to implement these changes. Your company, SOLUTIONÆrÆUS,
was successful in wining the bid, having impressed the client with
itÆs credentials from similar projects, the skills and knowledge of the
proposed team and their standard approaches and methods. Solving the case
requires that you face the following challenges: improving customer satisfaction
and loyalty through better service that æexceeds their expectationsÆ, improving
cost efficiency in order that your client can keep prices low, and exploiting
new channels and innovations - ækeep ahead of the packÆ.
While working on this case you will have a lot of fun: working in team,
solving interesting problems and seeing how your ideas can change any environment.
You will be able to take responsibility for achieving the objectives
of this case. Moreover you will get a big chance to meet Andersen Consulting
professionals and take a breath of Andersen Consulting atmosphere. This
case will be priceless in making decisions about your future career path.