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Anonymous A

on Aug 21, 2020

Global

What analysis should I be able to perform in Excel and SPSS (when working as a consultant in a big firm)?

Hi there,

I was able to find a lot of prep material for quant skills for a management consulting interview. However, I was unable to find any content related the various quant skills needed when you do actual consulting work. I know that a conjoint analysis is quite common, for example. Do you happen to know any resources that list all the analysis that I should be able to perform/ will need to be able to perform at some point in Excel and SPSS when I do actual consulting work (in a big firm)?

Thank you for your time!

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Top answer

Antonello

Coach

on Sep 01, 2020

McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, only basic tools in Excel will be needed. My recommendation is not overpreparing excel skills, you are quickly acquiring it on the job

Best,
Antonello

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Ian

Coach

edited on Aug 21, 2020

First, you definitely don't need SPSS! The thought of any form of robust statistical analysis occuring at strategy consultancies makes me laugh!

Remember: "Source: Mckinsey/BCG Analysis" often means "numbers are mostly made up"!

The only analytical tools you will need are Excel and Alteryx. Excel is more common and practice beforehand helps. Alteryx you may never use, and, if you do, it's pretty quick/easy to learn. Tableau is useful, but not required (and also dangerous in the hands of someone who doens't understand statistics/economics)

How to Skill Up in Excel

A few good resources:

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/learn-excel-resources

https://www.udemy.com/share/101Wde/ (Udemy is excellent. $15...basically free)

Q&A: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/free-online-resources-to-learn-excel-basics-6946

Important Tip: Don't just learn formulas etc. Test yourself! Download a free data set, ask yourself a question, and try to solve for it. Play with actual data solving real questions and building a real dashboard etc. Don't just passively take lessons :)

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Deleted user

on Aug 21, 2020

Dear A,

SPSS is not actually widely used in consulting, but it's rather Excel and other machine automated tools for big data analysis.

Usually, knowing the Macros would be very helpful to start with, but all further learnings in Excel you could acquire during soecific seminars and trainings on the job, since, for example, my employer has provided multiple specific courses in Excel to advance the skills.

So you would also be able to profit from this knowledge after you join the company.

Best,
André

Top Answer by

Antonello

Coach

McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

To coach profile

Capability-Based Planning

Capability-Based Planning (CBP) is a strategic planning method designed to help organizations achieve their business objectives through the effective use of their capabilities. This method has become an essential tool for management consultants to guide companies in a constantly changing market environment (VUCA).CBP originated from military planning approaches and has evolved into the business world. This method emphasizes the importance of organizational capabilities over traditional resources such as personnel and technology. The focus is on what an organization can effectively do to achieve its strategic goals.Phases of Capability-Based PlanningThere are five phases that are divided into CBP:Phase 1: Definition of Business StrategyThe first step involves defining a clear and precise business strategy. This strategy should encompass the organization's long-term goals and the path to achieving these goals.Phase 2: Identification of Core CapabilitiesOnce the business strategy is set, the core capabilities required to implement this strategy need to be identified. These capabilities include not just technical skills but also organizational and procedural competences.Phase 3: Assessment of Current CapabilitiesIn this phase, a thorough assessment of the organization's current capabilities is conducted. This involves an analysis of strengths and weaknesses and the gaps that need to be filled.Phase 4: Development of a Capability PlanBased on the preceding analyses, a detailed plan is developed that outlines how to develop, improve, or acquire the necessary capabilities to support the business strategy.Phase 5: Implementation and MonitoringThe final step is the implementation of the capability plan and continuous monitoring and adjusting of capabilities to ensure they align with the evolving business strategy.ConclusionCapability-based planning is a dynamic and strategically focused method that supports management consultants in effectively advising organizations. By emphasizing capabilities and competencies, consultants can help organizations achieve their goals in a complex and rapidly changing business world.

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