An Introduction to Business & Management Consultancy: 3rd edition launches

Marc Baaij, Associate Professor at Rotterdam School of Management, has released the 3rd edition of his award-winning book ‘An Introduction to Business & Management Consultancy’. 

The world of management consultancy is evolving rapidly, especially with the emergence of new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence. Building on his experience in management consulting (at IBM Consulting and Boston Consulting Group), Marc Baaij in 2013 launched the first edition of his book ‘An Introduction to Business & Management Consultancy’.

The book set a new standard for academic institutions teaching the profession, students aspiring a career in the sector, and consultants seeking to upskill/refresh their knowledge on popular problem-solving and decision-making frameworks used by the world′s top management consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte and Bain & Company.

Fast forward to 2025, and the world of management industry has undergone several profound shifts – spearheaded by AI. In Baaij’s third edition of the book, the fundamentals and classics of his first two editions have been revised to meet the needs of today’s AI-driven era.

What inspired you to write this book, and how does it address the needs of aspiring consultants and clients?

My inspiration stemmed from a desire to introduce new generations of students and professionals to consultancy, especially to the structured problem-solving methods that are so valuable in the field. Having personally experienced their effectiveness, I felt compelled to transfer this knowledge.

The book serves dual purposes: it helps readers understand and apply these structured methods, and it provides insight into the consultancy industry itself, essential for anyone considering a consultancy career. I know first-hand how crucial it is to be familiar with the industry and the firms you aspire to join.

This new third edition explores the disruption of consultancy by AI. How do you see AI reshaping consulting practices?

The impact of generative AI on the consultancy industry is a key reason for this new edition. Consulting is a knowledge-intensive service, and generative AI plays an increasingly important role in knowledge work. While AI can be a powerful tool for certain consultancy activities, I believe consultancy will remain fundamentally human work.

My book discusses both the opportunities and the limitations of AI in consulting. I don’t foresee a future dominated by “robo-advisors”; instead, I believe human judgment, creativity, and relationship-building will remain indispensable.

The book includes a guide to McKinsey’s problem-solving methods. Why is this approach so influential, and how can readers apply it?

Besides being an introduction to business and management consultancy, the book is also a guide to an essential consultancy method: structured problem solving, introduced by McKinsey & Company. This method, rooted in the scientific method and classical thinkers like Aristotle, has become the gold standard for consultants worldwide.

It’s practical, efficient, and remarkably teachable. Students and readers can quickly grasp and apply it in real-world contexts, making it an invaluable skill set for aspiring consultants.

What are the biggest challenges consultants face today, and how does your book help address them?

One major challenge is staying relevant in an era where AI is becoming increasingly powerful. While AI enhances productivity, it also automates parts of the consultant’s role. However, the most complex consulting work in terms of both cognitive and relational remains less susceptible to automation. Consultants must develop advanced thinking and interpersonal skills to remain indispensable.

The book highlights these competencies and provides guidance for building them, helping readers future-proof their consulting careers.

According to your book, what key skills or mindsets should someone aspiring to become a consultant develop?

Paradoxically, the rise of AI has made human intelligence even more important. Aspiring consultants must cultivate strong thinking skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative thinking to tackle challenges that AI cannot solve. Additionally, communication skills and collaboration abilities are essential for working with clients and stakeholders.

In my book, I devote significant attention to developing these core skills, aiming to equip readers for long-term success in consulting.