Communication Strategies in Model-Based Consulting Projects: A Description of Current Practices

Abstract

Communication breakdowns between consulting and client teams are often cited to be a primary factor in unsuccessful engagements, particularly when simulation models are used to map complex problems. To advance the understanding of this subject, eleven interviews with practitioners were conducted to explore the influence of communication strategies on the success of model-based consulting engagements. The research suggests the deployment of a well-articulated communication strategy at the outset of engagement will increase the likelihood that the client will implement the model-based solution, and that the solution will work. Three themes of communication mapping to three types of projects are distinguished, and fourteen communication vehicles used to communicate model insights and/or elicit information from the client are described. Insights from the interviews are combined into a simple framework consultants can use to design communication strategies suitable for the unique circumstances of their engagement.