Future foresight : How will Generative AI transform management consultancy firms, and what implications will this have on the workforce?
Svensson, Johan (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202501211753
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202501211753
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines how advancements in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are set to transform the management consultancy industry by 2030. It provides actionable insights and recommendations for consultancies on how to prepare for these changes. This thesis aims to guide management consultancies in their strategic planning and workforce development as they navigate a future where AI capabilities will reshape consulting services and client expectations.
The development task is focused on building future scenarios that illustrate AI's potential impacts on consultancy firms and on the consultants’ role. These scenarios, created using future foresight methodologies, incorporate methods like STEEPLED analysis, the Futures Triangle, scenario construction, SWOT analysis, and backcasting. Theoretical insights from AI technology, strategic foresight, and organizational change theories form the knowledge base for this study.
Key findings indicate that Generative AI will substantially impact consulting tasks, skill requirements, and management consultancy firms service offerings and business models. The study focuses on the need for consultancies to transition into AI-driven advisory roles, leveraging proprietary AI systems to provide advanced insights, beyond what clients can develop in-house. The analysis suggests that consultants need to build new skill sets that blend strategic thinking with knowledge of AI and how to use it ethically. For management consultancy firms to maintain a competitive edge, it is also recommended to invest in AI infrastructure, upskilling of consultants, and the adoption of new price- and delivery models.
This research also emphasizes the importance of having adaptive strategies and proactive planning to remain resilient when the AI advancements are as rapid as they are now. Consultancies that can integrate AI with human expertise will be the ones to succeed in this evolving landscape.
The development task is focused on building future scenarios that illustrate AI's potential impacts on consultancy firms and on the consultants’ role. These scenarios, created using future foresight methodologies, incorporate methods like STEEPLED analysis, the Futures Triangle, scenario construction, SWOT analysis, and backcasting. Theoretical insights from AI technology, strategic foresight, and organizational change theories form the knowledge base for this study.
Key findings indicate that Generative AI will substantially impact consulting tasks, skill requirements, and management consultancy firms service offerings and business models. The study focuses on the need for consultancies to transition into AI-driven advisory roles, leveraging proprietary AI systems to provide advanced insights, beyond what clients can develop in-house. The analysis suggests that consultants need to build new skill sets that blend strategic thinking with knowledge of AI and how to use it ethically. For management consultancy firms to maintain a competitive edge, it is also recommended to invest in AI infrastructure, upskilling of consultants, and the adoption of new price- and delivery models.
This research also emphasizes the importance of having adaptive strategies and proactive planning to remain resilient when the AI advancements are as rapid as they are now. Consultancies that can integrate AI with human expertise will be the ones to succeed in this evolving landscape.