Develop Sales Growth Strategy for Microsoft as a Management Consultant
Cohort Start Date: 14th January 2025
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 4:00pm CET ( 8:30pm IST)
Cohort size: 3-6 students
Time commitment: 3 hours/week for 6 weeks
- Weekly meetings with your strategy leader
- Independent research and analysis.
- Collaborative tasks, if applicable.
Outcome: Business presentation to a CEO
Fees: Enquire by email to students@lyghthouz.com
Background
Microsoft, a global technology leader, has been at the forefront of innovation for decades. From its flagship Windows operating system to cloud computing services like Azure, and its growing portfolio of AI-powered solutions, the company has shaped how businesses and individuals use technology worldwide. However, with increasing competition from giants like Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Apple, maintaining and growing Microsoft’s market share remains a challenge.
In this context, Microsoft is looking to enhance its sales growth across key product areas such as cloud services, productivity software (Microsoft 365), hardware (Surface devices), and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality. The company is particularly focused on increasing penetration in specific regions and industries, while adapting to the ever-evolving digital economy.
The Challenge
As a management consultant, your task is to develop a robust sales growth strategy for Microsoft. Your strategy must account for Microsoft’s current strengths and challenges, as well as the competitive landscape and evolving market dynamics. The goal is to provide a clear, actionable plan that will help Microsoft drive significant revenue growth in the next 3-5 years.
What you receive
- Letter of Recommendation from your Mentor
- Certificate of completion from Lyghthouz academy
- Showcase opportunity at the Annual Skylltank Summit in Amsterdam, in front of talent acquisition teams of top ranked universities & companies in Europe!
Weekly Curriculum
Week 1
- SaaS Basics: What are SaaS companies and how they operate
- Annual Report Overview: Role of annual reports, why companies issue them, and their importance for investors and stakeholders.
- Key Elements in an Annual Report
Some Discussion Topics:
- What are the growth challenges SaaS companies face?
- Why are annual reports critical for strategy consultants?
Week Assignment:
- Download and read the latest annual report from a public SaaS company (e.g., Salesforce, Zoom, Google, Microsoft or Shopify).
- Identify three key elements in the report that show the company’s financial health or performance.
Week 2
- SWOT Analysis: What it is, how it helps companies strategize growth, and why it’s crucial in the consulting process.
- SaaS Market Trends: Understanding trends like cloud adoption, AI, remote work tools, and the shift to subscription models.
Some Discussion Topics:
- What internal strengths and weaknesses might a SaaS company have?
- What opportunities and threats do SaaS companies face in today’s market?
Week Assignment:
Conduct a SWOT analysis of the SaaS company chosen in Week 1 based on the annual report and research of industry trends.
Week 3
- Strategic Recommendations: How to address weaknesses, leverage strengths, seize opportunities, and mitigate threats.
- Growth Strategies: Discussion on product development, market expansion, customer acquisition strategies, and pricing.
Discussion Topics:
- What would be the best way to address weaknesses identified in the SWOT?
- How can SaaS companies stay competitive while expanding their customer base?
Week Assignment:
Develop three actionable recommendations based on your SWOT analysis that could help the SaaS company grow over the next 12 months.
Week 4
- Presentation Best Practices: How to create clear, concise, and impactful presentations for consulting clients.
- Effective Communication in Consulting: How to deliver information in a professional, persuasive manner and the importance of storytelling in presenting data.
Discussion Topics:
- What makes a good consulting presentation?
- How do consultants effectively communicate complex ideas to clients?
Week Assignment:
Create a 5-slide presentation summarizing the strategic recommendations developed in Week 3. Focus on clarity, simplicity, and impact
Week 5
- AI in Consulting: Overview of how AI is being used in data analysis, automation of tasks, and forecasting trends in consulting.
- AI Tools: Introduction to popular AI tools (e.g., Salesforce Einstein, ZoomInfo, and other data analytics tools).
- Impact of AI in future
Discussion Topics:
- How can AI make the strategy consulting process faster and more efficient?
- What are the ethical considerations of using AI in consulting?
Week Assignment:
Research one AI tool that is used in consulting or business strategy and create 2 slides on how it can help a SaaS company grow.
Week 6
- Presenting to a CEO: Tips on how to deliver a presentation to a business leader and respond to feedback
- Learn Industry Best Practices
- Reflection on Growth Strategy: How to assess the effectiveness of a strategy and make adjustments based on feedback
Discussion Topics:
- What went well during the presentation? What could be improved?
- How does feedback influence strategic planning?
Final Assignment:
Prepare and deliver a final project presentation (10 mins long) that includes:
- Problem definition.
- Approach taken to solve the case study, including how AI can help
- Growth strategy recommendations for your chosen SaaS company.
Skills you develop in this project:
- Analytical Skills: Management consultants need strong analytical skills to be able to understand complex business problems and develop effective solutions. This involves being able to gather and analyze data, identify patterns and trends, and use this information to make informed recommendations to clients.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for management consultants to be able to convey their recommendations to clients and persuade them to implement changes. Management consultants must be able to present their findings and ideas in a clear and concise manner, and tailor their communication style to the specific needs of each client.
- Problem-solving skills: Management consultants are hired to help clients solve complex business problems. This requires strong problem-solving skills, which involves being able to identify the root cause of a problem, develop potential solutions, and evaluate the pros and cons of each option to determine the best module of action. Management consultants must also be able to anticipate potential roadblocks and develop contingency plans to mitigate risks.
Benefits of membership (included with project):
Exclusive Network: Connect with a community of aspiring consulting leaders and grow your professional network from day one.
Learn from the Best: Gain insider knowledge by learning directly from alumni of top consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. Get real-world insights and tips that set you apart.
Stand Out in Interviews: Access tailored resources and mock interviews, preparing you to ace interviews at the world’s leading firms.
Discounted Learning: Enjoy special discounts on premium courses, certifications, and interview prep tools through our partner companies.
Real Consulting Projects: Work on hands-on consulting projects that develop critical thinking, strategy, and leadership skills while getting mentorship from industry experts.
Join the Lyghthouz Future Leaders Consulting Club and kickstart your consulting journey early!
Unlock your potential as a future leader in consulting with Lyghthouz
The Journey starts now!
Interesting Facts
- High Demand: Consultants solve critical business challenges across industries.
- Skill Development: Builds strategic thinking, leadership, and communication. Consultants work across various industries, including finance, healthcare, tech, and more. Top firms include McKinsey, Bain & Company, and BCG.
- Competitive Pay: Entry-level salaries start around €60,000-€80,000 in Europe; $80,000+ in the U.S.
- Global Mobility: Opportunities for travel and international projects.
- Career Path: A launchpad to executive roles, entrepreneurship, or industry positions.
- Management consulting offers rapid growth, diverse challenges, and strong earning potential for ambitious professionals.
Application Process
Step 1: Application
Submit your motivation why you want to do this project
Step 2: Interview
30 minutes interview with the Head of Admissions
Step 3: Admission Decision
High motivated candidates are accepted, based on your application & interview
Step 4: Make Payment & Join the Cohort
Recieve all details, meet with you mentor & start learning in the scheduled live sessions.