I am currently researching what is it that makes one consultancy firm more successful than another. In doing this i am researching the critical success factors for COnsultancy. If anyone has any ideas or theories let me know i will recipricate with my learn't knowledge.

The CMC (Certified Management Consultant) certificaiton in UK is competency based. The competencies for successful engagements and consulting firms are articulated in a best practice document. Have a look at their web site, if you cannot find it let me know.

A few thoughts:

- the intellectual ability of the staff

- reputation

- quality of industry contacts

- culture of firm, etc.

However, what makes it successful initially, may not be what maintains its success subsequently !

ithink software by High Performance Systems produced an analytical model, built in conjunction with McKinsey, that explored something similar. Model can be bought from http://www.hps-inc.com/

Good luck