Sarana Lesya, Ph.D. in Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Finance Department, Rauf Ablyazov East European University, Cherkasy, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0003-0987-0064
e-mail: S__lesya@ukr.net

Management Consulting as a Strategic Resource for Enhancing Enterprise Competitiveness

Abstract. Introduction. Strategic management enables businesses to respond effectively to crises and maintain operations during challenging periods. Management consulting has emerged as an essential tool not only for providing expert advice but also for shaping long-term objectives and enhancing a company’s adaptive capacity. In Ukraine, the consulting sector is steadily expanding, with growing demand for services related to planning, crisis management, and digital transformation.

Purpose. This article examines management consulting as a strategic instrument for improving business competitiveness in Ukraine. It investigates the consulting sector’s potential to support organizational resilience, foster innovation, and promote long-term strategic development. The study is based on the hypothesis that systematic integration of consulting into enterprise management can substantially enhance competitiveness, increase flexibility, and contribute to sustainable growth.

Results. Findings indicate that demand for management consulting services in Ukraine continues to grow, particularly following the decline in 2022. Consulting has evolved from being primarily a strategic planning tool to playing a pivotal role in crisis management. It assists companies in maintaining operations and adapting to new challenges. The study highlights several benefits of consulting, including independent evaluation, industry-specific expertise, improved operational efficiency, enhanced risk management, and support for sustainable and digital practices. Consulting now serves as a central component of business transformation, providing comprehensive support in planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling. Its integration into business processes strengthens business models and enhances competitiveness.

Conclusions. Management consulting is increasingly recognized as a strategic instrument for enhancing enterprise competitiveness amid external instability and internal operational challenges. Its universality lies in the ability to provide holistic support, ranging from independent expert assessments to the implementation of innovative technologies and sustainability practices.

Keywords: consulting; management; competitiveness; strategy; expertise; advantages

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