WHEN times are good, they are very, very good for consultants. But when they are bad, they are horrid. As the econ omy stalled in 2009, the global consulting industry shrank by 9.1%. It was the worst year since at least 1982, according to Kenne dy Information, an industry monitor. Now the kids are back in the conference rooms. Companies that shelved plans dur ing the recession are dusting them off and looking for help. And the work is more cheerful. When bosses did hire consul tants in 2009,87% of projects were aimed at cutting costs rather than boosting growth, says Kennedy. This year, just 47% of project spending will be on cutting costs. The rest will go on growth plans, from mergers to installing new computer systems. But not all will benefit equally.
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