Management analysts study problems in organizations. They offer solutions and may help apply their ideas.

Organizations hire management analysts, sometimes called managemet consultants, when they need help improving efficiency. Organizations may want to reorganize their corporate structure or need help setting up a new way to track inventory.

Management analysts begin by collecting, reviewing, and analyzing information. They observe the business to see how work is done. Analysts also:

• Read business reports
• Examine financial statements
• Talk to employees

Management analysts develop solutions based on the data they gathered. Analysts consider how similar businesses are run. Analysts also look at how work is assigned. For example, they look at which group of employees is supervised by each manager and how they interact.

Once they have solutions, management analysts report their findings to clients. Some clients only want the reports. Other clients have the analysts apply their solutions. In these situations, analysts work with the employees to make the changes. Analysts may write or edit manuals that explain procedures or train employees themselves. They may also conduct reviews to check that the procedures are working.

Management analysts may specialize in certain areas or focus on specific industries. For example, they may specialize in inventory control or healthcare. In the government, management specialists usually focus on a type of agency.