A tailored course, built for your situation
Deeper command of modern operating model design frameworks
Name the patterns, apply the right structure, and lead framework decisions with confidence across complex client transformations
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Who this is for
Strategy and Consulting Senior Manager at a global firm, leading operating model redesigns across multi-domain client transformations
Who this is not for
Junior analysts still learning basic frameworks, or practitioners focused only on org design tools without strategic context
What you walk away with
- Identify which operating model framework applies to each transformation context, and why
- Map client capabilities to decision engines and performance feedback loops
- Adapt hybrid models using proven design logic, not guesswork
- Anticipate integration pitfalls between legacy structures and new operating models
- Defend model choices with source-backed reasoning and client-specific examples
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Operating model fundamentals
Define operating models as systems of coordination, not just org structures. Learn the five core elements: strategy, structure, processes, people, and governance.
12 chapters in this module
- What an operating model is
- Why org charts aren't enough
- The five coordination levers
- Linking strategy to execution
- Capability vs role design
- Decision rights placement
- Feedback loop design
- Governance cadence types
- Performance signal clarity
- Integration with IT architecture
- Client maturity assessment
- Model evaluation criteria
Module 2. McKinsey 7S framework in depth
Master the 7S model as a diagnostic tool. Apply it to assess alignment across strategy, structure, systems, skills, style, staff, and shared values.
12 chapters in this module
- Origins of the 7S model
- Hard vs soft elements
- Strategy-structure alignment
- Systems that reinforce goals
- Skills inventory mapping
- Leadership style impact
- Staffing for change
- Shared values as anchors
- Diagnosing misalignment
- Client interview techniques
- Workshop facilitation guide
- Reporting insights visually
Module 3. Galbraith’s Star Model
Apply the Star Model to design balanced operating models. Focus on strategy, structure, processes, rewards, and people practices as interdependent levers.
12 chapters in this module
- Star Model overview
- Strategy as starting point
- Structure types and trade-offs
- Process design principles
- Reward system alignment
- Talent practice integration
- Change readiness scoring
- Cross-functional flow design
- Incentive structure mapping
- Role clarity diagnostics
- Implementation sequencing
- Client adoption roadmap
Module 4. Wardley Mapping for operating models
Use Wardley Maps to visualize value chains and position capabilities across evolution stages. Align operating models with situational context.
12 chapters in this module
- Mapping value chains
- Evolution stages explained
- Genesis to commodity flow
- Positioning capabilities
- Mapping decision rights
- Identifying bottlenecks
- Modelling dependencies
- Anticipating change triggers
- Strategic positioning logic
- Client scenario planning
- Facilitating map sessions
- Linking map to design
Module 5. Value stream network logic
Design operating models around value streams, not silos. Connect customer outcomes to internal capability flows and performance metrics.
12 chapters in this module
- Value stream definition
- Customer outcome mapping
- Internal capability links
- Flow efficiency metrics
- Handoff design principles
- Cross-team coordination
- Feedback integration points
- Performance accountability
- Scaling across domains
- Integration with roadmap
- Measuring stream health
- Optimisation levers
Module 6. Hybrid model design
Combine frameworks strategically. Learn when and how to blend elements from different models to fit complex client realities.
12 chapters in this module
- When to hybridize
- Assessing client complexity
- Combining 7S and Star
- Integrating Wardley insights
- Mapping to value streams
- Avoiding framework conflict
- Consistency checks
- Client communication plan
- Change impact analysis
- Governance alignment
- Pilot design approach
- Scaling the hybrid
Module 7. Decision rights architecture
Design clear decision-making pathways. Place authority where information lives, and avoid bottlenecks in fast-moving transformations.
12 chapters in this module
- Types of key decisions
- Information-velocity match
- Centralized vs distributed
- Delegation guardrails
- Escalation path design
- Approval threshold setting
- Cross-domain coordination
- Decision log maintenance
- Audit readiness checks
- Speed vs control balance
- Client governance integration
- Review cycle alignment
Module 8. Capability-based design
Shift from role-based to capability-based structures. Build operating models that adapt as client needs evolve.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining core capabilities
- Mapping to business outcomes
- Capability maturity scoring
- Ownership assignment
- Resourcing models
- Talent development paths
- Cross-functional design
- Modular capability packs
- Scaling through reuse
- Performance measurement
- Integration with roadmap
- Future-state planning
Module 9. Governance logic design
Build governance that enables, not hinders. Design review rhythms, escalation paths, and performance feedback loops that sustain model integrity.
12 chapters in this module
- Governance purpose clarity
- Review cadence types
- Steering committee design
- Performance oversight
- Exception handling
- Risk escalation paths
- Compliance integration
- Adaptation triggers
- Feedback loop embedding
- Stakeholder engagement
- Transparency mechanisms
- Decision audit trails
Module 10. Client adaptation strategies
Tailor frameworks to client culture, maturity, and constraints. Learn to modify models without losing structural integrity.
12 chapters in this module
- Assessing client readiness
- Cultural alignment tactics
- Legacy system constraints
- Regulatory environment fit
- Change capacity scoring
- Pilot-first implementation
- Stakeholder alignment plan
- Communication sequencing
- Feedback integration
- Iterative refinement
- Success metric definition
- Sustainment roadmap
Module 11. Defending model choices
Build unshakeable rationale for your operating model recommendations. Use source-backed reasoning and client-specific evidence to gain buy-in.
12 chapters in this module
- Framing the business case
- Using benchmark data
- Citing proven frameworks
- Client-specific validation
- Anticipating objections
- Preparing counterpoints
- Visualising trade-offs
- Workshop facilitation
- Executive summary writing
- Stakeholder alignment
- Feedback incorporation
- Final sign-off packet
Module 12. Leading without authority
Drive operating model adoption across stakeholders who don’t report to you. Use structured influence, clarity of purpose, and shared incentives.
12 chapters in this module
- Influence without hierarchy
- Building coalition support
- Clarity of purpose
- Shared outcome alignment
- Stakeholder motivation
- Transparent decision logs
- Early win identification
- Feedback loop integration
- Recognition systems
- Conflict resolution paths
- Sustained engagement
- Model evolution planning
How this maps to your situation
- Client operating model redesign
- Post-merger integration structure
- Digital transformation operating model
- Global function realignment
Before vs. after
Before
Relying on senior guidance to select and justify operating model frameworks
After
Leading framework decisions with confidence, using deep command of design logic and client-specific adaptation
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 3-4 hours per module, recommended over six weeks with applied work between modules.
How this compares to the alternatives
Generic strategy courses cover frameworks superficially. This course delivers deep, applied mastery of operating model design logic, specifically for senior consultants leading complex transformations.
Frequently asked
Is this focused on a single framework?
No. The course compares and contrasts multiple frameworks, 7S, Star Model, Wardley Mapping, value stream networks, and teaches when to use each.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will I get practical tools?
Yes. Every module includes downloadable templates, real client examples, and application exercises.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3-4 hours per module, recommended over six weeks with applied work between modules..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours