December 2025 Research, Consultancy and Advisory Past Paper Answers

Description

CERTIFIED SECRETARIES (CS) INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY AND ADVISORY

TUESDAY: 2 December 2025. Afternoon Paper. Time Allowed: 3 hours.

This paper consists of five (5) questions. Question one is a case study. Answer ALL questions. Marks allocated to each question are shown at the end of the question. Do NOT write anything on this paper.
QUESTION ONE

MONSON INSURANCE LTD. (MIL)

Monson Insurance Ltd. (MIL) is a mid-sized insurance firm in Nairobi. It was founded in early 2000s by two partners, Mon and Son. Due to increase in demand of the services, the business was converted to a limited company under the name Monson Insurance Ltd. (MIL) in 2015. It has expanded its services into regional markets, attracting a diverse client base and also increasing regulatory scrutiny. In the recent times, the board has raised concerns about weaknesses in governance practices, inconsistencies in compliance reporting and gaps in risk management. Managers often rely on outdated information due to lack of up-to-date research to guide decisions.

The board also sees the value of consultancy support to restructure governance frameworks and align with best practices. Mid-level managers struggle with applying governance principles in practice, creating a demand for coaching and mentorship. In addition, ongoing advisory services are required to help leadership navigate shareholder relations, compliance and ethical dilemmas. The board also noted that while talent exists internally, it lacks structured systems to embed governance excellence. To transform its culture, safeguard reputation and ensure sustainability, the company is exploring partnerships that integrate research, consultancy, coaching and advisory services.

Required:
(a) Outline FOUR ways through which research could be leveraged to strengthen MIL’s governance structures and leadership capacity. (4 marks)

(b) Explain FOUR potential limitations that MIL could face by relying heavily on external service providers for its governance transformation. (8 marks)
(c) Analyse FOUR benefits that MIL could gain from maintaining long-term relationships between its advisors and line management in consultancy assignments. (8 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
QUESTION TWO
(a) The theory of planned behaviour is a psychological model developed by Icek Ajzen to explain how attitudes, social influences and perceived control shape human behaviour. Analyse FOUR components of this theory.
(4 marks)
(b) You have been appointed as an internal consultant within your organisation to support change management and process improvement. Discuss FOUR skills you would need to develop to become effective. (8 marks)

(c) Explain FOUR ways in which behavioural theories could enhance the quality of professional advisory services.
(8 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)

QUESTION THREE
(a) Outline FOUR features of the APA (7th Edition) referencing style that a researcher must observe when writing proposals and reports. (4 marks)
(b) Examine FOUR principles that guide professional ethics in advisory practice. (8 marks)

(c) Evaluate FOUR disadvantages of stratified sampling in a scientific research undertaking. (8 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)

QUESTION FOUR
(a) Highlight FOUR challenges associated with the time pricing method from a client’s perspective in an advisory service engagement. (4 marks)
(b) Examine FOUR characteristics of a conceptual framework applied in a research study. (8 marks)

(c) Discuss FOUR limitations of a generalist consultant when handling specialised client assignments. (8 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)

QUESTION FIVE
(a) Outline FOUR distinctions between “instruction” and “training”. (4 marks)

(b) Assume you have been appointed to coach newly employed members of staff in your organisation, analyse FOUR factors you would consider when selecting the coaching style to adopt in your new assignment. (8 marks)
(c) In the consultancy and advisory process cycle, the success of an engagement depends both on the client’s readiness
and the consultant’s capability. Evaluate FOUR factors that determine this readiness and capability. (8 marks)
(Total: 20 marks)
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