Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

If the number of students wishing to take the module exceeds the cap, then participation in the module will be determined by the Stage 2 average mark achieved

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides a practice-based alternative to the dissertation, advanced business practice, and advanced business topics modules.

Drawing on the learning across your programme of study, the module provides you with an opportunity to apply your learning to practical business challenges by working for an external client to address a business issue for their organisation.

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to;
1.       Evaluate empirical evidence and management information to inform your understanding of classical and contemporary management practice and thought;
2.       Appreciate the complexities and constant change in addressing organisational needs in a challenging environment;
3.       Develop your leadership skills and appreciate ethical aspects inherent in management decision making.

Outline Of Syllabus

The Consultancy Role:
-what management consultancy is;
-how the management consultancy role can be defined, and which typical responsibilities and activities are included ;
-challenges, risks and pitfalls of the management consultancy role.

The Consultancy Cycle:
-the principles and stages a model for managing the consultancy cycle;
-the consultancy cycle and typical inputs and deliverables for each stage of the cycle;
-the diversity of consultancy interventions and approaches;
-the importance of scoping interventions effectively and agreeing clear contracts with clients;
-problems, risks and issues which may arise during each phase of the consultancy cycle.

The Client Relationship:
-methods of establishing credibility and engaging your client;
-the principles of consultation and negotiation in managing clients;
-the importance of professionalism, ethics and confidentiality in building and maintaining client relationships.

Communication for Consultants:
-the importance of effective communication;
-the principles and processes of effective communication;
-listening and questioning techniques to help understand issues and problems;
-different forms of verbal and non-verbal behaviour and their appropriate uses;
-planning and managing meetings effectively,

Effective Project Delivery:
-the importance of planning and managing a project (the impact of poor project planning and management on consultancy projects);
-the components of a project plan ;
-the need for effective budgeting of time and resources;
-the role of quality assurance;
-applying personal time management techniques within the project context;
-potential risks to effective project completion.

Structured Research and Analysis:
-the importance of clearly identifying the client issue, applying a structured approach and selecting appropriate analytical tools and techniques;
-the importance of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information;
-applying a range of simple, recognised data gathering, problem solving and analytical tools and techniques (such as SWOT, PESTLE, etc) to achieve agreed outcomes;
-presenting the results of research and analysis both orally and in writing.

Self Assessment:
-Belbin assessment
-Working styles assessment

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate:

1.       Appreciation of the uncertainty and ambiguity in information available to managers when considering the internal and external factors that influence business decision-making;
2.       Critically evaluate organisational ethical challenges that inform business decision making;
3.       A comprehensive understanding core management areas underpinned research knowledge base of your client’s project activity.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module, you will be able to:

1.       Systematically identify and critically evaluate a range of evidence sources to enable decision making in an organisation context;
2.       Critically evaluate and apply relevant theory to practice;
3.       Generate, synthesise and evaluate qualitative and quantitative information for decision-making related to the client project;
4.       Demonstrate your abilities as an independent learner, critical thinker and reflective practitioner;
5.       Present your analysis and professionally communicate your findings.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures provide the students with an introduction to the theoretical basis of consultancy, an appreciation of the research processes to be followed to ensure they conform to the university ethical standards and raise their awareness of the skills required to engage with an external client and undertake business research.

The small group teaching is undertaken with each group separately to ensure client confidentiality, and the workshops enable students to develop their skills in reflective practice and provide formative support for their individual assignment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

NB: Marks from the management report and oral presentation to client will be adjusted from the group mark based on peer review.

The elements being assessed i.e. the writing of a management report and the reflection on effective consultancy skills development, are seen as the two most important elements in management consultancy. These assessment methods are deemed appropriate in supporting the aims of the module and in the achievement of the intended knowledge and skills outcomes.

General Notes

N/A