This module will allow students to become familiar with the stages involved in undertaking a consulting project. In doing so, it offers both a conceptual understanding and practical advice to students. It deals with: (1) skills needed to coordinate, organize and manage a consultancy project in an effective manner; (2) the analytical skills needed to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by an organization, as well as the various options available to overcome such challenges by developing innovative solutions; and (3) the relationship skills needed to work effectively with others and communicate ideas in an effective and convincing way. Working as part of a team students will learn to delegate tasks, meet deadlines and articulate their findings and recommendations with confidence.

Defining management consultancy. The nature of management consulting and how it adds value to an organization. Tools and frameworks available to analyze the organizations internal and external environments. The key stages in a consulting project: entry, diagnosis, action planning, implementation and termination. The importance of understanding organizational culture when implementing change. The change process and the role of a consultant as change agent. Understanding the role of professionalism and business ethics during the consultancy process. Writing up the results of a management consultancy project.

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to: 1) Display an understanding of the dynamics of consultancy; 2) Demonstrate the ability to apply the theoretical tools, frameworks and concepts to aid our understanding of an organizations internal and external environment; 3) Understand the importance of sound analytical thinking when approaching business opportunities and challenges; 4) Recognize the need for a proactive approach to business opportunities and challenges; 5) Formulate a research proposal for a consultancy report; 6) Complete, analyze and interpret research to facilitate decision making; 7) Develop and present a consultancy report; 8) Explain the consulting process and its relationship with change management and organizational culture.

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to: 1) Value ethical considerations in the planning, execution and creating a consultancy report 2) Demonstrate ability to develop rapport within a team working environment, by co-operating with and supporting team members in completing the consultancy project; 3) Demonstration of a reflexive and critical work-ready mind-set.

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This module will be taught using a range of methods including synchronized and asynchronized lectures, industry guest lectures, tutorials, workshops, self-reflection exercises and project work. In terms of Graduate Attributes, students will develop a number of transferable skills: Students will work in teams to develop their relationship building skills and analytical skills (Collaborative). Students will manage a substantial project that will require effective time-management and initiative (Proactive). Students will learn and apply the theoretical and practical dimensions of management consulting, while inculcating an awareness of consulting skills (knowledgeable). Students must behave ethically and responsibly throughout the completion of their course work and demonstrate an awareness of the impact of their decisions on others. They will also engage in self-directed independent learning (Responsible). Students will be creative in delivering and presenting a consulting report (Creative), and in doing so will demonstrate their ability to convey ideas professionally and effectively (Articulate).