Consultancy and Project Management for Effective Change

• To combine the processes of consultancy and project management with the effective management of change.

• To encourage students to develop a reflective, active, positive approach

• To demonstrate their growing professional competence in strategic awareness, business orientation and a concern with adding value through initiating and managing change. Such skills promote a deeper understanding of the real world of work and the demands of employers for individuals who are innovative and creative in their undertakings.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon the successful completion of this module, the student should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Identify with the role of a management consultant and initiate and carry out a project that is of strategic relevance to an organisation.

2. Undertake a systematic analysis of data and produce a report that critically evaluates arguments and assumptions, draws realistic and appropriate conclusions and makes sound and informed judgements to achieve a solution(s).

INDICATIVE CONTENT

• The roles of internal and external consultant within an organisation. How a consultant’s intervention can favourably impact upon sustaining success within an organisation.

• Change management theories that serve as frameworks for implementing and sustaining change within organisations.

• Consultancy as a specialism and the potentially positive contribution that such intervention can make to aid an organisations ability to achieve and sustain competitive advantage through effectively managing change and embrace innovation.

• Identifying projects by studying the significant external or internal influences that impact upon an  organisations ability to serve and bring about change and innovation.

• Progressing consultancy projects from initial idea to the presentation of persuasive, pertinent and actionable reports.

• Literature and research reviews relevant to projects through the study of a wide range of resources, including wherever possible, in-company information that serves to increase the credibility of projects.

• Relative merits of a range of research methods and their relevance to different projects; data collection and handling, reasoning the strengths and weaknesses of each and the circumstances in which they might be used. Include ethical considerations.

• Presenting results clearly and professionally in conventional report format; drawing realistic and meaningful conclusions from data collected; recommendations including costed and timed  implementation plans.

• Paths to self-improvement in consultancy and project management through reflective review.

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

The module will be delivered and assessed over one semester and divided into three sections, with each section taking approximately 5 weeks. The module will be facilitated and supported by technology enhanced learning (TEL) and traditional teaching and learning methods.

The first third of the module will be didactic and predominantly led by the module tutor. These sessions will incorporate the teaching of consultancy and project management tools and techniques together with the underpinning theory of the management of change. It is expected that guest lecturers will be invited to discuss with students’ issues such as: the role of the consultant; careers in consultancy; managing single and multiple projects; creative thinking; sustainability, enterprise and innovation. Other initiatives intended to broaden student perspective would be to include sessions on becoming self employed as a management consultant and developing a portfolio career