ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MANAGEMENT CONSULTING IN PRACTICE
Code ULMS850
Coordinator Dr B Giordano
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
Benito.Giordano@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 10

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5

  15

      20
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 80
TOTAL HOURS 100

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Group presentation There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Second semester  15 minutes    40       
Group Report There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  3000 words    60       

Aims

The module aims to enable students to develop and lead consulting projects, and thereby to prepare them for employment. Furthermore, the module aims to equip students with the necessary technical, project management and interpersonal skills in order to successfully complete team-based and individual projects on tight deadlines.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Approach a problem in a systematic, solution oriented manner and be able to solve it autonomously;

(LO2) Maintain focus on project aims and intended project outcomes even in situations of high complexity and limited information;

(LO3) Apply core management concepts to real-life business problems;

(LO4) Select, interpret and evaluate qualitative and quantitative information relating to business decisions and derive meaningful answers using scientific methods and analytical reasoning;

(LO5) Demonstrate well-developed oral and written communication skills at an advanced level;

(LO6) Understand how consultants work with and gather information within an organisation, and begin to manage the relationship with key decision makers with guidance;

(LO7) Manage your own time and work effectively in a team;

(LO8) Draw upon a variety of ‘soft skills’ including being able to take over responsibility within and for a team.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Commercial awareness

(S4) Teamwork

(S5) Organisational skills

(S6) Communication skills

(S7) IT skills

(S8) Leadership


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Between 2 and 4 lectures will be given, mainly at the beginning of the module to cover basic content.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: The ULMS assigned tutor will meet on a regular basis with the student teams to discuss their progress and next steps. The tutor will usually also be present at client meetings and especially at students’ presentations to the client.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Syllabus

 

Introduction to managing consulting projects, eg:

The client-consultant relationship;
Hypothesis-driven problem-solving.

Overview of client organisation and task description, eg:

Company and industry background;
Current situation and problem;
Project task and procedure.

Project management, eg:

Project phases and team dynamics;
Developing a structured work plan;
Working in teams.

Storyline development, eg:

Presentation structure;
Situation-Complication-Question-Answer format;
Introduction to the pyramid principle.

Visual communication methods, eg:

Horizontal and vertical structure of a presentation;
Slide design and types of charts;
Rules for visual communication.

Selected deep-dives in formal or informal tutorial sessions as required, eg:

Market research;
Data analysis;
Time management;
Interviewing clients.

Reflection, eg:

What have we learned in terms of project management?
What are the most efficient and effective approaches to gather client data?
How can consultants contribute to a positive client relationship?


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.