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 DK Anderton
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
Dane.Anderton@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 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 10

15

      3

28
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 72
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 Report There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.    70       
Group client presentation (narrated slide deck). There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  15    30       

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. The client project will involve a set of complex problems that need to be addressed.

(S2) Numeracy. Most client projects will involve quantitative data analysis.

(S3) Commercial awareness. Solutions are developed and assessed with respect to the question of whether they are commercially viable.

(S4) Teamwork. The delivery of the client project takes place in a team based setting.

(S5) Organisation skills. The module has tight deadlines. The group work requires good organisational skills.

(S6) Communication skills. One of the main deliveries for this module is a client presentation in which students are expected to communicate their proposed solution.

(S7) IT skills. Use of presentation software and spreadsheet packages for problem solving and client presentations.

(S8) Leadership. Students will need leadership skills to organise their teamwork.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

2 hour lecture x 5 weeks
3 hour seminar x 5 weeks
36 minutes asynchronous or peer to peer directed learning x 5 weeks
72 hours self-directed learning


Syllabus

 

Introduction to managing consulting projects, e.g.:

The client-consultant relationship;
Hypothesis-driven problem-solving;
MECE framework for consultancy practice.

Overview of client organisation and task description, e.g.:

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

Project management, e.g.:

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

Storyline development, e.g.:

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

Visual communication methods, e.g.:

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, e.g.:

Market research;
Data analysis;
Time management;
Interviewing cli ents.

Reflection, e.g.:

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.