Introductory description

The MSc Management of Information Systems & Digital Innovation course is intended to link theory with practice. The Information Systems Consultancy module builds on all the modules that have been delivered during Term 1 and 2, and focuses on how some of the theoretical concepts can be applied in the consultancy setting. Even though consulting projects can vary drastically in their orientation, scope, scale and business objectives, there are some generic underlying processes, including sales, research, delivery and exit. The module is developed based on these processes, and aims to give students a theoretical and practical understanding of the many issues that arise when engaging in information systems consultancy projects.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction to consulting and IT consulting industry
Consulting proposal and contract management
Thought leadership
Presentation skills, references and finance
Research methods and analysis techniques
Knowledge management
Programme and project management
Problem solving
Risk management
Managing multiple projects
Project escalation and de-escalation
Project withdraw, review and follow-up.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Develop a broad knowledge base and understanding IS consultancy and recognise the strengths and limitations of IS consultancy.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of individual elements that form the basis of consulting project life cycle.
• Demonstrate an understanding of different problem solving, data analysis, risk management and project management concepts/ techniques/ practices and how and where they can be applied.
• Demonstrate the awareness and understanding of key enablers and barriers that can potentially emerge during solution implementation.
• Critically select, evaluate and apply different theories, concepts and techniques to understand, articulate and frame key issues in an IS consultancy project.
• Analyse real business issues to propose, communicate, negotiate potential solutions and anticipate potential enablers and challenges in relation the proposed solutions

Indicative reading list

Core Text:
J O’Mahoney, 2010, “Management Conslutancy”, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Other Readings:
Alvesson, M. and Robertson, M., 2006, “The brightest and the best: The role of elite identity in knowledge intensive companies”, Organization, 13(2): 195-224.
Czerniawska, F., 2002, “The intelligent client: Managing your management consultant”, London: Hodder Arnold. Isaksen, S., Dorval, K. and Treffinger, D., 2011, “Creative approaches to problem solving: A framework for innovation and change”, Los Angeles: Sage.
Maister, D., 2003, “Managing the professional service firm”, Croydon: Free Press.
Proctor, T., 2005, “Creative problem solving for managers: Developing skills for decision making and innovation”, London: Routledge.
Sturdy, A., Schwartz, M. and Spicer, A., 2006, “Guess who’s coming to dinner? Structures and users of liminality in strategic management consultancy”, Human relations, 59(7): 929-60.

Research element

The module will give students insights into the four main processes of consultancy project life cycle, namely ‘sales’, ‘research’, ‘delivery’, and ‘exit’.

Subject specific skills

Demonstrate the ability to construct an IS consultancy project proposal.
Demonstrate the ability to present and communicate the project proposal to relevant stakeholders.
Demonstrate the skills to identify, frame and evaluate key issues in an IS consultancy project.
Demonstrate developed skills to communicate suitable solutions to address the identified issues.
Show developed professional skills of project management, such as planning, evaluation and risk management.

Transferable skills

Demonstrate written communication skills.
Demonstrate oral communication skills.
Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrate leadership, team-building and project management skills.