Introductory description

As part of this module we focus on three areas:
(1) We will review consulting in the context of current trends (e.g., Digital Transformation incl. Design Thinking, and Sustainability).
(2) We will work on real live client projects (focusing mainly on Market Entry, using insights from Digital Marketing, as well as Sustainability).
(3) We will refine individual practical transferable skills, with effective oral and written communication skills being central to being seen as a consulting expert

Module web page

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.

We will cover the following aspects:
(1) Introduction to the module and to the assessments, including live project(s)
(2) Starting the consulting / client life cycle by writing effective proposals
(3) Review consulting in the context of current trends (e.g., Digital Transformation incl. Design Thinking, and Sustainability).
(4) Advising live clients (focusing mainly on Market Entry, using insights from Digital Marketing, as well as Sustainability).
(5) Emphasis on individual practical transferable skills, with effective oral and written communication skills being central to being seen as a consulting expert

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate critical understanding of each of the components – as well as the overarching result - of the client consulting life cycle, including an ability to refine expertise across each of the steps
• Assess and evaluate current trends in consulting and transfer theories into practice

Indicative reading list

Students will be encouraged to read the books listed below over the course of both modules
Baaij, M. G., (2014), An Introduction to Management Consultancy, Sage Publications
Badaracco, J. P., (2002), Leading Quietly: An Unorthodox Guide to Doing the Right Thing, Harvard Business Review Press
Block, P., (2011), Flawless Consulting, Wiley and Sons
Cheng, V., (2012), Case Interview Secrets, Innovation Press
Dean, C., (2014), Successful Business Leadership, Carlos Dean Leadership
Green, C.H., Howe, A. P., (2012), The Trusted Advisor Field book, Wiley and Sons
Kotter, J., (2006), Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions, Macmillan
Shaw, D. (2020), Aristotle and the Management Consultants: Shooting for Ethical Practice.Philosophy of Management 19, 21–44
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40926-019-00125-w
Sturdy A, O’Mahoney J. (2018), Explaining national variation in the use of management consulting knowledge: A framework.
Management Learning.49(5):537-558. doi:10.1177/1350507618788993
Sturdy, A. (2018), Promoting solutions and co-constructing problems – management consultancy and instrument constituencies,
Policy and Society, 37:1, 74-89, DOI: 10.1080/14494035.2017.1375247

Subject specific skills

Fulfil consulting needs of clients and communicate effectively with those clients

Transferable skills

Demonstrate written and oral communication skills

Demonstrate problem analysis and solution skills