Introductory description

This module immerses students in the practice of contemporary consulting through a hands-on, use case-based project. Designed as an intensive, applied experience, it develops the core capabilities required to navigate complex, ambiguous business challenges and deliver actionable recommendations.

Students will learn how to structure problems, generate insights from analysis, identify root causes, and design practical, evidence-based solutions. The module emphasises a modern consulting toolkit, integrating analytical thinking, digital awareness, and the effective use of emerging tools such as AI to support decision-making.

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 digital consultancy and its relationship to digital business, eBusiness management, and general consultancy practice
• Business analysis principles and techniques
• Systems thinking in organisational and digital contexts
• Requirements gathering, elicitation, and documentation
• Project scoping and consultancy engagement design
• Project management approaches for digital consultancy projects
• Use of digital tools and technologies in consultancy engagement management
• Solution space analysis and digital solution assessment
• Multi-criteria decision analysis for solution evaluation and selection
• Quantitative decision-making techniques, including weighted-sum approaches, optimisation, and analytic hierarchy process
• Solution implementation and change management
• Capstone digital consultancy simulation, including stakeholder engagement, case analysis, and client presentations

Learning outcomes

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

• Develop and present a use-case-appropriate consulting solution, applying structured analysis, insight generation, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively in teams to deliver a client-focused consulting project, informed by structured problem-solving and reflective practice.
• Critically analyse complex business problems using appropriate consulting frameworks to identify key issues and underlying root causes.
• Develop feasible, contextually appropriate business solutions that leverage digital technologies for effective implementation.
• Apply structured approaches to scoping and planning a consulting engagement.

Indicative reading list

Specific reading list for the module

Interdisciplinary

Incorporates both digital technology and consultancy elements (computing and management)

International

Topics are of high international demand

Subject specific skills

Structuring and analysing complex business problems
Root cause analysis using consulting frameworks
Data interpretation and insight generation (qualitative and quantitative)
Designing practical, evidence-based solutions
Evaluating and selecting appropriate digital technologies to support solutions
Project scoping, planning, and execution in a consulting context
Developing professional consulting reports and presentations
Applying digital tools, including AI, to support analysis and decision-making
Linking business strategy with operational and technological solutions

Transferable skills

Effective teamwork and collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams
Professional client engagement and stakeholder management
Critical thinking and problem-solving under ambiguity
Structured communication and executive-level storytelling
Time management and task prioritisation in project-based work
Reflective practice and continuous improvement
Decision-making informed by evidence and practical constraints
Adaptability and learning agility in dynamic environments