MBA Project
| Module title | MBA Project |
|---|---|
| Module code | MBAM914B |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Ms Jackie Bagnall (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 5 days | 10 hours |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
This module introduces you to the field of applied management consulting and develops an understanding of the principles, tools and processes involved through a ‘hands-on’ live project with a client organisation. It is a practical experience designed to develop consultancy and other transferable skills.
Internationalisation: client organisations are both based in the UK and internationally.
External Engagement: guest speakers from the world of consulting will contribute to the module, and you will be engaging with external client organisations throughout the duration of your project.
Employability: you will gain valuable, transferable skills through the undertaking of a consultancy project as part of the module.
Sustainability: a number of consulting projects will focus on the area of sustainability
Ethics and Corporate Responsibility: the module will specifically address ethical aspects of data collection, research and consulting
Research in Teaching: you will be introduced to the process and practicalities of undertaking Applied Research
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module introduces you to the field of applied management consulting and develops an understanding of the principles, tools and processes involved through a ‘hands-on’ live project with an external organisation aimed at addressing a real issue set by the organisation. It is a practical experience designed to develop consultancy and other transferable skills. The module is organised around an individual consultancy assignment with a real client which the Business School might have sourced for you, or a consultancy project you might have sourced yourself. In some circumstances the MBA project can be linked to an internship and/or a new venture creation. The module requires you to deconstruct and negotiate a project task, apply a range of frameworks to structure analytical thinking, apply techniques to complete the required research, and demonstrate effective communication skills in delivering the final results to their client. The principles of effective consultancy and project management will be introduced alongside barriers to successful intervention and how consultants manage risk.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. plan, manage and complete a consulting project to a brief, budget and timescale;
- 2. apply methodologies to help structured thinking, and the techniques for effective project management;
- 3. scope the project and design a proposal;
- 4. manage relationships with a client including managing risk, productive relationships, expectations, handling problems, barriers to implementation, evaluation. Understand and explain the protocols, expectations and outcomes of engaging with organisations as clients.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. conduct research into applied issues (including deciding on appropriate data collection methods, analysis and interpretation) and generate insights to inform recommendations;
- 6. demonstrate effective relationship skills and professionalism.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. adapt and innovate to solve problems, and to manage in unpredictable situations and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data;
- 8. effectively present information orally and in writing, and formulate and deliver logical and precise arguments;
- 9. use self-direction, initiative and planning in the context of independent learning and the management of a major project.
Syllabus plan
The module will include workshops aimed at promoting key mind-set and transferrable skills and will cover:
- Introduction to consulting.
- Consulting as a profession and skill, and the role of a consultant.
- Key competencies for effective consulting.
- The process and cycle of consulting.
- Understanding client needs; appreciative inquiry; understanding the client organisation - stakeholders and the systems perspective.
- Project scoping, research design.
- Research methods: data collection and analysis.
- Project management issues: causes of success and failure.
- Preparing to meet the client.
- Preparing the proposal.
- Consulting processes, negotiation and problem-solving.
- Systems thinking and soft-systems methodology for consulting.
- Developing insight in consulting.
- Experiences on the receiving end – the client’s view
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 255 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 35 | Research Methods and Consultancy Workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 10 | 1:1 Supervision |
| Guided Independent Study | 255 | Reading, Research, Writing |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion: group and 1:1 | Throughout the workshops and 1:1 meetings with supervisor | 1-9 | Oral |
| Consultancy/Research proposal (individual) | Pass/Fail (2,000 words) | 1-3, 7, 9 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultancy report (individual) (90%) | 10,000 words | 1, 5, 7, 8, 9 | Written feedback on report and grade | |
| Client assessment or external appraisal (individual) (10%) | N/A | 4, 6, 8, 9 | Written feedback and grade | |
| Either above assessment OR option below | ||||
| Research Dissertation (individual) (R) (100%) | 10,000 words | 1, 5, 7, 8, 9 | Written feedback on report and grade |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultancy report 10,000 words | Consultancy report 10,000 words (90%) | 1, 5, 7-9 | 6 weeks from briefing |
| Client assessment or external appraisal (individual) | Individual assignment 1,000 words (10%) | 2, 5, 7, 8 | 6 weeks from briefing |
| Either above re-assessment OR option below | |||
| Research dissertation 10,000 words | Consultancy report or research dissertation 10,000 words (100%) | 1, 5, 7, 8, 9 | 6 weeks from briefing |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Galea, C. (Ed.). (2009). Consulting for business sustainability. Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing.
Biggs, D. (2010). Management consulting: A guide for students. Andover: Cengage Learning EMEA.
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=5038
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2020 |
| Last revision date | 26/03/2020 |