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Study information

IT Consulting 2 - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEIT Consulting 2 CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM3443DA MODULE CONVENERDr Vladimir Ryabov (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 15
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
An IT consultant requires a broad set of skills in Business Analysis, solutions development, network infrastructure, data, cyber security etc. You will use your consulting skills in order to advise clients on how to best utilise technology to meet their business objectives, overcome problems and increase productivity. You provide strategic guidance to clients with regard to technology and facilitate changing business processes through enhancements to technology solutions. You will provide technical assistance, and are often responsible for providing training.
 
Pre-requisite ECM3435DA IT Consulting 1
AIMS - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to extend your knowledge and skills in IT consulting with further exposure to real-world cases, addressing more advanced process and workflow design and improvement, enhancing your skills in dealing with clients and influencing others, and giving an introduction to support operations.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Analyse business problems by applying advanced problem-solving techniques
2. Model and analyse business processes, and propose how to improve them
3. Perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems
4. Analyse the organisational readiness for changes and propose technology changes
5. Understand the key components of the IT consulting process and their business role
6. Manage relationships with clients and interact with multiple levels within a client organisation
7. Prepare a business case and recommend options based upon risks, costs vs benefits, and impact on other business processes
8. Understand the approaches to providing training for IT users
9. Understand the role and the key elements of the IT support function in organisations 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

10. Recognise the principles of different consulting methodologies
11. Understand the principles of change management within organisations
12. Recognise the barriers to solving digital and technology problems or maximising opportunities
13. Recognise the approaches to presenting recommendations to stakeholders and influencing action
14. Recognise the approaches to analytical and critical thinking to define business problems objectively and create value for the client
15. Understand different questioning strategies and active listening to ensure all requirements are gathered
16. Recognise the ethical and legal requirements in client and provider relationships
17. Understand the approaches to change control and requirements management
18. Analyse client needs and determine how to advise them strategically through improved business processes, new ideas, or technology solutions
19. Effectively communicate value add to the client through a variety of media
20. Make evidence based recommendations taking into account risks, costs, and benefits
21. Perform stakeholder analysis to identify, determine and deepen understanding of system requirements and develop client relationships
22. Effect change within an organisation through evaluation of a new system, process or initiative
23. Ensure legal and ethical requirements are accommodated in the development of digital and technology solutions
24. Evaluate the success of new systems, processes, or initiatives

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

25. Communicate orally and in writing
26. Solve problems creatively
27. Think analytically and critically
28. Organise your own work
29. Work to a deadline

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Introduction (2 weeks)
 
•          Introduction to case studies used throughout module
•          Advanced problem-solving techniques
 
Business process and workflow improvement (4 weeks)
 
•          Optimising processes and workflows
•          Change management; introducing improved technology solutions
•          Evaluating the success of a new system, process, initiative, etc.; measuring improvement
 
Managing client relationships (2 weeks)
 
•          Communication; interacting with multiple levels within a client organisation
•          Managing client expectations
 
Influencing (3 weeks)
 
•          Selling and negotiation skills
•          Presenting recommendations and influencing action
•          Addressing risks, costs vs benefits, and impact on business processes
 
Supporting system use (1 week)
 
•          End-user training e.g. in preparation for system activation
•          Dealing with and escalating implementation and support issues
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 18 Online learning activity, including virtual workshops, synchronous and asynchronous virtual lectures and other e-learning.
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 2 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 2 Group workshops
Guided independent study 128 Coursework, exam preparation and self-study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Contribution to class discussion N/A All Verbal
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 60 Written Exams 40 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Process improvement assignment 60 3,000 words 1-29 Written
Written exam 40 2 hours 1-18, 20-21, 23-28 Written
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Process improvement assignment  Process improvement assignment (3,000 words, 60%) All Completed over summer with a deadline in August
Written exam Written exam (2 hours, 40%) 1-18, 20-21, 23-28 Referral/deferral period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be deferred in the assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
 
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you may be required to sit a referral. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

  • Markham, C., The Art of Consultancy, 1st, Legend Business, 2019, 9781789550818.
  • Hodges, L., Consultancy, Organizational Development and Change, 1st, Kogan Page, 2017, 9780749478636.

ELE:

  • ELE.

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 30th September 2025 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 8th October 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Consulting

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.