University of Technology Sydney

21228 Management Consulting

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 72 credit points of completed study in Business Faculty Bachelor's Degree OR 72 credit points of completed study in Business Faculty Bachelor's Combined Degrees OR 72 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degrees with Business Faculty OR 72 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours with Business Faculty OR 72 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10143 Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): MAJ08966 Management Studies major
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

This subject introduces students to the nature and characteristics of the consulting industry, major practice areas in consulting and the value creation activities of management consultants. It discusses the main success factors of consulting. It also considers methods of consultancy project design and management, and integrative problem-solving applying the principles of design thinking and different performance measures. Students are required to work on a real-life project. Finally, the subject takes a critical look at the responsibilities and ethics of consultancy contract management.

Note: This subject requires students to have completed the majority of their subjects and it should be taken towards the end of their degree.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. analyse the nature and characteristics of consulting and their implications for the delivery and management of consulting projects
2. apply a range of research and analysis methodologies to identify, describe and explore business challenges in order to discern viable opportunities
3. apply effective methods of creating, developing, extending and transforming business enterprises
4. apply project management methodologies to manage and effectively deliver consulting projects
5. generate solutions to business issues that take ethical considerations into account

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject forms part of the Management major and Management Consulting sub-major. It serves to integrate and develop the different aspects of management consulting. It considers different consulting perspectives on and approaches to applying the range of knowledge to finding potential solutions to business problems through business analysis and development and by applying the principles of integrative and design thinking. The subject informs students about appropriate performance measures in different business enterprises, and alerts students to the responsibilities of professional and ethical consulting practices.

This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:

  • Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
  • Communicating and collaboration
  • Professional and technical competence

This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following program learning objectives:

  • Apply evidence, creativity and critical reasoning to solve business problems (1.1)
  • Communicate information clearly in a form appropriate for its audience (2.1)
  • Demonstrate ability to work independently and with others as a member of a team to achieve an agreed goal (2.2)
  • Apply technical and professional skills to operate effectively in business (4.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is based on a lecture and tutorial format. The lecture involves a combination of content presentation, case study discussions and problem solving activities to simulate the tasks conducted by consultants. The key role of teaching will be to facilitate the interdependent learning of students. An intensive tutorials program delivers a series of interactive learning discussions and exercises related to the use of various consulting tools and methodologies as well as case studies exemplifying the nature of the client-consultant relationship. Two out of three assessments are designed to replicate consulting deliverables. Early feedback is provided in the tutorials as students have to bring work in progress to class.

This subject adopts a blended learning approach where students take on the responsibility for their own learning. This includes preparing a range of materials before students come to class and actively contributing to the learning process in class. Prior to each class students are expected to read and reflect upon assigned materials including videos and reading material provided via the UTS Learning Management System so that they are prepared to participate in class discussion and problem-solving exercises. In-class activities have a heavy focus on collaborative learning experiences, such as role plays, debates, working with peers to develop insights through using a range of consulting tools and methodologies and to develop insights for potential clients.

Content (topics)

  • Making sense of management consulting
  • Approaches to consulting
  • Success factors of consulting
  • Client–consulting relationship
  • Critical reflections on management consulting
  • The consultant as a change agent
  • The future of management consulting

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Project Report and Presentation (Group)*

Intent:

This assessment will gauge students' ability to:

  1. understand and analyse both the theoretical and practical rationale for management consulting activities
  2. understand and analyse the skills required and responsibilities exercised in engaging in management consultancy contracts including project management.
Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2 and 4

Weight: 30%
Length:

Proposal document: 2000 words (Maximum). Format: Report style. A comprehensive guide outlining the format requirements of this assesment can be found under the Assessment tab on Canvas.

Presentation length: 10 minutes (maximum). All team members to take part in the presentation of their proposal, either by delivering it or by answering questions. Presentation relating to this submission will take place in Week 5.

PLEASE UPLOAD CONSULTING PROPOSALS IN WORD FORMAT (please do not submit as PDF files)
Criteria:

*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Assessment task 2: Report (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

2, 3, 4 and 5

Weight: 45%
Length:

Proposal document: 4500 words (maximum). Format: Report style. A comprehensive guide outlining the format requirements of this assesment can be found under the Assessment tab on Canvas.

Presentation to the client: 15-20 minutes (maximum). Students are advised to prepare a PowerPoint (or Prezi) slide deck (10-15 slides) to be used as audiovisual support for this presentation.All team members to take part in the presentation of their proposal, either by delivering it or by answering questions. Presentations relating to this submission will take place in Weeks 11 & 12.

A comprehensive guide to this assessment can be found under the Assessment tab on Canvas.

Assessment task 3: Critical Reflection Essay (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1

Weight: 25%
Length:

Length: 1500 words (Maximum) INCLUDING in-text references but excluding bibliography)

Format: Reflective essay

A comprehensive guide to this assessment will be made available under the Assessment tab on Canvas.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials. Students might be asked to interact with a real-life client.

To pass the subject students need to achieve at least 50% of the total marks.

Required texts

Garrette, B., Phelps, C. & Sibony, O. 2018 Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants. Palgrave

The textbook is available online as e-book in the UTS Library https://search.lib.uts.edu.au/permalink/61UTS_INST/19joism/alma991006770526605671

Recommended texts

  • For report structuring:
    Stanley, D. & Castles, G. (2017) The So What Strategy. Clarity Know How

References

  • Armbruester, T. (2006) The Economics and Sociology of Management Consulting. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Avakian, S. and Clark, T. (Eds) (2012) Management Consulting.The International Library of Critical Writings on Business and Management. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
  • Dawson, R. (2005), Developing Knowledge-Based Client Relationships, 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
  • Fombrun, C. and Nevins, M. (2004), The Advice Business. Essential Tools and Models for Management Consulting. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
  • Gibbs, D. (2010), Management Consulting: A Guide for Students. Cengage Learning.
  • O’Mahoney, J. and Markham, C. (2013) Management Consultancy, Oxford University Press
  • Sallmann, N (2012), Management Consultants in Australia. IBISWorld Industry Report L7856, January
  • Wickham, P. and Wickham, L. (2008), Management Consulting: Delivering an Effective Project. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd.