Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module BUSI54915: Frameworks and Processes for Examining Consulting

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI54915: Frameworks and Processes for Examining Consulting

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2013/14 Module Cap
Tied to N1K814

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to:
  • understand and analyse the differing forms of inquiry and types of interventions;
  • examine the practical considerations involved in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating a consultancy intervention.

Content

  • Forms of inquiry and types of interventions - prescriptive, facilitative, process or expert.
  • The client/consultant relationship.
  • The consulting cycle - entry and diagnosis; expectations and dynamics, milestones, monitoring and evaluating, closing.
  • Service and quality management.
  • Quantitative and qualitative applied research techniques.
  • External v internal consultancy - strength and weaknesses.
  • Consultancy fatigue.
  • Engagement success.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Subject-specific Skills:
    • To have developed a portfolio of specific and general skills which can be used to structure, plan, implement and evaluate a consultancy intervention.
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • The programme incorporates both University and work-based teaching and learning.
      • The University based teaching and learning will use lectures and facilitated discussions, group and individual tasks, role play and other simulations. Individual nd group tutorials will also form part of the programme. Students will also learn through directed independent study (via the Internet) and independent study related to the preparation of coursework for assessment.
      • At work, students will reflect on how they have applied in practice what they have learnt at different stages of the programme, via a reflective learning journal and actions points agreed at the end of each module.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 4 Daily 2 hours 8
      Tutorials 1 Once 1.5 hours 1.5
      Seminars 1 Daily 3 hours 3
      Practicals 4 Daily 1 hour 4
      Preparation & Reading 133.5
      Total 150

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Essay 2,500 words 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      One essay.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University