Strategy Consulting
Objectives
This course's major goal is to provide a practical approach to strategy consulting. Throughout the course, students will be able to learn and practice the basic consulting tools in data collection, data analysis, brainstorming, structuring of ideas and recommendations, as well as design of presentations and other types of communication documentation. The course will also allow students to understand the typical stages of a strategy consulting project, as well as get a glimpse of the daily routine of a management consultant.
General characterization
Code
2460
Credits
7
Responsible teacher
Constança Monteiro Casquinho
Hours
Weekly - Available soon
Total - Available soon
Teaching language
English
Prerequisites
n/a
Bibliography
Block, Peter (2011). Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used. 3rd Edition.
Cole Miller, Brian. (2012). Quick Brainstorming Activities for Busy Managers: 50 Exercises to Spark Your Team's Creativity and Get Results Fast. American Management Association, New York.
Mack, N., Woodsong, C., Macqueen, K., Guest, G., & Namey, E. (2005). Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector's Field Guide. Family Health International.
Metaplan GmbH. (2009). Moderating group discussions using the Metaplan approach.
Minto, B. (2008). The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking. Financial Times Prentice Hall, Pearson Education, Harlow GB.
Rasiel, E. (1999). The McKinsey Way: Using the Techniques of the World's Top Strategic Consultants to Help You and Your Business. McGraw-Hill Professional, New York.
Zelazny, G. (2001). Say it with charts: The Executive’s Guide to Visual Communication. McGraw-Hill Professional, New York.
Zelazny, G. (2006). Say it with presentations: How to Design and Deliver Successful Business Presentations, McGraw-Hill Professional, New York.
Literature suited for Indie Campers Case
TBA
Literature for students with a background different to economics/management
Please find below a link to a useful page with A to Z of Management Concepts & Models. From here you can search for the concepts you would like to learn more about: http://fesrvsd.fe.unl.pt:2087/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&bquery=JN+%26quot%3 bA+to+Z+of+Management+Concepts+%26amp%3b+Models%26quot%3b+AND+DT+20 050501&type=1&site=ehost-live&scope=site
More useful sources:
Porter's Five
Forces: http://fesrvsd.fe.unl.pt:2087/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=89550628&l ang=pt-br&site=eds-live
SWOT: http://fesrvsd.fe.unl.pt:2087/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=100259317&l ang=pt-br&site=eds-live
PESTEL: http://fesrvsd.fe.unl.pt:2087/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=89677606& lang=pt-br&site=eds-live
GAP
Analysis: http://fesrvsd.fe.unl.pt:2087/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=109057026 &lang=pt-br&site=eds-live
Marketing
Mix: http://fesrvsd.fe.unl.pt:2087/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=90558383&lang=pt-br&site=eds-live
Competitive
Advantage: http://fesrvsd.fe.unl.pt:2087/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=8916399 7&lang=pt-br&site=eds-live
Teaching method
A central theme will be used throughout the course with different purposes: Demonstrate interactions with a Consulting Client; Illustrate examples and provide a setting for interactions within class; Provide the central issue to be solved within the different group assignments; Note: please keep in mind that confidentiality is of utmost importance to Consulting Clients. Lectures will be two-fold whereby invited guest speakers will be there on occasion: Theoretical/concept based (where individual pre-lecture readings is advised as class time will preferably be dedicated to discussion and exchange of ideas); Practical issues, discussions, and presentation on the central theme.
Evaluation method
- Individual: 55%
Class Participation: 5%; Peer Evaluation: 5%; Exam: 45%
- Team: 45%
Chapter summaries: 5%; Fact Pack: 15%; Final Assignment: 25%
Subject matter
Introduction and Course Overview - Awareness of Different Personalities; Teams and Team Dynamics; Client Industry Overview and Challenge Presentation; Indie Campers? Internationalization strategy & New vertical/ Business unit development
The Consulting Industry and Project Execution
Kick-off Documents (KOD) - Action Titles
Feedback Techniques - Presentation Skills Review
Kick-Off Document ? presentation and feedback - Message structuring and delivery (Issue Analysis)
Issue Analysis ? presentation and feedback - Information gathering and analysis
Interviewing techniques
Displaying information with charts (Fact Pack) - Interviewing Expert Consultants
Fact Pack ? presentation and feedback - Barriers to change; A Day in the Life of a Consultant.
Presentations: from the brick to the building (The Pyramid Principle)
Exam preparation
Final Assignment ? presentation and feedback
Course wrap-up
Programs
Programs where the course is taught: