INMR86-Business Technology Consulting

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: v.a.michell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

It provides the key principles of consulting applied to digital business technology.  It covers the three levels of client engagement methodology. It also introduces a variety of problem solving tools and techniques suitable for analysis and solution development for digital business technology problems and consulting in related businesses aiming to use or are using digital technology. Finally it develops practical skills in proposing and analysing digital business technology consulting problems via presentations and case studies in the area.

Aims:

The Business technology consulting module is taught in three key parts. The first part addresses the theory of consulting, consulting structure, generic consulting methods and tools. The second part focuses on problem solving methods. In particular understanding and applying examples of specific framework tools and techniques to digital business technology problems. It also builds on consulting tools developed in the department and related methods of problem solving using standalone or enterprise architecture frameworks. The third part, consulting in practice, involves student case analysis and presentations to practicing consultants where students apply techniques learnt to practical business-technology problems. This three part approach welds business and digital technology techniques with consulting methods to enable students to both identify and resolve current and future issues affecting client technology-focused organisations. Being able to respond well to time and complexity pressure whilst analysing a problem and developing a solution is a fundamental ability taught by the module. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

On the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Approach and resolve a range of consulting problems and construct highly persuasive consulting solution arguments that resonate with boardroom-level stakeholders; 

• Establish an understand a holistic analytical view of an organisation and its architectural problems via architecture based frameworks to define strategy options and ensure digital  systems create and support business value and enable business sustainability;

• Apply appropriate consulting methodology to conduct an analysis of the business strategy, performance, constraints, and problem variables and solutions and their benefit and impact on the stakeholders;

• Produce a set of solution requirements which assist decision makers to formulate digital business technology (i.e. ICT systems) solution strategies to enable business improvement and sustainability;

• Develop an analytical approach and evaluate consulting analysis results and use the feedback to define, develop and maintain on-going and long-term improvements for the client.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The key content covered in this module includes:



• Business technology consulting concepts and principles based on the theory on organisations and digital information systems;



• Business technology analysis and example problem solving methods for representing business context, business activities and IT activities, alignment of business performance and IT enabling methods;



• Business consulting methods for analysing the business capabilities, the business problem, stakeholders’ influences, and change options;



• Business consulting methods for formulating business technology problem solutions that meet the business objectives;



• Evaluation methods for evaluating tangible and intangible benefits of the recommended business technology solutions and their implementation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A range of teaching and learning methods will adopt problem-based lectures, workshops, group interactions, and formative & summative assessment for achieving the assessable learning outcome.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The assessed course work (100%) involves a 5000 word individual coursework report based on a given case study due on week 5 in summer term.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be required to produce one presentation as a member of a team responding to a business technology consulting case exercise (marks will be awarded for information, but it will not be formally assessed.  

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students will be required to obtain a mark of 50% to pass the assessment.

Pass criteria: To pass this module, the students must demonstrate their overall knowledge, understanding in the areas of business performance assessment, service oriented architecture, communication techniques and formation of business technology strategies.

Distinction criteria: To achieve distinction the students must exhibit their original thoughts and critical-analysis ability in proposed architecture solutions 

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be by re-submission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 20 April 2018