This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Employers are in search for individuals who possess logical thinking, analytical capability, leadership, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to work under pressure. This module will equip you with skills of consultancy, negotiation and fundamentals of research methodology. Experts from the industry will be invited to share their real-world experiences and to inspire with their success stories.
The module covers three main areas. Indicative topics include:
- . Consultancy skills: Approaches to analyse a series of real-world problems in a structured manner and then develop solution diagnosis to such problems will be taught. Consultancy and report writing skills will also be taught.
- Negotiation skills: Approaches to manage conflict, optimise beneficial compromise, fair play and improve people management skills.
- Research methodology: Fundamentals of research methodology, such as data gathering, preparation and analysis and project management skills.
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 126
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Consultancy and Negotiation Group Project (1000 words) (30%) + group presentation – 15-20 minutes (20%)
Research Project proposal (1000 words) (40%).
Attendance, participation and engagement (10%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework.
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2006) "Business Research Methods", Oxford University Press
Burtonshaw-Gunn S. (2010). Essential Tools for Management Consulting: Tools, Models and Approaches for Clients and Consultants. John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Cohen, S. (2002) Negotiating Skills for Managers, McGraw-Hill Companies
Cope, M. (2003), The Seven Cs of Consulting: the Definitive Guide to the Consulting Process, Pearson Education Ltd.
Cottrell, S. (2003) "Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook", Palgrave.
McMillan, K., Weyers, J. (2011). How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports. Pearson Education Limited.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. (2012) Doing Research in Business and Management: As Essential Guide to Planning Your Project. Prentice Hall.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and application of management and consultancy skills through critical thinking, appraisal and problem analysis.
- demonstrate enhanced negotiation skills through group work, case-studies exercise and role play.
- demonstrate the application of knowledge and practical understanding in order to identify a dissertation topic relevant to the programme subject in order to design a research project and write a well-crafted research proposal.
The intended generic learning outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- carry out an effective literature search using electronic sources and accurately summarise the literature sources and critically evaluate their relevance.
- develop an understanding of range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and demonstrate originality in the analysis of research data with due consideration to ethical requirements.
- demonstrate effective communication skills,
- develop personal effectiveness: self-awareness and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations.
- evaluate and develop a range of skills required to successfully engage in management consultancy and develop competencies valued by employers to enhance employability prospects.
- develop ability to plan, work and study independently and to use resources in a way which reflects best current practice and anticipated future practice
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