Learning outcomes

The overall objective of the course is to discuss and analyse management consulting and organisational change as well as develop the students' skills in and understanding of the work of management consultants. The aim is to: 1) critically analyse and contrast different perspectives of management consulting in relation to organisational change, and 2) to provide insights into the practical work of management consultants by assessing and applying different methodological and analytical tools. The goal is to increase the students' capacity to formulate and analyse central problems within the field - both orally and in writing.

After attending to the course the students should:

• be able to analyse management consulting from different theoretical perspectives and critically discuss them in relation to the flow of management ideas and organisational change,
• be familiar with and apply different methodological and analytical tools within the field,
• be able to manage complex information, identify problems, and develop solutions,
• be able to discuss ethical dilemmas tied to the daily work of management consultants,
• be able to orally and visually as well as in writing present arguments in an objective, interesting, and convincing manner.

Content

The course consists of two blocks - one theoretical part and one that is more practically based. The theoretical block consists of literature seminars at which the students are discussing different research perspectives of management consulting, the flow of management ideas, and organisational change. During the practical block, the students will meet management consultants and work individually with problem solving as well as become acquainted with some of the methodological and analytical tools used in practice.

Instruction

The course is taught in English, and based on lectures and seminars. At the seminars the students are asked to reflect upon and critically discuss the course literature as well as to solve case assignments. Skilled practitioners will be invited to give guest lectures.

Assessment

Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system and, for international students, the ECTS grading system. The following grades will be used: VG (passed with distinction), which corresponds to A or B in the ECTS grading system, G (passed), which corresponds to C, D or E, and U (failed) which corresponds to the ECTS grade F.

Course examination includes seminar assignments, equivalent to 2 ECTS credits,

a written exam, equivalent to 3 ECTS credits, and a project work, equivalent to 2.5 ECTS credits. Active participation in seminars is required. For the grade VG on the course overall, VG is required on both the written exam and the project work.

Moreover all remaining tasks must be completed and handed in before the start of the next study period, which means at least four weeks after the end of the course. If this is not done you will not receive pass for the seminar part of the course. The seminar part must then be redone in the following semester provided there is space in the course.

Attention Swedish students: Only completed courses can be recognised in your degree