ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title BUSINESS CONSULTING SIMULATION
Code KMBA641
Coordinator Dr LB Day
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
Lisa.Day@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

KMBA710 BEING A LEADER; KMBA711 THE ORGANISATION IN STRATEGIC CONTEXT; KMBA712 FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING FOR MANAGERS; KMBA713 MARKET PERSPECTIVES; KMBA714 INNOVATION AND CHANGE 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           100

100
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 50
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Module Project There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole session  Every 2nd week (Fina    30       
Collaboration Initial Response There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole session  5 weeks out of 8 (ap    20       
Group PowerPoint Slides There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole session  3 weeks out of 8 (ap    10       
Collaboration Participation There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole session  Weekly    20       
Personal Development Plan There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole session  Every 4th week (Fina    20       

Aims

This module builds on many of the topics from the core modules, such as marketing and finance, and enables students to consolidate their learning, and to apply their existing knowledge and analytical skills to a practical real world business simulation. Students will develop their awareness of the importance of effective negotiation, communication and teamwork in organisational decision making. This module also seeks to develop students' understanding of the integrated nature of management practice as well as the role of the management consultant.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Demonstrate a holistic and integrated understanding of the key functional areas of management, such as, HR, R&D, Production, Marketing and Finance;

(LO2) Apply analytical concepts and techniques to develop and communicate a business strategy for an organisation (in a simulated environment);

(LO3) Work collaboratively with others to agree a competitive business strategy and implement strategic decisions;

(LO4) Act as a consultant to an organisation (in a simulated environment) and design soultions in response to problems that arise, such as, competitor moves or regulatory changes;

(LO5) Draw on theories of group development to critically assess your own performance as a group member and demonstrate skill in giving and receiving constructive feedback.

(S1) Communication skills;

(S2) Problem Solving and Decision Making;

(S3) Information and Communication Technology Skills;

(S4) Personal Effectiveness;

(S5) Time Management;

(S6) Group Working Skills.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Online Discussions
Description: The teaching and learning strategy is founded upon the principles established through the online MBA programme (see Section E of the online MBA Programme Specification). Specifically, with respect to this module, the business simulation will form a core part of the teaching strategy that conveys a variety of important issues relating to business analysis and decision making. The module requires students to communicate and operate in small teams. Students will be expected to study the guidance and instructions which accompany the simulation software as well as directed reading and research of selected texts, journal articles and contemporary professional journals and press articles that facilitate a deeper understanding of management consulting and group dynamics. Independent study and research is encouraged at all stages to promote and develop learning that will be useful to students throughout the module, the programme and sub sequent business careers of students.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 100


Syllabus

 

The module content will include access to an online business simulation and guidence on how to engage with the software, to input decisions and to analyse and interpret results. Students will work in teams on the simulation model and make initial decisions, for example, about product quality, pricing, R&D and Marketing expenditure. Through subsequent cycles of decision making students will revisit their strategy in response to changing 'market' conditions and 'competitor' moves. The main simulation is supported by other learning material, such as articles or case studies, to understand the principles and practices of management consultancy as well as theories of team-working and tools to facilitate effective peer review and feedback.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.