MQM2STC-Strategic Technology Consulting

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores the role and nature of IT consultancy in the context of developing strategic ICT technology solutions to support business strategy. It develops knowledge and skills in the use of consulting tools for modelling and analysis of technologies as internal or external consultants. It explores the principles of consulting and digital technology strategy and problem-solving methods in conjunction with digital roadmap and transformation techniques to enable students to identify, analyse and develop proposals to meet the strategic technology needs of competitive digital businesses.

Aims:

The module aims to develop a knowledge of digital technology strategy and consulting techniques to support the development of a coherent technology strategy appropriately aligned to an organisation’s business strategy for internal and external business clients.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module, the student should be able to:

• Develop knowledge of consulting principles and interventions


• Ability to apply a range of analytical consulting tools, methods and techniques


• Knowledge of a range of technologies and domain applications


• Develop knowledge of a range of modelling and analysis tools and their selection necessary for analysing digital technology


• Ability to ap ply a range of modelling and analysis tools to different IT architectures and domains


• Develop knowledge of a range of technology/ICT strategy approaches and their selection


• Ability to develop a strategic technology/ICT solution design

Skills

• Create and implement innovative technological strategies to support the development of new products , processes and services that align with the company’s business strategy, and develop and communicate compelling business proposals to support these.


• Assess an organisation's technology operations and their continued capability to deliver the organisations technology based products and services, through defining, delivering, and supporting strategic plans for implementing digital technologies and revising as required;


• De velop and implement technology lifecycle roadmaps, assessing different technical options and developing technology strategies aligned with business priorities and agreeing the case for change from senior management;


• Professionally present digital and technology solution specialism plans and solutions in a well-structured business report;


• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in solving problems, and act autonomously in planni ng and implementing digital and technology solutions specialist tasks at a professional level;

Knowledge

• The importance of clearly identifying the client issue, applying a structured approach and selecting appropriate analytical tools and techniques


• How to apply a range of simple, recognised data gathering, problem solving and analytical tools and technique s to achieve agreed outcomes, presenting and communicating the results of research in reports and presentations to senior stakeholders


• The principles of business transformation and how organisations integrate different management functions in the context of technological change;

Additional outcomes:

Skills

• Engage with business units to produce technical solution proposals for different technology domains such as infrastructure, cloud, application and storage platforms aligned with business  demand;


• Plan and manage technology change delivery and migration programmes, ensuring successful implementation of the chosen technology, smooth delivery of related consultancy services to clients and verifying application results using audits;

Knowledge

• The diversity of IT consultancy interventions and approaches and the importance of scoping interventions effectively and agreeing clear contracts with clients;


• The contribution of contemporary IT architectures (including cloud deployment) as well as software platforms and applications appropriate to the context of IT consultancy

Outline content:

• Principles of Consulting


• Consulting Methods


• Strategic Digital Technology Domain Modelling and Capability Analysis


• Technology Strategy Solution Design


• Technology Transformation and Change Methods

Global context:

This module applies globally recognised methods and techniques to organisations in a global context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including exercises, tutorials, videos and case studies and independent supported learning.

This 12 week module will use a blended learning approach including Henley seminars, structured work-based learning and independent study. Formative assessments will support the initial learning. 

Course members will engage with their organisation t o gather information through guided fieldwork which, together with the use of course academic and professional material, contributes to a summative assessment. This work-based assignment will be introduced at an early stage and is designed to reinforce the skills and knowledge learning outcomes. 

Reflection is an important part of the module, both on the study material and the overall reflection on how the module supports work-based goals. This contributes to the end-point assessment of professional discussion.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will be required to produce a 5000-word individual report based on the critical analysis of a case or work situation, applying the models, techniques and methods from the module for 100% of the marks

Formative assessment methods:

• All lectures will indicate the core material with an introduction to the topics.


• A mix of reflective questions will be provided with videos and mini cases and tasks involving


• analysis and discussion of academic literature

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% or above based on the coursework

Reassessment arrangements:

By re-submission of the coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 27 August 2020