MM398-Technology Advisory Practices

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Nicholas Silburn
Email: n.l.j.silburn@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module develops the students’ ability to address complex business problems involving the use of technology and formulate recommendations. As a part of the module students will have the opportunity of working closely with a group of peers to apply technology advisory practices for a contemporary business case. They will be developing business and academic skills in a number of different areas relevant to advisory practices.

Aims:

The aim of this course is to enable students to gain an understanding of engagement in technology advisory projects. Students will gain experience in carrying out this role. It offers the opportunity to devise, and take part in, a project team operating within a business context through simulated and/or real client engagement.

Assessable learning outcomes:

- To develop the ability to identify and analyse complex business problems and technology trends through problem structuration, information and data collection, identification of options and presentation of final recommendations. 

- To develop the ability to work effectively within a team in problem solving and work to deadlines.

- To be able to appraise relevant theory and methodology and their value in the development of evidence-driven and data- driven recommendations.

Additional outcomes:

- Ability of critical selection of appropriate methods and techniques for solving problems and devising IT solutions.

Outline content:

The course will introduce students to the work done by practitioners working in this area and the associated theories, tools and method used. The course will look at the different dimensions of the advisory role and associated professional issues. This will include working environments within niche and global firms, which offer advisory services. Students will then apply learning points to case studies and real world examples. Examples of topics covered include:

• Contextualising technology advisory services and how they add value

• Project evaluation and planning

• Analytical tools and frameworks

• Evaluating client capabilities and managing expectations

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Individual Written Assignment (3,000 words) to be submitted during week 1 of Summer Term. The word limit is absolute (i.e., no 10% threshold). 

• Group Report (5,000 words) and Group Presentation (20 minutes) to be submitted during week 11 of Spring Term. The word limit is absolute (i.e., no 10% threshold). 

Formative assessment methods:

In the first part of the course, students will receive assessed feedback on exercises relating to theories, tools and methods. In the second part of the course, students will regularly present progress back to the class for feedback from both tutors and peers. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy. 

• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;


• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% combined assessment

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of an assignment worth 100% of the module.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: £48.99 - Management Consultancy by O’Mahoney, Joe; Markharm, Calvert. 2013 

Last updated: 12 April 2021