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CTI Course Syllabus |
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Information
Technology Consulting (578-94-301)
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Course Description IS 578 is designed for all IT professionals who are interested in knowing more about consulting as a career. It looks at the consulting industry, the consulting firm, and how consultants work. The course starts with positioning IT consulting within the larger professional services industry detailing the composition of the IT consulting market. From there, our attention turns to the trends in IT consulting from technologies to applications. Compared to other businesses, consulting firms have unique issues and responses that are then detailed. We analyze the commonalities and differences between independent, internal, and conventional consulting. We then look at the proposal process before an in-depth examination of a hot, new trend before ending on an examination of the career paths available. Prerequisite: Advanced Standing Detailed topics are posted in the Weekly Topics page. Course Objectives After taking this course, the student has a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities that successful IT consultants play for their clients and firms. The student will also be able to assess the costs and benefits of consulting careers as an independent consultant, as an internal consultant in an organization and as a member of an established, large consulting firm. A student will have a better understanding on the economics that govern consulting and the tools needed to successfully manage engagements. The student will have a better understanding of what the expectations are for new consultants. The student will have a better understanding of managing the consulting engagement as the client. Text Required: Maister, David H., 1997. Managing The Professional Service Firm, Macmillan, Inc. (paperback) Required: Gerald M Weinberg, 1986. Secrets of Consulting: A Guide to Giving & Getting Advice Successfully, Dorset House (paperback) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Optional: Maister, David H., 2000. The Trusted Advisor, The Free Press Optional: Peter Block, 2000. Flawless Consulting, Second Edition, Pfeiffer Optional. Scott, Mark C., 1998. The Intellect Industry:
Profiting and Learning from Professional Services Firm. Optional. Chapman, Robert B. and Kathleen R. Andrade, 1998. Insourcing after the Outsourcing: MIS Survival Guide. New Your, AMACOM, ISBN: 0-8144-0386. Optional. Holman, Peggy and Tom Devane 1999. The Change
Handbook: Group Methods for Shaping the Future. Additional handouts and references in packets distributed in class Grading Breakdown % Description Team/Individual 40 Case Study Analysis – one for each case covered 40Term Project Report 20 Term Project Presentation Session Format Class starts with an opening discussion on the new material, followed by a group discussion of a typical consulting issue. Break. Group discussion of the weekly case. Case Study Analysis Each student will prepare an analysis based on each of the assigned case studies. The written analysis is due the week the case is covered at the end of the class discussion. Term Project Report and Presentation Each team or individual will analyze some aspect of IT consulting that relates to one or more team member’s or individual's present position or interests. For example, the team or individual may report on knowledge management consulting because a one’s employer is interested in establishing a process for disbursing critical knowledge throughout the firm. Another team or individual may analyze the trends in reengineering in the banking industry and the role of various stakeholders in the reengineering process. Each individual will prepare up to a 20-page (10 to 20 pages), double line spaced, 12-point font analysis. This written report is due after the last session. The team or individual also gives a 10-minute presentation of findings to the class in the last session. * This syllabus is subject to change. |
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University policies: |
Plagiarism:
The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course, as well as all other courses in which independent research or writing play a vital part in the course requirements, should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work a report, examination paper, computer file, lab report, or other assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor. Incomplete:
An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a
death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be
documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the
final, and approved by the Dean of the *last updated 3/28/08
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