Professional IS Consulting

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This practice-oriented subject allows students to develop their ability to build and utilise good working relationships with internal and external clients. Feedback from industry indicates that these “consulting skills” are highly valued, and an important factor in employment and promotion decisions. Information systems professionals learn that technical knowledge is seldom sufficient in itself, and must be supported by the ability to understand, communicate and collaborate with clients.
Students work individually and in syndicate groups. Classes are interactive and focus on practice, with reading and research tasks undertaken largely outside class. Most classes feature a guest speaker from industry.
Topics covered include understanding business and management needs, setting and managing expectations, reporting and staying on track, giving advice, written and verbal communication, consulting ethics, and the business of consultancy.
The subject will enhance students' ability to manage relationships with stakeholders, communicate effectively about IS services, and engage effectively with senior decision makers in organisations.

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Understand the importance of the consulting process and the factors which determine its success
• Make use of the body of research relevant to IS consulting
• Elicit client expectations for a consulting assignment or service
• Plan a substantial information systems consulting project
• Communicate technical concepts to a management audience, both verbally and in writing
• Approach consulting problems, including “people issues” in a disciplined and effective manner
• Work effectively in a team to collectively achieve practical consulting outcomes

• Individual 500-1000 word report, due in the first third of semester (20%)
• Class presentation of individual report (10%)
• Group report, due in the second third of semester (30%)
• Class presentation of group report (10%)
• Group (pairs) report of max 3 ½ pages, due in the last third of semester (20%)
• Class presentation of pairs report (10%)

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.