The consulting industry generated about ~315 billion dollars of revenue in 2022 and plays an important role in the currently difficult econmic and political climate. Many students from business schools are curious about this industry and plan to apply to consulting internships or jobs. In this module, we will get to know this omnious industry. We will analyse the theories, concepts, and methods applied in the consulting industry as well as explore specialized areas within the consulting industry.  

• Introduction and 10 learnings from consultants
• Consulting in the academic literature
• Consulting and International Business
• The most popular consulting concepts
• “The Goal"
• The Case Interview: Ace the case
• The Case Interview: Present yourself
• Life as a consultant 

In addition to a theoretical perspective on Strategy Consulting in International Business, we will jointly explore a practical perspective through case studies and through interactive group discussions.

Upon successful completion of this course you will:

1. Become aware of the various theories, concepts, and methodologies applied in the consulting industry.
2. Build a knowledge about the different consulting firms driving the industry.
3. Be able to solve case studies (part of consulting job interviews).
4. Develop a knowledge about various specialized fields in consulting.
5. Improve your presentation, communication and problem solving skills.

Regular attendance is a requirement to pass this course, you cannot be absent for more than 20% of the total course time.

This course is comprised of lectures of which each follow the same structure:

1. Case presentation & discussion (students-led): Each week a different group of students will present their "solution" to a case that will be shared in the previous session. The other students will also reflect on the case and provide feedback. In an in-class discussion we will jointly challenge and relfect on the different recommendations. 

2. Concepts and theories in consulting (teacher-led but highly interactive): Each week we will learn about different consulting concepts such as MECE, the 80-20 rule, etc. We will also talk about theories and adopt an academic perspective. Yet, this part of the lecture also provides a practical lens by exploring how consulting methods, concepts and theories can be applied.

3. Deep-dive into a specialization area of consulting (teacher-led but highly interactive): Each week, I will deep-dive into a specific type of consulting (what are the methods, basic concepts, etc.). The presented area of specialization serves as the basis for the case study of the next session. The following deep-dives will be presented:

• Controlling & Finance
• M&A
• Internationalization
• Transformation
• Operational
• Sustainability
• Change management
• IT

As stated above, Strategy Consulting in International Business is a highly interactive course. Thus, students are expected to be fully engaged and participate in class discussions. Being an active participant in the class is the best way to maximize your learnings from this class. At the same time, your active participation increases the experience of all other participating students (and me as a professor - I highly appreciate it). I will make sure to establish an environment in which everyone is appreciated and feels safe and respected when sharing their perspective.

All course documents, assignments, lecture notes, etc. will be posted on the course website on Learn@WU.

10% presentation of a consulting firm (5 minutes presentation in our first session on 17 March)

20% participation in the case discussion of case presentations from other groups

60% your group´s case presentation (30 minutes; materials such as slides as well as presentation of the materials will be considered in grading)

10% written exam (test on 26 May in the form of a case study based on the "The case interview: Ace the case"-session)

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