Strategic Consulting for Knowledge-based
STRATGIC CONSLTNG FOR KNW
The primary objective of this course is to become familiar with the typical phases of an internal or external consulting project. The course is designed to provide a deep understanding of the typical challenges, opportunities, phases, and methods for conducting a successful consulting assignment for knowledge-based organizations. A typical strategic consulting assignment includes the following phases: organization assessment, sponsor/client relationship, gathering data, diagnosis issues, implementation, and measurement. Drawing on examples from a variety of organizations, this course will focus directly on strategies for building a successful knowledge service or product for organizations or institutions. We will provide knowledge of foundational frameworks and theories and the need for tailored approaches for different clients. Students will get hands-on experience diagnosing and proposing knowledge strategies for improving organizational effectiveness and competitiveness.
Successful consulting, whether internal or external, requires many capabilities and, at heart, is dependent on the client-consultant relationship. Students will be engaged in working on a simulated consulting assignment based on the current organization in which they work. Alternatively, students may discuss with the faculty to be assigned to work with a voluntary organization seeking student input. During the term, each student will complete individual and team assignments that build on the deliverables needed for an actual consulting assignment. By developing expertise in strategic leadership consulting, students will gain credibility, competence, and confidence in their ability to communicate, design, develop, and provide knowledge and change services to an organization and society. During the semester, students will learn strategies for building knowledge services, including the models, methods, processes, and social factors that promote successful change.
This course is designed for students who are or will be working in positions that require internal or external organizational consulting skills or in positions that require managing organizational change initiatives. No prerequisites.
- T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
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Instructor:
Edward J Hoffman
Info - 3 points
IKNS INDEPENDENT STUDY
Overview
: This 1 semester course (elective, IKNS students only, hybrid) provides an opportunity for a student to extend or supplement their educational experience via a deep-dive into an established or novel area of research of their choice (the topic), under the guidance & supervision of a faculty member (the supervisor). An independent study course allows a student to work one-on-one with a faculty member to gain & contribute new insight into the discipline of Knowledge Management.
Topic/objective
: The topic is chosen by the student as long as it falls within the general realm of Knowledge Management or its specific content areas in the IKNS curriculum, such as IT systems, knowledge organizing systems, data repositories, business data analytics including machine learning & AI, learning processes, collaboration, dialogue, team & project management, transformational leadership, change management, digital transformation, or digital product innovation. The course will therefore serve the dual purpose of allowing a student to pursue their own intellectual curiosity & to make a contribution to the wider discipline of Knowledge Management. In addition, students will deepen their understanding of the content they acquired in other courses, by applying this content to the specific topic chosen for the Independent Study.
Logistics
: Ahead of registration, the student meets with the supervisor to discuss & agree on (i) the topic & the relevant IKNS curriculum area(s); (ii) the timeline of deliverables, milestones, & contact hours for the semester; & (iii) the number of credits. The student summarizes these points in a ~1 pg
Independent Study Proposal
. The student can register for the course only once the supervisor & the Academic Director agree to & sign the
Independent Study Proposal
(which includes the topic, the IKNS curriculum area, the number of credits, & the assigned supervisor). The number of credits (1-3) will be commensurate with the scope of the Independent Study. The scope can range from a summary of existing sources (typically 1 credit. 5-10 pg report), to a synthesis or meta-analysis of existing & new sources, e.g., interviews withSMEs (typically 2 credits, 10-15 pg report), to a comprehensive study which adds the student’s own critical discussion & suggestions to the topic (typically 3 credits; 15-20 pg report).
- 1-3 points
IKNS INDEPENDENT STUDY
Overview
: This 1 semester course (elective, IKNS students only, hybrid) provides an opportunity for a student to extend or supplement their educational experience via a deep-dive into an established or novel area of research of their choice (the topic), under the guidance & supervision of a faculty member (the supervisor). An independent study course allows a student to work one-on-one with a faculty member to gain & contribute new insight into the discipline of Knowledge Management.
Topic/objective
: The topic is chosen by the student as long as it falls within the general realm of Knowledge Management or its specific content areas in the IKNS curriculum, such as IT systems, knowledge organizing systems, data repositories, business data analytics including machine learning & AI, learning processes, collaboration, dialogue, team & project management, transformational leadership, change management, digital transformation, or digital product innovation. The course will therefore serve the dual purpose of allowing a student to pursue their own intellectual curiosity & to make a contribution to the wider discipline of Knowledge Management. In addition, students will deepen their understanding of the content they acquired in other courses, by applying this content to the specific topic chosen for the Independent Study.
Logistics
: Ahead of registration, the student meets with the supervisor to discuss & agree on (i) the topic & the relevant IKNS curriculum area(s); (ii) the timeline of deliverables, milestones, & contact hours for the semester; & (iii) the number of credits. The student summarizes these points in a ~1 pg
Independent Study Proposal
. The student can register for the course only once the supervisor & the Academic Director agree to & sign the
Independent Study Proposal
(which includes the topic, the IKNS curriculum area, the number of credits, & the assigned supervisor). The number of credits (1-3) will be commensurate with the scope of the Independent Study. The scope can range from a summary of existing sources (typically 1 credit. 5-10 pg report), to a synthesis or meta-analysis of existing & new sources, e.g., interviews withSMEs (typically 2 credits, 10-15 pg report), to a comprehensive study which adds the student’s own critical discussion & suggestions to the topic (typically 3 credits; 15-20 pg report).
- 1-3 points