Overlapping Modules

Law of management consulting (2 days)
The objective of this module is on the one hand to present the particular legal forms of consulting companies and their impact on matters of management and on the other hand to analyse and discuss the legal relations between the management consultant and the (potential) client- including problem cases. In addition the students learn to deal with pertinent checklists and sample contracts.

Communication skills in consulting (6 days)
The objective of this module is to give the students an understanding of the communication methods which are used in the consulting context as an aid to establishing an effective consultant-client relationship. The two-day team-building workshop at the beginning of the study module uses exercises in sub-groups and as a complete team to focus on self-awareness and building up relationships as the prerequisite for effective work. In the further course of the module special importance is given to reflecting on and broadening abilities in conflict management as well as to developing appropriate intercultural competences. An additional focal point is the enhancement of presentation, negotiation and facilitation skills. The distinctive characteristics of studies written in the English language are also discussed.

Psychology in consulting (2 days)
The objective of this module is to clarify in depth the extent to which psychological aspects influence the consultant-client relationship in the stages of the consulting process as well as the way in which an effective consultant-client relationship can be shaped from the psychological point of view. In this regard the students are trained in how to handle critical situations in the consultant-client relationship.

Ethics in consulting (2 days)
The objective is first to utilise a general approach to the term “ethics” for the purpose of creating a link to business subjects. Areas of conflict in the field of business ethics are demonstrated. Understanding of the ethically relevant environment of the consultant is conveyed. Case studies are used to analyse ethical problems in management consultancy and facilitate the independent development of approaches towards solutions by the students.

Basics of general management and economics (9 days)
The objective of this module is to refresh or acquire a basic insight into business economics and political economics as required for the work undertaken by consultants. In view of the different specialist backgrounds of the students in the post-graduate course the module focuses on creating a uniform basis in the knowledge and understanding of business economics.

Leadership (4 days)
This module demonstrates the foundations for successful leadership. It focuses on the behavioural aspect and concepts of incentive systems. This module covers leadership behaviour in the entire consulting process: dealing with the client, leading the project team but also special facets of leadership behaviour in a consulting company.

Research methods (2 days)
The objective of this module is to enable the students to understand the way in which scientific research projects are defined and worked out. The difference between pure and applied research is also demonstrated. This is intended to support the students in writing a successful thesis (final dissertation) at the end of the course. Discussions of the students’ own proposals are an encouragement to give early consideration to a possible subject matter for their final dissertation.