MSCI 505: Problem Solving & Consulting Skills
(Phase I – Autumn Term)
Tutor: Graham K. Rand plus others
Objectives
This course cannot be seen in isolation since it forms a spine that runs through Phase I. The purpose is to enable you to develop practical skills that will be useful in project work and in later professional practice. On successful completion of the module you should be prepared for your summer project work and have developed skills such as those required in making presentations, interviewing, report writing and group work. In addition you will gain an insight into basic project planning.
Core texts
Pidd M. (2002) Tools for thinking: modelling in management science (2nd edition). John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.
Rivett B.H.P. (1994) The craft of decision modelling. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.
Learning Outcomes
You will develop an understanding of the ways in which modern Management Science methods can be effective in supporting decision making and analysis in contemporary organisations. In addition, you will gain an appreciation of theories of decision making and choice and some understanding of the ways in which data produced by accounting systems can be used in analytical consultancy practice.
The course aims to:
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Introduce you to problem solving as seen here at Lancaster, with its emphasis on relevance and rigour.
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Provide a context for the use of analytical techniques.
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Provide practice in group work.
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Develop your report writing and presentation skills.
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Provide you with a background appreciation of basic accounting ideas.
Assessment
There will be two items of assessment.
(i) An exercise in report writing, to be held before Christmas. (Worth 30%)
(ii) A single unseen case exercise, held before Christmas, under examination conditions. This will require the use of statistics at a level no greater than that taught in the compulsory Statistics I course. (Worth 70%)
Contact hours
There will be a mixture of lectures, workshops and practical classes, totalling about 30 hours contact. In addition, much time must be spent outside of these contact hours in group work.
