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Consultants and Government (PADM10001)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Not available in 2024
Overview
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Management consulting is one of the great success stories of the last century, and several consultant ideas have shaped the ways in which we live and work today. But how have they done this? Is this a problem? And what do consultants actually do, anyway?
This subject is an introduction to management consulting. It will explore what consultants actually do on a day-to-day basis; the historical and philosophical roots of the industry; and the ways in which their ideas have shaped the global economy. In doing so, it will focus on the functional aspects of consulting work (including different consulting tools and methods), as well as the more political or conceptual (including the relationship between science and management, and the role that consultants play in politics). The subject will specifically unpack the differences between consulting to government, and consulting to the private sector.
The subject will suit those who are interested in pursuing a career in management consulting, or who anticipate needing to regularly work with consultants. It will also appeal to anyone who has a general interest in demystifying this fascinating phenomenon!
Intended learning outcomes
- Be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of how public managers can most effectively work with consultants
- Understand the key differences and similarities between public and private sector management, and the differing roles of consultants in each
- Be able to critically assess different forms of evidence produced by consultants, and how that evidence might best be used in improving public management
- Be familiar with the historical evolution of consulting to government, and how that relates to trends in public management
- Be able to articulate some of the conceptual and philosophical issues raised by the consulting phenomenon
Generic skills
- A comprehensive understanding of the strategic environment in which consultants and public sector managers operate
- A high-level ability to combine theory and practice in a meaningful way
- Flexible communication skills with a highly attuned sensitivity to a diverse audience
- An understanding of the role of consultants in public policy, and the conceptual problems it raises
- Detailed knowledge of the history of the consulting industry, and the relationship between this historical evolution and modern approaches to governance
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Case study analysis
| Week 4 | 45% |
Research essay
| Week 8 | 45% |
In-class presentation
| Week 10 | 10% |
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2024
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of the subject.
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 15 February 2024