Consultancy Project: Terms Of Reference Guidance

The following excerpts were taken from the full time MBA Course Overview:
MBA Consultancy Project
Semester 2b 2011/2012

• This is a 10-credit course in the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF), entailing100 hours of student effort.
• The host organisation identifies an important strategic business or management issue that is addressed over a period of between 2-3 months.
• Project findings and recommendations are formally presented to the host organisation along with a written report. 
• Any changes to the TOR should be agreed with the client.
• There will be TOR feedback and feasibility discussions
• Submit a 5000 word group report, not including appendices, and 20 minutes presentation. 
• The report is marked by two School staff members who will attend the presentation, possibly along with an additional member of staff with specialist knowledge in the relevant area. The client is also invited to the presentation, and is formally involved in the Q&A session.
• The presentation can include new material, though this must be mentioned as such. 
• All group members are required to attend the presentation, and contribute.
• The report, presentation and Q&A are assessed according to the following criteria. Please note that the proportion of marks allocated to any one section can vary according to the nature of the project. 
• Presentation and interpretation of the client’s requirements (20%). This mark is awarded on the basis of the group’s ability to identify and specify the client’s problem and subsequently set relevant research questions.
• Quality and relevance of the group’s TOR
• How well did they define the task/problem
• How well did they define the product/service in question 
• Relevance and rigour of analysis (20%). This mark is awarded on the basis of the group’s ability to select a suitable framework for analysis; correct and relevant methods supported by appropriate evidence, and subsequently execute the prescribed analysis.
• The group’s ability to follow and/or adapt the terms of reference ▪ Relevance ▪ Appropriate methodology Value added to the client (40%). This mark is awarded on the basis of the group’s ability to propose good, relevant solutions to the identified problems. The mark is awarded on the basis of the relevance of proposals, the ability to be implemented and the stipulated outcome of the solutions. The outcome of the analysis adds to this, as a means of providing value to the client. 
• Relevance and ability to be implemented
• Look at value added in terms of both tangible and intangible outcomes
• Value provided in analysis Quality of communication, verbal/written presentation of the report (20%). This mark is awarded on the basis of the group’s ability to present and argue their case. Both written and verbal presentation should form the basis for this mark. • How well set out was the report document in terms of: clear and succinct style; structure; use of headings; use of figures and tables; use of appendices; sources acknowledged; bibliography; range of sources; well set out work; grammatical sentences; correct spelling. Referencing to be discrete but to enable both the author, staff and client to track and validate the source of facts, opinions and theoretical statement (note School guidance provided on report writing).
• How well articulated was the presentation (in terms of PowerPoint slides, fluency/persuasiveness of the speakers)
• How well did the whole team respond to questions (questions can be directed at any one of the members) Contingency marks (a maximum of +/- 10 marks). The Contingency Mark allows marker to add extra points for a particularly creative piece of work, work prepared in new and innovative ways. 
• Report deadline 10am Monday 11th June 2012 
• Presentations to take place between 18th and 22nd June 2012. 
• The teams should receive their marks by 5pm on Monday 2nd July 2012, along with written feedback. 
• Advised Preparatory Work: Students should consult the study skills handbook about how to reference sources mentioned in their report and “What a business report should contain” in the appendix. Students are expected to carry out brief research about their client company as soon as they are given their client details in early March. 
• By April 20th: Draw up Terms of reference (TOR), in consultation with client. See appendix for TOR guidelines. Submit copy by 20th April, signed by both parties, either electronically or in hard copy, to Douglas Graham on douglas.graham@ed.ac.uk. Work on the TOR is to be fitted around each individual’s timetable and the client’s timetable
• April 20th– June 10th: Carry out consultancy work
• June 11th, 10am: deadline for submission of report. To be handed in to the main office in triplicate, and to Douglas Graham in electronic form (by email).
• June 18th – 22nd: Presentations. Level of Input Students are expected to prepare for their initial meeting with clients by carrying out basic research on the company and the nature of the proposed project.