AZA3764 - Consulting

The unit explores consulting as a process by which an individual or firm assists a client to achieve a stated outcome in the complex South African markets of corporate communication and public relations. The unit considers a consultant as someone who has expertise in a specific area or areas and offers unbiased opinions and advice for a fee. The opinion or advice is rendered exclusively in the interests of the client. Activities and practices include the provision of information, assessment, analysis, recommendations and implementation strategies.
The scope of the unit is explicitly practical in its orientation. It addresses the question: How can you turn your knowledge and abilities into a successful career outcome as a consultant in the communication industries?
Apart from the consideration of how to set up a consultancy, develop marketing strategies and proposals, it also includes skills that are valued in industry such as reporting, presentation, and media relations skills.
The unit includes fieldwork excursions, presentations by guest lectures, and case study approaches drawing on the experience of selected individual professional consultants in South Africa. Reading will accompany lectures and practical fieldwork tasks. Students will be expected to formulate and (with assistance) work on their own consultancy/intern project. Related topics include the creation and supervision of teams; use of specialists, information technology, media skills, publishing and other topics related to the consulting industry in South Africa.