Course Title: Strategic Research and Consulting

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Strategic Research and Consulting

Credit Points: 24

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COMM2239	City Campus	Postgraduate	345H Media and Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006

Course Coordinator: Dr Fiona Peterson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9782

Course Coordinator Email:fiona.peterson@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

All first stage courses or equivalent

Course Description

This course covers the research and analysis of online technologies with an emphasis on critical and strategic research, consultancy, writing and presentation. We examine techniques that consultants may use to promote brands, win business and influence outcomes in the field. One focus will be on appropriate research methodology, including the development of proposal documents and research strategy. Another focus will be on providing support for clients using online communications.

The following themes are developed:

· research methods and strategic thinking
· theoretical frameworks for the competitive context of the web
· multimedia presentations integrating content and design· dynamic public speaking and presenting information for the non-specialist client
· interface between technical and non-technical clients
· convergence of the internet and mobility – implications for consulting
· branding tactics for online events

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

· identify key theory in the field that may assist in the critical analysis of emerging communication techniques
· identify research methods relating client brief to central problems and solutions in the field
· analyse the client/consultant relationship which best services the brief
· propose knowledge management practices and tools to facilitate client response capability and position the organisation for new business
· research, write, edit and present information in a mix of media to promote brand awareness and build trust
· support the client in the selection and use of appropriate applications
· present information to influence, persuade and facilitate the sharing of knowledge in a strategic network

On successful completion of this course you will develop capabilities; for example:

· ability to think strategically as a consultant on behalf of the client organisation
· ability to present information to advance business outcomes, within the role of professional consultant
· professional practice skills in research methodology appropriate to the organisation’s virtual communication requirements
· advanced practice skills to justify creative concepts and technical solutions, which enhance the client’s business

Overview of Learning Activities

Underpinning theories, existing models and new paradigms will be explored. You will be expected to exercise the processes of independent analytical and critical thinking for assimilating concepts.

All courses in this program include individual research assignments and collaborative projects in virtual teams, reflecting skills and experience needed in the global workforce. The collaborative project in this course will focus on planning and preparation for an online presentation event.

Collaborative communication tools will be used to facilitate project work through the Distributed Learning System (DLS), in addition to face-to-face seminar style sessions and workshops. Online and print resources may be used to support instruction and prompt activities such as online discussion. Internet research is a major part of the learning experience.

Overview of Learning Resources

A detailed learning map and guides are in the course area of the DLS. Themes of interest include the profession of IT consulting; developing and sustaining the client relationship in an IT consultancy; global marketing; mixed media: mixed audiences; interactive marketing; staging interactive special events; communicating technical solutions using the internet.

Overview of Assessment

1. Individual research plan incorporating literature review and instrument, 2500 words (35%)

2. Collaborative assignment – planning and preparation for an online presentation event (20% shared grade)

3. Collaborative assignment – individual paper 3000 words (30%) plus virtual team presentation, 25 minutes including questions (15% shared grade)

Due dates are listed in the learning map in the course area of the DLS.