FTMBA 2021_I/FTMBA2021_II Workshop Consulting Management in the Digital Age

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Ringbeck

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

40233 Düsseldorf

Juergen.ringbeck@whu.edu

Lena Bell

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

56179 Vallendar

Lena.bell@whu.edu

2. Course description

Over the last fifty years, management consulting has not only been proven as a powerful approach to solve complex non-ordinary business problems, management consulting has become an often admired global service industry with global multi-billion $ corporations like McKinsey, BCG, PwC or Accenture and a long tail of specialized functional and national players. Indeed, the profession has become a highly attractive working ground for top students at business schools and beyond.

Management Consulting has by purpose driving innovation of management principles and tools since its foundation in the early 20th century. Many famous frameworks and tools of strategic and functional management have been invented by leading consulting firms (e.g. BCG matrices).

As the consulting industry experienced a new period of flourishing driven by the mega trend of digital business transformation during the last couple of years, our course also focuses on the implications of digitalization on practices and standards of management consulting.

Lastly, in order to cover the full scope of management consulting, Corona and its implications on the sector cannot be missed out. This course thus also focuses on the questions : Which are the new key challenges and expectations towards consultancies and consultants in the future? Which topics and capabilities will be relevant? And, how will the industry structure and the day-to-day business look like?

3. Preliminary course content

Day 1: Monday, February 22, 2021

• Introduction to Management Consulting
• Deep Dive: Essential Skills – “Strategic Management”
• Case Study preparation
• Case Study presentation in class
• Deep Dive: “Digital Transformation – New Services and Business Models Ahead”
• Deep Dive: COVID-19 implications on Management Consulting

Day 2: Thursday, February 25, 2021

• Transfer from Campus Düsseldorf (organized by WHU) to PwC Tower Frankfurt (time will be communicated)
• Invited Lunch at PwC
• “The Evolution of Management Consulting in the Digital Age” – Olaf Acker, global head of digital services PWC
• Introduction to the PwC Experience Center – PwC Creative Director
• 2 Breakout Sessions : E.g. Future of Retail & Future of Manufacturing (IIoT) – PwC Strategy& Team and WHU MBA Students [TBD]
• Wrap-up
• Transfer to Campus Düsseldorf

Case study analysis and presentation

On-side company visit

Guest lecture and discussion