This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Students undertake several projects for the Kent IT Consultancy (KITC). Each of these will be either a commercial project for an external client, or an internal development project, e.g. developing a future service offering for the KITC.
In addition to project work, students will be expected to engage in ongoing tasks related to the operation of the consultancy, including marketing, sales and mentoring/buddying colleagues.
Each assignment will be carried out under the supervision of KITC management and in accordance with client requirements, with deliverables de?ned by negotiation with the client.
Total contact hours: 16
Private study hours: 584
Total study hours: 600
Main assessment methods
Performance evaluation (pass/fail, failure in this component means failure of the module)
Report with supporting materials and viva (100%)
Although KITC activities involve working in teams, each student is assessed on an individual basis.
13.2 Reassessment methods
Like-for-like.
In the event that reassessment isn't feasible, credit retrieval will involve undertaking an alternative project module
? The BS EN ISO9001:2000 Standard BSi, ISBN 580368378
? John Locke, Open Source Solutions for Small Business Problems, Charles River Media 2004, ISBN 158403203
? Efraim Turban et al. Electronic Commerce: A Managerial and Social Networks Perspective, Springer Texts in Business and Economics 2016, ISBN 978-3319362700
? Mark Norris and Steve West, eBusiness Essentials: Technology and Network Requirements for Mobile and Online Markets, John Wiley 2001, ISBN 471521833
? Tom DeMarco and Timothy Lister, Waltzing with Bears: Managing Risk on Software Projects, Dorset House 2003, ISBN 0932633609
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
8. The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Formulate and evaluate technical alternatives to meet IT requirements arising from small businesses, including projects which have a medium-or large-scale impact on the processes of the business.
8.2 Estimate proposed solutions to IT-based problems in small business situations, in respect of both time and cost.
8.3 Present technical and commercial aspects of proposed solutions to IT-based problems to clients, using reasoned argument attuned to the client's level of technical understanding.
8.4 Demonstrate an ability to work to tightly-de?ned cost and timescale budgets, and have gained an understanding of how to respond in a professional manner to changes in client requirements, and other eventualities that raise the prospect of budget overruns.
8.5 Give evidence of detailed practical experience in applying selected areas of computing technology to meet the requirements of small enterprises.
8.6 Show experience of carrying out project work in a framework of de?ned procedures and processes, be able to evaluate that framework critically, and formulate practical proposals to develop that framework so as to achieve a dependably high-quality service in a cost-effective way.
8.7 Formulate costed plans for the strategic development of an IT consultancy business, and to canvass support for such plans by reasoned argument.
8.8 Manage consultancy prjects of at least medium scale through the project lifecycle.
8.9 Demonstrate a working awareness of the commercial considerations and practical steps needed for an IT consultancy to develop internally a product or service and present it for sale.
9. The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Explore diverse sources of information to formulate and present technical alternatives to solve a given problem, and to provide guidance to clients to allow them to decide between competing solutions within an identi?ed framework of constraints, using criteria of evaluation that they have formulated.
9.2 Show an understanding of project management in a commercial context, including the ability to assess and manage ?nancial, organisational, and technical risks, and the need to establish and evolve a quality management system.
9.3 Appreciate how to deal with customers in a consulting role: skills required here include communication, presentation, negotiation and (where con?ict arises) con?ict resolution.
9.4 Interact effectively within a team, recognise and support leadership provided by others, and be able to manage con?ict in this context. Students will be able spontaneously to seek and make use of advice and feedback.
9.5 Take responsibility for their own work, including (where applicable) leadership and mentoring provided by them to other team members, and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
9.6 Be con?dent in the application of their own judgement, including developing their own criteria of evaluation, and be able to challenge received opinion.
9.7 Present ideas, arguments and results in the form of a well-structured report.
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