In "E&I Consulting" students adopt the role of "E&I Consultants". They work in teams on real innovation projects. The project partners are typically well-known and established multinationals (e.g. Microsoft, Generali, Mondi, P&G, REWE and ÖBB). The problems typically relate to the strategy and innovation management of the companies and are very diverse. Examples are benchmarking analyses to improve the range of products and services, the development of an internal idea management system, the identification of hidden competitive advantages or the identification of new fields of innovation. The projects are carried out in very close cooperation with the project partners. In many cases the project partners' executive suite is involved as well, as the companies have a high interest in the implementation of the developed solutions.

Problems in E&I Consulting are rather fuzzy, thus, the problem-solving process is relatively open at the beginning of the semester. The understanding of the actual situation, the problem definition and analysis, the objective and structuring of the project as well as the development of a concrete procedure are an essential part of the course. On the basis of well-founded analyses (e.g. collection of primary data, literature analysis, database research and evaluation using analysis tools), students develop their own creative concepts for solving the problem.

In addition to working together with the project partners, the students are supported in workshops and network events by consultants from renowned management consultancies. Through close contacts in practice, students gain very realistic insights into the consulting industry and the innovation management of established companies. It is not uncommon that job opportunities emerge through these contacts.

The E&I Consulting course is one of the application-oriented project courses. The aim of the course is to deepen and extend the theoretical skills of the students through practical application to a real case.

After positive completion of E&I Consulting,

•     students know how real management consulting processes work in practice,
•     students understand the approach within the framework of management consulting,
•     students can use different analysis tools and methods,
•     students can structure complex problems,
•     students are able to systematically evaluate different solution options,
•     students are able to develop offers and project presentations, as they are common in management consulting.

In addition, participants expand their soft skills (communication, presentation, project and time management) by working with team members, coaches and external partners.

As the interaction with other students as well as external stakeholders is an integral part of this course, active participation in-person is important.

Students must attend at least 80% of all classes and events to successfully complete the course. However, due to their importance in reaching the course goals, 100% attendance is required for the kick-off (02. & 04.10.2024), as well as the E&I Touchdown event (17.01.2025). For the kickoff, absences (up to maximum of 1,5h) due to a scheduled written exam at WU can be excused if the course instructors are notified with a proof of examination before the kickoff.

In general, all absences in the course must be notified to the course instructors via email (if possible in advance) and confirmation (for example a medical certificate, or in case of an exam a note confirming the date of the written examination) must be submitted as soon as possible. Absences can result in additional compensation work to ensure the course's learning outcomes.

E&I Consulting consists of classes for all students and individual team coaching sessions. There are three coaching sessions à approx. 1 hour. Each team individually schedules a time slot with the lecturer within the time period of

• October 29 - 31, 2024
• November 27 - 29, 2024
• January 08 & 09, 2025

Furthermore, there will be a mid-term and a final presentation of the project. Each team individually schedules a time slot with the lecturer and the project partner within the time period of

• December 09 - 13, 2024 (mid-term presentation) 
• January 27 - 31, 2025 (final presentation)

Optionally (there will be a voting in class if this will take place or not), the lecturers offer to organize an E&I Consulting evening. This evening is a laid-back networking opportunity for students with young consultants from big management consultancies. The E&I Consulting evening would take place on

• December 06, 2024 (at the institute)

Except for the kick-off, all other dates shown are subject to change! More detailed information will be provided at the kick-off. Most dates are either arranged individually with course instructors and project partners or take place externally. This is not unusual for innovation projects.

• Self-study
• Teaching and discussion of theoretical basics on two kick-off days (lecture, working on the project assignments, group discussions, team work)
• Group-based work on real and relevant projects in close cooperation with established companies under the supervision of the course instructors and practical coaches
• Workshops and coaching by external partners (experts working at top consultancies)
• Peer feedback
• Documentation and presentation of work progress and results

Performance is assessed based on individual as well as group work throughout the semester.

Grading system:

• 60% Group-based performance
• 10% Midterm presentation
• 10% Midterm report
• 20% Final presentation
• 20% Final report
   
• 40% Individual performance
• 10% Kickoff Comprehension Test
• 25% Ongoing participation and project management
• 5% Reflection task

Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialization Program.
It does not matter whether you register for Consulting 1 or Consulting 2.
Please note that course registration is binding. The moment your registration is received, it is regarded as a clear commitment on your part. Students cannot transfer to another course (once the add/drop period is over) with no exceptions, as it would be unfair to other students (who might not have gotten into the course of their choice because of the spot you registered for). The number of students accepted to the course will only be expanded if there is no space in any other course 4/5.

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