How can you solve strategic problems effectively? And what's the link between strategic problem solving and critical thinking - a term that all employers are looking for?

This course specifically focuses on problem solving from a strategic management consulting perspecive, which is essential not only for strategy consultants but also for all firms. Structured Problem solving involves identifying and analyzing complex issues within an organization, developing effective solutions, and implementing them efficiently. This skill set is crucial for addressing the dynamic challenges faced by businesses today.

Students will explore various frameworks and methodologies used in structured problem solving, learning how to apply these tools to real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on the analytical aspects of problem solving and the communication of its results.

The course is co-taught by professionals from top management consulting firms such as BCG or McKinsey. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle strategic problems systematically and creatively, preparing them for successful careers in not only in strategy consulting but in a broad range of industries.

This course focuses on structured problem solving, which is essential for strategy consultants, but also employees in other industries. The seminar will help the participating students to:

• Recognize and understand the nature of complex strategic problems within organizations.
• Apply various frameworks and methodologies to analyze and solve issues.
• Develop effective solutions and strategies that address real-world business challenges.
• Implement solutions efficiently and effectively.

Particularly, the seminar seeks to develop your capabilities in the following areas:

• How to formulate (strategic) problems.
• How to solve (strategic) problems in a structured way.
• How to communicate recommendations to senior management.
• How to master consulting personal fit and case interviews.

The learning experience will be enriched by:

• The involvement of a number of practitioners from top level corporate partners such as Boston Consulting Group
• Group work

This course is organized as a face-to-face module. There is no online or hybrid setup.

Students failed the course if more than 20 % of total class time is missed. In any case, missed class time is taken into account in the participation grade.

The course method blends lectures, discussions, exercises, and presentations.

Furthermore, please note the following

• Substantial classroom discussion is encouraged and expected

• All students are required to work on group assignments during the seminar

• The readings (cases and articles) will be sent to the students. They need to be prepared before the actual start of the seminar

The final grade will be based on participation and active involvement in class as well as a final group project, where the participating students can apply the methods learned during the course.

Please note: there are a number of required readings and homework for nearly all sessions. These are necessary to provide valuable comments in the class. Therefore, please prepare thoroughly.

In detail, the assessment is based on:

• the quality and quantity of the in-class comments and presentations (25%). By quality in this context we mean the clarity and persuasiveness of each bit of the contribution as well as the clear link to established theory.
• the final group project (50%). Here, the quality and depth of the results will be assessed.
• the peer review from your group members (25%)

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Upon request via email.

For academic /content questions:  pnell@wu.ac.at and tom.brennacher@wu.ac.at

For organizational questions: cems@wu.ac.at