CS2013-final-report

Specific topics include:
• Capacity-Building Consulting and Alternative Consulting Models
• Establishing and Managing Professional Relationships
• Gathering and Analyzing Information
• Structuring unstructured problems
• Researching alternative solutions
• Analyzing Buy vs. Build
• Technology Planning
• Developing and Communicating a Scope of Work and Work Plan
• Modelling Technical Problem Solving
• Communicating Difficult Technical Concepts to a Nontechnical Audience
• Documenting and Analyzing Outcomes
• Formulating Persuasive Recommendations
• Synthesizing a Final Consulting Report
• Orally Presenting Project Outcomes
• Reflecting on the Consulting Experience
More detail on these topics and the course materials are available from the course web site or contact me.
What is the format of the course
Each student in the course is individually matched with a leader in a local community organization. This is typically
a nonprofit organization, school, or a department of municipal government. The student and the partner are expected
to spend at least 3 hours a week together, typically onsite at the organization, and each will be doing work outside of
that time as well.
The course meets twice a week for 80 minutes each class. About half of class time is lecture, and the rest is small or
large group discussion. Four class meetings are special. One is the students' initial meeting with their community
partner. Three class meetings are held in small group discussions lead by senior IT professionals who volunteer to
mentor students in the class.
How are students assessed
Assessment is based on:
24% - Homework / Preparation for Class. There are around 15 small assignments.
6% - Status Reports. Students email short updates to all stakeholders after each meeting.
5% - Peer Reviews. Students assess the quality of feedback they get from other students.
15% - Project Report 1: Describes their consulting situation and proposes a scope of work
15% - Project Report 2: Analyses project outcomes & makes recommendations for future work
20% - Project Report 3: Final Consulting Report
5% - Final presentation
5% - Exam reflecting on the consulting process
5% - Community Partner Evaluations
For the major Project Reports, students are given very clear requirements and outlines of desired content.
Furthermore, the report goes through at least two cycles of review and revision.
The course models good professional conduct. This requires students to keep or reschedule in advance all meetings,
deadlines, and work commitments. To reinforce good professional behavior, unexcused absences and missed
deadlines carry very heavy penalties. However, students who communicate early and well concerning meeting
conflicts or the need for extended time are given that time liberally.
Course textbooks and materials
All materials are available on the course web site. There is no textbook for the class.
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