University at Buffalo School of Management

Management Consulting Concentration Description A student should complete the Management Consulting concentration in an effort to leverage his or her training in a primary functional concentration. There are only two required courses in the concentration. First, students must take MGI 601, Workforce Management. The vast majority of organizational problems can be traced to people problems. This course is offered in the fall semester and focuses on the linkage between organizational strategy and workforce practices and policies that reinforce this strategy. Many of the in-class exercises are derived from real world consulting experiences and serve as a springboard for students interested in taking the centerpiece course in this concentration: MGG 650 - Consulting Practices. This course is taken in the spring semester of the second year. The course focuses on the nuts and bolts of managing a consulting engagement, the process of organizational change and development, and features a team-based consulting project. In addition to these two courses, a student will select two elective courses that cover process skills required of a management consultant. Students who are not interested in the full Management Consulting concentration, but would like to strengthen particular managerial core competencies, are encouraged to enroll in individual elective courses that provide those specific opportunities for professional development. Career Opportunities Consulting skills are increasingly in demand as organizations make greater use of both internal and external consultants. Internally, MBAs are routinely placed in staff positions where they are assigned to change initiatives requiring these skills. Employees with specific technical specialization (finance, human resources, information technology) are commonly assigned to roles as internal consultants to line managers. Externally, employment in the consulting industry continues to grow. The process skills developed in the Management Consulting concentration provide students with the foundation necessary for success whether you are working for a small boutique firm, a large international, full service consulting firm or in an internal strategic management role within a corporate setting. FIRST YEAR Fall Semester MBA Core 15 credits Spring Semester MBA Core 10 credits Electives* 3-6 credits SECOND YEAR Fall semester MGI 601 Principles of Workforce Engagement Electives* – 12 credits Spring semester MGO 642 Integration of Business Foundations – 1 credit MGO 644 Business Practice – 1 credit MGG 650 Consulting Practices Electives* – 9-12 credits *6 elective credits must be selected from the following courses: MGB 607 Leadership and Motivation MGB 620 Special Topics – Team Mentor Program MGB 666 and 667 Leadership Development I & II count as one elective (4 credits) TM (LeaderCORE students only) 15

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