Research, Consultancy and Advisory

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Syllabus

1. 1 MAY-AUGUST 2026 Lesson
2. 2 SEPT-DEC 2026 Lesson
3. 3 JAN-APRIL 2026 Lesson
4. 4 SEPT-DEC 2025 Lesson
5. 5 VIDEOS Lesson
6. 6 1. Underlying Theories/Models of Research, Consultancy and Advisory Lesson
7. 7 1.1 Selected Research and Consultancy Theories Topic
8. 8 1.1.1 Social-systems theory Topic
9. 9 1.1.2 Social network theory Topic
10. 10 1.1.3 Situated learning theory Topic
11. 11 1.1.4 Otherness & Parasites theory Topic
12. 12 1.1.5 The Intervention theory of Argyrols Topic
13. 13 1.1.6 Blake and Mouton’s Consultation Theory Topic
14. 14 1.1.7 Welsberg’s Theory of Organisational Diagnosis Topic
15. 15 1.1.8 Theory of Planned Behavior Topic
16. 16 1.1.9 Innovation diffusion theory Topic
17. 17 1.1.10 General Deterrence Theory Topic
18. 18 2. Introduction to Research Lesson
19. 19 2.1 General Overview Topic
20. 20 2.1.1 Research Philosophies Topic
21. 21 2.1.2 Research Methodologies Topic
22. 22 2.1.3 Types of Research Topic
23. 23 2.1.4 Research design Topic
24. 24 2.1.5 Purpose and importance of Research Topic
25. 25 2.1.6 Research ethics and integrity Topic
26. 26 2.2 Types of Research Topic
27. 27 2.2.1 Historical Research Topic
28. 28 2.2.2 Comparative Research Topic
29. 29 2.2.3 Descriptive Research Topic
30. 30 2.2.4 Correlation Research Topic
31. 31 2.2.5 Experimental Research Topic
32. 32 2.2.6 Evaluation Research Topic
33. 33 2.2.7 Causal Research Topic
34. 34 2.2.8 Correlational Research Topic
35. 35 2.2.9 Action Research Topic
36. 36 2.2.10 Echogenic Research Topic
37. 37 2.2.11 Feminist Research Topic
38. 38 2.2.12 Cultural Research Topic
39. 39 3. Research Process Lesson
40. 40 3.1 Problem Formulation Topic
41. 41 3.1.1 Problem identification/conceptualization Topic
42. 42 3.1.2 Research Questions Topic
43. 43 3.1.3 Hypothesis construction, characteristics of hypothesis, hypothesis testing Topic
44. 44 3.1.4 Statement of Objectives Topic
45. 45 3.1.5 Literature Review; citations Topic
46. 46 3.1.6 Conceptual framework Topic
47. 47 3.2 Tests of Hypothesis Topic
48. 48 3.2.1 Basic Concepts Concerning Testing of Hypothesis Topic
49. 49 3.2.2 Procedure for Hypothesis Testing Topic
50. 50 3.2.3 Type I Type II Errors Topic
51. 51 3.2.4 Test of Significance Topic
52. 52 3.3 Methods of Sampling Topic
53. 53 3.3.1 Systematic Sampling Topic
54. 54 3.3.2 Distinction between a Systematic Random sample and a Simple Random Sample Topic
55. 55 3.3.3 Stratified Sampling Topic
56. 56 3.3.4 Strategies involved in Stratified Sampling Topic
57. 57 3.3.5 Advantages of Stratified Sampling over other Sampling Methods 6.6 Topic
58. 58 3.3.6 Disadvantages of Stratified Sampling Topic
59. 59 3.3.7 Some Non-Random Sampling Method Topic
60. 60 3.4 Data Collection Topic
61. 61 3.4.1 Unpublished Sources Topic
62. 62 3.4.2 Published Data Topic
63. 63 3.4.3 Necessary Guidelines for Collecting Reliable Data Topic
64. 64 3.4.4 Methods of Collecting of Data Topic
65. 65 3.4.5 Stages in the Collection of Data Topic
66. 66 3.4.6 Design of a Good Questionnaire Topic
67. 67 3.5 Processing and analysing data Topic
68. 68 3.5.1 Steps in Data Analysis Topic
69. 69 3.5.2 Methods of Data Analysis Topic
70. 70 3.5.3 Narrative Data Analysis Topic
71. 71 3.5.4 Statistical Data Analysis Topic
72. 72 3.5.5 Descriptive Data Analysis Topic
73. 73 3.5.6 Data Analysis Techniques Topic
74. 74 3.5.7 Univariate Distribution Topic
75. 75 3.5.8 The Frequency Distribution Topic
76. 76 3.5.9 Measures of Central Tendency Topic
77. 77 3.5.10 Measures of Dispersion Topic
78. 78 3.5.11 Types data analysis and significance tests Topic
79. 79 3.5.12 Use of software Topic
80. 80 3.5.13 Interpretation of results Topic
81. 81 3.5.14 The cyclic nature of research Topic
82. 82 3.6 Data interpretation and presentation Topic
83. 83 3.6.1 Technique of interpretation Topic
84. 84 3.6.2 Precaution in interpretation Topic
85. 85 3.6.3 Frequency tables Topic
86. 86 3.6.4 Pie charts Topic
87. 87 3.6.5 Graphs Topic
88. 88 3.7 Writing the report Topic
89. 89 3.7.1 Significance of Report Writing Topic
90. 90 3.7.2 Different Steps in Writing Report Topic
91. 91 3.7.3 Layout of the Research Report Topic
92. 92 3.7.4 Types of Reports Topic
93. 93 3.7.5 Oral Presentation Topic
94. 94 3.7.6 Precautions for Writing Research Report Topic
95. 95 4. Research Proposal, Research Report Writing and Referencing Lesson
96. 96 4.1 Basic Principles Topic
97. 97 4.2 Formats, contents, presentation data presentation; use of charts, graphs and tables Topic
98. 98 4.3 Referencing styles, citation of primary and secondary sources, foot notes and end notes, bibliography and references Topic
99. 99 4.4 Format of Certified Secretaries research project Topic
100. 100 5. Introduction to Advisory and Consultancy Lesson
101. 101 5.1 General Background Topic
102. 102 5.1.1 Role of consultants Topic
103. 103 5.1.2 Qualities of a good consultant Topic
104. 104 5.1.3 Developing internal consulting skills Topic
105. 105 5.1.4 The internal consultant’s role Topic
106. 106 5.1.5 How the internal consultant differs from line management and external consultancy Topic
107. 107 5.1.6 Skills and knowledge requirements Topic
108. 108 5.1.7 Time management, managing customer expectations, creative problem solving, communication skills, working with clients, managing politics, managing conflict, managing client-consultant relationships. Topic
109. 109 5.1.8 Difference between Consultancy and Advisory Topic
110. 110 5.1.9 Uses of consultants – public sector, private sector and internal consulting Topic
111. 111 5.1.10 Consulting roles and culture Topic
112. 112 5.1.11 Professionalism and ethics Topic
113. 113 5.1.12 Legal and ethical considerations Topic
114. 114 5.2 Nature and Purpose of Management Consulting Topic
115. 115 5.2.1 What is consulting? Topic
116. 116 5.2.2 Why are consultants used? Five generic purposes Topic
117. 117 5.2.3 How are consultants used? Ten principal ways Topic
118. 118 5.2.4 The consulting process Topic
119. 119 5.2.5 Evolving concepts and scope of management consulting Topic
120. 120 5.3 The Consulting Industry Topic
121. 121 5.3.1 A historical perspective Topic
122. 122 5.3.2 The current consulting scene Topic
123. 123 5.3.3 Range of services provided Topic
124. 124 5.3.4 Generalist and specialist services Topic
125. 125 5.3.5 Main types of consulting organisation Topic
126. 126 5.3.6 Internal consultants Topic
127. 127 5.3.7 Management consulting and other professions Topic
128. 128 6. The Advisory Discipline Lesson
129. 129 6.1 Role of an Advisor Topic
130. 130 6.2 What Makes a Good Advisor? Topic
131. 131 6.3 Strategy, Execution and Accountability Topic
132. 132 6.4 Crisis Management Topic
133. 133 6.5 Business Resilience Overview Topic
134. 134 6.6 Mapping Out the Client Discovery Topic
135. 135 6.7 Building Trust Topic
136. 136 6.8 Confidence and Experience Topic
137. 137 6.9 Business Planning Process Topic
138. 138 7. Conducting Consultative & Advisory Services Lesson
139. 139 7.1 Basic Consultative Approaches Topic
140. 140 7.1.1 Expert Approach Topic
141. 141 7.1.2 Medical (Doctor-Patient) Approach Topic
142. 142 7.1.3 Process Approach Topic
143. 143 7.1.4 Emergent Approach (Emergent Organisational Development and Change (EODC)) Topic
144. 144 7.2 The Client and Consultant Relationship Topic
145. 145 7.2.1 Defining roles and expectations Topic
146. 146 7.2.2 The client and the consultant systems Topic
147. 147 7.2.3 Critical dimensions of the consultant-client relationship Topic
148. 148 7.2.4 Negotiation, persuasion and coaching skills Topic
149. 149 7.3 Professionalism and Ethics in Consulting Topic
150. 150 7.3.1 Is management consulting a profession? Topic
151. 151 7.3.2 The profession approach Topic
152. 152 7.3.3 Professional associations and codes of conduct Topic
153. 153 7.3.4 Certification and licensing Topic
154. 154 7.3.5 Legal liability and professional responsibility Topic
155. 155 8. Facilitation Skills Lesson
156. 156 8.1 Introduction to facilitation Topic
157. 157 8.1.1 Definition of facilitation Topic
158. 158 8.1.2 Purpose of facilitation Topic
159. 159 8.1.3 Role and skills of the facilitator Topic
160. 160 8.1.4 Difference between facilitation, instruction, training and chairing Topic
161. 161 8.2 Facilitation process Topic
162. 162 8.2.1 Problem/goal identifications Topic
163. 163 8.2.2 Problem resolution/decision making Topic
164. 164 8.2.3 Implementing solution Topic
165. 165 8.2.4 Groups dynamics Topic
166. 166 8.2.5 Group decision making Topic
167. 167 8.2.6 Guidelines for group consensus building Topic
168. 168 8.2.7 Managing behaviours Topic
169. 169 8.2.8 Team development Topic
170. 170 8.2.9 Facilitations tools and techniques: brainstorming, cluster, voting, process mapping, storyboarding, Ishikawa diagram – fishbone, nominal group technique, de bono, thinking hats, solving performance problems etc Topic
171. 171 8.2.10 Presentation: opening and closing; audience; purpose (convince, educate, motivate etc.); content; time; tools; style; practionalities – 3 ps (prepare, practice and practice again); preparing Powerpoint presentations Topic
172. 172 8.2.11 Handling controversial issues Topic
173. 173 8.2.12 Communication skills Topic
174. 174 8.2.13 Listening skills-watching both verbal and nonverbal cues Topic
175. 175 8.2.14 Providing effective feedback Topic
176. 176 8.2.15 Managing divergent perspectives Topic
177. 177 8.2.16 Leveraging on ICT in facilitating Topic
178. 178 9. Coaching Skills Lesson
179. 179 9.1 Role and skills of an effective coach Topic
180. 180 9.2 Managing from a coaching perspective Topic
181. 181 9.3 Handling resistance to constructive criticism Topic
182. 182 9.4 Using effective probing and questioning Topic
183. 183 9.5 Workplace coaching techniques Topic
184. 184 9.6 Key motivational coaching skills Topic
185. 185 9.7 Limitations of coaching Topic
186. 186 9.8 Differences between coaching, mentoring, counselling, training, managing, consulting and life coaching Topic
187. 187 9.9 Essential coaching skills: listening, questioning, reflecting back and mirroring, paraphrasing and summarising Topic
188. 188 9.10 The grow model and its applicability Topic
189. 189 9.11 Selecting a coaching style to match the individual situation Topic
190. 190 9.12 Planning and delivering a structured coaching session Topic
191. 191 9.13 Measuring the success and impact of the coaching Topic
192. 192 10. The Consulting Process Lesson
193. 193 10.1 Introduction Topic
194. 194 10.1.1 Entry and Contracting Topic
195. 195 10.1.2 First client meetings Topic
196. 196 10.1.3 Preliminary problem diagnosis Topic
197. 197 10.1.4 Terms of reference – Technical proposals and Financials proposals Topic
198. 198 10.1.5 Assignment strategy and plan Topic
199. 199 10.1.6 Proposal to the client Topic
200. 200 10.1.7 Consulting contract Topic
201. 201 10.1.8 Service Quality Topic
202. 202 10.1.9 Engagement and Implementation Topic
203. 203 10.1.10 Management of projects Topic
204. 204 10.1.11 Presentations and communicating with clients Topic
205. 205 10.1.12 Ongoing client contact and service Topic
206. 206 10.1.13 Extension, Recycle or Termination Topic
207. 207 10.1.14 Time for withdrawal Topic
208. 208 10.1.15 Final reporting Topic
209. 209 10.1.16 Evaluation & validation Topic
210. 210 10.1.17 Feedback to the client Topic
211. 211 10.2 Action Planning Topic
212. 212 10.2.1 Searching for possible solutions Topic
213. 213 10.2.2 Developing and evaluating alternatives Topic
214. 214 10.2.3 Presenting action proposals to the client Topic
215. 215 10.3 Implementation Topic
216. 216 10.3.1 The consultant’s role in implementation monitoring implementation Topic
217. 217 10.3.2 Training and developing client staff Topic
218. 218 10.3.3 Some tactical guidelines for introducing changes in work methods Topic
219. 219 10.3.4 Maintenance and control of the new practice Topic
220. 220 10.4 Termination Topic
221. 221 10.4.1 Time for withdrawal Topic
222. 222 10.4.2 Evaluation Topic
223. 223 10.4.3 Follow-up Topic
224. 224 10.4.4 Final reporting Topic
225. 225 11. Managing a Consulting Firm Lesson
226. 226 Fundamentals of management in the consulting profession Topic
227. 227 The management challenge of the professions Topic
228. 228 Managing a professional service Topic
229. 229 Managing a professional business Topic
230. 230 Acheiving excellence professionally and in business Topic
231. 231 11.1 The Consulting Firm’s Strategy Topic
232. 232 The strategic approach Topic
233. 233 The scope of client services Topic
234. 234 The client base Topic
235. 235 Growth and expansion Topic
236. 236 Going international Topic
237. 237 Profile and image of the firm Topic
238. 238 Strategic management in practice Topic
239. 239 11.2 Legal and Ethical Issues Topic
240. 240 Legal risks and management Topic
241. 241 Client privilege issues Topic
242. 242 Professional ethics Topic
243. 243 Client’s Perspective Topic
244. 244 Selection of consultants Topic
245. 245 Effective management of consultants Topic
246. 246 Evaluation of performance Topic
247. 247 Use of consultants Topic
248. 248 Maintaining independence and objectively Topic
249. 249 11.3 Marketing Professional Services Topic
250. 250 11.3.1 Features of services: Intangibility; Inseparability; Heterogeneity (or variability); Perishability Topic
251. 251 11.3.2 Challenges in marketing services Topic
252. 252 11.3.3 Marketing techniques for professional services Topic
253. 253 Specialization and niche targeting Topic
254. 254 Blogs and articles Topic
255. 255 A lead-generating website Topic
256. 256 Search engine optimization (SEO) Topic
257. 257 Speaking engagements Topic
258. 258 Trade show participation Topic
259. 259 Social media Topic
260. 260 Online video Topic
261. 261 Other techniques Topic
262. 262 11.3.4 Direct and indirect channels of distribution Topic
263. 263 11.3.5 Legal professional and ethical considerations – ICS guideline on professional ethics and conduct Topic
264. 264 11.4 Pricing Professional Services Topic
265. 265 Factors that determine pricing: cost, client value, competition, one off or retainer, pricing guidelines by professional body Topic
266. 266 Pricing strategies Topic
267. 267 A value-based pricing strategy Topic
268. 268 Time and materials pricing Topic
269. 269 Market pricing Topic
270. 270 Package pricing/fixed pricing Topic
271. 271 12. Managing Consultancy and Advisory Process Cycle Lesson
272. 272 Obtaining the assignment Topic
273. 273 Terms of reference for consultancy assignments Topic
274. 274 Technical and financial consultancy proposals Topic
275. 275 Preparation for consultancy assignments Topic
276. 276 Understanding clients’ needs Topic
277. 277 Determining the scope of assignment Topic
278. 278 Client readiness and consultant’s capability Topic
279. 279 Gathering key information Topic
280. 280 Developing an action plan Topic
281. 281 Recording progress and client feedback Topic
282. 282 Report writing Topic
283. 283 Step-by-step approach of the advisory process Topic
284. 284 Implementation of your advice/change Topic
285. 285 Checking for consistency, understanding your clients, and proposals Topic
286. 286 Monitor and evaluate consultancy assignments Topic
287. 287 Legal and ethical issues in the management of consultancy assignments Topic
288. 288 13. Case studies in research, consultancy and advisory Lesson
289. 289 Sample reading and reference material Lesson
290. 290 (a) Research Methods Topic
291. 291 1. Flick, U. Introducing Research Methodology: Thinking Your Way Through Your Research Project. 2011. Revised Edition. Topic
292. 292 2. Kumar, R. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. Book by Ranjit Topic
293. 293 3. Kasneb e-learning resources (link on website) Topic
294. 294 4. Kasneb approved study packs Topic
295. 295 (b) Consultancy & Advisory Topic
296. 296 1. Rasie, E. The McKinsey way (1999). Revised edition. Topic
297. 297 2. Galford, R. The Trusted Advisor. (2000). Revised edition. Topic
298. 298 3. Kasneb e-learning resources (link on website) Topic
299. 299 4. Kasneb approved study packs Topic