Agile Consulting
Become a future consultant, roll up your sleeves, and work on real life challenges!
What will you learn?
Navigating a rapidly changing world
The world is undergoing rapid changes—technological advancements are accelerating, markets are constantly shifting, and we're increasingly aware of our economic activities' ecological impacts. Additionally, there's a growing labor shortage and significant geopolitical tensions that disrupt international production chains. Dutch businesses and institutions must navigate the challenges and opportunities these changes present.
The essence of leadership
Every transition demands leadership—the determination and capability to embrace change, viewing it as an opportunity, and guiding others based on strong values and a clear vision. Adapting to new developments isn't automatic; it involves making strategic choices, innovating, experimenting, investing, leading by example, collaborating, and conducting research. Effective leadership is required at every level of an organization, from the executives to the front-line staff.
What leadership really means
Leadership isn't about everyone becoming a manager. Instead, it's about each person, from their unique position, inspiring and driving change. It’s about viewing change not as a threat, but as a chance to innovate and explore new (international) markets, addressing economic, ecological, and societal challenges.
Personal Leadership
Leadership also pertains to you personally. In changing situations, personal leadership means actively working to influence your surroundings. You'll grow not only as an individual within an organization but also as a leader within your team, by proactively responding to changes and motivating others to follow suit.
The challenge of change
Adopting leadership is easier said than done. Both individuals and organizations often resist change, preferring the comfort of the status quo. It's challenging and sometimes scary to let go of the familiar. Many entrepreneurs find it hard to adapt when their business needs to evolve, sticking to the tried and true paths instead of forging new ones.
Agile Consulting
Agile Consulting is a dynamic, 100% case-based programme designed to give you a practical, hands-on consulting experience as part of an international interdisciplinary team. This programme integrates various business areas to equip you with the skills needed for the complexities of the real world. You'll collaborate with exchange students from around the globe, adding a unique international dimension to your learning experience. Throughout the semester, various companies and organizations will present you with challenges, seeking your innovative solutions. If you excel under a pressure and are eager to elevate your leadership skills, this programme might be the perfect fit for you.
What will you do?
In the first weeks, you will be introduced to a case-solving method for dealing with the complexities of our current society. This method will give you a completely new perspective on how to approach and solve organizational challenges. Then, you will learn about different managerial perspectives (strategy, operations, marketing, HR, IT, and finance).
You will be coached on solving cases in interdisciplinary teams from a variety of disciplines (like communication, multimedia & design, and engineering). We move at a high pace, therefore it is important to stay on track. The deadline for solving cases will become tighter every week, to boost your analytical and consultancy skills.
You will be in constant/regular contact with the companies you work with. During conversations and discussions with their management, you’ll offer a reflection on their current approach and enlighten them on new chances and possibilities. That’s how you create impact. Your solutions for quick wins will be implemented during the semester, so you can see the effect of your expertise. After every presentation, you will get feedback from both your personal and team coach, to constantly better your consultancy skills. This intense collaboration will help you make giant leaps in the development of your leadership and consultancy skills.
Who will you work with? (Participating programmes)
You will work with students from International Business (MKT & O&C), Bedrijfskunde, Global Marketing & Sales and SportMarketing & Management.
You will work on issues such as:
Blue Water: An off-shore company (in general quite polluting) with the challenge "to become greener", but how?
Port of Rotterdam: They are known as a port (they offer land), but now they want to sell digital port systems too. How?
Rotterdam-The Hague Airport: They want to grow, but how? More flights are impossible due to restrictions and changed mindset in society. New business models are needed.
Costs:
Transport costs to and from events, estimated around 75 euro.