1. ACTION LEARNING PROJECT
Real work, real clients, real experience

2. ALP is a self-governed Paper, mostly taught outside of the university
Management School
ALP is a
self-governed
Paper, mostly
taught outside
of the
university
ALP Board
Sun, MacDonald, Mueller
CEO: Mueller
Dept. 1
Dept. 2, etc.

3. Objectives
Substantial contribution to a current management challenge in a NZ organization
Quality interaction with management
Learning through doing
Experience as a Management Consultant
CV line item and reference
Possibly publication value
Possibly ongoing work opportunity

4. The Challenge
This is not a ‘student’ project, but a joining of management and management science
There is a high degree of reputational exposure, which extends far beyond a course grade
The quality of the project outcome may define future roles for ALP students in the work place

5. The Reality
Several of the client firms are clients/friends of Jens or the Management School
Rather than pursuing fee-based project work, Jens and the School have transferred these projects to the ALP
If our credibility is lost, we have lost everything!

6. The Outcome External, objective, content-rich management advice
Superbly professional presentation with lasting impact
Contribution of new information which the management team does not know yet/can obtain easily by themselves

7. The Grading
Not providing clear and well supported recommendations: FAIL
Lack of professional, timely and courteous client communication: FAIL
Delivery of a ‘student’ project, without significant direction to the client: PASS
Creation of an impacting contribution to management: B or A marks

8. The Evolution
One client, many facets handled by several groups, very large groups
Many clients, one project each, large groups
Many different tasks, several projects per task, small groups

9. Typical Process Investigation prior to meeting the client
Client meeting, validation of assumptions, brief to proceed, in-depth investigation
Investigation
Research (literature, benchmarking, primary industry data)
Client progress reports
Final presentation (oral and written)
Follow-up sales pitch

10. TWO LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION
Internal/External
Full participation including contact with external client
Reference letter from client firm and university
Superior skills and attitude required
Internal
Participation restricted to internal group work, and no client contact
Reference letter from university

11. Typical Internal Governance
Chief Executive/Team Leader: Communication Interface, Task Management, Planning Accountability
Industry Research: Benchmarking, regional/national/ global investigation
Literature Research: Current trends, accepted academic wisdom, innovative new theories - contrast/ confirm and then condense into relevant reports
Management conclusions - develop, validate
Report packaging and presentation logistics

12. Team Leader/CEO Appointment
After an ALP team is formed, each participant can apply for the position of Team Leader/CEO, within 24 hours.
Jens selects the Team Leader/CEO from the applications within 72 hours, or appoints a Team Leader/CEO if there are no applicants.
Team Leader/CEO appointments are effective immediately and final. They last through the full length of the project.

13. Action expected, within 8 days after the assignment is given:
Create a professional introductory , develop a preliminary work schedule with task distribution, and send to Jens for screening

14. Deliverables
Credible, competent, unbiased management information ACTION-ORIENTED
Data gathering, analysis and application of current management theories UNBIASED
Creating hands-on value to the client USER-FRIENDLY

15. Deliverables E-mail status report weekly, on Friday.
Face-to-face or telephone meeting with all group members as needed.
Prior to any meeting the CEO distributes a detailed agenda describing any issues and any proposed solutions to issues.

16. Tip: Managerial Issues
Governance within the groups: Don’t double-up unnecessarily and remain accountable
Clearly understand the goals and deliverables
Be efficient with time-limited assignments, some with great urgency This is NOT AMATEUR HOUR…
You are an Ambassador for the university and future MBM participants. Make this opportunity count more than just a university paper!

17. Tip: Marking
You need ultra professionalism for delivery of value OUTCOME versus OUTPUT
Manage your time EFFICIENCY
Be pro-active, be ahead of the client DRIVERS
Be academically robust with your facts and your conclusions CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Report effectively and sell your effort well MANAGERIAL

18. Resources & Reporting Office support resources at the School
Petty cash for minor out-of-pocket expenses
Jens ‘shields’ the clients until a rapport has been established
All participants and Jens are unpaid agents of the client firm and owe a fiduciary duty, especially of confidentiality

19. Questions?