Chapter 8: An Exploration of Role-Playing Within the Context of Management Consultancy Learning and Teaching Available to Purchase

This chapter focuses on the use of role-playing for the learning and teaching of management consultancy at higher education level. Although role-playing has been used successfully in a number of other fields, its use within management consultancy learning and teaching is currently limited. The approach used focuses on an activity used for the teaching of effective management consultancy modules at Aston University, UK. Two role play case study examples together with instructions for students and tutors are given. The role play activities focus on rapport building and consist of three roles for students to perform – client, consultant and observer. The approach provided an authentic learning experience for students, enabling deep learning and the practicing of key employability skills in a safe environment. The benefits, challenges and opportunities of the approach are also discussed with recommendations for those wanting to carry out the approach in their own learning and teaching environments.