Strategic Consultancy for Private Sector Development

Course objectives 

• Enhance Consultancy & Research Skills: Gain practical and theoretical expertise in PSD, including research methodologies and consultancy strategies.
• Build a strong network: Connect with thought leaders, donor agencies, and professionals in the PSD field, opening doors for future collaborations.
• Apply PSD knowledge to real-world contexts: Develop the ability to design impactful PSD strategies, policies, and research.
• Become part of the growing and active alumni network: Join the growing MSM alumni network, with opportunities for further research and consultancy collaborations.
• Network: Participants will build a powerful professional network with industry leaders, consultants, policymakers, and academics, opening doors to future collaborations, career opportunities, and impactful projects in the field of Private Sector Development.

Programme structure

Module 1: Foundations and Research Methods in Private Sector Development (PSD)

1. Introduction to Private Sector Development (PSD)
Content

• Introduction to Private Sector Development (PSD)
• Key PSD concepts and frameworks
• Role of the private sector in emerging economies
• Challenges and opportunities in PSD
• Stakeholders in PSD (donors, governments, private sector, etc.)

Learning outcomes

• Develop a foundational understanding of PSD’s role in economic growth
• Identify key challenges and opportunities in various national contexts

2. Research Methodologies in PSD – Qualitative Research
Content

• Introduction to qualitative research methods
• Be able to design a basic qualitative research study
• Understand how to prepare quantitative data for analysis
• Understand which methods can be used to analyse qualitative data
• Techniques for data collection and analysis
• Policy impact evaluation and research integration into PSD projects

Learning outcomes

• Understand fundamental qualitative research methods and their applications in PSD
• Design a basic qualitative research study tailored to PSD challenges
• Prepare both qualitative and quantitative data for analysis
• Apply appropriate techniques for collecting and analyzing qualitative data
• Evaluate policy impacts and integrate research findings into PSD projects

3. Research Methodologies in PSD - Quantitative research
Content

• Sample respondents
• Understand the different methods that can be used to collect the survey data (e.g. face-to-face, telephone, web-based)
• Understand how to prepare quantitative data for analysis
• Understand different statistical methods and when they can be applied
• Understand how to quantitatively test a conceptual model and research hypotheses
• Assess issues relating to reliability and validity of empirical findings

Learning outcomes

• Identify and sample appropriate respondents for research studies
• Select suitable survey data collection methods based on research needs
• Prepare quantitative data for analysis and apply statistical methods appropriately
• Conduct hypothesis testing using quantitative approaches
• Assess the reliability and validity of empirical findings
• Integrate research outcomes into PSD policy and project development

Stakeholder Workshop Session 1 (Online)

• Guest speakers: Academic Researcher, Government Policy Advisor, Consultant
• Workshop focus: The integration of research findings into policy and practice in the PSD sector

Module 2: Consulting Strategies and Professional Skills in Private Sector Development (PSD)

1. Consultancy Strategies and Techniques
Content

• Understanding the consultancy process in the PSD context:
  - The need for experienced and objective consultants to combine key PSD components & stakeholders into one collaborative development plan.
  - Examples from the field.
• Client relationship management and project delivery
  - Responding to a Call and ToR (by donor, government, another funder): steps in the process.
  - Co-developing a ToR (with the donor, government, another funder): steps in the process.
  - Examples from the field.
• International procurement cycles
• Designing PSD strategies tailored to specific contexts
• Key task: mapping the PSD stakeholder landscape in a specific context (sector, region) and plan for collaborative action
  Tools:
  - PSD Business Canvas: Components of planning a PSD intervention.
  - PSD Business Plan 1: Detailed planning & costing of a PSD intervention.
  - PSD Business Plan 2: Write-up of a financeable PSD intervention plan.
  - PSD intervention management: Gant chart for activity planning.
  - Examples from the field.

Learning outcomes

• Gain practical knowledge in consulting within PSD projects, become familiar with the different stages of international procurement cycles
• Develop effective consultancy strategies and learn to manage client expectations

2. Ethics and Professional Conduct 
Content

• Principles of ethics in consulting
• Conflicts of interest and confidentiality

Learning outcomes
Acquire skills to identify and describe the international standards governing the consulting profession, as well as distinguish the limitations across the various stages of procurement cycles.

3. Professional Skills in Consulting and Career Management
Content

• Problem-Solving and Design Thinking Skills
• Communication Skills in Consulting
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Data Analysis and Visualisation Skill

Learning outcomes
Recognise and define fundamental concepts and principles related to the consulting market, including problem-solving methodologies, negotiation and conflict resolution, and client relationship management.

Stakeholder Workshop Session 2 (Online)

• Guest speakers: Senior Consultant, Government Representative, Donor Agency Expert
• Workshop focus: Insights on consultancy challenges, best practices, and successful PSD interventions.

Module 3: Policy Design, Project Delivery, and Stakeholder Management

1. Policy Design and Implementation in PSD
Content

• Key policy frameworks influencing PSD
• Best practices for designing policies that foster private sector growth
• The role of the private sector in shaping public policy
• Policy evaluation and adaptation techniques
• Evidence-Based Policy – Defining evidence-based policy and exploring how research is used to inform decisions.
• Case Studies of Research Impact – Examining examples where research has led to tangible policy or social changes (e.g., public health, education, environment).

Learning outcomes

• Understand the complexities of designing and implementing PSD-related policies
• Learn how to evaluate and adapt policies based on changing conditions
• Gain insight into multi-stakeholder collaboration in policy formation

2. Project Delivery and Stakeholder Management
Content

• Fundamental Principles of Project Management
• Project Planning and Execution
• Scope, Budget, and Implementation Timeline Management
• Frameworks for stakeholder analysis (e.g., Mendelow’s Matrix, Power/Interest Grid).
• Risk Management and Mitigation
• Results-Based Reporting Tools
• Best practices for relationship management throughout the consultancy lifecycle.

Learning outcomes
Grasp the essential tools for the successful implementation of projects that achieve the expected results and make a real impact on the lives of beneficiaries.

3. Research Communication and Policy Impact
Content

• Principles of Effective Science Communication – Understanding audience needs, framing messages for clarity, and avoiding jargon.
• Storytelling in Research – Using narrative techniques to make research findings engaging and relatable.
• Data Visualisation for Lay Audiences – Best practices for presenting data visually (e.g., infographics, charts) to enhance comprehension.
• Writing for Different Media – Adapting research for reports, blogs, social media, and news outlets.
• Public Speaking Skills for Researchers – Techniques for delivering research presentations confidently to non-expert audiences
• Evaluating Social Impact – Methods for assessing the social impact of research projects and tracking their effectiveness over time.

Learning outcomes
Skills for effectively communicating complex findings to non-expert audiences, using clear and accessible language.

Stakeholder Workshop Session 3 (Online)

• Guest speakers: Government Official, Policy Expert, Donor Agency Representative
• Workshop focus: Discussing the role of policy in PSD success and real-world policy implementation challenges.

Programme planning

Programme delivery and interaction

• Modules: 3 modules of 3 sessions each (9 sessions in total). Each session will last 2 weeks. 
• Delivery: Self-paced and online Zoom interactions
  - Self-paced online: 6 hours per module
  - Zoom-based sessions: 2 hours per session
  - Stakeholder workshops: Online workshops after each module with guest speakers from donor agencies, academia, government, and consultancy sectors.
  - Final capstone project: A practical, real-world consulting project to apply all learned skills. 
• Online learning: Participants will benefit from a combination of online learning modules and Zoom-based live sessions to interact with instructors and peers.
• Stakeholder Workshops. After each module, participants will attend an online workshop with expert guest speakers from different sectors to gain real-world insights and engage in discussions on the application of PSD theories and strategies.
• Interactive Components:
  - Case Studies: Real-world examples to help participants apply what they’ve learned.
  - Peer Collaboration: Opportunities to work on projects with fellow participants, enhancing the learning experience.

Programme outcome

Upon completion of the programme, you will:

• Have a deep understanding of PSD concepts, research methodologies, and consultancy practices.
• Be equipped with the skills to design and implement PSD strategies and policies.
• Have gained valuable insights from guest speakers and real-world case studies.
• Become part of the MSM alumni network, with continued access to future research and consultancy opportunities.

Your profile

This programme is designed for Consultants, Policy Makers, and Academics in the field of Private Sector Development. 

Certificate

Each participant receives a certificate of participation. 
This certificate is being awarded as evidence of participation in a post-graduate training at indicative level 6 or 7 of the EQF. The minimum study load is 14 hours and an attendance level of 80% is required. This certificate is being awarded in the form of a soft copy when the training is online or a hard copy during a face-to-face training. The certificate will mention your full name, training title, training date and comprising core topics. Click here for more information about the MSM certification policy.