Developing a survey to identify IT consultant skills for incorporating in the IS curriculum

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the research questions and methodology for a research project investigating excellent performance in Information Technology consulting, both technical and behavioral attributes. Exploratory qualitative data will be gathered using a multi-city focus group and interviews with IT consultants. Based upon the exploratory data and the IS skills literature, a survey will also be created, validated, and conducted for a large consulting population. In our analysis, we will compare the skills of IT consultants with other IT professionals. We will recommend how IS curriculum should be structured to fill these needs. At the time of the conference, we will be able to report on the qualitative data based upon the focus groups and interviews. We will also share our validated survey.