NEOMA regularly invites experts from the world of business to contribute to its academic programmes, giving students the chance to draw on their experience. These corporate partnerships, which vary in format, include theoretical courses and hands-on case studies. The MSc in Strategy, Organisation & Consulting, led by Jiachen Yang in 2024-2025, epitomises this partnership-driven approach.  

What business scenarios did the students work on? 

The case studies are grounded in real-life consulting assignments undertaken by partner companies. Their representatives – typically business unit directors or consultants responsible for client accounts – assess the MSc students on both the content and presentation of their work. The students tackled a number of strategic challenges: 

• A strategy to win an airport contract in the Brittany region in collaboration with the accounting, auditing and consulting firm BDO.
• A plan for creating infrastructure for the hydrogen industry in the Rhône Alpes region with CGI Business Consulting.
• A framework for developing the Net Zero Banking Alliance for a French banking consortium in collaboration with the consulting firm MC2i.
• A behavioural strategy and stakeholder engagement strategy with Oresys.
• A strategy for cutting carbon emissions for a major French hotel group with the firm Wavestone. 

Just like real-life consultants, the students on the Strategy, Organisation & Consulting MSc were briefed in advance before taking part in question-and-answer sessions with clients. They undertook their projects in groups of 4 to 5 people. 

What theoretical courses did the students work on? 

The companies also contribute to the curriculum to provide students with a theoretical framework. 

• Course on value-based strategy – Presentation on using digital transformation projects to create client value – MC2i.
• Course on circularity strategy – Presentation on the Net Zero Banking Alliance – MC2i.
• Course on private equity and venture capital – Workshop on financial services consulting (“Live my life” simulation) – Wavestone.
• Course on change management in cash transport services – Oresys.

What are the advantages for students? 

This input from industry experts gives students the chance to put their acquired knowledge into practice and contextualise the lessons learned. The students are put in challenging positions, too, since they will undoubtedly be required to adapt to constant changes. 

These specialist contributions are also an opportunity for students to explore the realities of the consulting profession, a world they do not always fully understand. They gain insight into just how varied the work can be, the range of issues tackled, and the market positioning of the different firms. In short, these corporate partnerships help prepare students for the world of work.