Small Business Planning
Timeline
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April 20, 2025Experience start
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April 27, 2025Org. diagnosis assignment (I)
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May 2, 2025First meeting with the client (s). Teams' presentations of Org.Diagnosis. Q&A.
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May 23, 2025Second meeting with the client(s). Students present project proposals.
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June 20, 2025Final project presentations to clients
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June 28, 2025Experience end
Timeline
-
April 20, 2025Experience start
-
April 27, 2025Org. diagnosis assignment (I)
This assignment prepares students for their first meeting with the small business client. Since students will not meet with the client before completing this analysis, this assignment helps them understand the client’s industry, external environment, and key business challenges. It also equips them to ask targeted, insightful questions in the first client meeting.
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May 2, 2025First meeting with the client (s). Teams' presentations of Org.Diagnosis. Q&A.
- Industry and Market Research
- Conduct secondary research on the industry in which your assigned small business operates.
- Identify key market trends, competitors, and external factors influencing success.
- External Environment Analysis
- Use one or more business diagnostic tools to evaluate the external environment.
- Recommended tools:
-
PESTELE Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal, Ethical factors) -
Porter’s Five Forces (Industry competitiveness) -
SWOT Analysis (Focus on external Opportunities & Threats)
- Preparation for the First Client Meeting
- Based on your analysis, develop a list of 5-7 key questions to ask the client.
- These questions should focus on critical business challenges, growth opportunities, and operational constraints.
-
May 23, 2025Second meeting with the client(s). Students present project proposals.
After completing the Organizational Diagnosis, students will be assigned to teams and will work together to develop a Project Proposal for the client. This document will outline the scope of the consulting project, the business challenge being addressed, and the methodology the team will use to develop recommendations.
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June 20, 2025Final project presentations to clients
Objective:
The final Project Report will present a detailed analysis of the client’s business challenge and provide actionable, research-backed recommendations.
Tasks:
- Summarize Business Challenge & Research Findings
- Provide Strategic Recommendations
- Develop an Implementation Plan
- Include Supporting Data & Analysis
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June 28, 2025Experience end
Experience scope
Categories
Market research Operations Competitive analysis Market expansionSkills
marketing operations growth strategies finance master of business administration (mba) business operations supply chain risk assessment hr consulting compliance managementMBA students in BUSI 660 – Small Business Management are equipped with practical consulting skills to help small businesses identify challenges, explore growth opportunities, and develop actionable solutions. Students apply analytical frameworks, conduct market and industry research, and develop strategic recommendations tailored to a business’s needs.
By working with our learners, companies will receive data-driven insights, strategic recommendations, and practical solutions to enhance their business operations, marketing strategies, and financial sustainability.
Learners
Companies engaging with our learners will receive:
✔ Business and market analysis – A detailed evaluation of the company’s external environment, industry trends, and competitive landscape.
✔ Problem identification and strategic planning – Diagnosis of business challenges and tailored recommendations aligned with business objectives.
✔ Operational and financial insights – Review of key financial and operational strategies to improve profitability and efficiency.
✔ Customized business recommendations – Actionable, research-backed proposals to optimize growth and sustainability.
Project timeline
-
April 20, 2025Experience start
-
April 27, 2025Org. diagnosis assignment (I)
-
May 2, 2025First meeting with the client (s). Teams' presentations of Org.Diagnosis. Q&A.
-
May 23, 2025Second meeting with the client(s). Students present project proposals.
-
June 20, 2025Final project presentations to clients
-
June 28, 2025Experience end
Timeline
-
April 20, 2025Experience start
-
April 27, 2025Org. diagnosis assignment (I)
This assignment prepares students for their first meeting with the small business client. Since students will not meet with the client before completing this analysis, this assignment helps them understand the client’s industry, external environment, and key business challenges. It also equips them to ask targeted, insightful questions in the first client meeting.
-
May 2, 2025First meeting with the client (s). Teams' presentations of Org.Diagnosis. Q&A.
- Industry and Market Research
- Conduct secondary research on the industry in which your assigned small business operates.
- Identify key market trends, competitors, and external factors influencing success.
- External Environment Analysis
- Use one or more business diagnostic tools to evaluate the external environment.
- Recommended tools:
-
PESTELE Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal, Ethical factors) -
Porter’s Five Forces (Industry competitiveness) -
SWOT Analysis (Focus on external Opportunities & Threats)
- Preparation for the First Client Meeting
- Based on your analysis, develop a list of 5-7 key questions to ask the client.
- These questions should focus on critical business challenges, growth opportunities, and operational constraints.
-
May 23, 2025Second meeting with the client(s). Students present project proposals.
After completing the Organizational Diagnosis, students will be assigned to teams and will work together to develop a Project Proposal for the client. This document will outline the scope of the consulting project, the business challenge being addressed, and the methodology the team will use to develop recommendations.
-
June 20, 2025Final project presentations to clients
Objective:
The final Project Report will present a detailed analysis of the client’s business challenge and provide actionable, research-backed recommendations.
Tasks:
- Summarize Business Challenge & Research Findings
- Provide Strategic Recommendations
- Develop an Implementation Plan
- Include Supporting Data & Analysis
-
June 28, 2025Experience end
Project Examples
Requirements
1.Market Expansion Strategy
- Identifying new customer segments and growth opportunities.
- Conducting a competitor analysis and positioning strategy.
2.Business Process Optimization
- Identifying inefficiencies in operations and workflow.
- Providing solutions for cost reduction and improved efficiency.
3.Digital Marketing Strategy
- Evaluating current online presence and branding.
- Developing an SEO, content, or social media strategy to enhance visibility.
4.Financial & Profitability Analysis
- Assessing pricing strategies, cost structures, and revenue streams.
- Recommending improvements for financial sustainability.
5.Customer Retention & Sales Growth Strategy
- Analyzing customer behavior and retention trends.
- Developing loyalty programs or personalized marketing initiatives.
Additional company criteria
Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:
Additional company criteria
Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:
Timeline
-
April 20, 2025Experience start
-
April 27, 2025Org. diagnosis assignment (I)
-
May 2, 2025First meeting with the client (s). Teams' presentations of Org.Diagnosis. Q&A.
-
May 23, 2025Second meeting with the client(s). Students present project proposals.
-
June 20, 2025Final project presentations to clients
-
June 28, 2025Experience end
Timeline
-
April 20, 2025Experience start
-
April 27, 2025Org. diagnosis assignment (I)
This assignment prepares students for their first meeting with the small business client. Since students will not meet with the client before completing this analysis, this assignment helps them understand the client’s industry, external environment, and key business challenges. It also equips them to ask targeted, insightful questions in the first client meeting.
-
May 2, 2025First meeting with the client (s). Teams' presentations of Org.Diagnosis. Q&A.
- Industry and Market Research
- Conduct secondary research on the industry in which your assigned small business operates.
- Identify key market trends, competitors, and external factors influencing success.
- External Environment Analysis
- Use one or more business diagnostic tools to evaluate the external environment.
- Recommended tools:
-
PESTELE Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal, Ethical factors) -
Porter’s Five Forces (Industry competitiveness) -
SWOT Analysis (Focus on external Opportunities & Threats)
- Preparation for the First Client Meeting
- Based on your analysis, develop a list of 5-7 key questions to ask the client.
- These questions should focus on critical business challenges, growth opportunities, and operational constraints.
-
May 23, 2025Second meeting with the client(s). Students present project proposals.
After completing the Organizational Diagnosis, students will be assigned to teams and will work together to develop a Project Proposal for the client. This document will outline the scope of the consulting project, the business challenge being addressed, and the methodology the team will use to develop recommendations.
-
June 20, 2025Final project presentations to clients
Objective:
The final Project Report will present a detailed analysis of the client’s business challenge and provide actionable, research-backed recommendations.
Tasks:
- Summarize Business Challenge & Research Findings
- Provide Strategic Recommendations
- Develop an Implementation Plan
- Include Supporting Data & Analysis
-
June 28, 2025Experience end