Capstone Project - Business Management (Fall 2024-12)

BUSS-5810-12
Closed
Cape Breton University
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Dr. Muhammad Yousaf Malik
Assistant Professor
6
Timeline
  • September 20, 2024
    Experience start
  • December 5, 2024
    Experience end
General
  • Post-graduate; 4th year, Other
  • 12 learners; teams of 4
  • 110 hours per learner
  • Dates set by experience
  • Educators assign learners to projects
Preferred companies
  • 2/3 project matches
  • Anywhere
  • Academic experience
  • Any company type
  • Any industries
Categories
Accounting Data analysis Market research Sales strategy Environmental sustainability
Skills
effective communication discussion facilitation presentations strategic planning business acumen business planning finance critical thinking quantitative research financial analysis
Project timeline
  • September 20, 2024
    Experience start
  • December 5, 2024
    Experience end
Overview
Learner goals and capabilities

This Fall, students enrolled in the Post Baccalaureate Program in Business Management at CBU will embark on a course that seamlessly blends academic theory with practical experience. Over the past 1.5 years, these students from diverse professional backgrounds have already completed courses in Marketing, Strategic Management, Accounting, Human Resources, and Finance, bringing a wealth of insights into this program.


Throughout their studies, learners have honed critical skills, including critical thinking, real-time decision-making, strategic thinking, collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, effective communication, project management, adaptability, and professional business acumen.


The primary objective of this course is to offer a hands-on learning experience, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world business scenarios. By working on a project that tackles current business challenges, students will further develop their ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively. This experiential approach is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, equipping students with the tools needed to thrive in the business world.

Expected outcomes and deliverables

Students will work in groups of 5-7, with each team focusing on tasks such as developing business plans for start-ups, conducting financial analyses, designing marketing strategies, evaluating business viability, enhancing operational processes, and formulating strategic plans for both businesses and non-profit organizations. Furthermore, on the availability of the data, they can utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods, and students will gain a deep understanding of their challenges, allowing them to deliver insightful and practical solutions.


Based on the assigned projects, meetings will be held to facilitate discussions regarding their progress and overall performance with the instructor and clients. The outcome may include written reports, presentations, data analysis reports, websites, and process models designed to align with the client's expectations.


Note: If required, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can be signed between the client and students.

Project Examples

In the last 2-3 years, around 200 CBU Business Management program students have completed 37 diverse projects, providing valuable contributions to various business areas. These projects have garnered positive client feedback, leading to continued partnerships and new project opportunities.


Key Project Deliverables:

  • 15 Business Feasibility and Start-Up Plans: Students developed detailed plans to assess the viability of new business ventures and provided strategies for successful start-ups.
  • 6 Marketing Plans: Comprehensive marketing strategies were crafted to help businesses improve their market presence and customer engagement.
  • 2 Revenue Generation and Funds Development Plans: Innovative plans were created to boost revenue streams and develop effective fundraising strategies.
  • 6 Business Improvement Plans: Students conducted thorough business analyses and proposed actionable recommendations for operational enhancements.
  • 5 Community Outreach Plans: Strategic plans were designed to strengthen community relations and enhance outreach efforts.
  • 3 Research and Development Plans: Frameworks were developed to support innovation and advance product development.


The success of these projects has been reflected in the positive feedback from clients, many of whom have returned for additional projects, building on the outcomes of the initial work.

Additional company criteria

Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

Is the client accessible for communication with the instructor to help clarify and enhance the project requirements?

Is the client comfortable with establishing a series of scheduled meetings to monitor project progress and ensure alignment on deliverables?