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MBA project - frequently asked questions
MBA Business Project (7225), a consulting project: 8 core MBA courses.
MBA Managment Project (7072), an applied research project: 8 core MBA courses and demonstrated skills in relevant research methodologies, for example, completion of an Honours degree or a Business Research degree.
In team projects (both 7072 and 7225) there may be some discretion, we consider the requirements of the project and take into account the mix of skills, knowledge and experience of the entire team.
While the School may be able to help, students are responsible for finding their own project.
You should begin your planning early as there is typically a long lead time - many weeks - in finding and getting a project approved.
Your project must be approved BEFORE the beginning of trimester. You may find a project through your organisation or an organisation you know. A project proposal should be submitted for approval, refer to the
Project work should involve a real, well-defined business problem or issue. The client may be a company, government, not-for-profit organisation or an industry.
Business projects (7225) typically deal with issues that would usually be addressed by senior managers within the company or by professional consultants. Projects can include a focus on finance, accounting, marketing or business plan preparation.
Ideally Business projects should be integrative; this means they should deal with a number of issues. For example, a business plan would involve consideration of finance, operations and marketing.
Project examples:
- Market assessment
- Develop a marketing strategy plan for a new or existing product
- Develop a business plan
- Detailed competitor review
- Operations evaluations
- Financial analyses
- Strategic review or plan for growth
- Marketing audit
- Industry analysis
- HR strategy to become an employer of choice
- Develop a strategy for a key business activity
The project must be
- within the scope of the MBA teachings. For example, projects that involve software development would not fit.
- something that can be completed within one 12 week trimester. For example pure market research which involves quantitative surveys can rarely be completed in the available time frame.
- equivalent to an MBA course in both rigour and workload.
No. A project is undertaken for learning purposes, it represents one course. The client organisation is only expected to cover any expenses related to the project, as agreed in advance with the project team. For example, the cost of mailing a survey.
The Business School requires that students deliver to the professional standard that would be provided by a high calibre consulting or research firm.
Students must respect the confidentiality of all client information and each student must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement and a Client Agreement.
Both the client organisation and the School expect students to be reliable, professional and responsive in all their interactions.
Throughout, you will be expected to adhere to academic standards, that is, your methodology must be sound, using appropriate tools, techniques, frameworks and concepts. Your conclusions must flow logically from your analysis. Your analysis and arguments and recommendations must be supported by the data.
Client organisations must derive tangible benefits from their participation in the project. If they are not satisfied with the project experience or outcomes, it will not only reflect badly on the University, School and its student body but may also jeopardise the supply of future projects
There are no lectures for the MBA Business Project (7225) or the MBA Management Project (7072). Both require an estimated commitment over one trimester of 10 hours per week per student on average. A team of 5 would be expected to devote a total of 600 hours to the project.
Students are required to meet regularly with their academic supervisor.
As in any MBA course, after-hours work may be required. For example, it may be easier to schedule client meetings in the early evening.
While the Business and Management Projects run over one trimester, you need to have found a project and got it approved before you can enrol.
Letter of Understanding |
10% |
|---|---|
Interim report |
15% |
Draft and final client report |
30% |
Rehearsal and final oral presentation |
35% |
Client feedback and satisfaction with outcomes |
10% |
Research proposal including literature review |
45% |
|---|---|
Final project report with research findings |
35% |
Research seminar presentation |
20% |
For more information on assessment, refer to the Course Outline and Assessment.
