MBA Projects - Student FAQs What is an MBA Project? There are two options: the MBA Business Project (7225), this is a consulting project or the MBA Management Project (7072) which is an applied research project. Students enrolled in the MBA (Adv) are required to complete either the Business Project or the Management Project. Students enrolled in the MBA (12) may undertake either project option as an elective. download Course Outline and Assessment Client Agreement Non-Disclosure Agreement   Project proposal guidelines

Both options may be undertaken by an individual student or by a team of 3-5 students, over one trimester.

Minimum pre-requisites for 7072 and 7225.

MBA Business Project (7225): 8 core MBA courses

For the 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 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.

Finding a Project

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. It 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 Proposal Guidelines.

You may also ask to be considered for project proposals posted on this website. Details of projects currently available can be viewed here.

What type of projects will be considered?

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.

Preferably 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
• Organisational assessment
• Operations evaluations
• Financial analyses
• Strategic plan for growth
• Marketing audit
• Other business-related function
• Industry analysis
• Assessment of company competencies
• Develop a strategy for a key business activity

Projects that are considered unsuitable are projects that are narrowly focused or projects that cannot be completed within 12 weeks. For example pure market research which involves quantitative surveys can rarely be completed in the available time frame.

For the Managment Project (7072), an applied research project, please refer to the Course Outline and Assessment for further explanation.

Do we get paid?

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.

What’s expected of students?

The 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.

Both the client organisation and the School expect students to be reliable, caring 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.

How much time do students put in?

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.

Typical Project Timeline

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.

Assessment for the MBA Business Project (7225)

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%

Assessment for the MBA Management Project (7072)

For more information on assessment criteria, refer to the Course Outline and Assessment.

Enquiries

Una Spiers
Coordinator, MBA Projects
Telephone: 8303 5753
Email: una.spiers@adelaide.edu.au

The most reliable means of contact is via email.