GLOBAL BUSINESS STRATEGY CLASS PROJECT AT MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY EMBARKS ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEMESTER

Millikin University's esteemed Professor of Management, Dr. J. Mark Munoz, is once again leading his Global Business Strategy class on a mission to provide exceptional real-world experiences for undergraduate students. This innovative class project, which runs over the course of four months, empowers students to put their business knowledge into action by collaborating with international companies looking to enter the US market.

Dr. Munoz's impressive background includes an MBA and PhD in Management, as well as a tenured position as a Full Professor of Management at Millikin University. He has received numerous awards, including the Teaching Excellence Award, Research and Artistic Achievement Award, and the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award, among others. With a rich history of international recognition, Dr. Munoz has authored and edited over 25 books, further solidifying his expertise in the field.

Class Overview:

The Global Business Strategy class, taught by Dr. Munoz, is a senior-level undergraduate course with approximately 20-25 students. The primary objective is for students to apply their acquired business knowledge in a real-life class project. The class is divided into 4 or 5 teams, each tasked with creating the Best Strategic Plan for a real-life client. Over the course of a semester, these teams work with international companies to craft effective strategies for entering the US market.

During the first class session, the client meets with the students virtually, presenting an overview of their company and sharing 2-3 key goals related to their US market entry. As the semester progresses, student teams provide three virtual presentations to the client, showcasing their research progress and analysis. The final presentation, in which each team outlines their strategic plan, culminates in the selection of a winner for the prestigious Best Strategic Plan Award.

Expectations from Project Partner:

Typically, the project partner is a large or mid-sized international company seeking to expand into the US market. In some instances, smaller or growing firms may also be considered. To ensure the project's success, the client is expected to share critical business information, including financial data, enabling students to conduct a comprehensive analysis and develop viable recommendations. A key company contact, often a senior executive, will provide necessary information and will play a vital role in evaluating the student teams' performance.

Expectations from the Class:

As a student project, the quality of work produced may vary, but clients can anticipate rigorous research and analysis from several teams. While not all teams may excel, past clients consistently praised the students' fresh business perspectives and valuable contributions to their overall strategic planning.

Notably, the class project is pro bono, and there are no associated fees for the client.

For more information about the Global Business Strategy class project at Millikin University and to explore potential partnerships, please contact Dr. J. Mark Munoz at jmunoz@millikin.edu

About Millikin University:

Millikin University, located in Decatur, Illinois, is a premier institution committed to fostering excellence in education and providing students with transformative experiences. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach to education, Millikin University empowers students to realize their full potential in a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

Members interested in this opportunity, please contact Sneziwe Dube at media@amcham.co.za