All MBA students are required to participate in a capstone course titled “Global Management Integration” which incorporates key elements of previous graduate courses. A major requirement for its successful completion is a significant research paper coupled with an oral presentation of the research results obtained.
 
As an alternative to doing an independent study, The Center offers students opportunities to be part of a team working to assist a not-for-profit organization with its strategic planning. This research work forms the foundation for a term report worthy of a grade and one that provides guidance and many times new insights to the client.

The Center is directed by Acting Director Dr. Stephen M. Brown and an Advisory Board composed of area business and civic leaders who are currently involved in some way with Not-For-Profits. A group of advisors, each with broad business experience, counsels the MBA student teams during their project.

Dr. Rawlin (Pete) Fairbaugh and Advisors Deacon Daniel Ianniello and Mr. William Joyce provide guidance to the MBA students throughout the process.  A team of 3 to 5 graduate students possessing the required skill sets work under the direction of an advisor with the Not-For-Profit organization to conduct a S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunity, threats) analysis as the basis for developing a plan of action. This task will usually require 3-4 weeks of research and may entail personnel interviews, Internet searches and a review of the best practices of similar organizations.

The findings of the S.W.O.T. analysis are reviewed with the client organization and from this review flows the necessary steps to prepare an appropriate plan of action.

During the remaining 6 weeks, the students complete their research and prepare their final report for presentation to the class and to the Not-For-Profit organization. The findings and recommendations contained in the study can then be used by the clients as they see fit.

It should be noted that given the relatively short duration of the trimester, it is often necessary to utilize several consecutive projects to adequately serve the needs of an organization. Clearly defined “next steps” are incorporated into the research paper and the transition from one team to another is the responsibility of the advisor working with the students.