Faculty and Advisors Meeting

The Center offers students opportunities to be part of a team working to assist a nonprofit organization with its business issues. 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 under the direction of Dr. Stephen M. Brown, noted educator, scholar and business consultant 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.

A team of 3 to 4 students possessing the required skill sets work under the direction of an advisor with the Not-For-Profit organization. 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.

Student teams meeting with clients

During the remaining course time, 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.

The types of projects undertaken have included:

• Marketing Brochures
• Financial Modeling
• Directed SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats)
• Surveys
• Case Statements
• Web Design/Modification
• Facilities Manuals

It should be noted that given the relatively short duration of the course, 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.