Over the years, students have overwhelmingly thought that these presentations are beneficial. The presentations require that students utilize research skills, work as team members, practice speaking skills, and, ideally, gain self-confidence. Students believe that having external evaluators present in the classroom creates a simulated business environment. With no written analysis, the burden of this assignment is to convince the instructor and the evaluators that each student is knowledgeable about the case and the company's industry. Students find that meeting the evaluators informally after class gives them the chance to ask questions regarding the executives' businesses and lets them consider these companies as potential employers.
Evaluators enjoy the opportunity to return to the classroom.
They seem interested in what the students are learning and are willing to add valuable suggestions. Inviting evaluators from area businesses reinforces the existing cooperative relationship between the University and the surrounding community. These executives form opinions regarding our students and the University. I am fortunate that the evaluators whom I have selected have seemed favorably impressed and have hired several of our accounting graduates. This experience could be replicated in any area of study.