Creative organizational solutions, such as international partnerships, for-profit entities as subsidiaries, and synthetic organizations are analyzed. Potential conflict areas within and between NGOs, as well as with governmental funding and coordinating agencies, are assessed. The Project Laboratory combines research, resource and information management, group skills and human interaction, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and project development tools in two-week intensive collaborative experiences for management students completing their coursework. Students are expected to have been carrying out preliminary research during their on-line instruction, in particular gathering information from their professional and cultural contexts. The course focuses on individual preparation of final projects in a team-based environment.
Instructional periods rotate with additional research and network development.
MBA students produce a business plan for local enterprise development. Students must complete microeconomic and demographic analyses of the geographic market or area selected for the new business. Market surveys, resource identification, ethnography and cultural elements should be integrated in background discussion for the plan. Aspects of coursework completed during the program should be incorporated into the plan, including legal issues, contracts, vendor relationships, market development, business values, holistic mission, etc.