MBA students consult on real-world company issues

Team pictured (Left to Right) – Chris Mills, Zachary Spaugh, Evan Cornelius, Philip Merritt, and Kevin Mills.

One of the best examples of the intersection of Campbell University’s mission and the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business commitment to service, professional development, and cooperation with Campbell stakeholders is MBA 790: Strategic Management-Live Case Seminar.

Led by Dr. Shahriar Mostashari with help from Dr. Mike Seibert, students work with client-companies to analyze their current performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and generate recommendations to help clients improve their competitiveness and profitability.

This semester, 38 students were split into eight teams to consult with eight client companies in Harnett and other surrounding counties.

The course primarily serves small and midsize businesses located in the greater Harnett County area, which includes Chatham, Cumberland, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Sampson, and Wake Counties.

The goal of the MBA students is to establish a collaborative relationship with their client, assure that attention is given to both the business issues, as well as the relationship, and solve problems so they stay solved.

Teams conduct extensive primary and secondary research including industry analysis, client interviews, market analysis, financial analysis, and more. Their meetings feature interactions with owner-managers, faculty, and our program partners.

“This semester we were excited to welcome two new partners: Dunn Area Committee of 100 and Central Carolina Community College – Small Business Center,” said Dr. Mostashari.

“This course represents the MBA version of a medical doctor residency requirement,” said Dr. Mike Seibert. “Taking a scholar-practitioner approach, students must learn and practice technical skills, interpersonal skills, and consulting skills over a rigorous eight-week consulting project. For most, this course represents the MBA student’s first experience with establishing a trusted advisor relationship with a real client-company.”

If your organization would like to partner with Campbell MBA students, please complete this online application. This free and confidential service is offered three times a year— spring, summer, and fall.

For more information about the MBA Business Consulting Practicum, please visit our website or contact Dr. Mostashari (mostashari@campbell.edu).