Experiential Learning Initiative
“You cannot create a manager in a classroom”
Henry Mintzberg, quoted in Forbes Magazine, August 24, 2009
The overall objective of Krannert’s Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) is to provide opportunities for 2nd Year Master’s students to combine prior knowledge and experience with classroom learning and apply it in an active business setting. The cornerstone of the initiative is our ‘Management Projects’ course (MGMT 69000). Offered every semester starting in January 2010, this full semester course will involve faculty or executive supported teams of 4-6 students each working on a client consulting project.
In addition, approved ELI projects that do not fit with our semester-based course because of timing or scope, will be posted on Krannert’s internal website and students can self-organize a team, secure a faculty and/or executive advisor, arrange course credit, and submit a proposal directly to the project company that has submitted the project.
Students enrolled in the semester-based course will receive two weeks of classroom preparation on a variety of topics including project management, team management, Management and Economics Library (MEL) database resources, personal networking, and the management consulting process. A variety of tools, templates, and other resources will be available to project teams via Krannert’s intranet.
The ELI projects will address issues of strategic importance to the client corporate partner. We require senior executive level sponsorship of the project and commitment of the client’s personnel time and organizational resources to support the student teams. Each team will have a faculty and/or an executive advisor.
Aside from helping to integrate and apply what students have learned in the classroom, ELI projects provide opportunities to network with other students, faculty, and business professionals. Whether it is an introduction to a potential employer or a compelling job interview topic an ELI project can be an invaluable part of the Krannert Master’s Program experience.
TYPES OF PROJECTS
Business Process Improvement
New Product Introduction
Cost Reduction
New Venture Feasibility Analysis
Distribution and Logistics Planning
New Venture Strategy
Financial Modeling
Operational Improvement
Implementation Planning
Organizational Design
International Expansion
Organizational Review and Assessment
Marketing Planning
Risk Analysis
Merger & Acquisition Planning
Sustainability Assessment