The MBA Project may be one of two forms: (1) a client-based project. This involves the comprehensive identification and analysis of strategic issue(s) of a profit-seeking or nonprofit, large or small, entrepreneurial or mature, service or manufacturing, domestic or international, organisation, together with appropriate recommendations for improved performance, or (2) a new business plan. The main purpose of the project is for students to develop a thorough understanding of the environment, markets, technology and operations of a real organisation (or, in the case of a new business plan, a proposed organisation). Students apply and integrate knowledge and skills acquired through the MBA curriculum and further develop their skills in the area of strategy development. Students are expected to work in groups of 3 on the project, with a maximum of 4 students in a group. Groups of 4 will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, and will be subject to the approval of the Project Co-ordinator. 

The learning objectives for the new business plan project are the same as for a client- based project. The new business plan is equally as “real” as a client- based project.

Students taking the MBA project will gain a first-class learning experience to complement and extend classroom learning. The MBA Project becomes a laboratory for applying ideas, tools, and concepts to real-world problems. It is an exercise in managing task- focused relationships among team members, client managers, and the faculty supervisors. It gives students a chance to define issues, gather relevant data from a variety of sources, conduct insightful analyses, and develop research-based solutions. It also provides opportunities for students to learn about a company, an industry, and/or a field of management that is of long-term interest to the members of the project team.

In particular, students, when conducting real-life analyses and making cost-effective and feasible recommendations, are expected to take the international environment into consideration.