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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RESEARCH PROJECTS

Today's international business environment is characterized by a highly complex, rapidly changing workflow. The International Business Research Project Program can help you conquer issues that would normally be postponed or overlooked. The projects deliver real value to the participating company, the students, and the international community. These benefits have accrued to such internationally recognized companies as Nike, Tektronix, Matsushita, Esco, Warn Industries, Inc. and Sun Microsystems.

What is the International Business Research project?

The International Business Research Project is the culminating project of the Master of International Management (MIM) Program at Portland State University. Instead of a thesis, the MIM degree requires students to address a real-world business problem. The topic could be a project right off your own strategic plan. Your company can sponsor a project, and get the benefit of years of experience in international management consulting on a problem of your choosing.

As a client, you will receive:

• Precise, well-documented, practical recommendations
• External and independent primary and secondary research and analysis
• Excellent contacts in target countries through PSU and business networks
• An academic and cultural bridge to the Portland international business community
• Advantages accruing from having a member of the target country on the team

The project generally takes 8-12 weeks, and represents 600-900 hours of teamwork. A member of your company will be in frequent contact with the team, and the project culminates in a written report and oral presentation to your designate and the PSU MIM Program Director.

How do I sign up my company for an international business research project?

• Identify an international business issue that your company faces which has not received sufficient attention.
• Read the sections on International Business Research Project Parameters and Procedure For International Business Research Project, which provide details on how much time and the type of work to expect from an MIM team.
• Write a brief description of the project.

The Director of the MIM program is available to help clarify any points, discuss who will be your company's representative working with the participants, and explain the method for selection of participants to work on the project.

If you want to learn more about the International Business Research Projects or the Master of International Management Program, do not hesitate to contact Cliff Allen, Program Director for MIM at cliffa@sba.pdx.edu.

International Business Research Project Parameters

Overall Objective of the Project
To provide the participating company and the MIM students an opportunity to connect and deliver results for a challenging, real-world international business project. The company benefits through the documented results and the cultural and academic exchange created by the program. The students benefit through the experience in applying what they have learned in the MIM program.

Project Criteria: The Company should …

• Have a significant international problem for analysis by the students. The project should be strategic rather than operational or tactical.
• Designate a key contact who can work with and respond to student questions
• Budget adequate resources to cover expenses associated with the project
• Accommodate a start time in late Spring, with a typical time to completion of 8-12 weeks

Project Features

• An extensive written report of problem analysis and recommendations
• A formal presentation to company representatives (if desired)
• Supervision by MIM faculty advisors

Examples of Previous Projects Include:
International Market Entry Plan, International Business Plan, Assessment of International Financing Alternatives, International Manufacturing Plan, International Growth Plan, International Strategic Plan, International Management Accounting System, International HR Planning and Management and International Merger and Acquisition Strategy

Contribution
A contribution to the MIM program is welcomed although not expected. Generally, companies have given $2,500. These funds support continued MIM program development, guest lectures and MIM student and alumni development.

Procedure For International Business Research Project

The following describes the process of creating an International Business Research project with students from the MIM Program:

• Step One:
  The company contacts the MIM Program with a proposed idea for an International Business Research Project. The MIM program will determine the best candidate(s) for the project, and coordinate a meeting to discuss objectives, timing, deliverables, and performance expectations. The MIM candidate(s) will create a report detailing these discussions. The MIM program will review the report and secure any required details.
• Step Two:
  The MIM candidate(s) create a written program with a written proposal for an International Business Research Project. This proposal is the foundation for the students' work, defining to them what is to be accomplished. The proposal covers the following points: A brief company description and a definition of the situational context of the problem. The project's overall high-level objective. Examples include: “Investigate the market potential for our products in Thailand;” “Determine the most effective manner for our firm to establish an operation in China;” “Investigate the benefits and disadvantages of relocating a manufacturing plant from the U.S. to Mexico;” “Investigate sourcing of specific components in China”
• Step Three:
  Appoint a company lead contact person. This is very important, as the team will need to know whom to contact at your company for necessary information and guidance as they progress through the project.
• Step Four:
  A second meeting with all interested company personnel, the student team and the team faculty advisor at the project's inception, to clarify details of the project and to ensure expectations are clear for the remainder of the project and any interim steps. The meeting will clarify not only the work itself, but how the work is to be performed (i.e. within company normal procedures and business practices).
• Step Five:
  Once the proposal has been reviewed by the MIM program and the Company and an MIM team has been formed, it is up to the student team to provide the following: the project's detailed tasks and goals. It is the responsibility of the students and faculty advisor to develop a list of tasks and goals for your review. These tasks and goals become the foundation of the project and lead directly to the completed report.