UTEP MBA Student Team Completes Corporate Engagement Project With DeWALT
July 27, 2011
On May 6, 2011, a team of five UTEP MBA students presented the results of their two-month Corporate Engagement Project (CEP) assignment with DeWALT tools, a division of Stanley Black and Decker Corporation. The team members, Stephanie Herrera, David Maldonado, Liz Osborn-Mendoza, Daniel Martinez, and Celia Yang, traveled to DeWALT headquarter in Towson, Maryland to present their findings and recommendations to DeWALT engineering and marketing corporate leaders. Their assignment was focused on developing a market and price positioning analysis along with a marketing communication strategy recommendation for a DeWALT new product launch.
The UTEP MBA team members received strong feedback on their work product and presentation. “They delivered a well-researched marketing strategy and exemplified a high level of professionalism in their commitment to the project” was typical of the comments from DeWALT personnel.
This project was the third phase of a partnership between DeWALT and Woody L. Hunt College of Business that began in early 2010.
The expectations of students participating in the CEP are high. The project approach utilized by the CEP exposes participants to a real world work environment with the challenge of supplying the desired deliverable to an executive audience within a given timeframe. While addressing the major project resolution students also have to focus on managing time, resources, and inter- and intra-organizational issues as they arise. The development and delivery of a professional caliber final report and presentation for enterprise partner executives is the culmination of the project activity. However, success in a Corporate Engagement Project provides students with:
- Valuable insight into their own capabilities;
- Knowledge of how to function effectively and get things accomplished in the business environment;
- The chance to demonstrate to potential employers their knowledge, skills, and abilities;
- The opportunity to begin building, or to expand, their professional network, and;
- A valuable addition to their personal resume.
The CEP also presents an opportunity to share with the world beyond UTEP the caliber of UTEP MBA students.
Feedback from the DeWALT team members included comments such as the following. “It was a great experience working with this team. I learned interesting things from each team member and I really enjoyed getting to know everyone of you. The outcome of this project met my expectations and even exceeded them.” “The learning experience was amazing and continues to resonate after the project has been completed.”
There are currently 4 additional CEP activities underway and new corporate partners are expressing interest in working with CEP teams on a continuing basis.