When your organization sponsors the Multidisciplinary Action Projects course, you get a team of top MBA students, guided by senior faculty, to tackle your pressing business challenge.

Our Global MBA students are smart, creative, and energetic; with diverse backgrounds and several years of practical experience; sponsored in the Global MBA program by their home company in Asia. They will focus on your project full time for seven weeks in May and June.

Getting Started with MAP

1. Developing a Project Proposal With Us

We’ll work with you to ensure that the proposal meets the objectives of the school as well as your organization.

2. Review and Approval

Ross faculty review all proposals. We’ll get back in touch to provide an update on the status of your project shortly after the proposal deadline.

3. Bidding and Team Formation

MBA students bid to work on approved projects and are assigned, along with faculty mentors, according to their preferences and your stated needs.

4. Kickoff

Students immerse themselves in your project, traveling and working on site as required.

Making MAP Succeed

HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT
Tips to keep in mind during the planning process

  • Begin early - we’re happy to help.

  • Educate management about MAP.

  • Get senior management buy-in.

  • Appoint a company liaison and alternate liaison.

  • Communicate project goals early.

  • Identify information sources (internal and external).

  • Budget for project costs.

BEFORE STUDENTS ARRIVE
What to do before Ross MBAs visit your site

  • Hold conference calls; discuss topic, answer questions.

  • Provide pre-reading.

  • Set up meetings for the team to meet many people early in the process (including HR, decision makers, and senior management).

ORIENTATION
How to start a project team in the right direction

  • Provide the team with an understanding of your organization: culture, goals, and vision.

  • Facilitate meetings with senior management and key contacts.

  • Work with the team to organize and schedule internal presentations.

  • Discuss the project scope with them.

  • Treat the MAP team as partners/colleagues, not students.

  • Let the team be creative – allow them to use their external perspective to your benefit.

  • Get to know the team: Have fun; maybe arrange a team dinner.

LOGISTICS & HOUSEKEEPING
Things to remember

  • Prepare written travel policy.

  • Clearly explain spending/reimbursement policy.

  • Be aware that students are on limited incomes.

  • Arrange access to corporate resources.

  • Provide conference call numbers.

  • Provide office space/access.

  • Treat them like new hires.

ONGOING PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Tips to keep the project on track

  • Provide weekly contact or meeting (plan on five-10 hours per week).

  • Schedule mid-term project review.

  • Be available and be responsive.

  • Manage responsiveness within your corporation.

  • Contact faculty advisor if issues arise.

  • Keep team focused.

PROJECT FINAL PRESENTATION
Consider who to invite

  • On-site presentation allows more participation by management.

  • Attendees provide valuable feedback on next steps.

SUBMIT Proposals by march 1

Project Duration
7 weeks

Project Dates
May 7 - June 29, 2018

Sponsor Notifications
Late March 2018

Preview the MAP Proposal

MAP Sponsor Guide

Previous MAP Projects


Contact information: 

RossActionLearning@umich.edu
Phone: 734.764.6411