Action-Based Learning Projects:
MAP & Consulting Studio
Muncie, IN
NYC, NY
NYC, NY
2024
Executive MBA MAP
Strategic Roadmapping
The independent restaurant industry is notoriously low on resources that allows owners and operators to be more effective business owners. Even chefs who have owned restaurants for years lack financial literacy and the business understanding they need to control and cut costs. This proves particularly challenging for an industry where average profit margins over between three and five percent on a good year.
The James Beard Foundation advocates for, and designs programs that aim to make the independent restaurant industry more equitable, sustainable, and financially viable for all. The Foundation seeks to collaborate with a team of Ross EMBAs to research and catalog innovative industry business models for ‘full-service, casual, independently owned’ restaurants.
The team would analyze the strategy, effectiveness, scalability, and potential applications of these new models, with the goal of resulting in more profitable restaurants that also follow equitable and sustainable labor, sourcing, and operating practices. The team would develop frameworks for identifying and creating new business models for this category of restaurants.
The James Beard Foundation advocates for, and designs programs that aim to make the independent restaurant industry more equitable, sustainable, and financially viable for all. The Foundation seeks to collaborate with a team of Ross EMBAs to research and catalog innovative industry business models for ‘full-service, casual, independently owned’ restaurants.
The team would analyze the strategy, effectiveness, scalability, and potential applications of these new models, with the goal of resulting in more profitable restaurants that also follow equitable and sustainable labor, sourcing, and operating practices. The team would develop frameworks for identifying and creating new business models for this category of restaurants.
Faculty Advisors
Thailand
Santa Rosa, CA
New York City, NY
New York City, NY
2024
Executive MBA MAP
Financial Analysis and Planning
Identify and evaluate current wage trends and living wages in Bangladesh for garment factory workers, and compare with the current state of worker wages in the specific Bangladesh garment factories which produce merchandise for J.Crew.
Faculty Advisors
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA
2024
Executive MBA MAP
Strategic Roadmapping
Single location full-service restaurants in the US are the 5th largest industry by employment and generate over $209 billion in revenue annually. Across the country, these operations are under threat of collapse because of the impact climate change is having on their day-to-day operations and supply chain. Because of extreme weather events that range from droughts and floods to rising temperatures and smoke-filled air, restaurants face increased closure, decreased foot traffic, and higher food costs.
The James Beard Foundation advocates for and designs programs that aim to make the independent restaurant industry more equitable, sustainable, and financially viable for all. In spring 2024, the Foundation launched its Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign, which unites chefs across the country to raise awareness, educate federal policy makers, and galvanize action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The campaign is based on a report JBF published with the Global Food Institute at George Washington University that found that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifts in agricultural patterns have all contributed to the rise in costs and operational challenges in recent years.
The Foundation seeks to collaborate with a team of Ross EMBAs to further examine the economic impact of climate change on restaurants and collect and analyze more data from chef-owners in a specific region of the country (to be determined together based on team interest/location, access to a critical mass of chef-owners, and marked climate change impact). Building a robust data-driven report on this economic impact is key to advocate for climate-smart solutions, both in legislation and operating practices. The final report and presentation should also include strategies for mitigating that economic impact.
The James Beard Foundation advocates for and designs programs that aim to make the independent restaurant industry more equitable, sustainable, and financially viable for all. In spring 2024, the Foundation launched its Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign, which unites chefs across the country to raise awareness, educate federal policy makers, and galvanize action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The campaign is based on a report JBF published with the Global Food Institute at George Washington University that found that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifts in agricultural patterns have all contributed to the rise in costs and operational challenges in recent years.
The Foundation seeks to collaborate with a team of Ross EMBAs to further examine the economic impact of climate change on restaurants and collect and analyze more data from chef-owners in a specific region of the country (to be determined together based on team interest/location, access to a critical mass of chef-owners, and marked climate change impact). Building a robust data-driven report on this economic impact is key to advocate for climate-smart solutions, both in legislation and operating practices. The final report and presentation should also include strategies for mitigating that economic impact.
Faculty Advisors
New York, NY
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View, CA
2025
BBA Capstone
Market Analysis and Assessment
Conduct comprehensive market research and develop a strategic business model for Jindo's AI-powered veterinary assistant and ultrasound product, focusing on competitive differentiation, go-to-market including pricing strategies and customer acquisition.
Faculty Advisors