Students

Dr. Teed’s students in Organization Behaviour had the opportunity to solve a real-life case based on a nation-wide compensation system in front of their eyes. “Problem-owners” visit the class and explain a current business challenge they are facing followed by students attempting to solve the problem using theories they have seen in the course.

Over the past few years, Dr. Rutihinda’s Introduction to International Business course has afforded students the opportunity to hear from international business leaders in a variety of industries from around the world both in the classroom and via video-conferencing.

Developing critical thinking and tackling societal issues pertaining to business is an important aspect of the introductory course in Business & Society. Dr. Palmer’s students were able to weigh in on the controversial topic of legalization of marijuana in Canada from industry experts from Canada and the US.

Students in Management Control were faced with the challenge of creating a five-year financial forecast and strategic recommendations for a local non-profit camp. Students were able to meet with the clients, ask questions, then come up with creative solutions to present the board of the foundation.

Giving back to the community is another important facet of experiential education in the Williams School of Business. Prof. Hivert’s senior accounting students were able to use their skills to build a financial toolkit for a local community organization to better track and create financial statements.

Prof. Bequet’s students in Investment & Portfolio Management were treated to a field trip to a local manufacturing firm whereby they were able to get an in-depth look at the company they were studying. They toured the plant as well as learned about the history of the company.

Small Business Finance students were able to learn the in’s and out’s of raising capital from a teacher turned prosperous entrepreneur. Everything from government subsidies to angel investors were covered in this local company’s road to success.

Several groups from Operation Management course had a field trip to local companies, allowing them to relate theoretical concepts to the company’s production management strategy. They were able to gain an in-depth look at the company, they toured the plant as well as learned about the history of the company.

Client-based projects are an integral part of the Marketing Research course. Prof. Shirdastian’ s students had the opportunity to work with local businesses and partners in order to solve a relevant marketing question. Students completed a needs analysis, conducted a survey, followed by presenting strategic recommendations to the client based on the data collected.

Students from our New Venture Creation Course competed in the Desjardins Pitch Competition delivering a compelling pitch to a panel of judges. Their new start-up idea is the result of a full semester of product innovation, creative thinking, and strategic planning with the guidance of Prof. Cloutier. The awards included prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as the best presenting team.

EL courses provide a wonderful opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to student-led initiatives or a special business topic. Students receive support and guidance from a faculty supervisor to gain deeper knowledge in their field, as each course is tailored around the student’s project idea or the chosen special topic.

Examples of student-led initiatives:

• Researching experiential learning within the WBS, exploring student learning experiences and employability.
• Applying business theories to their own startup business through a capstone project.
• Analyzing finance programs and their unique features at other universities.