Office of Global Business

Global Applied Projects (GAP)

Global Applied Projects (GAP) is an optional experiential learning capstone-like course that enables students to lead, plan, and execute global consulting engagements across multiple functional areas. Choosing from a wide array of industry-leading multinational corporations, mission-driven nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies and everything in between, students get the chance to engage with exciting client-partners in locations all over the world, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable insights.

GAP engagements are true consulting projects, but they are also learning experiences for students, where each project host is instrumental in the education of future business leaders. Project hosts serve multiple roles; they are both clients and partners. As client-partners, our hosts expect the same quality of deliverables, adherence to deadlines, rigorous work ethic, attention to detail, professionalism, and critical problem solving skills one might receive from a top consulting firm. However, as partners, GAP becomes an experience far greater than the final output. Students immerse themselves into the organization and the business challenge, resulting in transformational experiences

The important distinction is that GAP client-partners and their accompanying projects are meticulously screened and selected. Each client-partner is sourced to provide a variety of cross-disciplinary projects in a range of industries and with organizations of all shapes and sizes.

A GAP engagement begins prior to the fall semester when the company host and Fisher College of Business define the business problem and formulate a high-level scope of work. Students apply to be considered in August and September and learn their placements in November.  While the program course starts in January, 2024, project global travel happens during the spring break week, and culminates at the end of the course in April with a virtual presentation of project findings, an in-depth analysis, and specific, actionable recommendations to the client. 

Competencies developed include: gaining project management, industry, and cultural expertise; practicing leadership, global communication, and teamwork skills using technology that aligns with the company host; honing data collection and analytic skills; synthesizing information to draw relevant conclusions and make actionable recommendations; and crafting compelling presentations.

COURSE and PROJECT COMPLETION

Over 14 weeks, teams of 4 - 6 students are advised by a faculty functional expert and devote many hours collectively to solving the business challenge. Students attend a required three-credit spring course that hones their consulting skills, and additionally, teams develop a keen awareness of the cultural and business environment while meeting regularly with their clients and advisors. 

• MHR 7022 Global Applied Projects. 3 credits; graded elective course; Spring Semester.
• Classroom portion of GAP focuses on project management, global culture, and initial project preparation. 
• Students receive instructions to enroll into the GAP class once they are accepted for a specific project team. 

GAP participants are concurrently honing their consulting skills during the course to finalize the project scope, complete data research and analysis, and present the final project findings to the company host.  Faculty advisors serve as subject-matter-experts during the spring term to guide and evaluate the final deliverables. 

Program Contacts:

Lori Kendall, Faculty Director for Full-time MBA Program, kendall.185@osu.edu

Steve DeNunzio, Faculty Director for WP-MBA Program, denunzio.4@osu.edu

Joyce Steffan, Senior Director, Office of Global Business, steffan.10@osu.edu

GAP eligibility and participation are based on a student being fully prepared for the multidisciplinary aspect of GAP projects. Therefore, the GAP program is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

FT-MBA

• Second-year students who are in good academic standing, 

WP-MBA

• WP-MBA students in good academic standing who have completed a minimum of 30 hours of graded coursework before Spring Semester, 2024 which should include the data analytics and global business courses.

All students must have a valid passport with an expiration date no earlier than Dec 1, 2024; can obtain an entry visa, if required; and meet any other entry requirements for that country. 

GAP Information Sessions

Friday, August 25, Gerlach Hall 365 in-person, 3:00 - 4:00 PM and VIRTUAL LINK

Wed, August 30, 4 - 5 PM, VIRTUAL ONLY LINK

Thurs, Sept 7, Gerlach Hall 375 in-person, 5 - 6 PM and VIRTUAL LINK

GAP Application Process

The GAP application link is available below, but please plan to attend one of several Info Sessions listed above for details.  The application deadline is set for September 15, 2023

1. Accepted applicants will receive subsequent emails about next steps and Project Teams will be announced around November 15, 2023.

Required Application Documents

Have the following documents ready before starting the online application process:

• Updated Resume. Attach your resume as a properly labeled PDF (name. document. Sample: Jones.James.Resume). For assistance with creating an updated and professionally formatted resume, make an appointment with a Career Consultant in the Office of Career Management if needed.
• 2 - 3 minute Video uploaded with application that highlights:
  • Academic and/or professional background
  • Professional career goals
  • What you bring to the table for your team
  • What you hope to get out of GAP
  • You must upload your video to a video sharing platform, and provide the link to your video in your application. You may utilize any media platform that you prefer, such as BuckeyeBox, YouTube, Google Drive, DropBox, etc. Your video does not need to be available to the public, but please make sure that it is accessible via the link you provide in your application. Failure to submit an active link with your application will result in your application being incomplete.
• PDF of Passport Info Page 
• Click here for GAP Application Link 

PLACEMENT STEPS

To be placed on a GAP team, students must do the following:

1. Complete an online GAP application and attend a GAP hybrid Information Session.
2. Select up to two available project scopes to indicate interest when you receive the selection survey in October, 2023.
3. Accept the project placement within 24 hours of receiving the confirmation email in mid-November. Failure to respond will result in being removed from the project and placed on the waitlist.

The GAP Leadership Team finalizes all team assignments. Project "swapping" with other students is not an option.

PLACEMENT CRITERIA

• Placements will vary based on the fit between the project requirements and factors such as student background, skills, functional expertise, and language abilities.
• In addition, the student's project selection, ability to enter that specific country, and faculty recommendations will be taken into account for team placement.