Office of Global Business

Global Applied Projects (GAP)

OVERVIEW

• Open/Close Program Snapshot

   

  Global Applied Projects (GAP) is an optional experiential learning capstone 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. GAP projects are not transactional endeavors and project hosts see the value in experiential learning as a cornerstone for business education. 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 is able to transcend to become 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. GAP engagements are true consulting projects, but they are also learning experiences for students. Each client-partner and accompanying project are meticulously 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 in 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 September and October.  In late January, accepted student participation continues with the selection of MBA team members chosen to meet the needs of the project. The program culminates at the end of the course 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 in a virtual format; 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 skills in project management and global consulting. 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:

  Roger Bailey, Faculty Director for Full-time MBA Program, bailey.1117@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

  Kevin Beran, Senior Project Manager, Experiential Learning, beran.13@osu.edu

• Open/Close Eligibility

  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 36 hours of graded coursework.

  All students must have a valid passport with an expiration date no earlier than Dec 1, 2023; can obtain an entry visa, if required; and meet any other entry requirements for that country. 

• Open/Close Application Process

  APPLICATION

  The GAP application link will be available after the hybrid GAP Info Session on Thursday, April 14, 5 - 6 pm in Gerlach Hall Room 355.  See previous emails or the HUB for the zoom link to attend.  The application will remain open from April 15 through September 15, 2022. 

  1. The GAP Info Session will be hosted in a hybrid format on Thursday, April 14, 5 - 6 pm in Gerlach 355.

  2. Accepted applicants will receive subsequent emails about next steps and Project Teams will be announced on November 15, 2022.

  APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

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

  • Updated Resume. Attach the 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.
  • 2 - 3 minute Video uploaded with application:
    • 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 

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• Open/Close Project Placement

  PLACEMENT STEPS

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

  1. Complete an online GAP application after attending a GAP hybrid Information Session.
  2. Select up to three available project scopes to indicate interest when you receive the survey in October 2022.
  3. Accept the project placement within 24 hours. Failure to respond will result in being removed from the project and placed on the waitlist.

  The GAP Leadership Team finalizes all team assignments; teams do not self-select. 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.