Hands-on learning takes center stage in MBA Business Lab Challenge 

MBA students huddle around laptops working on a project in a conference room.

Ten teams. Ten companies. One semester that challenged Full-Time MBA (FTMBA) students at Fisher to apply classroom and textbook theory to the realities of business challenges. 

First-year MBA students enrolled in Fisher’s Business Lab Challenge course spent the spring semester tackling live business problems presented by a variety of organizations, ranging from startups and family-owned businesses to nationally recognized corporations. Over 15 weeks, students thought like consultants, communicated like executives and delivered recommendations that created real value for their client partners. 

The result was more than a classroom assignment. It was a hands-on learning experience that transformed uncertainty into confidence and academic knowledge into strategic action, said Arjun Prasad, a student and FTMBA Student Council President. 

"Business Lab was one of the richest experiences I have had at Fisher,” Prasad said. “Working with a client like Nestlé and my teammates was a great exposure to how organizations work and understanding the importance of navigating culture when delivering outcomes." 

Working in teams of four to five, students partnered directly with companies across Ohio to analyze complex business challenges, evaluate opportunities and develop executive-level recommendations grounded in research and disciplined problem solving. 

The course blends practical consulting experience with structured coaching and mentorship from Lori Kendall, academic director of the Full-Time MBA program, and graduate teaching assistants who previously excelled in the program. Along the way, students sharpened skills in collaboration, stakeholder management, strategic communication and evidence-based decision-making. 

Students in business suits pose in front of a STAQ Pharma sign.
MBA students in Fisher's Business Lab Challenge pose for a photo with Mark Spiecker, president of STAQ Pharma, one of the participating companies in the program.

“One of their greatest strengths is their support of each other,” said Liz Leonard, director of strategic business optimization at Nestlé. “Every time we were on a call, they showed great team cohesion and were always very connected on what each person was working on.” 

Throughout the semester, teams learned to navigate ambiguity, balance competing perspectives and adapt their strategies based on client feedback — experiences that closely mirror the realities of modern business leadership. For the lab’s client partners, the experience delivered the tangible impact they were seeking. 

“They have listened to feedback and have been able to adjust their approach iteratively. The executive team has been very pleased with their effort and proposal,” said Kevin Yania, senior manager, process agility, retail at Bread Financial.  

By the end of the course, students emerged with more than polished presentations. They gained firsthand experience working in teams to solve complex business challenges while strengthening their professional networks through the connections created via the program. 

“We cannot think of anything that we would have wanted the team to do differently,” said Mark Spiecker, president of STAQ Pharma. “It was wonderful to work with them. They all have excellent qualities that will make them excel in any job they have after they graduate.”