This experience is designed for MBA students specializing in e-commerce, who are eager to apply their strategic insights to real-world business challenges. Learners have been equipped with the latest knowledge in digital marketing, consumer behavior analysis, and online sales optimization. By collaborating with industry professionals, students can help companies refine their e-commerce strategies, ensuring they remain competitive in the digital marketplace.

Project Components

1. Group Project Proposal (5%)
2. A brief written proposal outlining your team’s understanding of the client’s business, project objectives, and preliminary research plan.
3. Group Project Presentation (25%)
4. This component includes:

• Slides and Verbal Presentation: A professional presentation summarizing your team’s analysis and recommendations. It will first be presented in class for feedback, then delivered to the client either in person or online.
• Appendix: A supporting document containing research materials, charts, tables, images, and other evidence that strengthen your presentation and recommendations.

FAQ for Industry Clients – E-Commerce Consulting Project (BUSI 645)

1. What is this project about?

This is a hands-on consulting project for students enrolled in the E-Commerce (BUSI 645) course. Small teams of 4–5 students partner with real businesses to analyze their e-commerce presence and propose practical, research-based strategies for improvement. The project bridges classroom learning with real-world application.

2. What is the goal for the students?

Students apply key course concepts to:

• Research your company’s current online presence and competitive environment.
• Evaluate your website’s user experience (UX) and conversion performance.
• Recommend strategies to enhance online marketing and promotion (e.g., SEO, PPC, social media).

3. What is expected from the client?

Your participation is simple but valuable. Clients are asked to:

• Provide initial information about your business, website, and goals.
• Meet once or twice with the student team (virtually or in person) to share insights and answer questions.
• Attend the final presentation where students share their findings and recommendations.

You are welcome to offer feedback or guidance, but no financial commitment or ongoing engagement is required.

4. How much time does this require?

Typically, around 2–3 hours total over the semester:

• ~60 minutes for the initial meeting(s).
• Occasional short check-ins (optional).
• 2–5 hours to attend the final presentations (depending on the number of student groups assigned to your project).

5. What will the students deliver?

Each team will provide:

• Group Project Proposal: A short document summarizing their understanding of your business and defining project priorities.
• Final Presentation (with slides and supporting appendix):
• Analysis of your current e-commerce position.
• Research on competitors and customers.
• Actionable recommendations to enhance your online presence.

You will receive a copy of the presentation slides, an executive summary, and supporting materials (Appendix).

Please note: the focus of this project is the presentation; a full written report is not required.

6. What kind of businesses can participate?

Any business with an existing website or e-commerce component—such as a retailer, service provider, or online brand—can participate. The project is especially suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to strengthen their digital presence and online performance.

7. How do students communicate with clients?

Student teams will contact clients directly to schedule meetings. Meetings may take place online (e.g., Zoom) or in person. All communication is expected to remain professional and focused on the project scope.

The course instructor supervises all teams to ensure professionalism and appropriate conduct.

8. Will the project remain confidential?

Yes. Students are required to treat all business information as confidential and use it solely for academic purposes within this course. Sensitive data can be anonymized upon request. If preferred, students can sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

9. What are the key project milestones?

• Start of Semester: Client introduction and project scoping.
• Early Semester: Project Proposal submitted to clients for feedback.
• Mid-Semester: Progress update shared with clients.
• Week 10: In-class presentation at Mount Royal University for instructor feedback.
• Week 11: Final presentation delivered to the client.

10. What happens after the presentation?

Clients are encouraged to share feedback with students and may choose to implement any of the proposed ideas. Some businesses continue collaborating informally with student consultants after the course ends—though this is entirely optional.

11. Who can I contact with questions or concerns?

Please contact the course instructor directly with any questions about project timelines, student expectations, or logistics.