MBA International Business Immersion Capstone Project

Read this overview first. Specific instructions for each task follow.

Each cohort group will continue working on their chosen company they utilized in the fall semester project. Since you are intimately familiar with the inner workings of your company’s organization, your focus this semester is to make an informed recommendation on whether or not your company should expand into Jordan. The senior leadership at your company indicated they see potential for expansion in the Middle East and they are looking to you to determine the best course of action.

Group / Segment / Company

Group A Manufacturing John Deere

Group B Banking Chase

Group C Marketing Vital Marketing

Group D Hotels Hilton

Group E Pharmaceuticals Bayer

Over the semester, each group will continue working with their company and conduct the following tasks:

PART ONE
WebQuest Pre-Immersion Trip Preparation (8 weeks)

1. Conduct an environment scan of Jordan to identify the current economic, political, cultural, business, and social issues impacting your business segment.

2. Identify five complimentary businesses within your assigned business segment that are already operating in Jordan to arrange group visits. You will arrange one informational / investigation interview session for each company identified during the time frame our cohort is in Jordan. Dr. Al Majia will assist you with scheduling appointments when your group is ready. As an example, Group A working with John Deere might want to establish contact with the local Caterpillar dealerships in Amman as this would be Deere’s number one competitor in the market for agricultural equipment. Remember to focus your efforts on companies up and down the supply chain pertaining to your business segment.

3. Conduct a SWOT analysis and financial statement pro-forma for your company assuming expansion into Jordan is imminent using the tools and process you've learned in prior classes.

4. Develop a list of interview questions your team would like to ask during your visit to gain greater insight into their business operation.

5. Prepare a group presentation to be delivered in class two weeks prior to departure. Submit a group written report outlining the business climate in Jordan and your assessment of the financial and business health of your company expanding into Jordan.

6. Utilize your existing student blog page to capture your insights as you discover more about the country, people, politics, and business.

PART TWO
Trip, March 14-28 (Two Weeks)

1. Follow the itinerary outlined in your packet which covers all cohort activities led by Dr. Al Majia as well as small group business meeting excursions with the companies identified.

2. Follow business protocol and social norms at all times during your interactions with Jordanian business leaders.

3. Utilize your existing student blog page to capture your insights as you discover more about the country, people, politics, and business from your first-hand experience.

PART THREE
Post Trip (Four Weeks)

1. Summarize company interview data into a written report. Develop a group presentation for the class outlining key points for each of the five companies you met with.

2. Compile and compare pre-trip research findings with your real-life account. Note differences or similarities to include in written report.

3. Make an informed business recommendation for your company who would like to grow their presence in Jordan.

4. Reflect on your international immersion experience in your blog page and submit your URL for your completed blog page to the class dropbox by April 20.