Spring Small Business Management Projects for MBA students
Students in Jim Randall’s MKTG 7431 Strategic Marketing class are working with small businesses again this semester in Savannah, as well as, working with the Coastal Georgia Center and the MBA program itself. A report from Jim follows:
Chu’s Convenience Stores – Savannah
John Hubert COO; John Pruden CFO
The class spent an evening learning about convenience store operations. This has been an ongoing project with the Savannah classes. This first year I worked with Chu’s was 2002. We did not work with them last year because they were installing scanning equipment (a recommendation from past classes). The Chu’s organization has used many suggestions the past classes have recommended. This year they face new challenges from Parkers and Enmark. The class members on this project will conduct mystery shops as part of the process.
Coastal Georgia Center – Savannah
David Murkison, Associate Director
Two teams are working on marketing the Coastal Georgia Center. The Center is under increased pressure to generate revenue. The teams are going to work on how to compete in a crowded market in Savannah. There are many facilities from which potential customers can chose.
Executive MBA Program – Georgia Southern
Melissa Holland, Director
Melissa met with two groups that are going to develop a marketing program for an online, Executive MBA Program. This market is also crowded with many choices available for qualified candidates.
Statesboro Tire & Brake – Statesboro
Bubba Williams – Owner; Roxanne Williams – Financial Records
Two groups met with the William’s to learn about the car repair business. Their goal is to develop promotion plans to attract the younger customer. They are of an older generation in which the yellow pages were a good investment. They need help in reaching the younger auto owner.
Posted in Teaching and Learning