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Businesses have the opportunity to partner with Leicester Castle Business School during 12-week Executive Company Projects (ECPs). By taking part in the ECP initiative, businesses gain free research into an area of interest for their company. Businesses from a variety of sectors are able to take part, and projects are equally varied. The experience is mutually beneficial as postgraduate students also gain invaluable experience in the real world of business.

MBA Global student, Kolawole Ladeji partnered with Ioana Axinte, Co-Founder and CEO of Moonshot Global Consulting Ltd (MGCL) during a recent ECP. The company was looking for research to help further advance an application they have been building to support children and young people to develop soft skills.

Kolawole was pro-active in his research into the UK EdTech application market, and met regularly with his host during the project. Meetings enabled the student to discuss his insights to move the project forwards, and also provided the opportunity to enhance skills. Of the project, Kolawole said “The ECP gave me the challenge of using the skills and knowledge I have gained during the MBA programme to solve practical problems…I used every meeting opportunity with my project host and supervisor to practice my presentation skills, by making sure I had an agenda and prepared robustly before the meeting. These helped the quality of my delivery and discussion during these meetings.”

Kolawole also said “I have enjoyed all the stages of the ECP… before the project started, the Bootcamp gave me the opportunity to fine tune my presentation skills in a non-judgemental environment… during the project I had the privilege of relating with wonderful people such as my project supervisor, host, module leader and the ECP team…this all contributed to the richness of the final report.”

Lecturer in Business Management, Samson Oladejo was the project supervisor supporting the student with academic aspects throughout the ECP. Of the student’s research Samson said “The student acted in a professional manner throughout the project, he also improved his research skills and understanding of how a consultancy project should be done. It was evident from the report and his presentations that he has undertaken a great and extensive reading to fully understand the area of his research interest. The student effort is highly commendable.” 

Our congratulations go to all involved for their hard work and dedication during this fantastic ECP. We also extend our thanks to all students, businesses and supervisors who have undertaken projects this year, for your commitment and hard work.

Can your business benefit from the insights of a postgraduate student? Contact us ecp@dmu.ac.uk for more information.

Founder of Healthy Soldiers Ltd, Sakshi Madaan, is a former MBA Global student at De Montfort University who took part in the Executive Company Project herself during her studies, and was keen to provide the opportunity to another student. Healthy Soldiers Ltd is a start-up that aims to upcycle food, that would otherwise have gone to waste, to provide affordable meals. The business is currently forming new strategic partnerships across the UK and asked to partner with an ECP student to gain research to support their expanding operations. Global MBA student, Nattapong Warasanpitak was well equipped to assist the business with this challenge.

The student was motivated to support his host and had regular meetings to tailor his research brief. Nattapong said “I chose this company because I have an existing interest in the food industry. Moreover, food upcycling is a trend that is currently receiving a large amount of attention…I was therefore really interested in participating in and fulfilling the project aim that Healthy Soldiers Ltd had assigned.”

As well as supporting the host with a business challenge, the experience also provided the student with an invaluable opportunity to enhance skills. Nattapong said “the experience gained by ECP participation will be extremely beneficial in the future…during job interviews, I did not have any work experience but companies frequently inquired as to what type of ECP project I have been working on…Right now, I am employed and currently an Associate, City Operations at Shopee Thailand.”

Our congratulations and thanks go to all involved in this insightful project. We have enjoyed following the progress of all the ECPs that have been undertaken so far this year.

Can your business benefit from free insights from a postgraduate student? Contact us to find out how you can take part ecp@dmu.ac.uk.  

Our congratulations and thanks go to all students, company hosts and staff who participated in an Executive Company Project with us during our June 2022 cohort!
Here are some photos from the very beginning of the ECP journey for this cohort – who remembers our Work Readiness Bootcamp? This event is designed to prepare students for undertaking their projects with external companies. Students undertook activities to enhance professional skills and business acumen. They also discussed example project briefs to analyse and inform understanding of the research question.
Thank you for your hard work during your projects. We have enjoyed following your progress and hearing about your positive impact on the business world, many congratulations.
Keep in touch with us, we’d love to hear your news as you take your next steps!
Can your business also benefit from the FREE insights of a postgraduate student? Companies from a variety of sectors are able to take part. Contact us ecp@dmu.ac.uk to find out more.

Nital Patel, Director of Leicester-based independent property and lettings company, Sky Blue Homes Ltd, needed insights to support his business, and asked to take part in the free, 12-week Executive Company Project (ECP) initiative with Leicester Castle Business School. The business has worked with ECP students in previous years, and this time wanted support to identify trends in the market and to gain a fresh perspective from someone outside of the industry.

MBA Global student, Jude Oghenevwogaga School, partnered with the company during this ECP. Jude was motivated to support the business in the research, which would enable him to apply the knowledge he gained during his degree whilst also developing new skills.

Of the project Nital said, “as with all businesses COVID-19 has dramatically changed the landscape and brought new, unexpected challenges…we found Jude’s research and reports beneficial, particularly when a company does not have the resources for a specialist Research & Development department.”

To support his research, Jude visited his host at the company premises to help his understanding of the business. Jude said “I enjoyed the fact that I was allowed to explore all my options and deploy my skill set without any restrictions in getting the job done. The experience taught me a new business in the rental market industry.”

Nital said “The student has suggested some areas that we were aware of, though they seem apparent from an outside perspective, and this has spurred us to push certain projects sooner rather than later…The experience has been beneficial and we have been taking part in the ECP for several years.”

Jude said “The experience helped me integrate smoothly into a different work environment, and this has helped me in my current job…it is a challenge worth taking as the benefits are enormous.”

Congratulations go to all involved in this project and in all the ECPs which have taken place so far this year. It is fantastic seeing students develop new skills and have a positive impact in the business world.

If your company can also benefit from free research, contact the team ecp@dmu.ac.uk.

Businesses from a variety of sectors are eligible to take part in the 12-week Executive Company Project initiative to gain free research for their company, and projects consist of an equally broad range of topics. Previous projects have involved market research, competitor analysis and research to support the development of future strategies and business plans.

Paul Male, Managing Director of PROCured Solutions Limited, recently asked for a student’s insights to support bringing a new company concept to realisation. The company specialises in procurement, supplier management and outsourcing. Paul requested research to identify the target market for the proposition of ‘Procurement as a Service’ for small-to-medium enterprises who have no, or limited, procurement capability in-house. MBA Global student, Sreemoyee Nag was well equipped to support the company in their area of interest.

Following the project, Paul said “one of the main challenges in a small consultancy business is to carve out sufficient time to work on the business as well as within the business…By engaging a postgraduate student on this project as part of a time-bound piece of work, this would create the bandwidth and focus required to progress these activities and help lay the foundations for a targeted marketing campaign later in the year.”

Sreemoyee worked closely with Paul throughout the project to provide the research requested. Of her experience the student said “it was great taking part in an ECP. The Bootcamp before the ECP was extremely helpful, all the important techniques and methods were taught that are required to carry out my research… this project has helped me to understand the practical challenges of growing a small business. It has helped me to develop many new skills and experiences that will help me in my future corporate life…I am very grateful to Paul for guiding me so well throughout this project.”

Paul Male said “if the project had not been undertaken as part of the ECP programme, it would arguably have taken up to another year to find the required time to complete the work internally and make an equivalent level of progress…it is a great way to make progress on a time-bound and targeted piece of work, without needing to commit to additional headcount, whilst knowing that it also provides a great learning opportunity for the student involved. A great example of a win-win!”

Our congratulations and thanks go to all involved in this brilliant project. Can your company also benefit from gaining insights from a postgraduate student? Contact us ecp@dmu.ac.uk for more information.

There was a fantastic turnout for our Faculty of Business and Law (BAL) Celebration Event last week, it was great to see you all!
Students networked with businesses, heard inspirational talks and caught up with friends. It was a brilliant atmosphere and a great way to celebrate students’ achievements during their time at De Montfort University (DMU). Many congratulations to all of you for all you have accomplished during your time at university! A huge thank you also goes to all staff and businesses involved with the event.

Don’t forget we’re always here to support you in your next steps. You can contact the team via email balcareers@dmu.ac.uk.
As a DMU graduate you can also join the Alumni Hub for free for alumni news, job opportunities and more.
See here for information and to sign up:
https://dmuforlife.org

In response to the global pandemic, ECP students transitioned from working face-to-face with their peers and their project hosts, to conducting their projects in a virtual environment. All ECP meetings, events, research and check-ins moved online. To ensure the success of their projects during the pandemic, students have needed to be flexible to ensure they have met key deadlines, maintain their professionalism and in doing so have shown great resilience.

Global MBA student Kenn Orocio recently excelled during his ECP where he worked closely with Voice America broadcaster Chris Cooper, Managing Director of Chris Cooper Business Elevation (CCBE). This company supports business leaders to increase their leadership skills and organisational performance using a variety of approaches, one of which is through an online business radio show.

Chris required fresh ideas about how to leverage his online radio show in a busy marketplace and also how to increase listenership and income. Chris asked for an ECP student to concentrate on these vital areas for his business. Kenn was ready for the challenge and targeted his research accordingly, on behalf of his project host. 

Kenn adapted quickly to working in a virtual environment. Of his experience the student said “meeting the kind people from CCBE, learning about their business and hearing what they have done to expand it has been very fulfilling.”. He also said that taking part in an ECP allowed him to improve “many skills that I have acquired through the years. Some of these skills are communication, time management, problem solving skills…and the ability to adapt.”

Of the project, Chris Cooper said “I enjoyed Kenn’s enthusiastic and committed approach to supporting the brief and his proposal which has clearly been a lot of work…I am very grateful for the support and the work produced by Kenn. I am in admiration of him for keeping motivated during a very unusual and difficult period for many. Being stranded away from your home country with no library access must be difficult.”

Chris also said “I took several thoughts from Kenn’s report that were helpful and it energised me to move it forward and also appreciate what an asset I potentially own… I think the report will continue to add value.”

Chris was so impressed by the research undertaken by Kenn that he has continued to host a new group of ECP students during our current cohort.

A Successful Sports Placement

LCBS postgraduate student, Paul Kaerger, has been on placement with Paralympic high jumper Jonathan Broom-Edwards. Amongst his many sporting achievements, Jonathan has been awarded three World Championship silver medals and one Paralympic silver medal.

During his ECP, Paul was asked to explore the ways the Paralympian can attract sponsorship from interested businesses, and to research companies who suit the target market of the athlete.

Of his ECP, Paul has said “I have enjoyed meeting Jonathan, learning what it takes to be a successful athlete and learning about the challenges that top-level athletes face has been very rewarding.”. Paul also said “the ECP has been a great opportunity to engage with a sports organisation to further my experience of working in the sports sector”.

With our latest cohort going out on their placements this week, watch this space as we follow the progress of our students.

To find out more about the Executive Company Project, and how it may benefit your business, contact us on ecp@dmu.ac.uk.

Over the summer, MSc Strategic & Digital Marketing student Itunu Para-Mallam, completed an ECP with Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL). This company is a charity organisation which focusses on improving the lives of people in the local community through volunteering, and has been part of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Leicester and Leicestershire for over fifty years.

A prosperous partnership leads to a positive future

During her ECP, Itunu worked within the Communications team at VAL to analyse the charity sector and assess the impact of the company’s existing marketing and promotion. Itunu was pro-active in meeting with a variety of companies and stakeholders to conduct face-to-face interviews, which helped build a wide knowledge of the sector. 

Kevin Allen-Khimani, Sector Support Manager, hosted Itunu throughout her ECP. Kevin said “We have really enjoyed working with Itunu. Chatting things through with Itunu has reaffirmed our thinking concerning how we take our marketing and communication forward. Itunu has fitted in very easily with different teams at VAL, has a good understanding, but also asks the questions in a way that engages people. It’s been a great experience it’s really worked well for us.”

Itunu said “During the project I have enjoyed thinking of strategies and getting to know the charity sector which is an area I have always been interested in. An ECP isn’t an opportunity that most people get at university, and I felt that this would be an invaluable opportunity, especially as I’m going into the world of work very soon…the ECP has been a really good opportunity to get to know other people but also myself as a marketeer.”

Itunu now works at CDK Global in her role as a Product Marketing Graduate, and credits the ECP with helping to increase her visibility to employers and her confidence in applying for roles and working within companies.

Co-Founder of start-up company Chaperone, Pedro Fernandes Resende, along with Business Developer Catarina Morais Seabra wanted support for their business. Chaperone is an online platform designed to empower scientists in their careers by connecting them with career consultants across the globe, and the business is considering a move into the UK market. MBA Global students, Martina Proglio and Nicolas Sierra were tasked with researching a strategy for the business to use moving forwards.

Martina and Nicolas worked collaboratively to complete the research required by their ECP hosts. Martina said “we worked as a team in organising the job and evaluating how to best fulfil the research… Our aim as a team was to provide Chaperone with two projects that, once combined, would create a unique plan which could help the company to successfully enter the UK market”.

During the project, the students were motivated and worked closely with their project hosts to complete the research required. Martina said “The meetings with the host were crucial: at first, I used to update the host with the progress of the project, then I used to ask questions about his objectives for the company so that I could have more material to work on. Presenting the drafts and the work I did little by little to the host helped me to include key details essential for the project.”

Of the project, Pedro said “Similar to most start-ups in theirs first years, we lack human resources time to hire professionals…and the financial capacity to outsource this work. This model, to work with MBA students, is a very attractive alternative in order to focus on these challenges.”

As well as providing essential research for the business, the project also gave the students the opportunity to hone key skills. Following the completion of her MBA, Martina gained employment as a Junior Account Manager at an advertising technology company and says the ECP was instrumental in her development of skills which she uses in her work role today. She said: “The skills I developed and improved during the ECP are helping me to deliver my tasks… practicing what I have learnt during my studies helped me to comprehend my abilities, that allowed me to determine the job path I wanted to pursue, thus improving my job research.”

Moving forwards the company has been analysing the students’ research results and is putting this into action. Pedro says he would recommend the experience to other organisations as “It´s great to connect and work with young, motivated and skilful MBA students.”

To find out more about how your company can benefit from hosting an ECP student, email ecp@dmu.ac.uk.