Approach
A successful engagement requires the client and student team work in close partnership. To this end, FCCP strives to match the business needs of potential client organizations with the interests and qualifications of the students.
The first step is for a manager in your organization to complete an application, which asks for a brief profile of your organization and the problems for which you are seeking FCCP assistance. The deadline for this application is November 21. Once your application is submitted, the FCCP faculty directors will work to try to match your needs with our students’ interests and skills. If your application is accepted, a team of five Executive MBA students will be assigned to your project.
Once selected, managers from your organization meet with the student team typically in January to further discuss the problems to be addressed. Building on this discussion, the student team will develop a problem definition (work scope) memo which will be jointly signed-off by the client and the student team.
The student team will then work with your organization to specify and carry out the activities required to complete the agreed upon scope of the engagement. You should expect to meet with the student team five to eight times across the engagement.
An oral presentation and a written report detailing the team’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations will be prepared and delivered to the client organization in June, and in some cases sooner (as agreed to with the client). Active participation of the relevant leaders in your organization in the final presentation is expected, as it will allow the students to assess your reactions and you will benefit more from the exchange of ideas.
Application
You can download a pdf overview of the Executive MBA FCCP program, which includes the client application link, from the sidebar on the right side of this page. There is also a direct link to apply below. Some of the primary information requested in our application form includes:
- Business name, description and contact information
- Summary data on organizational size (# of employees and revenues)
- Identification of organizational goals – short term and long term
- Description of specific problems for which you are seeking FCCP assistance
- Anticipated managerial commitment in support of the FCCP project
If you are interested in participating as a client organization, please submit your application by November 21. You may also reach Fiona Behm by e-mail at fiona.behm@duke.edu or by phone at (919) 660-7991 with questions about our application process.
Administrative Fees
Our goal is to develop long-term partnerships in which clients enjoy the benefits of engaging with a talented and motivated team of MBA students while also contributing to their learning experience. Our administrative fee is $10,000 per student team. For non-profit organizations and small businesses (less than $10 million in annual revenue) the admin fee is $1,000. This administrative fee helps cover a portion of the operational cost of the program.
Are grants available? FCCP considers partial grant requests. The approval process takes into account the size and mission of your organization, as well as the financial need relative to your business unit or operating budget.
Engagement Travel
Over the last few years, Fuqua’s practicum students have been increasingly engaged by organizations seeking assistance in international locations. As projects requiring student travel within the US or internationally do incur additional costs; FCCP faculty directors will work closely with your organization to understand and assist you in planning for those needs. (Please note that Fuqua will follow Duke policy and CDC guidelines with respect to student travel during the academic year for international academic engagements.)
Confidentiality
All engagements conducted under the FCCP are done in strict confidence. No confidential information is released to the student consultants until a team is assigned and each student has signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Faculty and student teaching assistants involved with the project also sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement. We recognize the sensitivity of your marketing and financial information, and we emphasize confidentiality.