Projects deal with current concerns of sponsor companies in one or more functional areas and industries.

Functional Areas:

• E-commerce analysis
• Financial analysis
• New Product Development
• Marketing Strategy
• Distribution Channels
• Systems analysis/design
• Business Development
• Product Costing
• Brand management
• Investment Analysis

Sample MCFE Projects in Different Industries:

Industry: E-commerce

In this project, the MCFE team will design and write a business plan. Using existing market data, competitive analyses, and information about various products and services, the team will help define the company's business objectives and write a business plan supporting those objectives. The project team will be responsible for all aspects of the business plan, including identifying key challenges/benefits in the ecommerce development marketplace, analyzing the Internet consulting/development/integration competitive landscape, and identifying key strengths and core competencies to help focus the company's efforts. Students should be able to deftly accumulate and dissect qualitative and quantitative information, and construct cohesive arguments supported by data.

Industry: Telecommunications

The MCFE Team will assist the company in the evaluation of a multimedia telecommunication and content distribution device in a major Asian marketplace. Market analysis, formulation of a strategic plan and business modeling will be integral aspects of the project. Students with an Asian background and/or telecommunications experience are preferred for this project.

Industry: Consumer Products

The MCFE Team will assist the Entrepreneurial Initiative Program (EIP), which was formed to instill entrepreneurial thinking into the company. The members of the EIP team have been charged with seeking new, innovative business opportunities that may go beyond the company's core business but still leverage the company's knowledge and assets. The MCFE team may do market research, perform market evaluations using financial tools, and may also help EIP team members shape their entrepreneurial ideas. Participants in this MCFE will have the opportunity to meet with senior management and take part in training for company executives at the Babson School for Executive Education. Additionally, students will be able to develop their skills in marketing, finance, coaching, organizational behavior, entreprenuership, and project management.

Industry: Financial Services

This MCFE Project will provide students with the opportunity to participate in a critical element of private equity investing and the making of financing decisions. The company would like a MCFE Team to assist them in their assessment of investment opportunities. The team's primary responsibilities will be to (1) review submitted financing proposals; (2) provide written reports to the principals with the merits of the investment opportunity; (3) perform detailed analyses on the markets addressed by the potential investee companies; and (4) assist the principals in first level due diligence for those proposals that are of interest to the fund.