Business Resources

Our Philosophy

The College of Business Administration prides itself on its strong commitment to experiential learning. In fact, most classes at the junior and senior level are geared toward, and built around, a focus on learning through experience. COB students have built an impressive portfolio of projects through these classes. Take a look at some of the experiential opportunities offered to the students, as well as some of the stellar results.

The College of Business Administration offers companies located in Western Montana the opportunity to receive business assistance from student teams. The following highlights the range of projects that may be considered:

  • Feasibility Studies
  • Business Plans
  • Business Research Projects
  • Marketing Plans
  • Communication Plans

How The Program Works

Through this program, Western Montana businesses apply for assistance from a student team to execute one of the above projects. Undergraduate juniors and seniors work in teams of up to four people in a classroom setting or under the direct supervision of a faculty instructor. All information is held in strict confidence.

Course Information

The following courses offer students the opportunity to develop and execute projects with businesses in located in Western Montana:

Marketing Research (BMKT 342)

Market Research Projects

The focus of this course is to expose students to a wide variety of methods by which data for making business and marketing decisions can be obtained, including written data searches, focus groups, interviews, observation, surveys, and experiments. Students will learn the terminology and principles related to each of those methodologies, including their advantages and limitations and what methods are most appropriate for addressing a variety of marketing research problems. Students will also learn how to design questionnaires, develop a sampling plan, and conduct basic statistical analysis of primary data.

A marketing research project is best directed towards a very specific marketing problem, which could involve anything related to positioning, product development, pricing, distribution, or promotion (advertising, public relations, sales promotions, events). Marketing research projects identify the specific information needed in order to resolve the marketing problem in question, determine the best methodologies to acquire that information, collect and analyze the relevant data, and present findings and conclusions related to the project.

For more information contact Simona Stan at simona.stan@umontana.edu.

Integrated Marketing Communications (BMKT 343)

Communication Plans

In Marketing Communications, students identify and understand the different purposes, advantages and disadvantages, and elements of a variety of marketing communications vehicles, including advertising, public relations, promotions, and sponsorship. Additionally, students learn how marketing communications tools and strategy integrate with previous learning on marketing principles, marketing strategy and consumer behavior. The ultimate goal of this class is for students to develop concrete, applicable tools and skills that are frequently used in the marketing communications industry.

For more information contact Carol Bruneau at carol.bruneau@business.umt.edu.

Blackstone LaunchPad at the University of Montana

Startup Consulting

Register online with the Blackstone LaunchPad at University of Montana in order to schedule a startup consultation, connect with other entrepreneurs, and more. As a registrant with the Blackstone LaunchPad at the University of Montana, you will have access to the global network platform (operated by Ventureboard) connecting you with entrepreneurs and innovators across the U.S. and internationally.

Login & Schedule A Meeting

Questions, problems, feedback - call 406-243-5723 or e-mail launchpad@umontana.edu