Will Roberts and Carol Roberts, seated, are the owners of capstone client Mz Perky’s Cold Brew Coffee. The members of the capstone team that worked on their business are, from left, Colleen Riddell, Sophia Lopez, Tara Mazzouccolo and Tasha Wallace. IRSC
BY SUZANNE SELDES
Working in small groups, nearly 50 students in the Indian River State College School of Business performed SWOT analysis, a strategic planning technique. They conducted research and provided business growth strategies for eight local organizations that participated as capstone course case studies. Through their semester-long capstone project, students applied the academic knowledge they have learned over four years in their bachelor’s program to real-world situations. They evaluated social media, researched grants, developed and conducted surveys, and drafted policies and procedures on behalf of their capstone clients.
Among the organizations participating during spring semester were Indian River Magazine, Mz Perky’s, Harbor Branch Oceanographic, Lab Stop USA, Haiti Partners and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County.
“We were so pleased that the students took the time to get to know all about our product and our operation, so they could create a marketing plan that really reflected the goals of our company,” says Will Roberts of Mz Perky’s. “We feel fortunate to be part of the IRSC capstone program.”
The capstone course is required for IRSC School of Business seniors seeking a bachelor’s of applied science degree in organizational management or a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration. The course is offered in fall and spring semesters, and as a 12-week program during summer semester.
Businesses, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities that are interested in participating as capstone clients are encouraged to contact Dr. Herbert P. Ricardo at hricardo@irsc.edu or 772-462-7624, or Dr. Christopher McChesney at cmcchesn@irsc.edu or 772-419-5691.
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