Client-Based Projects

Working on client-based projects provides valuable real-world experience for upper-year business students. To ensure success, it is essential to follow best practices that promote effective collaboration, clear communication, and professional interactions with clients. Outline below are these practices, including planning client interactions, maintaining confidentiality, and delivering high-quality work.

Planning Client Interactions

Initial Planning

• Course Requirements: Review any specific requirements from the course instructor regarding client interactions. This may include the frequency of meetings, whether groups should meet with clients individually or collectively, and any other guidelines.
• Group Agreement: As a group, agree on your preferred or expected client interactions. This should be based on a realistic amount of interaction with the client and should be clearly communicated to the client at the outset.

Types of Client Interactions

• Single Initial Meeting: Some projects may only require a single meeting at the start to gather information and set expectations.
• Initial and Follow-Up Meetings: Other projects may benefit from an initial meeting followed by one or two additional meetings to check progress and clarify any questions.
• Regular Meetings: For more complex projects, plan a series of meetings throughout the project duration, culminating in a final meeting where the product is professionally presented to the client.
• Final Submission: Alternatively, it may be acceptable to submit the final product to the client via a cover letter (letter of transmittal) and the report by email.

Communication

• Open Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with the client. Ensure that all interactions are professional and respectful.
• Realistic Expectations: Set realistic expectations for the frequency and type of communication. Avoid overwhelming the client with too many meetings or requests for information.

Confidentiality and Experiential Learning Agreement

Edwards School of Business Experiential Learning Partner Agreement

• Requirement: Depending on the nature of the project, you may be required to use a Learning Partner Agreement which includes a non-disclosure document provided by the Edwards School of Business.
• Signatures: This document will require signatures from the client, students, instructor, and Associate Dean.
• Purpose: The Experiential Learning Partner Agreement is designed to protect all parties involved and to assure the client that all required confidentiality will be adhered to.

Resource: Edwards School of Business Experiential Learning Partner Agreement

Delivering High-Quality Work

Collaboration

• Team Effort: Ensure that all group members contribute to the development of the project. Avoid dividing the work into isolated sections without collaboration, as this can lead to inconsistencies.
• Integrated Approach: Work together on all parts of the project to ensure that the final product is cohesive and well-integrated.

Professional Presentation

• Final Meeting: If presenting the final product in person, ensure that the presentation is professional and well-prepared.
• Written Submission: If submitting the product via email, include a professionally written cover letter (letter of transmittal) that summarizes the project and highlights key findings.

By following these best practices, upper-year business student groups can effectively manage client-based projects, maintain professional relationships, and deliver high-quality work. Careful planning, clear communication, and adherence to confidentiality agreements are essential components of successful client interactions.