MBA Students to present consulting solutions at Kansas Impact Program event

LAWRENCE — After six months of research and analysis, University of Kansas MBA students will present their management solutions for nonprofit and service organizations around the state as part of the Kansas Impact Program. The presentations will take place Thursday, March 5.

The program, known as KIP, pairs teams of first-year MBA students with agencies in need of business and management consulting.

This year, KIP also included a group of graduate students in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. The program integrates classroom learning with real-world application of management principles, providing service-learning opportunities for students and aid to organizations with limited budgets.

This year’s clients include:

Independence Inc., Lawrence

Independence Inc. asked its KIP team to research options for the development of a 3-acre plot of land adjacent to its main office.

Growing Futures Early Education Center (formerly Head Start), Shawnee Mission

Growing Futures sought KIP’s assistance with developing a planned giving strategy to expand funding.

New Cities Initiative, Lawrence

New Cities Initiative is working toward the creation of a model community for retirement, Campus Village, that features intergenerational housing. New Cities asked its KIP team, composed of graduate architecture students, to provide a master plan, cost estimates and plans for potential North Lawrence and West Lawrence sites.

Carpenter Place, Wichita

Carpenter Place asked its KIP team for recommendations about how to increase awareness of the organization’s services.

Training and Evaluation Center, Hutchinson

The Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson, or TECH, tasked its KIP team with developing a marketing plan for its new product line of garden beds, which are produced by people with developmental disabilities.

Douglas County Senior Services, Lawrence

DCSS sought KIP’s assistance in adapting its current business model to appeal to baby boomers in the Lawrence community.

Central Kansas Mental Health Center, Salina

CKMHC asked its KIP team to review ways to improve efficiency among its business staff.

Students will present their solutions for clients, peers, faculty, university administrators, elected officials and the general public at 4 p.m. at The Oread Hotel.