Kelley School of Business I-Core Program

Group Project for Business Partner

Instructor/Program Director: Danny Cagnet dcagnet@iu.edu
Length: Academic Year
Achievement category: Internships/Career Development
Compensation: Uncompensated
Additional details: Credit Bearing, Communicator, Problem Solver, Off-Campus Component

Indiana University's Kelley School of Business stands as a globally esteemed institution, consistently ranking among the top in accredited assessments. A key contributor to its acclaim is the Kelley Integrated Core (I-Core), a pivotal component of its undergraduate curriculum typically undertaken during the junior year. I-Core comprises four fundamental courses: Introduction to Financial Management, Introduction to Marketing Management, Introduction to Operations Management, and Leadership & Team Dynamics. What sets Kelley's I-Core apart is its immersive semester-long group project, encompassing all four courses and accounting for approximately 15-20% of the final course grade. This project places students in hands-on scenarios, collaborating with businesses, often local ones. Their mission: to craft a business plan introducing a new product or service aligning with market demands and the company's goals and values. This includes rigorous business and market analysis, financial planning, and a final recommendation for project viability. Beyond applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations, students also cultivate teamwork akin to real-life professional dynamics. In a corporate setting, peers cannot dismiss one another; they must navigate interpersonal challenges to achieve shared objectives. Effective leadership skills, conflict resolution, and motivational techniques are vital skills honed in this process. Moreover, students dedicate substantial time to mastering intercultural communication, preparing them to collaborate with diverse individuals who process information and work differently. Kelley's I-Core program not only equips students with practical business skills but also fosters the qualities of resilient and adaptable leaders.