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50 MBA Essays That Got Applicants Admitted To Harvard & Stanford

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What Matters? and What More? is a collection of 50 application essays written by successful MBA candidates to Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business

I sat alone one Saturday night in a boardroom in Eastern Oregon, miles from home, my laptop lighting the room. I was painstakingly reviewing a complex spreadsheet of household energy consumption data, cell by cell. ‘Why am I doing this to myself? For remote transmission lines?’…I felt dejected. I’d felt that way before, during my summer at JP Morgan, standing alone in the printing room at 3 a.m., binding decks for a paper mill merger that wouldn’t affect my life in the least.

That’s how an analyst at an MBB firm started his MBA application essay to Stanford Graduate School of Business. His point: In a well-crafted essay, he confronts the challenge of finding meaning in his work and a place where he can make a meaningful difference. That is what really matters most to him, and his answer to Stanford’s iconic MBA application essay helped get him defy the formidable odds of acceptance and gain an admit to the school.

Getting into the prestigious MBA programs at either Stanford Graduate School of Business or Harvard Business School are among the most difficult journeys any young professional can make.

NEARLY 17,000 CANDIDATES APPLIED TO HARVARD & STANFORD LAST YEAR. 1,500 GOT IN

This collection of 50 successful HBS and GSB essays, with smart commentary, can be downloaded for $60

They are two of the most selective schools, routinely rejecting nine or more out of every ten applicants. Last year alone, 16,628 candidates applied to both schools; just 1,520 gained an acceptance, a mere 9.1% admit rate.

Business school admissions are holistic, meaning that while standardized test scores and undergraduate transcripts are a critical part of the admissions process, they aren’t the whole story. In fact, the stories that applicants tell the schools in the form of essays can be a critical component of a successful application.

So what kinds of stories are successful applicants to Harvard and Stanford telling their admission officers? For the first time ever, a newly published collection of 50 of these essays from current MBA students at these two schools has been published. In ten cases, applicants share the essays they wrote in applying to both schools so you can see whether they merely did a cut-and-paste job or approached the task anew. The 188-page book, What Matters? and What More?, gains its title from the two iconic essay prompts at Harvard and Stanford.

THOUGHTFUL CRITIQUES OF THE ESSAYS

Stanford can easily boast having the most difficult question posed to MBA applicants in any given year: In 650 words or less, candidates must tell the school what matters most to them and why. Harvard gives applicants ample room to hang themselves, providing no word limit at all, “What more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy?”

One makes this unusual collection of essays powerful are the thoughtful critiques by the founders of two MBA admissions consulting firms, Jeremy Shinewald of mbaMission and Liza Weale of Gatehouse Admissions. They write overviews of each essay in the book and then tear apart portions by paragraphs to either underline a point or address a weakness. The book became available to download for $60 a pop.

As I note in a foreword to the collection, published in partnership with Poets&Quants, the essay portion of an application is where a person can give voice to who they are, what they have achieved so far, and what they imagine their future to be. Yet crafting a powerful and introspective essay can be incredibly daunting as you stare at a blank computer screen.

APPLICANTS OPEN UP WITH INTIMATE STORIES THAT SHOW VULNERABILITY

One successful applicant to Harvard Business School begins his essay by conveying a deeply personal story: The time his father was told that he had three months to live, with his only hope being a double lung transplant. had to undergo a lung transplant. His opening line: “Despite all we had been through in recent years, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I asked my mother one summer evening in Singapore, ‘What role did I play during those tough times?’”

For this candidate to Stanford Graduate School of Business, the essay provided a chance to creatively engage admission readers about what matters most to him–equality-by cleverly using zip codes as a hook.

60605, 60606, 60607.

These zip codes are just one digit apart, but the difference that digit makes in someone’s life is unfathomable. I realized this on my first day as a high school senior. Leafing through my out-of- date, stained, calculus textbook, I kept picturing the new books that my friend from a neighboring (more affluent) district had. As college acceptances came in, I saw educational inequality’s more lasting effects—my friends from affluent districts that better funded education were headed to prestigious universities, while most of my classmates were only accepted by the local junior college. I was unsettled that this divergence wasn’t the students’ doing, but rather institutionalized by the state’s education system. Since this experience, I realized that the fight for education equality will be won through equal opportunity. Overcoming inequality, to ensure that everyone has a fair shake at success, is what matters most to me.

HOW AN APPLICANT TO BOTH SCHOOLS ALTERED HIS ESSAYS

Yet another candidate, who applied to both Harvard and Stanford, writes about being at but not fully present at his friend’s wedding.

The morning after serving as my friend’s best man, I was waiting for my Uber to the airport and—as usual—scrolling through my phone,” he wrote. “I had taken seemingly hundreds of photos of the event, posting in real time to social media, but had not really looked through them. With growing unease, I noticed people and things that had not registered with me the night before and realized I had been so preoccupied with capturing the occasion on my phone that I had essentially missed the whole thing. I never learned the name of the woman beside me at the reception. I could not recall the wedding cake flavor. I never introduced myself to my friend’s grandfather from Edmonton. I was so mortified that before checking into my flight, I turned my phone off and stuffed it into my carry-on.

The Stanford version of his essay is more compact. In truth, it’s more succinctly written and more satisfying because it is to the point. By stripping away all but the most critical pieces of his narrative, the candidate focuses his essay entirely on his central point: the battle of man versus technology.

Even if you’re not applying to business school, the essays are entertaining and fun to read. Sure, precious few are New Yorker worthy. In fact, many are fairly straightforward tales, simply told. What the successful essays clearly show is that there is no cookie-cutter formula or paint-by-the-numbers approach. Some start bluntly and straightforwardly, without a compelling or even interesting opening. Some meander through different themes. Some betray real personality and passion. Others are frankly boring. If a pattern of any kind could be discerned, it is how genuine the essays read.

The greatest benefit of reading them? For obsessive applicants to two of the very best business schools, they’ll take a lot of pressure off of you because they are quite imperfect.

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How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples

The MBA essay is critical to your business school application. Read our guide to writing the perfect MBA essay, with successful admit examples.

Posted July 4, 2024

Getting Into a Top MBA Program: Strategies for Success

Starting wednesday, july 17.

12:00 AM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

What is the mba essay.

The MBA admissions essay.

Those words alone are enough to make most MBA candidates run screaming. Writing in general is hard enough. Writing about why you want an MBA? Your short-term goals and career aspirations? What matters to you most, and why? Forget it.

Of course, you still have to write these essays.

The MBA essay is perhaps the most important part of the business school application. Every other part of the application — your GPA, your test scores, your letters of recommendation — is quantified, cut and dried, or out of your control. The essay is your chance to show up as a fully realized MBA candidate, with hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. Admissions committees are not simply assessing your candidacy as a future leader — they're looking to admit human beings. That's where the MBA applicant essays come in.

That being the case, rather than being intimidated by it, treat the MBA essay writing process like the opportunity that it is — the chance for you to highlight your unique, iridescent self; the only moment in the MBA admissions process (prior to the interview) when you can speak directly to admissions officers; the time when you'll show them who you really are. It's not easy to write something that will do that, of course, but with the tips and tricks in this guide, and some help from one of Leland's vetted, world-class admissions coaches, we know you can do it. Give the essay the time, attention, and respect it deserves, and you'll be on your way to an offer of admission at your dream school.

Without further ado, let's dive in!

Ultimate MBA Essay Guide

See the MBA essay prompts, top tips from experts, and real examples from admits with this comprehensive guide.

How Long Will My MBA Essay Take?

First things first: let's talk about timing.

The MBA application is a behemoth; between exams, resumes, gathering your official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the applications themselves, there's a lot to juggle. That being the case, we suggest you give yourself ample time to draft, write, and revise your essays. The last thing you want is to be rushed to the finish line.

So, give yourself at least three months to write your MBA admission essays. That should allow you enough time to draft, write, and edit. For more information on timing your entire business school application, click here for  A Comprehensive MBA Application Timeline--With Chart .

Now, on to the critical question:

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What Makes a Great MBA Essay?

At the highest level, the answer is the one that is truest to you. The whole point of an MBA application essay is to shine through as an authentic, vibrant human being, so the best essays are the ones that cut through the clutter, and allow you to do that.

Which begs the question — how do you cut through the clutter and shine through as a vibrant human being? Here are four critical tips to follow as you begin thinking about your essays.

1. Answer the Question

This one sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many applicants launch into their story, get carried away, and forget to answer the question. Follow the prompt, and answer the question the admissions committee has asked you. Those prompts can actually be very useful when writing MBA essays — it's a great deal harder to write when you have no guidance or guardrails. With these essays, you have a very specific question you need to answer. So answer it!

2. Be Specific

Another mistake some MBA applicants make is to stay at a high level in their essays, keeping their writing abstract and therefore inaccessible to the admissions committee. If at any point, an admissions officer could replace your name with the name of another applicant, then your essay isn't getting deep enough. It's not enough, for instance, to say that you suffered adversity in high school, or that you really, really want a Wharton MBA. You need to explain, in detail, the adversity you faced, and give concrete and unique reasons why you think Wharton is the right program for you. The best essays offer hyper-specific examples and anecdotes, with details and anecdotes that no other candidate could bring to the table. To get those anecdotes, we recommend using the STAR template, as explained below:

• Situation : What was the situation you were facing? Where were you? How old were you? If you were in a professional role during this anecdote, what was the role, and how long had you been in it? If you were volunteering, at what organization? How long had you been volunteering there? Why did you start? Offer all the relevant information that the admissions readers will need to understand your story.
• Task : What was the task at hand? What went wrong? In your professional role, what was the challenge you faced? In that volunteering experience, what were the hurdles you had to overcome? You can't have a good story without conflict or tension, so after you set up the anecdote, explain what that conflict or tension was (and remember, be specific!).
• Action : What was the action you took to resolve the problem? What did you have to do to fix that issue at work? How did you clear that hurdle in your volunteer experience? Again, be specific about how you came through on the other side of that conflict/tension — and while you're doing it, highlight your leadership capabilities as much as possible! Remember that top MBA programs are looking for future leaders who can assess a situation and decisively take action. (We'll say a bit more about this below, in the Personal Statement section.
• Result : What was the result of your action? If you were facing a growth problem at work, were you able to increase sales? If so, by what percentage? If you were advocating for diversity and inclusion at your local charity, what new programs did you implement to help with that effort, and what was the enrollment like in those new programs? Detail what happened in your anecdote with as much specificity as possible — and quantify, quantify, quantify!

If you want to learn more about how to master the STAR Method, read our article How to Nail “Tell Me About a Time…” Interview Questions .

3. Get Vulnerable

Most MBA admissions essay prompts are written with the goal of getting to know as much about you as possible in the shortest number of words. To do that, you're going to have to share real things from your life — to get personal, intimate, and vulnerable. Do not shy away from this. If you're starting to get emotional during the reflection, drafting, and writing process, good — that means you're on the right track. Keep going.

Pro tip: If it’s making you cry, it will make them cry.

Another good rule of thumb is to put something real and true on the table. Admissions officers have to read thousands of applications from thoroughly qualified individuals, some of whom might come from similar roles to yours, with letters of recommendation from equally impressive supervisors. In order to cut through that noise, you'll have to share something honest.

If you're doing it right, this can feel risky. At some point, you’ll likely think to yourself: “Can I say that?” The answer is: “Yes.” Of course, there is a line, you don’t want to be crass or offensive but always err on the side of being open and authentic.

The very worst thing you can do is be overly cautious and write something you think will please the admissions committee. These poor people have to read thousands of essays. If yours is just like everyone else’s, they’ll fall asleep. Don’t let that happen. Wake them up by putting yourself —your true, bright, vibrant, quirky self—on the page.

4. Don't Exaggerate

Finally, do not exaggerate, over-inflate, or lie. This goes without saying, but admissions committees are looking for honest candidates. The surest way to get rejected is to lie about something. (Business schools do a background check on you before you're properly admitted, so they will find out.) Don't be the person who over-inflates on their essays and then has their offer letter rescinded.

The Types of MBA Essays

All right — since we've covered high-level approaches to the MBA essays, it's time to dig into the various types.

There are three general categories of MBA essays you'll see across the board.

1. Personal Statement

These questions ask you to offer up something sincere about yourself. They'll often touch on such things as your values and your character. In these, you'll want to be as authentic as possible, while also highlighting attributes like leadership, intellectual vitality, and teamwork that business schools are looking for.

Here are a few examples of previous personal statement essays:

• As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (HBS)
• What matters most to you, and why? (Stanford GSB)

2. Why an MBA/Why This School

In these, schools first want to hear about how an MBA will fit into your career, both short and long term. Top MBA programs are looking for candidates who will: first of all, be gainfully employed upon graduating, second of all, have an illustrious career that will make their institution look good and encourage future generations of applicants to apply, and third, be consistent and generous donors. That being the case, they want to know about your career trajectory, and how an MBA will fit into it.

Pro tip: Here, you want to be ambitious and inspiring in laying out your future career, but not naïve. Walk the line between shooting for the stars and sounding dreamlike and uninformed.

In this set of questions, you'll also encounter questions geared at figuring out why you would want to attend a specific school. MBA programs want to know that you're serious about attending their school — yield, or the percentage of admitted candidates who accept their offers of admission, is an important metric for them — but they also want to envision how you'll contribute to their admitted class. What will you uniquely bring to the table, the things that you'll do that the other candidates wouldn’t be able to offer?

We've heard former deans of business schools say that, in choosing a class, they're curating a world-class dinner party, and that each person invited to the dinner party has to bring something different. What will you bring to the dinner party?

Another Pro tip: To demonstrate that you've done your research, and to help the admissions committee envision you in their program, indicate which classes you might take when earning your MBA and why, which professors you might hope to study with, and in which clubs you might participate.

Here are a few examples of "why MBA / why this school" essays we've seen before:

• How is a Columbia MBA going to help you? (Columbia)
• What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (Wharton)
• Why Stanford? Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. (Stanford GSB)

3. Behavioral/Other

Finally, most other essays will be behavioral in the sense that they’ll ask you about experiences, traits, strengths, weaknesses, and achievements. There's a wide variety of topics here, but all the guidelines from above apply, with the final note to always prioritize authenticity (as mentioned in the Personal Statement section) and leadership ability (remember, business schools are choosing future leaders).

Here are a few examples of behavioral/other essays from the past:

• Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (Yale SOM)
• Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you. (Columbia)
• Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? (Stanford GSB)

Top MBA Program Essay Prompts (Updated 2024)

To help you get started, we've compiled the required prompts from a few top MBA programs below:

1. Harvard Business School (HBS)

• Business-Minded Essay: Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (300 words)
• Leadership-Focused Essay: What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (250 words)
• Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (250 words)

For more information, visit A Guide to the HBS Essay .

2. Stanford Graduate School of Business

• What matters to you most, and why? (650 words)
• Why Stanford? (400 words)

Read: What Matters Most When Writing the GSB Essays.

• How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
• Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

For Wharton-specific advice, visit A Guide to the Wharton Essays .

4. Columbia Business School

• Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)
• Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a co-curricular program designed to provide students with the skills and strategies needed to develop as inclusive leaders. Through various resources and programming, students explore and reflect on the following five inclusive leadership skills: Mitigating Bias and Prejudice; Managing Intercultural Dialogue; Addressing Systemic Inequity; Understanding Identity and Perspective Taking; and Creating an Inclusive Environment. Describe a time or situation when you had the need to utilize one of these five skills, and tell us the actions you took and the outcome. (250 words)
• Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally. How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)

If you’re looking for more tips on the CBS essays, read our Guide to the Columbia Business School Essays .

5. Chicago Booth

• How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)
• An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250-word minimum)

*Pro tip: Some essay questions such as these will say “no maximum.” While it’s certainly a good thing that you’re allowed to write more, keep in mind to never write too much. Our rule of thumb for things like this is to never go over 200 words past the “minimum” count.

Read more at A Guide to the Booth Essays .

6. Northwestern Kellogg

• Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (450 words)
• Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (450 words)

For more on Kellogg’s essays, read How to Nail Your Kellogg MBA Application Essays .

7. MIT Sloan

MIT Sloan doesn’t use traditional essay prompts; instead, applicants are required to submit a cover letter, video, and short answer questions, as well as the other traditional application materials.

Cover Letter

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity, respect, and passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation)

Video Question 1

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

• No more than 1 minute (60 second) in length
• Single take (no editing)
• Speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

Note: While we ask you to introduce yourself to your future classmates in this video, the video will not be shared beyond the admissions committee and is for use in the application process only.

Video Question 2

All MBA applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. The question is designed to help us get to know you better; to see how you express yourself and to assess fit with the MIT Sloan culture. It does not require prior preparation.

Video Essay 2 is part of your required application materials and will appear as a page within the application, once the other parts of your application are completed. Applicants are given 5 seconds to prepare for a 60-second response.

Short Answer Question

How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity to share more about your background. (250 words)

For top-notch advice on the MIT Sloan question prompts, read our articles Expert Guide to the MIT Sloan Short Answer Question and MIT Sloan Video Statement: Overview, Advice, & Common Mistakes .

How to Start Writing Your MBA Essay

So you've read about the types of essays, and seen some of the prompts from top MBA programs. Now it's time to actually start diving into the essay.

The very first thing to do, before putting pen to paper, is to look inward .

Why do you want an MBA? What role will this degree play in your professional growth? How do you imagine it will shape your life? What do you want out of your career? What is the most important thing in the world to you?

Yes, these are life’s deep-end questions, but you’ll need to tackle them in these essays, so before you start all of your writing, take the time to think through them. Go for a run, swim some laps, bake a cake—however you get into the flow — and start a dialogue with yourself. Put down your work, turn your phone off, and give your mind permission to go to the places it usually avoids. That’s a good place to start. That’s where the answers are.

Pro tip: The first sentence is the hardest one to write. When you're starting out, it can be intimidating and anxiety-producing. The trick is to simply put anything down — and don't look back. Keep putting one sentence after the other. You can edit later: let whatever comes to you out onto the page. If you’re struggling with self-critique, dim your computer screen until you can’t even see the words you’re typing. Then keep going.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Once you've started your essay, it's a matter of persistence: keep writing, then keep drafting and editing until you have something you're really proud of.

To help you write a successful MBA essay, here are a few more tips and tricks:

Take Breaks

When you hit the wall — and you will hit the wall — stop and take a breather. This is your brain telling you it needs to do something else. Walk your dog. Take a lap around your room. Eat some cheese. Your body needs sleep every night to function; your mind is the same way. That next leap of inspiration will come exactly at the moment when you’re least expecting it.

Read it Out Loud

When you finally have a draft, print it and read it out loud to yourself. Your ear will catch things your eyes miss. Reading out loud is the best way to pick up on spelling errors, clunky transitions, and paragraphs that still need ironing out. It’s also a good way to envision how the admissions committee will experience your essay.

Don’t be precious with your essay. Send it to anyone willing to read it. Solicit as much feedback as you can. If you don’t like what people have to say, you don’t have to incorporate it, but you need an impartial third party to give notes on what they’re seeing, thinking, and feeling. (You’re too close to things to do it for yourself.) This is where a Leland coach comes very much in handy!

Complete Everything Early

This is more of a timing consideration, but you do not want to trip at the finish line because your internet went down the night before the deadline, or your credit card was denied when paying your application fee (it's happened before). Don't let that be you!

Here is another article to get you started, written by an expert essay coach: 7 MBA Essay Tips to Make You Stand Out in 2022 .

Example MBA Essays

Finally, here are two essays to help inspire you. The first, a personal statement essay, was submitted by an admit to Berkeley Haas' Executive MBA program; the second, a career goals / why MBA essay, was submitted by an admit to Chicago Booth's deferred MBA program.

Haas Admit:

A person’s identity is shaped by many different aspects, including family, culture, personal interests, and surrounding environments. Please share a facet of your identity or story that is essential to who you are. (300 words) My upbringing in India, filled with countless myths and legends, had a profound influence on me. The most formative tale was about a sage who prays for years to the goddess of knowledge, but in vain. In the end, the goddess didn’t appear for the sage because he was turning his prayer beads the wrong way! As a child, this story upset me: the sage worked so hard and had the right intentions. As an adult, though, I’ve come to realize that the goddess of knowledge was right: you can’t succeed unless you do things the right way.

Seven years ago, two friends and I started a company, XXXX: a digital health platform that would allow patients to store medical records online and consult doctors remotely. We had early success—we brought on 2,000 patients at XXXX, a gynecology clinic in XXXX—but ultimately we didn’t have the resources to properly scale, and had to shut the company down. Among the many lessons I learned, the most valuable was that ideas and hard work are common; businesses succeed or fail based on execution—on doing things the right way. Two years ago, I relearned this lesson in the most painful way possible: when my marriage ended. My wife and I loved each other, but we weren’t there for each other when it mattered most. Our feelings weren’t enough—we had to back them up with the right actions.

It’s disheartening when you have good intentions but still fall short. When this happens, though, you have to keep trying—because eventually you will do things the right way. I carry the story of the sage with me always, not as a harsh lesson, but as a motivating goal: one that keeps me striving towards doing things the right way.

Booth Admit:

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 word minimum)

I want to start a geothermal company that will help lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy—by targeting existing oil wells as sites for geothermal plants. Oil fields are close to electric grids and have high nearby subsurface temperatures, making them ideal sites for geothermal plants. By building geothermal infrastructure nearby, my company will produce cleaner, cheaper energy, making it more profitable for operators to switch from oil to geothermal. As oil companies decommission their wells, I’ll negotiate for their land rights, so I can use their existing wells for new geothermal vents. I want my company to prove the case for economically viable, carbon-neutral energy production.

After getting an MBA, I want to start a geothermal company which will help me lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. I plan to target developed oil fields in Texas, where, in many places, producing wells are flowing enough hot fluid to generate clean energy. Using this geothermal heat, the carbon footprint of oil and gas extraction will decrease as fewer fossil fuels are utilized to power surrounding infrastructure. As the wells approach their economic life, I will negotiate the lease from various operators, saving them millions in plug and abandonment costs, and retrofit the wells for direct geothermal energy production via closed-loop binary fluid systems, bringing emissions to zero. To accomplish this goal, I need to shore up my knowledge of energy economics and entrepreneurial finance, develop a strong sense of leadership, and build a network of like-minded individuals that will help me lead the transition and I believe I can get those things at Chicago Booth.

My immediate career goal is to develop my first co-production site in Shelby County, Texas at the Blanton well site, which produces abnormally heated fluid from the flanks of an active salt dome. Before investing in capital expenditures, developing a strong sense of energy economics and broader markets is necessary to verify financial feasibility. The University of Chicago, through the Graduate-Student-At-Large: Business program, is already allowing me to accomplish this goal with my enrollment in “Microeconomics” with Professor Andrew McClellan. His instruction helped me understand the impact taxes and subsidies have on market equilibrium, an important aspect of renewable energy as green energy tax incentives continue to change on a yearly basis. As my company continues to grow, having a strong finance and accounting foundation is imperative to building and sustaining a healthy company. Electives such as “Accounting for Entrepreneurship: From Start-Up through IPO” will provide the skills I need to be successful by following the life-cycle of a business that originates as a start-up and covers topics such as building an initial accounting infrastructure. I understand that the execution of the business is as important as developing the idea and proof of concept, and Booth is the best place for me to develop financial fluency.

Leading the energy transition will require a strong sense of leadership. Not only will I need to lead those I get to work with over my career, but to lead the energy transition, and reverse the impact fossil fuels have had thus far, I must have the emotional intelligence to inspire others to join me in my journey. The “Interpersonal Dynamics” course at Booth will allow me to develop my communication skills and better understand the emotions and perceptions of my colleagues. These skills, synthesized with leadership development acquired in “Leadership Practicum” will prepare me to act as a relational leader, who understands the needs of others. As a relational leader, I hope to foster an environment which promotes happiness and maximizes efficiency, not only to make our efforts in changing the world more successful, but to excite other people to join our cause.

To find the greatest chance of success in leading the energy transition, I will need a network of like-minded individuals who can provide a diversity of thought. Chicago Booth provides the opportunity to develop that network through different community experiences. The Energy Club’s “Energy Forward” conference, which designates time to topics in oil and gas and renewable energy will allow me to hear from industry leaders, build meaningful relationships with peers, and contribute my sector experience to the public forum as I learn from those around me. Opportunities through the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Group such as “SeedCon” will help me connect with successful entrepreneurs and early-stage investors whose ideas and funding might change the course of my venture’s trajectory. Even in the GSALB program, I have had the opportunity to connect with other students in various sectors, including the energy industry. I hope to continue to strengthen those connections and continue building new ones with matriculation into the full time program.

Connect with an Expert for all your MBA Essay Questions

We know that a lot goes into the process of MBA essay writing. Research, planning, and execution all are major stages that take a lot of time. If you’re looking to fast-track your essay writing process while still blowing away the admission committee, try looking at some of our all-star MBA admissions consultants . We have a wide array of experts ready to give you as much help with MBA essays as you need, just check out some of our top-rated coaches below!

FAQs for Writing Your MBA Essay

What is the most important aspect of an MBA essay that admissions committees are looking for?

• The most crucial aspect of an MBA essay is authenticity. Admissions committees want to see the real you, so be honest and genuine in your responses. Highlight your unique experiences, values, and aspirations to stand out.

How long should my MBA essay be?

• The length of your MBA essay will depend on the specific prompts and guidelines provided by each school. Generally, essays range from 500 to 1,000 words. Always adhere to the word limit specified in the prompt. In the event that there’s no limit, we recommend floating within 200-300 words of whatever posted word count there is.

Can I use the same essay for multiple MBA applications?

• You can use similar content, but it’s essential to edit each essay to be about the specific school and prompt. Schools are looking for personalized responses that demonstrate your understanding of their program and how it aligns with your goals.

How do I figure out what to write about?

• Select experiences that showcase your leadership, problem-solving skills, and personal growth. Focus on stories that highlight your unique qualities and align with the values and culture of the MBA program you're applying to.

What should I avoid doing in my essay?

• Avoid clichés, generic statements, and exaggerations. Be specific and detailed in your responses. Also, steer clear of overly technical jargon that might be hard for the admissions committee to understand unless it’s directly relevant to your story.

Who can I ask for feedback on my essay?

• Seeking feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors can be very helpful. In addition, consider working with one of our admissions coaches who can provide professional insights and help refine your essay to make it more compelling.

What should I do if I don’t have a traditional business background?

• If you don’t have a traditional business background, focus on transferable skills and experiences that highlight your leadership, analytical abilities, and teamwork. Demonstrate how your unique perspective will contribute to the MBA program and your future career.

How do I handle multiple essay prompts for the same school?

• Approach each prompt separately and ensure that each essay provides new insights about you. Avoid repeating the same information across essays. Instead, use each essay to highlight different aspects of your experiences, skills, and aspirations.

Here are several other articles that you may find helpful as you put together your MBA application:

• The Most Frequently Asked Questions on MBA Applications
• How to Answer the "Why an MBA?" Essay Question
• My Top Piece of Advice for MBA Applicants
• How I Nailed My MBA Interview and Gained Admission to Top 10 Business Schools
• 4 Expert Tips on Paying for Business School

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10 Common Assignments in Online MBA Programs

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If you’ve just enrolled in an Online MBA program, but you haven’t had much experience with the distance learning format, you might be wondering if the assignments are any different from those of the on-campus program. While many assignments for distance learning programs are designed to fit the online format, of course, experts say these assignments can be just as (or even more) rigorous than those that take place on-campus. Students in online programs can expect to complete assignments that require them to respond in-depth to video lectures, participate in discussion boards, and work with groups on a range of business projects.  

In addition to responding to video lectures, discussion boards, and group projects, U.S. News & World Report lists the following types of assignments in online programs:

Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios

Exams and quizzes, formal research papers, virtual presentations and collaborations.

Students can reflect on experiential learning, internships, study abroad, personal experiences, and more. Students often update their blog throughout any given course, and in some cases, peers can respond. This is a great way to build relationships with other students in the program, even if you never meet face-to-face.

Students analyze presented issues and develop solutions. Sample case studies from Organizational Behavior and Economics and Finance courses at St. Bonaventure University Online include The Economic State of Samoa , Liberia’s Challenges to Economic Development , Will Sears Survive? , and A Video Recap of Liberia’s Challenged to Economic Development .

Discussion Boards

Supplement weekly coursework, and are a major part of most online classes. The professor poses a question and students respond to the instructor and each other. Responses must be thought provoking and help to expand the conversation.

Exams and quizzes are just as important in online programs as they are in on-campus programs. The difference is students taking an online exam may be monitored by a proctor via webcam (“companies such as ProctorU make this possible”) or by a computer. According to U.S. News, “automated services including ProctorTrack can keep track of what’s happening on an online student’s screen in case there are behaviors that may indicate cheating.”

The types of research and writing required to complete a formal research paper is important at the graduate level, and especially in MBA programs. While you won’t find many differences between FRPs in online and on-campus courses, online students should ensure that the program offers “remote access” to the “university’s library and its resources, which may include live chats with staff.”

Group Projects

Students around the world can work on projects virtually as a group by utilizing Google Docs, Skype, Zoom for videoconferencing, chat features in the online classroom, and any number of video chat apps. Group projects, which simulate real-life business situations or business plan development, require students to work as a team, with specific roles and responsibilities assigned to each member. Students must contribute equally to the project.

Journal assignments allow Online MBA students to communicate with their professors directly. Though topics are typically assigned, “journals often enable students to express ideas,” opinions, questions, and concerns about course material.

Video Lectures

In a recent U.S. News blog post, Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness at SUNY Buffalo State, Bradley Fuster, explained that with video lectures, the professor provides a recorded lecture, article, or book chapter and requires students to answer questions. “Students generally complete the assignment at their own pace,” as long as “they meet the ultimate deadline.”

Students give live or recorded presentations to the professor and cohort. Students can present business plans, solutions to business problems, and interact with one another on projects and assignments. According to U.S. News, experts say, “virtual collaboration is a skill that's critical for conducting business in the 21st century.”

Wiki, a shortened form of the Hawaiian word for “quick,” is a website that can be edited by anyone with a computer, web browser, and an internet connection. Wikis use a quick and easy syntax to allow users to apply formatting to text and create links between pages. In online programs, students use wikis to answer research questions, edit shared documents, write task lists, and launch discussions. Wikis are particularly useful for group projects.

While these are not the only types of assignments students may encounter in an Online MBA program, they are among the most common. For more information about the types of assignments in any given Online MBA program, review the programs overview, curriculum, and catalog.

Considering an Online MBA? Use our interactive map to find information on schools and colleges offering Online MBA programs in your state and across the U.S.

Friedman, Jordan. “10 Types of Assignments in Online Degree Programs . ” U .S. News & World Report Education , U.S. News & World Report L.P., 31 Aug. 2017. Web. 23 Aug. 2018.

Friedman, Jordan. “What to Expect in a Top Online MBA Program . ” U.S. News & World Report Education , U.S. News & World Report L.P., 27 Jun. 2016. Web. 23 Aug. 2018.

Online MBA Assignment Showcase . School of Business - St. Bonaventure University Online. St. Bonaventure University, 2018. Web. 23 Aug. 2018.

What is a Wiki? WikiEducator.org, 2018.

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Solved case study examples for mba students

Through case studies, students can build their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities by bridging the gap between academic principles and real-world application. However, effectively handling these case studies calls for a thorough grasp of business principles, strategic thinking, and theoretical knowledge. Starting an MBA program is an exciting experience that offers growth chances and difficulties.

Therefore , solved case study examples for MBA students give students real-world scenarios to analyze and solve, which is one of the most critical components of an MBA program. With the right help, navigating these case studies can be manageable. Here’s where solved case study examples are helpful, providing MBA students with insightful tips and techniques to help them ace their tasks. After reading about case studies and the examples in this reading, one can get the value of short case studies for MBA students and how they may use them to improve their education.

Examine The Term Case Study :

Case studies are hypothetical or real-world business scenarios in MBA courses to support experiential learning components. You will face a business problem, a dispute that needs to be settled, or an approaching choice in a business case study.

How Solved Case Study examples for MBA students are effective:

Solved case study examples for MBA students can be a valuable approach to solving complex business issues. By observing professionals’ analysis and resolution of these issues, students can gain a significant understanding of the many approaches, models, and optimal procedures utilized in practical scenarios. Solved case study examples also boost students’ analytical and strategic thinking skills and help them become more confident in their problem-solving talents.

Let’s see some more benefits of referring to the solved management case study sample:

1. Analytical Frameworks: Case study solutions frequently include analytical frameworks like PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and SWOT. By familiarizing themselves with these frameworks and observing their use in many contexts, students can cultivate a systematic approach to case study analysis, enabling them to discover critical concerns and possibilities.

2. Decision-Making Strategies: Effective case study solutions involve more than simply problem identification; they also entail thoughtful decision-making and the creation of workable suggestions. Students understand the decision-making process through solved case study examples, which include evaluating risks, calculating advantages and disadvantages, and analyzing several options. By examining these instances, students can hone their decision-making abilities and learn how to support their suggestions with reasoned arguments and supporting data.

3. Industry insights: Students are exposed to a variety of business contexts and difficulties through solved case study examples for MBA students spanning a wide range of businesses and sectors. By analyzing how companies across different sectors tackle common problems like competitive markets, effective operations, and strategic planning, students can acquire important industry-specific knowledge to guide their future professional goals.

4. Teamwork: Group case study projects are a common feature of MBA programs, and they call on students to work in groups with their classmates to examine and resolve challenging issues. Solved case study examples can facilitate group discussions and foster collaborative learning by providing a platform for students to share ideas and viewpoints. Through collaboratively breaking down and evaluating case studies, students can cultivate the communication and teamwork abilities necessary for success in the corporate world.

MBA Assignment Writing Services’ Function Even while solved case study examples for MBA students provide insightful information, some students still need help applying these ideas to their tasks. MBA assignment writing services can offer more help and support in these situations. Moreover, MBA assignment writing works with seasoned experts in a range of business fields to guide students through challenging case studies and produce excellent solutions. These assignments provide students with individualized support based on their individual needs, making sure they have the direction and encouragement they need to do well on their tasks.

Furthermore, these services can also assist students in developing stronger writing and presenting abilities, resulting in well-organized, logical, and convincing solutions. Learners can improve their educational performance by better comprehending the course material by solving case study examples for MBA students using professional skills.

Conclusion:

In summary, solved case study examples for MBA students are a priceless resource for MBA students who want to become experts in case analysis and problem-solving techniques. Students can learn the critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork abilities necessary for success in the business world by studying these examples. Additionally, MBA assignment writing services provide students with extra assistance and direction, enabling them to complete challenging case studies and succeed academically successfully. Applying the knowledge gained from these illustrations and asking for help when necessary will allow students to confidently take on any case study challenge and develop into skilled problem solvers and strategic thinkers.

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MBA Case Studies - Solved Examples

Need of MBA Case Studies

Case i: chemco case.

• ChemCo is a quality leader in the U.K. car batteries market.
• Customer battery purchases in the automobile market are highly seasonal.
• The fork-lift business was added to utilize idle capacity during periods of inactivity.
• This is a low-growth industry (1% annual growth over the last two years)
• Large customers are sophisticated and buy based on price and quality. Smaller customers buy solely on price.
• There is a Spanish competitor in the market who offers low priced batteries of inferior quality.

Essential MBA GD Guide: Key Topics with Strategies Free

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• Top 25 GD topics
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• Established player in car batteries
• Losing heavily in fork-lift truck batteries
• Old fashioned owner resistance to change
• Low priced competitors
• Foreign competitors gaining market share
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GD Introduction

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• Solved Case Studies
• High quality product, but low end customers care more about price than quality
• Mismanaged product diversification in a price sensitive market
• Alternative 1: Establish an Off-Brand for the fork-lift business
• Alternative 2: Educate the customer market about product quality
• Alternative 3: Exit the fork-lift battery business
• Establishing the firm's quality image
• Increase in market share
• Increase in sales
• Cost of the product
• Protect firm's quality image in the automobile industry
• Redesigned product to reduce the cost of manufacture
• Low price to enable it to compete with Spanish producer
• Make use of the quality leadership in car batteries market
• Offer reliability testing, extended warranties etc. to promote quality image
• Set higher prices to extract surplus from these advantages
• A passive strategy, not proactive
• Recommendations: Alternative 1 is recommended in this case. Since the firm operates in an industry which has low growth, hence it can expand market share and sales only by taking the customers from other players. Hence, it needs to tackle the Spanish competitor head-on by aggressively pricing its product. At the same time, launching a low-priced product under the same brand name erodes the high quality image in the car batteries market. Hence, the best option is to go for an off-brand to target the fork-lift customers who are increasingly becoming price sensitive. This will enable the company to ward off the threat in short-term and build its position strongly in the long-term.

Case II: NAKAMURA LACQUER COMPANY

• The Nakamura Lacquer Company: The Nakamura Lacquer Company based in Kyoto, Japan was one of the many small handicraft shops making lacquerware for the daily table use of the Japanese people.
• Mr. Nakamura- the personality: In 1948, a young Mr. Nakamura took over his family business. He saw an opportunity to cater to a new market of America, i.e. GI's of the Occupation Army who had begun to buy lacquer ware as souvenirs. However, he realized that the traditional handicraft methods were inadequate. He was an innovator and introduced simple methods of processing and inspection using machines. Four years later, when the Occupation Army left in 1952, Nakamura employed several thousand men, and produced 500,000 pieces of lacquers tableware each year for the Japanese mass consumer market. The profit from operations was $250,000.
• The Brand: Nakamura named his brand “Chrysanthemum” after the national flower of Japan, which showed his patriotic fervor. The brand became Japan's best known and best selling brand, being synonymous with good quality, middle class and dependability.
• The Market: The market for lacquerware in Japan seems to have matured, with the production steady at 500,000 pieces a year. Nakamura did practically no business outside of Japan. However, early in 1960, when the American interest in Japanese products began to grow, Nakamura received two offers
• The Rose and Crown offer: The first offer was from Mr. Phil Rose, V.P Marketing at the National China Company. They were the largest manufacturer of good quality dinnerware in the U.S., with their “Rose and Crown” brand accounting for almost 30% of total sales. They were willing to give a firm order for three eyes for annual purchases of 400,000 sets of lacquer dinnerware, delivered in Japan and at 5% more than what the Japanese jobbers paid. However, Nakamura would have to forego the Chrysanthemum trademark to “Rose and Crown” and also undertaken to sell lacquer ware to anyone else the U.S. The offer promised returns of $720,000 over three years (with net returns of $83,000), but with little potential for the U.S. market on the Chrysanthemum brand beyond that period.
• The Semmelback offer: The second offer was from Mr. Walter Sammelback of Sammelback, Sammelback and Whittacker, Chicago, the largest supplier of hotel and restaurant supplies in the U.S. They perceived a U.S. market of 600,000 sets a year, expecting it to go up to 2 million in around 5 years. Since the Japanese government did not allow overseas investment, Sammelback was willing to budget $1.5 million. Although the offer implied negative returns of $467,000 over the first five years, the offer had the potential to give a $1 million profit if sales picked up as anticipated.
• Meeting the order: To meet the numbers requirement of the orders, Nakamura would either have to expand capacity or cut down on the domestic market. If he chose to expand capacity, the danger was of idle capacity in case the U.S. market did not respond. If he cut down on the domestic market, the danger was of losing out on a well-established market. Nakamura could also source part of the supply from other vendors. However, this option would not find favor with either of the American buyers since they had approached only Nakamura, realizing that he was the best person to meet the order.
• Decision problem: Whether to accept any of the two offers and if yes, which one of the two and under what terms of conditions?
• To expand into the U.S. market.
• To maintain and build upon their reputation of the “Chrysanthemum” brand
• To increase profit volumes by tapping the U.S. market and as a result, increasing scale of operations.
• To increase its share in the U.S. lacquerware market.
• Profit Maximization criterion: The most important criterion in the long run is profit maximization.
• Risk criterion: Since the demand in the U.S. market is not as much as in Japan.
• Brand identity criterion: Nakamura has painstakingly built up a brand name in Japan. It is desirable for him to compete in the U.S. market under the same brand name
• Flexibility criterion: The chosen option should offer Nakamura flexibility in maneuvering the terms and conditions to his advantage. Additionally, Nakamura should have bargaining power at the time of renewal of the contract.
• Short term returns: Nakamura should receive some returns on the investment he makes on the new offers. However, this criterion may be compromised in favor of profit maximization in the long run.?
• Reject both: React both the offers and concentrate on the domestic market
• Accept RC offer: Accept the Rose and Crown offer and supply the offer by cutting down on supplies to the domestic market or through capacity expansion or both
• Accept SSW: offer; accept the SSW offer and meet it through cutting down on supply to the domestic market or through capacity expansion or both. Negotiate term of supply.
• Reject both: This option would not meet the primary criterion of profit maximization. Further, the objective of growth would also not be met. Hence, this option is rejected.
• Accept RC offer: The RC offer would assure net returns of $283,000 over the next three yeas. It also assures regular returns of $240,000 per year. However, Nakamura would have no presence in the U.S. with its Chrysanthemum brand name The RC offer would entail capacity expansion, as it would not be possible to siphon of 275,000 pieces from the domestic market over three years without adversely affecting operations there. At the end of three years, Nakamura would have little bargaining power with RC as it would have an excess capacity of 275,000 pieces and excess labor which it would want to utilize. In this sense the offer is risky. Further, the offer is not flexible. Long-term profit maximization is uncertain in this case a condition that can be controlled in the SSW offer. Hence, this offer is rejected.
• Accept SSW offer: The SSW offer does not assure a firm order or any returns for the period of contract. Although, in its present form the offer is risky if the market in the U.S. does not pick up as expected, the offer is flexible. If Nakamura were to exhibit caution initially by supplying only 300,000 instead of the anticipated 600,000 pieces, it could siphon off the 175,000 required from the domestic market. If demand exists in the U.S., the capacity can be expanded. With this offer, risk is minimized. Further, it would be competing on its own brand name. Distribution would be taken care of and long-term profit maximization criterion would be satisfied as this option has the potential of $1 million in profits per year. At the time of renewal of the contract, Nakamura would have immense bargaining power.
• Negotiate terms of offer with SSW: The terms would be that NLC would supply 300,000 pieces in the first year. If market demand exists, NLC should expand capacity to provide the expected demand.
• Action Plan: In the first phase, NLC would supply SSW with 300,000 pieces. 125,000 of these would be obtained by utilizing excess capacity, while the remaining would be obtained from the domestic market. If the expected demand for lacquer ware exists in the U.S., NLC would expand capacity to meet the expected demand. The debt incurred would be paid off by the fifth year.
• Contingency Plan:  In case the demand is not as expected in the first year, NLC should not service the U.S. market and instead concentrate on increasing penetration in the domestic market.

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MBA Essay Topics: What to Expect

While a school may change the wording of MBA prompts slightly every year, there are some common MBA essay topics that reoccur every application season. The MBA admission essay is a critical component of admission to business school, so preparing in advance by researching common MBA essay topics can give you an advantage.

Although all candidates must possess a winning combination of academic, personal, and professional achievements to get into grad school , MBA programs typically attract and accept students who have significant career experience. Therefore, your professional path is key to your admission to business school and should be emphasized in your application essays. In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the top business schools’ MBA essay topics, identify common themes that you can expect in any MBA essay prompt, and review some exemplary responses to help you prepare for this important part of MBA applications.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 13 min read

What purpose do mba essay topics serve.

MBA essay topics are meant to elicit what makes you the perfect candidate for an MBA and for the specific business program you are applying to. Your essay should convince the admissions committee that you have what it takes to be successful in an MBA program, based on personal, academic, and work experience, and that you are the right fit for the class. Whether you are writing an MBA personal statement , a statement of purpose, or another type of essay, your essay should tell the story of the steps you took to end up here. MBA essay topics also highlight the mission, core values, and priorities of the business school. Because business schools are all quite different, tailor your essay to emphasize the curricula and teaching approach that appeals to you in the school’s philosophy of business education and research. 

A Master of Business Administration is a highly sought-after credential. Admission to this challenging program is competitive, and the application process, like the MBA itself, is demanding. Business schools are seeking leaders, not followers, and the MBA essay is your opportunity to demonstrate how you measure up. The admissions committee will be keen to understand your background and aspirations and how you see yourself fitting in and contributing to the MBA program. Finally, they will be looking for proof of your self-assessment abilities and business acumen.

The key to acing MBA essay topics you encounter is to remember that everything you include in the essays must inevitably link back to the questions “Why MBA?” and “What makes you right for our MBA program?” We will discuss other important themes below, but as an MBA applicant, all your application components must in some way answer these important questions.

New MBA essay topics are typically published on business schools’ websites in May and June with their updated admissions requirements. However, as we already mentioned, many of the themes remain the same, even if the exact wording of the prompt changes. This is why you can start brainstorming and preparing for common essay topics long before you have to actually submit!

MBA programs may have rolling admissions or deadlines. Several business schools have three application rounds per year. The first round will be in September/October for admission in the fall semester of the following year; in other words, you are applying a full year before you hope to start the program, and your MBA essay is due when you submit your application.

What Format Do MBA Essay Topics Take?

There is a huge variety of formats your MBA essay may take. Some business schools require just an MBA letter of intent or personal statement, but most require one or more essays in different formats. MBA essay topics may be in written, multimedia, and/or video format. For example, John Molson School of Business requires a 500-word MBA statement of purpose and a video interview. Rotman School of Management asks that you include 1–3 images in your application based on their “spike factor”: life experiences that “demonstrate passion, grit, resilience, innovation, drive, ambition,” or other qualities. In addition to a 1,000-word essay, they require a 2-question video interview response with a timed 10-min. written response component. As part of their required essay package, NYU Stern asks you to describe yourself using their “Pick Six” method (six images with an introduction and corresponding captions in a PDF).

These divergent approaches underscore that you should research your preferred business schools carefully. You will see from our list of 10 of the top business schools’ MBA essay topics below that they are all quite different!

An MBA video essay or interview uses a third-party platform, such as Kira Talent , to enable you to introduce yourself and/or verbally respond to a prompt. It serves the same purpose as a written essay, but your answers must usually be much more concise. This requirement should not be mistaken for the interview extended by invitation only if the admissions committee decides to advance you in the application process! That is a separate step.

An MBA video essay, like an interview, is designed to assess your verbal communication skills as well as your ability to pitch yourself and think on your feet. It also helps the admissions committee evaluate how you might contribute to classroom discussions or teamwork. Kellogg Business School is one top b-school which requires an MBA video essay as part of its application.

Still working on your resume?

How Do I Submit my MBA Video Essay? 

Depending on the business school, you will record your video essay either via a link provided on the admissions page as part of the application requirements, or via a link sent to you after you submit your application. It is important to review the admissions page and make sure you understand the submission process.

The topics and instructions for video essays may appear on the admissions page, along with those for other required MBA essays, or they may only be provided once you access the link. In that case, there may be an option to test the platform and practice some questions before the actual recording. However, certain schools, such as Smith School of Business, present random questions in real time “designed to be answered without advance preparation … highlighting how quickly and concisely you can formulate an answer.”

You will be expected to complete any MBA video essay requirements independently, and your application will not be complete until you submit the video essay.

Required vs Optional MBA Essay Topics

With MBA essay topics, “required” vs “optional” also has diverse meanings! One essay topic may be required for first-time applicants, but it may be optional for reapplicants. Each business school may also have a different definition of a reapplicant. For example, if you applied to the MBA program within the last two years, you may be a reapplicant; however, if it has been three or more years, you may be considered a new applicant. It is essential to check which category you fit into and confirm the MBA essay topics and types that apply to you.

For reapplicants, the objective of an optional essay is usually to find out what you have done or what has changed (career moves, test scores) since your last application; in other words, why you are more worthy of admission now. Further, like many other graduate schools, MBA programs may provide the opportunity for applicants to explain any extenuating circumstances in an optional essay. In all cases, we recommend taking advantage of the optional essay to make your application stand out, unless doing so would go against the rules/requirements.

The following list outlines what you can expect in terms of essay requirements this year for admission to 10 top business schools in the United States and Canada. This list includes the name of the school and associated university/location as well as MBA essay topics, submission format, required length, and some examples of good responses.

You can also check out MBA essay questions and answers for Stanford Business School , Harvard Business School , Kellogg Business School (Northwestern U), Wharton School of Business (Pennsylvania U), Haas School of Business (California U), MIT Sloan, Yale, and Columbia.  

1. UCLA Anderson School of Management

University of California Los Angeles

The themes and topics covered by these prompts are extremely common in all types of admissions essays, including  law school essay prompts , medical school secondary essay prompts, and other graduate admissions. Keep these topics in mind as you go through other schools\u2019 prompts, as they are sure to reappear. ","label":"What are you really being asked here?","title":"What are you really being asked here?"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

2. Chicago Booth

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Notice that Booth wants to see what exactly attracts you to their program and why they would be a good fit with your goals. Schools often want to know why you chose them specifically. Did you do your research? Or are you applying blindly? For example, Booth has The Chicago Approach, which refers to a framework developed in-house by pioneering faculty in the 1950s\u201360s and which continues to evolve and inform their educational direction. This multidisciplinary framework, integrating economics, accounting, sociology, statistics, and psychology, aims to teach students how to think analytically to \u201cdefine problems, ask better questions, and develop better solutions.\u201d ","label":"What are you really being asked here?","title":"What are you really being asked here?"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 1: “How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals?”

Eight years ago, after earning my M.S. in Business Analytics from Franklin University, I partnered with two alumni in a startup venture. TechCapital’s mission is to assess technology needs of companies looking to retrofit their older plants. We act as an intermediary between investors and companies to structure, implement, and manage the retrofitting contract. Our unique business model has proven to be highly successful, and we guarantee significant ROI once operations begin.

Columbus, Ohio, has since come to be known as the Midwest’s “tech capital.” Recent investment in startups is booming. We launched three newly retrofitted enterprises, all representative of key industries: advanced manufacturing, logistics, and insurance. Moreover, we have tripled in size and expanded our core departments: consulting, business analytics, and contracting. Sensing that we are at the cusp of real growth, I know the time is right to step up my game.

With its reputation for innovation, impactful research, and transformative knowledge, the prestigious Booth Weekend MBA Program is my first choice for fulfilling a lifelong ambition. I certainly fit the profile of a high-potential professional seeking to rise to the next level. The Chicago Approach aligns perfectly with my analytical sensibility, as confirmed by attendance at several Roundtables and Student Panels. I am eager to learn from talented peers and an exceptional faculty. Finally, I look forward to building my professional network and ultimately establishing a second TechCapital in Chicago to share lessons learned and implement the novel, creative, and sustainable business solutions our company has pursued.

Check out more Chicago Booth MBA essay examples !

University of Virginia

Notice that Darden wants to see authentic responses based on your own perspective and experiences. They note, \u201cHow you choose to answer a particular question is often as insightful as what you choose to write about.\u201d They will be looking for evidence that their specific approach resonates with you and that you have a clear idea of what you will contribute as a unique individual. Known for its practical application of business knowledge based on research, Darden emphasizes learning by doing. So, they also expect a \u201cshow, don\u2019t tell\u201d approach to their essays, which is a good general strategy for writing most types of admissions essays. ","label":"What are you really being asked about?","title":"What are you really being asked about?"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: “Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating an inclusive global community at Darden.”

My first small business experience taught me valuable lessons about customer service and marketing but also about leadership and learning style. I hope to be able to share these insights with my peers at Darden.

To pay for my college tuition, I used to offer summer art classes in my backyard to neighborhood kids. I later expanded my activities by renting a small studio space. Yet, when my students went back to school, my client base shrank. To cover the rent, I offered a seniors’ promotion, and soon every hour not dedicated to my own studies was spent in the studio. It wasn’t an immediate success, however. My students weren’t happy!

In time, I got my answer. One student, expecting a lecture style as value for money, complained, “That’s not teaching.” Another contradicted them, saying, “You’re just telling, not showing.” Someone else said, “This project hurts my hands too much.”

With the kids, I recognized that they all had different needs, based on their ages, abilities, and interests, but I had assumed that my seniors would be a homogenous group. How wrong I was! To be successful, I had to address their different learning styles and expectations as well as any issues with vision, hearing, or fine-motor skills. I had to adapt my approach to each person while still presenting a coherent lesson. I had to recognize that even with adults, there is no single, correct approach.

I do have a passion for engaging with people, and I am a problem-solver by nature, but today, I take the time to better understand others’ perspectives. As a student at Darden, I will seek to connect with my peers and facilitate knowledge sharing. Perhaps most importantly, I will be prepared to challenge preconceptions and help others see things through someone else’s eyes.

4. Desautels

McGill University Desautels Faculty of Management

Desautels describes its business education as non-traditional and professes to recognize the diverse skillset, vision, and range of backgrounds of its applicants. As flexible specializations are offered to allow you to customize your degree, your essays should also reflect a clear sense of your own direction and objectives. Skills taught at Desautels that may differ from other MBA programs include financial technology, data analysis, AI, and design thinking. ","label":"What are they really asking for?","title":"What are they really asking for?"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Duke Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

For all business schools, the importance of an MBA essay should not be underestimated, yet Fuqua\u2019s requirements are extensive and specific. It is important to note the different word limits and details for each type of essay. For example, the first short-answer question is intended to be concise and informative, with a strong message. The second text is intended to be a list, not a dissertation; it should emphasize those experiences that you consider the most relevant, while respecting the word count and page limit. The third should focus on what you know about Fuqua and how you envision enriching the school. Given the range of formats, each essay necessarily showcases your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow directions. The overall result should impress the admissions committee with your knowledge of the school and of yourself. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: “25 Random Things” (10 Prompts to Get You Started)

• If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d live _______.
• If money was no object, I’d _______.
• If I were to teach any subject, it would be _______.
• If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, it would be _______.
• I’d love to open a shop that sells _______.
• I am most proud of _______.
• I won an award for _______.
• If I could start a foundation, I would aim to help _______.
• The first paper I ever wrote was on _______.
• If I could accomplish just one thing in life, it would be _______.

University of Western Ontario

By these essay topic choices, Ivey is seeking evidence of your character, qualifications, and experience. They are interested in diversity, initiative, and leadership. They wish to discern how the school and MBA program will complement your immediate plans and how well you can elaborate your ambitions. They are also looking for evidence that you have thoroughly researched the school by getting involved in its activities and events for applicants. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab6" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: Decision “Tell us about a challenge you have faced in your life, and what lessons you learned from it.”  

Our firm recently went through a merger, and a major challenge was to agree on production restructuring. While our plant included a range of manufacturing processes, the other firm’s three plants were specialized. To address the bottleneck, I met with the director of that company and key personnel. It soon became clear that what was needed was not a complete reorganization of the infrastructure but rather, a creative restructuring of teams. We took advantage of the change to close one floor in our plant that had aging equipment and reorganize the warehouse. In the process, we added a fourth production facility, turned the defunct production floor into office and meeting spaces, expanded the cafeteria, and reclaimed the yard for a staff garden. We also created an innovation hub to regroup senior technicians from each firm and interns from local schools. While this represented a massive challenge, respectful, open communication between the two management teams with input from staff at all levels enabled buy-in and consensus. In fact, the process seemed to energize the new firm. Although initially resistant, the employees recognized the benefits: a safer, cleaner, more pleasant work environment with efficient equipment. This experience was formative for me in terms of conflict mediation. It also showed me that value can be generated from potentially negative circumstances. The new firm has surpassed all its targets, and our HR team can hardly keep up with response to our job postings.

Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

By these essay topic choices, Ross is looking for concise, powerful statements that accurately and honestly describe your character and skills. As none of these essays is more than 150 words, it is essential to present the most significant experiences from your background that are the most relevant in the context of this business school.  ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab7" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 3: “Pick one thing from your resume and tell us more.”

My internship with Agrivesta was memorable. With my interest and experience in organic farming, I felt prepared for my role as assistant production manager in this small local startup. However, a major flood changed everything. Suddenly, I had to assume management responsibilities to help coordinate the emergency response and insurance claims. All of us had to pitch in and think on our feet to arrange vet care and alternative shelter for animals. We moved the store to safely sell off produce and maintain the revenue stream. This experience showed me that I can handle pressure, take responsibility, and act autonomously.

New York University

As part of a sprawling city and large university, NYU Stern offers its MBA students a distinct image and a range of degree options, including specializations such as the Tech MBA and Fashion & Luxury MBA. It also offers dual degrees: the JD\/MBA, MD\/MBA, MFA\/MBA, and many others. As part of your responses to the essay topics, it would be important to discuss both sides when applying to one of these unique options not offered elsewhere. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab8" template="BlogArticle">

Examples for Essay Topic: “Change _________ it.”

• Change: Dare it.
• Change: Dream it.
• Change: Drive it.
• Change: Empower it.
• Change: Manifest it.
• Change: [Any word of your choice] it.

9. Tepper School of Business

Carnegie Mellon University

Tepper is looking for evidence of how you can personally contribute to the business school\u2019s mission, values, and diversity. To assess this, they are seeking original stories, evidence of recent advancement, and the ability to overcome setbacks. Their STEM-designated program incorporates management science with expertise in technology, engineering, and mathematics. Therefore, your MBA essay responses should balance your understanding and appreciation of the school culture and your facility in the focus subject areas. ","label":"What are they really asking for?","title":"What are they really asking for?"}]" code="tab9" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Required Reapplicant Essay Topic: “Explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.”

I applied to the full-time MBA at Tepper School of Business two years ago, but unfortunately, I was not accepted. In seeking feedback from Tepper’s admissions services, I learned that my work experience was not considered extensive enough and that my TOEFL and IELTS scores were too low. While my speaking skills are strong, I struggled with the written component, as my studies were undertaken in Spanish in my native Bogotá, Columbia. I believe a related issue was my decision to take both the TOEFL and IELTS, to meet the requirements of my three preferred MBA programs in the United States. Although I prepared extensively for these two exams, without exposure to much specialized vocabulary in my work environment, I had few opportunities to apply my knowledge or practice my skills. Further, I realize now that I rushed the application process due to my excitement at obtaining my F-1 student visa. Nine months did not allow me enough time to adequately prepare both exams as well as fulfil all the other requirements and maintain my performance in my high-level position in human resources.

However, in the meantime, I was accepted to the MBA program at Universidad de los Andes and have just completed my third part-time semester. I was also promoted to the position of assistant director of our firm’s Bogotá branch after three years as an HR associate and four years as department manager. Last summer, I was offered a two-month internship at our sister office in Pittsburgh to engage in the joint exercise of reconciling our reporting, data management, SOP documentation, and other protocols to be able to expand our international market. This immersion experience, which involved considerable translation between Spanish and English alongside bilingual peers, was exactly what I needed to bring both my written and spoken English up to a professional level. In fact, my recent TOEFL score was 105. My IELTS scores were an especially gratifying personal best: Listening: 9, Reading: 7, Writing: 8, Speaking: 9. In writing, I gained a full 3 points.

I have therefore decided to reapply for the Tepper MBA but in the part-time online hybrid stream. I believe this to be a reasonable choice, given my advancement and responsibilities at our firm. The recent rapprochement of our offices in the two countries means that I will be able to travel freely between them. I know that the excellent leadership and analytical training I will receive at Tepper in its STEM-designated MBA will enable me to streamline the Pittsburgh office and develop our Bogotá branch to an unprecedented high level. In fact, our management science-based approach is what sets our HR services apart in that city, and this is precisely why I have returned to re-apply to Tepper—and only Tepper—as it is the ideal environment in which to advance my leadership skills as a new director and ensure that our firm has access to the most advanced business analysis available. Finally, and most importantly, I believe my persistence demonstrates my commitment to and interest in the school as well as my ambition. I am certain my contribution, enriched by recent experiences, will be significant, both academically and among the international student body.

Dartmouth College

Tuck emphasizes both individual and team-based learning in an experiential setting. This business school offers training in specialized skills and knowledge, along with social skills focused on emotional intelligence and self-awareness to support leadership development. With an MBA student population made up of 45% women and 43% international students, the school is highly diverse and seeks to understand through its essay topics how individualism and collaboration will inform your contribution. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab10" template="BlogArticle">

Want to see more MBA essay examples from top business schools?

• Wharton MBA essay examples
• Columbia MBA essay examples
• Yale MBA essay examples
• Kellogg MBA essay examples
• Haas essay examples
• Kelley MBA essay examples
• Cornell MBA essay examples
• Stanford MBA personal statement examples

An MBA essay is intended to show the admissions committee why you are a perfect candidate for MBA and their program specifically. It also serves to introduce you and complement your application by providing additional information about your background, career experience, aptitude to succeed in a challenging MBA program, business acumen, and motivation. 

Certain business schools tend to change their MBA essay topics each year, while others use the same or similar topics to the previous year. The business school may seek to compare applicants to the previous cohort or focus on current priorities that match their unique philosophy of business education and research.

MBA essay topics are usually announced in May and June for applications starting in the fall for the following academic year.

You can start any time to research business schools, look at the types of MBA essay topics they post, visit the campus, attend events, make inquiries, connect with alumni, make notes, and write drafts. Then, when the topic is announced, you will be ready to write your MBA essay. Give yourself around 6–8 weeks to finalize your essays.

MBA essay topics may be presented as a letter of intent, personal statement, written essay, short answer questions, multimedia presentation, or video essay. One or more essays may be required in different formats. A wide range of formats is used by different business schools.

An MBA video essay is different from an interview, but it may take the form of responses to interview-type questions, such as “tell us about yourself” or “ why do you want to pursue an MBA ?”. It should not be mistaken for the by invitation only interview, which is a separate step. Some MBA video essay topics are proposed in advance in the admissions requirements, while others may be presented via a platform as random questions to which you must respond in real time.

The MBA video essay is part of the application package and must be submitted when you apply or via a link sent to you shortly after you apply.

If you are a reapplicant or have extenuating circumstances, the MBA optional essay will be required. We recommend taking advantage of the optional essay to make your application stand out, unless the instructions state otherwise.

Many applicants wonder if admissions consulting is worth considering. It certainly is, especially if you are unsure how to tackle your MBA essay topics. Your MBA essay is one of the most important components of your application because your admission depends on your career experience, not just your grades. An MBA essay consultant can help you craft a strong written response to your MBA essay topics and prepare for the MBA video essay.

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#HenleyMBA:

How to craft a rich reflection chapter.

In the #HenleyMBA series , we’ve covered how to write up your introduction , analysis and recommendations chapters/sections, so now it’s time to look at the often under-considered reflection section. In this post, I’ll discuss 5 essential components of a reflection chapter, and provide some general pointers to keep in mind while you’re writing up this final section.

Note that this post discusses the reflection chapter in assignments (for example, MPS, MP, etc), and not Personal Development (PD) assignments themselves, or the MRC reflection – although there’s naturally a lot of overlap.

Let’s start with a good ol’ definition.

In true academic style, let’s kick things off by looking at the definition (or at least the Henley-preferred definition) of reflection:

“Reflection is a process, both individual and collaborative, involving experience and uncertainty. It is comprised of identifying questions and key elements of a matter that has emerged as significant, then taking one’s thoughts into dialogue with oneself and with others. One evaluates insights gained from that process with reference to:

• additional perspectives,
• one’s own values, experiences and beliefs, and
• the larger context, within which the questions are raised.

Through reflection, one reaches newfound clarity, on which one bases changes in action or disposition. New questions naturally arise, and the process spirals onwards.”

(Jay & Johnson, 2002)

But what on earth does that mean, right? I’ll (attempt to) bring this definition down to earth by discussing 5 components that should make an appearance in your reflection chapter.

Reflection #1 – Module-related learnings.

The first matter to reflect on is your module-specific learnings. In other words, your learnings in relation to the specific module content (MPS/Strategy/R&R, etc). Consider (and answer) the following questions:

• What were your key learnings, your ah-ha moments?
• What new perspectives did you gain?
• How has this impacted your beliefs and perhaps even values?

This might look something like the following:

“On reflection, I think my biggest ah-ha moment was how X impacts Y. I had always thought that X had no impact on Y, but now I can see… This got me thinking about my beliefs in relation to Y, specifically… Why did I think this? Perhaps because…”

Reflection #2 – Module interlinkages.

The next matter to ponder on is the connectedness of what you learnt in the module with other modules, and what this means for you. Consider the following questions:

• What linkages to other modules did you observe?
• How has your thinking broadened to be able to see the “big picture” more clearly?

Reflection #3 – Disagreements and lingering questions.

This is where it gets interesting, especially if you’re the kind of person who likes to play devil’s advocate. Reflect on the following points:

• Was there any theory, model or framework that you simply didn’t agree with?
• If so, why? Justify your position with a sound argument , but be humble. You’re not quite qualified to critique established theory (yet!)
• What questions still linger in your mind following the completion of the module?

Reflection #4 – Real world impact.

What’s the MBA for if it’s not making a difference in the real world of business? Reflect on the following questions:

• What have you changed in your management practice or in your organisation as a whole as a result of the module/assignment?
• Are there any noticeable results yet? If so, what are they?
• Do you plan to make any further changes in the future?

In other words, what impact has the module had in the real world? A reflection in this vein might look something like the following:

“In line with X theory/model/framework, I have changed the way I/the business does Y, and this has resulted in Z.”

Reflection #5 – Learnings about yourself.

Time to look inward even further. Consider how your ability to learn, grow and think has developed throughout the module. Some questions to consider:

• What have you learnt about your own learning style (how you learn) through the module and assignment?
• Are there some things that you find easier to grasp than other things?
• Are there more effective ways to navigate and optimise your learning process?

For this reflection, it might be helpful to look at Felder and Soloman’s “Index of Learning Styles” to frame your thinking on this.

To recap then, you should aim to reflect on the following 5 areas when drawing up your reflection chapter/section:

• Module-related learnings.
• Module interlinkages.
• Disagreements and lingering questions.
• Real-world impact.
• Learnings about yourself.

Naturally, you won’t always have something to say about every point, but if you incorporate as many of these as possible, you should have a fairly hearty reflection.

Overarching points.

Before wrapping up, there are 3 additional, more generic and overarching points worth mentioning regarding the reflection chapter.

#1 – Forget about certainty.

When you’re writing up your reflection chapter, don’t feel the need to present a rock-solid, perfectly logical and cohesive argument. Reflection is about engaging in internal dialogue – messy, muddy dialogue , much of which will produce more questions than answers. Often, personal development involves realising that things are not as cut and dry as they seem – that the world is incredibly complex, and that there is seldom one right answer . Embrace this. Don’t mistake the “newfound clarity” in the Jay & Johnson definition for newfound certainty and simplicity…

#2 – Incorporate models and extracts.

From a more practical, presentation perspective, consider using PD models such as the Henley star to visually represent your growth. Think back to the goals you set in your PD assignments. Has the current module contributed towards the achievement of any of these? If so, how?

Linked to this, it is always a good practice to include extracts from your learning journal to enrich the claims you make about your realisations, learnings, etc. Including extracts in the personal reflection chapter is much like including interview quotes in your analysis chapter. Don’t be shy!

#3 – Read the fine print.

Always read the assignment brief very carefully when it comes to the reflection section. In particular, are they asking for a personal reflection, or are they asking for a critical reflection on the impact of your recommendations?

The former is asking for everything we’ve discussed in this post. The latter is asking you to critically consider what the expected outcomes (benefits) of your recommendations are – for example, increased sales, decreased costs, etc. As you can see, these are very different! It may sound obvious, but a lot of students make this small but costly mistake. Don’t be one of them.

At a more nuanced level, take the time to read the brief’s requirements for the reflection section, as well as the assessment criteria (this is found right at the end of the brief). The exact requirements vary from assignment to assignment, and some may require more focus on 2 or 3 of the 5 reflections discussed earlier. Again, this is pretty obvious advice, but all too often students skim over this section as “its just PD”. Don’t throw away these relatively easy marks.

In summary.

In this post, I’ve discussed how to approach the reflection chapter/section of your Henley MBA assignments. To recap:

• Incorporate as many of the 5 reflection components as possible to provide a comprehensive reflection.
• Forget about certainty – embrace the muddy waters!
• Include PD models to visually demonstrate your development.
• Weave in extracts from your learning journal to enrich your reflective discussion.
• Carefully review the reflection requirements for each assignment – don’t reflect on the wrong thing!

Have a question or suggestion? Great! Simply leave a comment below, or get in touch with us  here .

Nicely advised… Definitley like the fine print reading….

Thanks, Rishen. Good luck with your Henley MBA 🙂

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How to write impressive MBA Assignments: Step-by-Step guide

If you are still alien to the art of writing great mba assignments, this simple step-by-step guide will help you write one very easily. follow these mba assignment writing tips and score exceptional cgpa and impress your professors..

For most students joining top MBA Colleges in India, writing is still an art they are alien to. However, being MBA students, they have churn out several MBA assignments, project papers and research thesis as part of their course curriculum. Therefore, as an MBA students or even an MBA aspirant who is planning to join the corporate world soon, learning the art of writing a great assignments is pivotal.

Why MBA Assignments?

It is very likely that if you are a recent entrant to an MBA college, you hate your professors for assigning so many MBA assignments and project work that requires you to write pages after pages of reports, data and analysis. But, before we jump to any conclusions about your faculty members, it is important to understand why do professors love MBA assignments so much?

Source: Funny Memes

So, before you actually put pen to paper, it is important to understand the motive and reason behind assigning MBA essays and projects.

Is MBA assignment a blessing in disguise?

Yes indeed it is! As future managers, there would a ton load of responsibilities on your shoulder. And considering the globalized nature of business world, it is very likely that communication would play the key role in your personal success as well as the success or failure of your firm. Therefore, as a manager, writing is a key skill that any organization would look for in a business manager. This is the same reason that MBA entrance exams have started diversified their formats and admission process and included WAT as an essential part of the selection criteria.

So, the primary reason that MBA courses focus so much upon writing assignments in a diverse array of domains is to help you learn the basics of writing skills while navigating through the web of large chunks of data, corporate policies and analytical information.

Why deliver Good quality MBA Assignments?

Now that we have worked out WHY you need to write good MBA Assignments, it’s time to actually learn HOW! In the write up below, we would try to give you the step-by-step process following which you can create a master piece of an MBA Assignment that would not only impress your professor but also add a feather to your cap when it comes to placement season.

  A Comprehensive Guide on “How to Write Great MBA Assignments”?

It’s all about Writing: How to Begin and End

1. Work out the main theme to build on the idea

• Consumer purchasing capacity for organic eatables
• Consumer purchasing capacity for soft drinks
• Consumer purchasing capacity for processed food

Once you are clear with the theme of the project on which you are ready to work, it will be easy to list down its objectives, find your target group, and profile their demographics for the study.

This step will define the framework within which you will invest your efforts in writing and churn out the crucial points that you collected in the preliminary research stages.

2. Allocate Sub-points to express you idea

Once a teacher and student were discussing the expectation of teacher from student. This conversation might also define what your teacher expects from you!

So, this is the stage where you can portray your ‘best abilities’ . We recommend that you consider this step as a mandatory requirement to enhance the readability of your text. When you mention long sentences and paragraphs of more than 80-100 words, it spoils the readability of the text . You can follow the below mentioned tips for enhancing the readability aspect of the information in your MBA Assignment.

• Make sub-points to describe the idea that you wish to present.
• If possible include bulleted pointers, make tables, pie-charts, and bar diagrams to represent the numerical data.
• Use highlighter to highlight the important points for the reader. This will support the analytical work carried out by you.
• You can also include images to present the idea to leave a visual impact on the reader.

These points will keep the reader hooked and interested to find out more about the topic and navigate through the matter easily. Moreover, if you are able to present you data well then grades are going to be yours without a doubt .

MBA Assignments Guide: Research & Checklist before you start writing

3. Provide enough examples to prove your point

It is said that one should “lead by example not decree” and it is a well-proven fact. When you mention a theory or a law, it would not be self-illustrated unless you support it with a real-life example. MBA is a professional course which is better understood if provided with real-life examples wherever possible. Be it Max Webber’s or CK Prahalad’s every theory, all have emanated from the real-life scenarios which made the thinkers ponder over and come up with a solution to problems.

For say, if you wish to explain a concept of economics called as ‘bottom of the pyramid (BOPP)’ that is said to affect the nation from top to bottom, you can use this image to easily illustrate your point.

The image is self-explanatory, that states that wealth remains in the hands of few powerful and is not distributed equally among the bottom of the pyramid population.

This examples will exhibit the latent creativity in you to explain a difficult concept in layman terms.

4. Critical Analysis exhibits your thought-process

This cartoon is a perfect example of the critical analysis which is required in the MBA assignments.

Like the opinion of nomads differ on blocks of rocks, your opinion might also differ from your peers on the same problem. Critical analysis will exhibit your resourceful grey matter and will help the evaluator understand your thought process on a particular issue .

This is one of the areas where you can fetch maximum marks if your ideas and analysis is appreciated by the evaluator. The essence of the whole problem, objectives can be weaved in here to bring out the gap and suggest the way forward.

5. Provide an impressive intro and conclusion

There goes an Irish Proverb which says ‘ Good beginning makes Good endings ’. A good beginning compels the readers to further rummage through the pages and seek more information.

Make an impressive intro to grab the attention of your evaluator and your MBA assignment won’t go ignored. You can follow these tips to make a stronger intro:

• Do not repeat the title of the project in the beginning
• Keep sentences short and catchy. Use phrases or idioms to hit the bull’s eye.
• Keep a personal touch for the reader to make the text interactive. Use ‘you’, ‘your’ etc words.
• Be Intriguing (you can begin with example, question, scenario, quote or puzzle).

Another important point that you must not ignore is the conclusion. This part must be fetching too. This part will define the entire hardwork put in by you. To make it worthy, summarise your arguments and main points . Wrap it up nicely by mentioning phrases such as “in conclusion” etc. Your conclusion should carry these points

• Talk about the problem that existed
• Mention the solution that you offered to solve it and
• You can also mention what more can be done in future that you have not been able to accomplish due to time or resource constraints. This will leave ‘food for thought’ for other researcher to carry forward your work. 

If you have followed all the above mentioned points, it is expected that you might feel like the student in this cartoon

We wish that you are on the brighter side of this radar. Make your assignment writing a pleasant experience.

But MBA assignment writing does not ends here. Yes we know that by now you must be basking in the glory with competed assignment in your hand. Still a lot remains to be done!

What lies beyond writing and research work?

What more can be added to your worthy assignment?

How can you make your assignment seem more purposeful to your faculty?

Find out in our upcoming article which will talk about the ‘Beyond Writing’ aspects that will make the MBA assignment more exciting to read and submit with your teacher...!

You can also  download our free PDF  to obtain easy tips on writing MBA Assignments. All you need to do is click on the link provided below and download the eBook.

Comprehensive Guide on 'How to Write MBA Assignments?'

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50 MBA Assignment Topics for Students

Still pondering over how to get started with writing your next MBA Assignment? Even more so, is the fact that you are clueless about what you will write on? You need not fear this thought process. It is a natural occurrence of a student mind. The solution to overcoming such problems is to meticulously plan and place a system in place that will help you start the process of writing and more importantly choosing the right assignment topic.

Also Read:  Types of Management Degrees

There are several categories through which a student can select a topic. To ease your life out, we have arranged the popular categories or genres from where you could select and start writing a great MBA assignment. Presenting to you are 16 popular categories that have thought-provoking topics. Hopefully, these topics will help you decide the right kind of subject you would wish to write about.

I Human Resource Management

• The employee selection process by an HR elaborated in detail
• Elaborate the constitutional and non-statutory benefits for employees in a company or organization

II Managerial Communication Topics

• Examining the barriers in communication in a company or organization. What are the solutions to negate these issues?
• Deliberate Group Discussion and oral presentations.

III Financial Management Topics

• Deducing the current status of the country’s financial system.
• Discovering the techniques used in measuring the risk present in the capital budgeting decision.

Also Read :  150 Top Informative Speech Topics for Students

IV Operations Management Topics

• Could you define the manufacturing system types with examples?
• Characterizing small business entrepreneurship and management.

V MBA Assignment Topics

• Defining material requirement planning as well as its counterpart capacity requirement planning.
• What are the aspects that affect the plant location of a manufacturing business?
• Is there a belief, that entrepreneurs are born and not made? Could you illustrate examples?

VI Functional Management Topics

• The various development programs available in a country and measuring the uses of entrepreneurship.
• Are you familiar with the performance appraisal of employees in a company or business? Could you explain those?
• Describing profitability ratios with examples.
• Give a detailed knowledge of new product development.

Also Read :  How to Write a Persuasive Essay? Expert Guide

VII The process of Re-engineering

• What is balance scorecard and benchmarking? Explain in detail.
• In a pre-existing re-engineering process, what are the factors that are needed to be considered?
• What are the differences in government and private sector organizations in terms of potential BPR and scope?
• Are there potential risks of re-engineering a process? Explain thoroughly.
• What is the need for process re-engineering and why?

VIII Material Management Topics

• What are the forecasting techniques used in materials management? Could you discuss its application in detail?
• Understanding the fundamentals of what supply chain management is.
• Explaining factors that need consideration in designing and using supply chain information while integrating it into the system.
• Explain the techniques in detail used in managing a global supply chain.

IX Financial Services Topics

• Explain the different stages involved in venture capital financing.
• Could you state the different types of mergers? Kindly elaborate the same.

Also Read:  How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essay?

X Working Capital Management Topics

• While gauging a magnitude of the firm, what are the factors influencing the firm’s working capital needs?
• Could you explain how a firm is affected with respect to the investment, in terms of receivables through the collection policies?

XI Counselling Assistance of a Manager

• Explain in detail, the steps associated in counselling?
• Review the manager counselling skills in an organization of which you are familiar with.
• Elaborate on the applications and roles of counselling in organizations.
• Define the importance of manager counselling skills for employees?
• Give a detailed explanation about the challenges faced in today’s counselling for managers
• How have manager counselling skills evolved throughout the past few years?
• Give a brief on the current techniques used in counselling. Discuss at least three current techniques used in counselling giving examples.

XII Taxation for Corporates

• What are direct and indirect taxes?
• How does corporate taxation affect employees?
• State ways in which corporate taxation can be improved.
• Using an example of an organization you are familiar with, discuss corporate taxation.
• In terms of corporate taxation, explain the challenges that are faced by businesses in terms of corporate taxation?
• What are the requirements present in central sales tax?

Also Read :  Solving Cubic Equations | How to Solve Cubic Equations?

XIII Project Management

• What are the strategies involved in project planning? Kindly illustrate.
• Is it necessary to use a CPM or a PERT program in business planning?

XIV International Marketing

• Debate the essential steps considered in international pricing.
• What are the trends in business for export promotion zones in your country?

XV Operation research

• How to use a decision tree analysis? Explain with examples.
• Deliberate simulation and what are its limitations.

• Give an in-depth understanding of what data acquisition and model acquisition is.
• What are the various forms of decision support systems?
• In what way does the support system for management decision affect outcomes? Give a glimpse on the same.

Also Read:  The Nitty-Gritty of Business Studies And Its Impact on Job Prospects

Picking up from these topics will help you give you a great head start for choosing the right topic. Ensure that you go through the topics and select the one which interests you the most. This will give you an upper hand in relating to the topic and collating information will get a bit easier as you now know what you want to write on. The listing will also be of advantage to assignment experts who cater to the management assignment help services. So, what are you waiting for? Start scanning through the list and start working on the topic which you think you could ace in explaining. Finally, you can prepare a sturdy MBA assignment that can fetch you good grades.

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9 HR Capstone Project Examples for HRMBA Students

• Published April 27, 2018
• Last Updated June 23, 2023

Find Your Degree!

Nine HR Capstone Project Examples

• Human Resources Theory into Practice
• Effect of Increasing Training Budget
• Methods of Employee Assessment
• How Does the Human Resources Department Increase the Value of a Company?
• Workplace Diversity Concerns
• What Are the Key Factors that Contribute to Employee Turnover Within the Organization?
• What is the Relationship Between Employee Recognition Programs and Employee Morale and Retention?
• How Does the Implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements Affect Employee Engagement and Work-Life Balance?
• How Does Leadership Style Impact Employee Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Organizations?

A capstone project is one of the final tasks in business school.  Through the process, whether an international business or HRMBA capstone project, students demonstrate that they understand the principles of their field and can practically apply this information. Many business students, especially those in human resource management, choose to use their final project as an opportunity to learn more about a particular subcategory as well as boost their resume. Since there are so many different career paths for HRMBA graduates, a targeted capstone experience can help these students jumpstart their career after graduation. Some human resources management capstone project ideas include the following.

Read:  Top 50 Best Online Master’s in HR Degree Programs (MSHR)

1. Human Resources Theory into Practice

For this project idea, students can examine a few different theories in human resources or just do an in-depth study on one and describe what the selected theories look like in the industry. Many times, these capstone projects include an element of experiential learning where the student spends time in a workplace to understand what the job is actually like. During this experience, the student then watches for specific techniques used by the human resource department. Then, at the capstone presentation, they can highlight which theories and techniques were used at the work site and the results and any recommendations based on human resources theory.

2. Effect of Increasing Training Budget

This project focuses on the degree to which employee training can affect profits. For this capstone idea, after choosing a specific workplace, a student can examine the current training methods and determine what changes would be effective. Based on the data collected and predictive modeling techniques, the student can calculate the tipping point, or at what point adding money to training no longer increases profits and how much is added up until that point.

3. Methods of Employee Performance Appraisal

Along with training, another aspect of human resources involves rating an employee’s performance in a variety of areas. Sometimes, this is based on definitive data, but other times, this involves quantifying less directly measurable skills. For this HRMBA capstone project idea, a student could explore ways of objectively scoring employee performance in these positions. Another aspect of this involves removing subjective bias during the interview process.

4. How Does the Human Resources Department Increase the Value of a Company?

This capstone idea focuses on the intrinsic value of a strong human resource department and how this affects different aspects of the company. Training methods, employee motivational programs, benefits selection, and recruitment processes all affect how employees view their workplace. Further, the student can describe how these also determine the opinions of other companies, potential applicants, and the general public.

5. How do Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Impact Organizational Performance and Innovation? 

Increasing diversity at all levels of employment is becoming more important. According to Forbes , the field of human resources is changing, and one main aspect of this involves companies being open about the diversity of their staff or lack thereof. For this capstone HR  project, students demonstrate all the benefits of diversity in the workplace including the financial and cultural effects.

6. What Are the Key Factors that Contribute to Employee Turnover Within the Organization?

This capstone could be a research project looking at the top reasons for turnover within an organization.  While specific factors can vary based on the industry, several factors could be explored including:

• Job dissatisfaction
• Lack of career development
• Poor leadership and management
• Lack of recognition and reward
• Work environment and relationships

If turnover is your area of interest, HRMBA students could partner with an organization to do an assessment and make recommendations.  Interviews or surveys could be conducted with management and former staff to learn more about their reason for leaving.  Recommendations could be made to the organization with ways they could reduce their turnover rate.

7.  What is the Relationship Between Employee Recognition Programs and Employee Morale and Retention?

Recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts and achievements boosts their motivation and morale.  When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more like to be engaged and productive.  But how do you know if your organization’s recognition program is effective?  A capstone studying an organization’s recognition program that includes interviews or surveys with staff would be of great value to an organization.  Some other HR project ideas in this area could consist of:

• What are the key factors that influence employee retention within an organization?
• What is the relationship between employee recognition and retention within the organization?
• How effective are current employee retention efforts in reducing turnover rates?
• What role does work-life balance play in employee retention?

8. How Does the Implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements Affect Employee Engagement and Work-Life Balance?

While flexible work arrangements existed before the COVID pandemic, there has been a 20% increase in companies who prioritize flexible scheduling since 2019.  After years of remote work, there is finally enough data to show that it works.  According to McKinsey’s American Opportunity Survey, 58% of Americans reported having the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week.  The survey also showed that 87% of workers accept a flexible work arrangement when it is offered.  Flexible work arrangements are a desirable feature for American workers.

Not every industry is structured to support work from home, so fortunately company leadership can choose from a variety of flexible work arrangements.  Here are some research questions that could provide some capstone project ideas .

• What are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of flexible work arrangements from the perspective of both employees and employers?
• What is the impact of flexible work arrangements on team collaboration, team building, and coordination?
• How do different types of flexible work arrangements affect employee outcomes and organizational outcomes?

9.  How Does Leadership Style Impact Employee Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Organizations? 

Human resources is a popular concentration within an MBA program.  MBA graduates are prepared for leadership roles within an organization, so their capstone experience must provide them with the opportunity to develop these leadership skills.  HR MBA capstone project ideas related to leadership style can be a journey of self-discovery.  Completing a capstone experience in an organization can help you identify leadership behaviors that drive employees to succeed.  By comparing the leadership styles within several different organizations, MBA HR students can begin to see which styles have a positive impact on an organization and which may be toxic.

At the end of most graduate programs, students need to display their mastery of the core competencies in their field. Completing a capstone project during an HRMBA program showcases a student’s knowledge and also allows students to focus on an area of human resources that is of particular interest to them.  We hope these capstone human resources /MBA ideas have been a helpful resource.

Business Plan Examples for Students

Ajay Jagtap

• December 29, 2023

26 Min Read

Do you know what’s the most common mistake students and rookie entrepreneurs make while preparing their first business plan?

Of course, it’s the first business plan we’re talking about; there’ll definitely be a few. However, overcomplicating things and failing to consider a business plan example still remains the most common one.

That’s why we decided to come up with a solution. We’ve curated this list of top business plan examples for students to help you get going.

So whether you need a business plan for a college project, start a side hustle, or win a business competition, these examples are just what you need to create business plans that stand out.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start by understanding the key elements of a business plan example:

Key Elements of a Business Plan Example

Business planning is not as complicated of a process as people think it is; they’re just overcomplicating things. (Don’t think so?)

Let’s simplify the key elements that make up a comprehensive business plan; you’ll understand it better that way.

• Executive Summary: A high-level overview or summary of your plan.
• Company Overview: A detailed description of your business idea, its fundamental elements, history, and future goals.
• Market Analysis: A study of your external business environment that includes details about your industry, competitors, and target market.
• Products and Services: Description of the products or services you intend to exchange for money.
• Sales and Marketing Strategies: A section outlining sales and marketing strategies your business will implement to achieve its financial goals.
• Operations Plan: A section outlining the business processes and daily activities involved in ensuring seamless business operations.
• Management Team: Introduction to your founders, key management, and their compensation plan.
• Financial Plan: Your financial plan is a detailed breakdown of your business’s financial projections and financing needs.

That’s pretty much it about the key elements of a business plan example. Next, let’s explore the best business plan examples for students.

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Top Business Plan Examples for Students

Now that you already know about the components of a business plan template, let’s review some of the best business plan examples for students.

1. Startup Business Plan Example

Upmetrics’ startup business plan example is the ideal solution for students planning to start up or participate in a business plan competition. This business plan template follows the SBA-approved business planning format used by thousands of successful entrepreneurs.

Whether your startup is about a new-age AI-based application, an online shopping site, or traditional IT consulting—this sample business plan is just what you need.

Unlike any traditional small business plan, this example of a startup business plan is lean and agile in approach, focuses on innovation, and emphasizes market validation.

2. Lean Business Plan Example

Since you’re transitioning from a student to an entrepreneur, you may not have enough time to spend on creating a detailed business plan. That’s where this lean business plan template can help.

It’s a condensed version of a traditional plan summarizing all its sections with a primary focus on covering only the critical aspects of the business.

This template is best for startups or businesses uncertain about business planning and student-turned-entrepreneurs with limited time and resources to prepare a business plan.

3. SBA Business Plan Example

Following an SBA-recommended business plan format is key to securing bank loans and business grants. Since it can be time-consuming to find a template that follows a similar outline as the SBA, this SBA-approved business plan example is the way to get started.

This SBA business plan template has nine primary sections, that include executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization, product description, marketing, funding request, and financial projections.

SBA business plan examples ensure you stay on track and don’t deviate from your funding needs.

4. One-Page Business Plan Example

As you may have already guessed, a one-page business plan is a one-page version of a traditional business plan. Since it’s a condensed version of a business plan, drafting it can be quite easy and quick compared to a lean or traditional plan.

Employees, partners, and vendors often use one-page business plans as a quick overview of your company and banks and investors as a summary of your operations.

While it may not be the ideal choice for entrepreneurs seeking investment or bank loans, students with side hustles and idea-stage startups can consider this option.

5. HBS Sample Business Plan

Harvard Business School’s new venture competition selected this sample business plan as a finalist in 2011.

This is a business plan of App Success, a collaborative web-based platform that connects low-income high school seniors with college students from top universities; this business will enable them to collaborate on college selection, college applications, and financial aid applications.

This example can be a great reference for those planning to start a mobile or web-based solution.

6. Kean University Sample Business Plan

Kean University organizes a business plan competition every year for its students where students prepare and present business plans to compete, and this is one of the sample business plans the University provides to participants to understand the format.

It’s a business plan of Blue Water Boatworks, Inc., a boat detailing and cleaning company specializing in servicing recreational fiberglass and aluminum watercraft.

This example can be a great reference for those planning to start a business related to housekeeping, cleaning, or maintenance.

7. UVM Sample Business Plan

If you are looking for a strategic business plan for a food business, the University of Vermont’s Fancy Foods Business Plan can be a guiding resource for you.

Despite the fact that it can be a good reference for detailed planning, it was written in 1998, so any statistics and numbers may not seem relevant to today’s market landscape. Make sure you keep that in mind.

You may closely follow this example as a reference if planning to start a food truck, restaurant, or any other business that serves food.

That was the list of best sample business plans for students. However, there’s more to talk about. You now have a business plan example, but what about pitching to investors? Let’s explore free pitch deck examples for students.

Free Pitch Deck Example for Students

Pitching to investors as a first-time founder can be exciting but also overwhelming at times. Worry not; we’ve got a solution—investor pitch templates. We’ve prepared a set of 8 investor pitch templates and examples for students and entrepreneurs to help create winning business pitches.

Whether you need a pitch to find an opportunity, ask for subject matter knowledge, or a problem-solving pitch, these investor pitch examples have got you covered. Download now.

How to write a winning plan for a business plan competition?

Creating a business plan is no different than creating one for a real business. Similar to how entrepreneurs prepare and present business plans to investors, Students in business plan competitions pitch to judges.

In short, the business planning process remains exactly the same. Let’s discuss how you can write a winning plan to help you win a business plan competition.

• Select a compelling business idea : everything starts with a compelling idea. Make sure you have a viable business idea to compete in the competition.
• Refer to winning business plan examples : Once you are sure about your business concept, refer to business plan examples from previous winners and how they planned the sections of their plan.
• Market Research & Industry Analysis : After referring to business plan examples, conduct industry research and market analysis to make your statistical and financial numbers accurate and realistic.
• Understand business model and revenue streams : Since you are preparing a business plan for a company that doesn’t exist, be sure about the business model and how the business will generate profit.
• Use AI business plan generator : Using an AI business plan generator like Upmetrics can be incredibly helpful in speeding up the business planning process. With industry-specific business plan templates and AI assistance to write your plan, you can write the first draft of your plan in literally no time.
• Presentation and visuals : Prepare visuals and graphs to make your business plan visually appealing and numbers digestible. You may not need to prepare these visuals if you use business plan software manually.
• Proofread and edit : Grammatical errors are the last thing judges want to see in a business plan. Make sure you proofread and edit your draft thoroughly before submitting it.

Easy as that, that’s the way to write a perfect business plan that can lead you to victory in any business plan competition on planet Earth. Let’s have a look at a real-life business and financial plan example.

Business and Financial Plan Example for Students

Having learned about business planning for students, let’s quickly discuss a coffee shop sample business plan and financial statements prepared using Upmetrics.

1. Executive Summary

The Cooper’s Cup will be a new cafe in Phoenix, Arizona. The 1,500 square foot café will be located in the newly constructed Market Square Plaza on the northeast corner of 135th Street and Mission Street. The anchor tenant, the Price Chopper grocery store, has already taken occupancy, and the excellent location brings more than 10,000 shoppers weekly.

The Cooper’s Cup, aptly named for the aromatic brown liquid that will fill the cup, fills the void of original cafes in the market and stands out from its corporate peers with its fast food concepts and prompt services. The Cooper’s Cup is the alternative to fast food/commercial/coffee shops and offers a much calmer, civilized gourmet coffee experience.

There are no televisions in the cafe, the background music is subtle, and work from local artists will hang on the walls. The restaurant is well-appointed, with overstuffed leather chairs and sofas in a library-like setting. The cafe is reminiscent of times gone by – yet is cutting edge technologically with WIFI and state-of-the-art espresso machines.

The Cooper’s Cup measures its financial success in terms of increased market share and earnings. This is a tremendous opportunity with a total local market of $54 million! The keys to success will be offering quality gourmet coffees, taking advantage of its small size, and relying on an outstanding barista staff.

To achieve these goals, the cafe will present some of the area’s finest gourmet beans from local distributors. Because of its small size, the restaurant can enjoy larger margins through lower overhead. The cafe will hand-select baristas and offer salaries comparable to the chains. The baristas will be trained to cross-sell and sell higher-margin products.

The primary objectives of the business plan for Cooper’s Cup are below:

• To increase revenues by $36,000 or 5% in Year 2 and $73,000 or 10% by Year 3
• Achieve a profit margin of 5.2% in Year 2 and 6.90% by Year 3
• Be the Cafe of Choice in the Phoenix area and the recipient of the Best Coffeehouse Award.

Guiding Principles

The Cooper’s Cup is committed to values such as excellence, passion, quality, integrity, and leadership, allowing them to navigate challenges and provide for future opportunities. These core beliefs start with their commitment to their products and their employees. Cooper’s Cup rewards excellence and cherishes loyalty. The cafe will work with its employees to build strong businesses and a secure future.

Mission statement

The Cooper’s Cup is committed to its products and employees, which they believe is the recipe for market success.

Key to success

The Cooper’s Cup stands out from the competition. Below are their Keys to Success:

• Great Products : providing exemplary products at market prices – will make customers want to return again and again.
• Hire Quality Baristas : Pay employees rates similar to the larger chains with opportunities for long-term careers and opportunities for advancement with long-term plans to open a second facility.
• Convert Customers to Connoisseurs : Only 40% of the nation’s coffee drinkers consume premium ground and whole bean coffee – this will aid in the continued growth.

Financial Summary

2. Business Overview

The Cooper’s Cup will be a coffee house/cafe located in Phoenix, Arizona. The cozy cafe will be located in the newly completed Market Square Plaza in the Arizona City area. The cafe will serve gourmet coffee, espresso, drip coffee, lattes, and smoothies. The simple pastry offerings may vary with seasonality, but the primary line will be muffins, bread, cookies, scones, and rolls. All pastries will be supplied daily by a local bakery.

The cafe will be owned and operated by Owen Jones, a veteran restaurateur with several years of experience running and managing chain restaurants. The cafe will be open for business Monday – Thursday 7-10, Fridays and Saturdays, 7-11, and closed Sundays.

The Cooper’s Cup will be formed as an S-Corporation owned by Mr. Doe.

Start-Up Summary

The Cooper’s Cup will have seating for 40 patrons. The rent is $2,075 a month, with a three-five-year lease available. The site comprises 1500 square feet of leased space consisting of a dining room, a coffee bar, two restrooms, and a storage room in the back.

This storefront needs to be plumbed and wired appropriately to be used as a restaurant. Painting, new floors, and countertops are also needed. A custom coffee bar needs to be built. With materials bought on sale and volunteer labor, the cost to renovate will be $71,725.

The coffeehouse equipment will consist of two commercial espresso machines, air pots and urns, a commercial blender, a commercial brewer, top-loading coffee bins, barista syrups, cold drink dispenser, frothing equipment, a commercial refrigerator, microwave, and stainless steel prep bar.

The cost of the equipment is $38,275. The furniture will consist of leather couches and chairs (purchased at auction), coffee tables, bookcases, and window treatments. The artwork will come from local artists and be sold on a consignment basis. The books were secured via donations. The total cost to furnish is $14,000. Other startup expenses will be dishes, furniture, rent deposit, and marketing.

Location and Facilities

The new coffeehouse is located in the highly desirable Phoenix, Arizona, area at the northeastern intersection of 135th Street and Mission Street in the Newmarket Square Plaza. The property is situated in an excellent location, with an easy 6-minute drive time to I-435 and 69 Highway. 

The property is 95% leased with Price Chopper as the Anchor Tenant. Other tenants include LifeSpring Med Spa, Jane’s Canines (Pet Store & Boarding), Pride Cleaners Kahn Dental, and Swim U. 

Price Chopper brings more than 10,000 shoppers per week to the center. The location comprises a population of 9,420 within a one-mile radius, 61,102 within a 2-mile radius, and 149,550 within a 5-mile radius – with a median household income of $120,856. Sprint / Nextel’s corporate office is within 2 miles of the site.

3. Market Analysis

Phoenix, Arizona, is an award-winning place to live and work and is considered the leading business community in the Midwest. National publications and organizations recognize Phoenix for its business environment and livability. Here’s a sampling: 6th Place, America’s Best Places to Live Money, Top 50 Cities to Live and Play, National Geographic Adventure, 3rd Hottest Town in the U.S., Money, Among 20 Best Places to Live & Work Employment Review, One of only 72 Sterling Tree Cities in the U.S., National Arbor Day Foundation, Top 10 best Locations to Raise a Family, Southern Business and Development, 1st Place, Kid Friendly Report Card, Population Connection, 2nd Best City in America to Live Business Development Outlook.

Phoenix is at the core of one of the most dynamic local markets in the U.S. It offers easy access to the Arizona City region’s amenities, and, as part of the Arizona City metropolitan area, it is within the most centrally located major market in the nation. I-35, I-435, I-635, and U.S. Highway 69 all pass through Phoenix, and no point in the city is more than 3.5 miles from a freeway. The city maintains an excellent arterial street network and plans to construct additional lane-miles as the area grows. Three airports serve the region. Arizona City International Airport (MCI) is just 25 interstate highway miles north of Phoenix. Johnson County Executive Airport—the second busiest in Arizona—provides complete services for private business jets and general aviation. New Century AirCenter, just 12 miles southwest of the city, offers available aviation services and accommodates cargo or passenger jets of any size.

Phoenix supplies some of the most highly educated workers in the nation, with 97% of Phoenix adults over age 25 holding at least a high school diploma. Johnson County, where Phoenix is located, ranks first among the country’s 231 counties with populations greater than 250,000. The county ranks sixth in the percentage of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree and 16th with a graduate or professional degree.

The Phoenix area has a population of 175,265, based on the 2010 census. The median household income is $77,881, and the median age is 37.9. (2010 U.S. Census)

Industry Analysis

The U.S. coffee shop industry includes about 20,000 stores with a combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Major companies include Caribou Coffee, International Coffee & Tea (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), Peet’s Coffee, and Starbucks. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies generate more than 70 percent of sales. Coffee shops are part of the specialty eatery industry, including retail outlets specializing in bagels, donuts, frozen yogurt, and ice cream products. (First Research)

Competitive Landscape

Consumer taste and personal income drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on the ability to secure prime locations, drive store traffic, and deliver high-quality products. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, finance, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by offering specialized products, serving a local market, or providing superior customer service. Specialty eateries, which include coffee shops, are labor-intensive: average annual revenue per worker is about $50,000. Coffee shops compete with convenience stores, gas stations, quick service, fast food restaurants, gourmet food shops, and donut shops. (First Research)

Market Size

The U.S. coffee shop industry includes about 20,000 stores with a combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Major companies include Caribou Coffee, International Coffee & Tea (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), Pet’s Coffee, and Starbucks. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies generate more than 70 percent of sales. (First Research)

Target Market and Segment Strategy

Most adult coffee drinkers said their lifelong habits began during their teenage years. 54% said they began drinking coffee between 13 and 19. Another 22% reported their coffee cravings started between 20 and 24. This means that 76% of adult coffee drinkers began drinking coffee by the time they were 24. So, despite a large amount of marketing and advertising directed at the younger age groups, savvy coffee shop owners will remember to cater some of their offerings to the adult and senior market. (National Coffee Drinking Study).

The Cooper’s Cup will offer a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts by providing a quiet, cozy, yet sophisticated cafe and a sense of refinement and peace in an otherwise hectic and fast-paced world. While other coffee shops cater to convenience with drive-throughs or loud music venues late into the night, the Cooper’s Cup will stand apart from its competitors with its quiet yet soothing ambiance, capturing a truly unique (and much-needed) market niche.

• Unique products (specialized roasts, local ingredients, locally-themed or named drinks, custom drinks by the star barista, etc.)
• Games, puzzles, mind benders, and other activities that encourage customers to linger over their coffee
• Hosting or sponsoring local events (entertainment, readings, book clubs, etc.)
• Using technology to creatively compete in marketing with big chains — services like FourSquare, Yelp, and Google Places can increase visibility in the local market.
• Delivering amazing service from knowledgeable baristas — spend lots of time training staff and utilizing online services like the American Coffee & Barista School.
• Selling coffee-related items (and tracking down any co-marketing opportunities with a local community college or another student-related group in the area)

4. Products and Services

Product/services descriptions.

The Cooper’s Cup’s primary offering is gourmet roasted coffees with mocha, carmelicious, white mocha, candy bar latte, and brewed coffee. Complementing the coffee will be a smoothie line including wild berry, strawberry, peach, mango, and lemonade. Rounding out the simple menu line will be pastries obtained from an outside supplier, freshly made and delivered daily. The pastry offerings may vary with seasonality, but the primary line will be muffins, bread, cookies, scones, and rolls.

Product/Service Sourcing

The Cooper’s Cup has negotiated supplier agreements with several local food-service wholesalers and coffee wholesalers in the Phoenix area that have a reputation for quality and reliability:

• Mean Beans Coffee Roasters
• Phoenix Brewers
• Healthy Harvest Bread Co.
• Mary’s Organics

If one of the abovementioned specialty suppliers cannot meet their needs, the following national suppliers can provide all the food-service products they require. In addition, the following wholesalers will supply the cafe with general restaurant supplies:

• Lawrence Food Products Corp.
• Gerry Food Supply Inc.

Future Products/Services

Young families, which comprise Phoenix’s third largest market share, are often overlooked in the coffee market. Coffeehouses traditionally have not been considered ‘kid’ friendly. To overcome this hurdle, Cooper’s Cup has long-term plans (5 years) to open a 2nd coffee shop: A combination indoor play area/coffee bar. This concept allows parents and caregivers to meet and relax with other adults while the children can enjoy the indoor playground amenities.

Additional future services will include in-store sales for home purchases and an online store.

The website will have the option to purchase a prepaid gift card program – Prepaid gift cards provide immediate cash, reduce credit card transaction charges, and draw new customers to the business.

5. Sales and Marketing Strategies

Swot analysis.

Unique Selling Proposition

The Cooper’s Cup stands out from a crowded sea of coffee chains and franchises. What sets it apart from the competition is primarily its smaller, cozier size combined with premium coffees served by knowledgeable baristas, providing so much energy and enthusiasm for its products.

Market Strategy and Positioning

The Cooper’s Cup utilizes a focus strategy on its Market. By specifically targeting three primary segments, they can cater specifically to their needs.

Senior Market (age 45+)

The Cooper’s Cup will target this Market simply by its well-selected location. Although this demographic group could readily drive downtown, they prefer a local cafe to unwind and relax and historically become some of the most loyal patrons.

Newly Hired Employees

The cafe will attract regular customers (weekly or more) – particularly the newly employed (first job) by providing free WIFI services and providing interesting games in the customer area.

Young Families

The third targeted Market, younger families, often find that coffeehouse is not ‘kid’ friendly. The company has long-term plans to create a combination coffee shop/play area so that parents and caregivers can meet with other adults while the children can enjoy the bounce houses, slides, and indoor playground equipment.

Pricing Strategy

The Cooper’s Cup primarily utilizes competition-based pricing. The cafe does not utilize coupons and discounts (other than opening promotions) because they believe that the most valuable customer demographic of daily coffee consumers is not influenced by discount programs or coupons.

Promotion and Advertising Strategy

• Online Advertising – The Cooper’s Cup will advertise regularly on popular social media sites like Facebook. Compared to traditional print advertising, this is a cost-effective tactic that will allow them to reach prospects in a highly targeted way (e.g., based on criteria such as age, gender, geography, etc.).
• Website – Cooper’s Cup will develop a simple Web site, which will provide basic information about the business, the menu, and links to their presence on the aforementioned social media channels.
• Radio Advertising – During the first six months of operation and the busy holiday shopping season, the business will advertise on local radio stations.

Sales Strategy

The Cooper’s Cup will use the following methods to increase sales revenue (as recommended by Andrew Hetzel on Better Coffee, Better Business):

• The menu will focus on the most profitable products sold. The cafe will always draw customer attention to the best products.
• As warranted, the cafe will raise prices to bolster its brand image. Prices communicate the perceived value of a product, so if set too low, the customers might assume that the beverages are inferior compared to the competition.
• Monitor flavoring inventory – Excess flavoring inventory ties up capital and valuable backroom space for storage. The cafe will utilize 4-6 varieties, including sugar-free offerings.
• Control waste and theft – audit sales and inventory reports to evaluate ingredient waste due to inefficient preparation, returned drinks, and employee consumption. Retail locations can easily waste 20% or more of their daily sales in these three key categories, which is a substantial and unnecessary loss.
• Monitor and evaluate hours of operation.
• Run employee sales contests – The baristas are the salespeople and have great influence over the customer ordering process. All baristas will have some form of sales and customer service training to make each transaction active rather than passive. Sales contests will emphasize high-margin items or cross-selling.

6. Operations Plan

Staffing and training.

An ongoing training and education program will ensure that each staff member learns and implements Cooper’s Cup’s exacting service and operational procedures standards. Staff meetings will reinforce service standards and principles. The Cafe will have detailed work descriptions and training programs for each position, from entry-level employees to the ongoing development of managers and owners. New employees will undergo an extensive training program. This ensures that each guest receives a quality experience from all employees, regardless of how long they have been employed. The Cafe embraces the concept of promoting from within. Excellence in one function typically leads to excellence in another. Regular staff evaluations and training will ensure motivation and address critical issues.

Inventory controls

The founder will be responsible for hiring and training managers who, in turn, will ensure that the day-to-day operations will comply with the standards set by Restaurant policy. Weekly management meetings will provide a forum to review and discuss financial and operational performance. Critical decisions related to purchasing, human resources, marketing, capital expenditures, and customer service will also be addressed.

Purchasing cost controls

Food preparation personnel will follow standardized recipes developed by the founders to control food costs and ensure consistency. The coffee shop will offer an innovative menu with nutritious food and beverages while achieving the most significant margin yield.

Customer Service

The hospitality business recognizes the client’s support experience is the critical driver to replicate business. The direction will Offer a superior degree of Professionalism by hiring individuals who deliver the ideal attitude to work and teaching them the skills required to accommodate guests. The restaurant will keep high levels of consumer satisfaction with talented, educated, and well-trained workers who understand and implement the fundamentals of fantastic service. Ongoing training will be provided to enable staff to perform their jobs with confidence and ability. Employees are well-spoken, well-versed, and trained to provide friendly, prompt, and professional service to each customer. This practice teaches employees who, by producing an exceptional customer experience, can optimize sales and raise their reimbursement. The team will have the knowledge and service required to create excellent daily service for every customer.

Technology & Software

While the quality of the cuisine and dining experience contributes significantly to a restaurant’s profitability, attention to business and financial details can transform small changes into significant returns. Critical sales, cost of sales, labor, inventory, marketing, and overhead metrics are monitored daily. Trends are evaluated, and constructive actions will be taken where improvement is needed. The management team will have access to the restaurant’s transactions and reports available in its real-time POS (point of sale) and accounting systems. Trends will be evaluated, and corrective action will be implemented as required.

7. Organization Structure

The Cooper’s Cup is formed as an S-Corporation wholly owned by John Doe.

Management Team

The Cooper’s Cup will be owned 100% by John Doe. Mr. Doe, a graduate of Arizona State University, has an undergraduate degree in business administration. During high school, he worked as a waiter in a local hospital coffee shop that purchased its beans from a local roaster. In addition to being an avid coffee drinker, this job allowed him to learn about the business first-hand. In college, Doe worked in a campus coffeehouse for four years, eventually becoming an assistant manager. Following graduation, Doe secured a business development position for a regional restaurant chain, which provided additional first-hand exposure to the food and beverage industry—especially the steps involved in establishing new locations.

Management Team Gaps

The Cooper’s Cup will rely on its POS (Point of Sale) system to generate daily accounting and cost activity reports. Mr. Doe will supply these to an outside bookkeeper for the preparation of annual income taxes.

Personnel Plan

Initially, the cafe will hire 1 manager, 5 baristas, and 2 part-time servers. In Year 2, the cafe plans to hire 1 additional full-time barista.

8. Financial Plan

Important assumptions.

• The sales forecast is conservative and assumes a 5% increase in Year 2 and a 10% in Year 3.
• The analysis accounts for economic seasonality – wherein some month’s revenues peak (such as holidays ) and wane in slower months.
• The analysis assumes the owner will not withdraw any salary till the 3rd year; at any time it is assumed that the owner’s withdrawal is available at his discretion.
• Sales are cash basis – nonaccrual accounting
• Moderate ramp-up in staff over the 5 years forecast
• Barista’s salary in the forecast is $36,000 in 2023.
• In general, most cafes have an 85% gross profit margin
• In general, most cafes have a 3% net profit margin

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash-Flow Statement

Projected Profit & Loss Statement

Break Even Analysis

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a business plan for a college project.

As mentioned earlier in the article, business planning for a college project or competition is no different than for a real business. You can write your business plan using these step-by-step instructions.

• Select a compelling business idea
• Refer to business plan examples
• Prepare a business plan outline
• Create a company description section
• Conduct market research and industry analysis
• Describe your product and services
• Outline sales and marketing strategies
• Create an operations plan
• Introduce management team
• Prepare financial projections
• Summarize your plan with an executive summary

What is a business plan for students?

A business plan is a necessary business document that highlights its purpose,  business goals, product/service offerings, go-to marketing strategies, operations and financial plan, key people involved in the business operations, and other necessary details.

As a student, consider a business plan example as a document that helps you better understand business and industry dynamics and learn how a business operates inside out.

What is a business plan competition for students?

Business plan competitions are competitions mostly organized by universities for students passionate about entrepreneurship and the business world. These competitions offer students a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial skills while also providing opportunities for mentorship and networking.

How can I increase my chances of winning a business plan competition?

There cannot be a straightforward answer to this question, but there’s surely a method that can increase your chances of winning a competition—Using AI-powered business plan software.

Why? An AI tool will make you 10X more productive while writing a business plan and preparing financial forecasts. So you can spend more time researching the market and brainstorming business ideas.

Where can I find more business plan examples for students?

Upmetrics’ library of 400+ business plan examples could be an incredible source for students to find more industry-specific business plan examples. There are examples for almost every small business category, including real estate, retail, entertainment and media, food & beverages, and more.

About the Author

Ajay is a SaaS writer and personal finance blogger who has been active in the space for over three years, writing about startups, business planning, budgeting, credit cards, and other topics related to personal finance. If not writing, he’s probably having a power nap. Read more

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Top 10 MBA Assignment Samples That Help You Write a Perfect Document

Table Of Contents

• How to Develop Leadership Skills?
• Strategic Management for Better Performance
• Study of Changes in the Organization
• Organizational Behaviour
• Conference & Banquet Management
• The Concept of Change Management
• Importance of Employee Relations in an Organization
• How to Manage Equality & Diversity?
• Room Divisions
• Need Help with MBA Assignment? Best Writers Are at Your Service

Nowadays, every second student having management or engineering background consider pursuing an MBA degree because of its scope and infinite opportunities. As we all know that nothing comes easy, one has to pay the price to achieve something in life. Similarly, enrolling in an MBA course is one thing, and completing it with good grades is another. The course is tedious and professors assign tons of assignment writing tasks on different topics, making students wonder why the heck they enrolled themselves.

If you are one such student and want to overcome all the challenges faced in academic writing, go through the samples written by our experienced MBA assignment help experts. Global Assignment Help has the dedicated sample section covering 1000+ topics from various areas of study. Take a look.

The Best 10 MBA Assignment Samples

1. how to develop leadership skills.

Every business organization requires leaders who have the skill to deal with many complex situations. And it's a leader's responsibility to take the correct decision when asked. It is one of the crucial questions that professors keep asking students in their assignments. Thus, Global Assignment Help experts have shared a sample in which you will get to know about assessing and developing leadership skills through appropriate methods. It will help you review all the leadership requirements so that drafting an assignment on a similar topic won't be hectic.

Sample Link: Assess and Develop leadership Skills

2. Strategic Management for Better Performance

Strategic management is the most significant process in every organization. It involves appropriate formulation as well as the implementation of different strategies to attain better performance. While studying an MBA in a business-related field, students are often asked to write assignments on this topic. If you lack knowledge about the topic, you are more likely to include vague information or fail to initiate the draft. However, to help you enhance your knowledge, here is a sample that enlists all the ways to understand how a company can perform better. The writers have taken Nike as an instance to convey the management strategies in the simplest way possible.

Sample Link: Strategic Management For Better Performance

3. Study of Changes in the Organization

Changes are integral aspects of organizations that improve the current performance of an entity. Writing an MBA assignment on this topic will help you gain knowledge of different angles of changes along with the resistance among various employees. When students receive this topic for their assignment, they feel stressed because they don't have an appropriate knowledge to cover all the aspects of the topic without repeating any section. Thus, taking reference from our free samples help is a great option.

4. Organizational Behaviour

Organizational behaviour is a study of an individual or group performance within the business enterprise. Further, it analyzes employee behaviour within a particular work environment and shows its significant impact on performance and job structure. An MBA student has to learn organizational behaviour, and the professor finds assigning assignments on this topic as the best way for learning. Thus, students need to develop their existing skills by simply learning strategies to implement in their assignments make the content relevant in every aspect. You can easily do this by referring to the below-mentioned sample.

5. Conference & Banquet Management

Conference and banquet are termed as a part of the hospitality sector where specific events are organized, such as weddings, dinners, parties, and meetings. Students studying management have to manage such events, that is why they need to know about this area. The subject professor sometimes asks them to draft an assignment on a similar topic during their MBA course. For that, have a look at the sample provided below. It may help you write the next assignment as per the demand. The sample includes information related to the required size and scope majorly to conduct any small or large event for people with different mindsets. It helps you know the way to handle people and things in such a way to ensure the success of the event.

6. The Concept of Change Management

While studying an MBA, students learn that every business develops a different set of strategies to manage people side of change to attain the short and long term business goals. It is one of the most significant concepts that students have to learn. The subject professor also wants to ensure that whether the students have understood the concept or not by assigning them the task of writing assignment on this particular topic.

If you have failed to understand this concept in the classroom and now stuck in drafting an assignment on it, don't worry! Take a read through this sample that involves detailed information about the concept of change management.

7. Importance of Employee Relations in an Organization

A business organization is a place where different people come together to achieve a common goal and objective. It is evident that when many people come together to contribute to any organizational decision, conflicts happen. A manager is responsible for managing such issues. A manager's role is to maintain harmony between an organization's personnel so that the ultimate goal of any business can be achieved without any hassle.

While studying conflict management, students learn strategies and ways to maintain relations among employees. So, an assignment on this particular topic will help you learn the strategies of maintaining employee relations. However, if you lack knowledge or information about the topic, consider this sample. It will help you gain knowledge and write effective content from start to end.

Sample Link: Introduction To Employee Relations

8. Need for Logistics & Operations in a Firm

Logistics and Operations consist of implementing constructive designs and managing systems for the effective development of individuals. It plays a significant role in the success of a product, and an MBA qualified student must hold command of this. It is because the professors can ask students to draft an assignment on this topic with relevant examples. If they lack knowledge about the importance of process design on products, they are more likely to secure bad grades. Thus, the professionals of Global Assignment Help have shared a sample that includes the complete process of product designing in terms of the need for logistics and operation in a firm. We believe that this sample will help you create the best assignment at one go.

9. How to Manage Equality & Diversity?

Diversity and equality are both the most important concerns of any organization to provide respect to all human possessions. And, that is why the professor tries to teach this and ask students to write assignments so that they can get better knowledge of this. The sample document provided by us will surely help you.

10. Room Divisions

Room division management is an aspect of operations management that deals with the creation of a pleasant and enjoyable environment for customers. Visiting the sample link provided below will give you information on room division management.

Sample Link: Room Division of Four Seasons Hotel

MBA is one of the sought-after courses in almost all countries. While pursuing this course, you will be required to write too many assignments. And, every topic will be different. However, it will become quite easy to write if you go through the sample documents provided above. In case you face difficulty understanding any of the samples, consider taking assignment writing services  from the professionals of Global Assignment Help.

You May Also Like: Everything You Need to Know for Perfect Business Economics Assignment Writing

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You may also like to read:

• 80+ MBA Assignment Topics Relevant in Modern Business Practices
• How to write a thesis statement

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Free Assignment Writing Samples for College/University Students

Free Samples of MBA Assignments | Free Case study Samples | Free Assignment Help Samples | Free Essays Writing samples

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Help with Assignment Sample & Case Study Sample with Reference Citing Format- APA, Harvard, MLA & Chicago

Amazing assignment writing sample for Assignment Help | Marketing assignment | Finanace assignment | MBA assignment samples | Managment assignment sample | Accounting assignment sample | HR assignment samples & more .....etc:-

Free Assignment Samples for All MBA /Management Subjects

Financial assignment samples:.

Below Find information overview on Financial Management Projects/Assignments/Exercises Samples PDFs: Analysis of Financial Statements - Formal Assignment Report Solution, Managing financial Assignment for Resource management in health and social care, etc.

Topic: Analysis of Financial Statement Assignment - Formal Assignment Report Word Count: 4,830 words Pages: 23 pages Citation/Referencing Style: APA Assignment Type: Formal Assignment Report

Topic: Managing Financial Resources in Health and Social Care: Assignment Word Count: 3,161 words Pages: 15 pages Citation/Referencing Style: APA Assignment Type: Managing Financial Assignment

Marketing Assignment Samples:

Below find the PDFs format information overview on marketing assignment samples/ projects/ exercises: marketing proposal on customer value to the target market, significant factors responsible for making event effective and efficient, etc.

Topic: MA01Asssignment On Marketing Proposal Word Count: 625 words Pages: 5 pages Citation/Referencing Style: Chicago/Turabian Assignment Type: Customer value to the target market

Topic: Important Factors Responsible For Making Event Effective and Efficient Word Count: 2,358 words Pages: 10 pages Citation/Referencing Style: Harvard Assignment Type: Effective Event Management

Business Economics Assignment Samples:

Understand the Business Economics Assignments Samples/ Projects/ exercises rules with the help of a diagram, Introduction, Executive Summary, Discussion, Recommendations and Conclusion with References

Topic: Assignment Sample of Business Economics-1 Word Count: 2,119 words Pages: 13 pages Citation/Referencing Style: Harvard Assignment Type: Analysis of Business economics assignment

Topic: Assignment Sample of Business Economics-2 Word Count: 1,734 words Pages: 7 pages Citation/Referencing Style: Harvard Assignment Type: Economics assignment help

Case Study Assignment Samples:

Get free case study assignment essay samples/examples overview for MBA students with reference citing format list. The first sample topic on OPERATION MANAGEMENT included (Executive Summary, Introduction, Operation Strategy, Comparison and Design Strategy, Forecasting approaches, Quantitative Methods, Supply Chain, Quality Management, and Recommendations & Conclusion). Check out PDF for The strategy of the organisational behaviour case studies. 2nd sample topic about case study essay on GREEN HOUSE CHARITY - understands the importance of physical skills for young people (Introduction, Framework, Focus of analysis, Methodology & Conclusion and Recommendations), etc.

Topic: Operation Management Case-Study Assignment Sample Word Count: 2,189 words Pages: 17 pages Citation/Referencing Style: Harvard Assignment Type: Case Study

Topic: Assignment Sample of Green House Charity Word Count: 2,770 words Pages: 13 pages Citation/Referencing Style: Harvard Assignment Type: Case Study Essay

Different Kinds of Referencing & Citing Bibliography Style Guides For College & University Students

Harvard Referencing

The author and the date of the work is used in the main body of the content, then it has an alphabetical reference list at the end of the assignment.

Chicago Referencing

It presents two basic citations systems, the humanities style (notes and bibliography) and the author-date system

APA Referencing

It stands for American Psychology Association which consists of rules and conventions for formatting term assignment, journal articles, essays and books, etc., in the behavioral and social sciences etc.

MLA Referencing

It stands for Modern Language which requires in text citation followed by a page number if relevant. The reference catalog of stuff cited should be in alphabetical order.

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Subjects List Of Free Assignment Samples and Free Assignment Resources:-

• Example of Management Assignment Samples
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• Example of Law Assignment Samples
• Example of Statistics Assignment Samples
• Example of Education Assignment Samples
• Example of Tourism Assignment Samples
• Example of Research Assignment Samples
• Example of Technology Assignment Samples
• Example of Arts and Architectures Assignment Samples
• Example of English Assignment Samples
• Example of Social Science Assignment Samples
• Example of Mathematics Assignment Samples
• Example of Medical Assignment Samples
• Example of Science Assignment Samples
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