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Integrative Business Experience

Start a real one-semester business

UCM’s School of Business Administration has a unique opportunity called the Integrative Business Experience; we call it “IBE”.  BSBA majors may take IBE during the junior year. During this 12-hour block of 4 courses, you and your team will start a one-semester business, complete a project for a non-profit organization chosen by your team and donate your profits to the non-profit. IBE is a great way to experience first-hand the interconnectedness of the various business functions.

 

UCM’s Integrative Business Experience Celebrates 100th Company

IBE History

 

Since its inception in 2004, more than 2000 students in 105 IBE student companies have:

  • Grossed over $750,000 in revenue
  • Donated nearly $500,000 in profits to non-profit organizations
  • Contributed more than 30,000 hours to non-profits for service projects

What is IBE?

IBE is a 12-credit block of courses typically taken 1st semester junior year. During the IBE course block, students:

  • Learn specific course content in management, marketing and finance
  • Write a business plan for a one-semester business
  • Apply course content to their team’s business
  • Present their business plan to Equity Bank loan officers
  • Sell a product and complete a student-led service project for a non-profit

Community Service

The students are motivated for business success by the community service component in IBR

  • IBE requires that students make a lasting impact on a non-profit organization that the students choose together.   
  • Students implement their business plan, pay off their loan, expenses and generate enough profit to finance their community service work. 
  • Past projects have included building parks, equipment, trailer for emergency response, gyms and meeting other needs.

IBE Requirement

IBE is required for many BSBA majors including Management, Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise, and Events Marketing & Management.  Other business majors may also choose to take the IBE block.

Equity Bank support

Equity Bank

  • supports IBE through loans to student teams
  • provides feedback on loan proposals
  • and funds student advisers

 

 

 

Contact

Dr. Jackie Brandhorst
Associate Professor of Management
Dockery 400 S
Tel: 417-838-3662

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