1. Project Objective

This 12-week program engages Business and MBA students in real-world projects focused on literacy tools and initiatives. Students will work in teams to research, analyze, and develop innovative solutions to address global literacy challenges. The projects aim to provide practical experience in market analysis, strategic planning, product testing, and campaign development while fostering skills in collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking.

 

2. Project Tracks and Deliverables

1. Market Feasibility Study for Literacy Tools

Objective: Identify and evaluate emerging literacy tools or software (e.g., language-learning apps, digital libraries, gamified platforms) for underserved global markets.

Key Activities:

• Research existing literacy tools in diverse markets.
• Analyze demographics, literacy rates, and technology adoption in target regions.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis to assess market entry potential.
  Outcome: A feasibility report recommending the most promising literacy tools for specific underserved regions.

2. Developing Marketing Strategies for Literacy Startups

Objective: Collaborate with a literacy-focused startup to create a comprehensive marketing strategy aligned with its mission.

Key Activities:

• Develop market segmentation and targeting strategies.
• Design digital and social media campaigns.
• Propose partnerships with NGOs and educational institutions.
  Outcome: A marketing plan that increases awareness and adoption of the startup’s literacy solutions.

3. Product Fit Analysis for Global Literacy Initiatives

Objective: Test and evaluate the effectiveness of a literacy product or service in a new international market.

Key Activities:

• Conduct user testing with diverse demographic groups.
• Collect and analyze usability feedback.
• Recommend product adaptations for cultural or regional relevance.
  Outcome: A product fit analysis report detailing findings and actionable recommendations.

4. Creating a Literacy-Focused Business Model

Objective: Design a sustainable business model for an organization aiming to improve literacy rates globally.

Key Activities:

• Analyze existing nonprofit and for-profit models in the literacy space.
• Propose innovative revenue streams, such as subscriptions or corporate sponsorships.
• Assess scalability and social impact.
  Outcome: A business plan that balances profitability with social good.

5. Competitor Analysis of Literacy Platforms

Objective: Evaluate competitors in the literacy market to identify gaps and opportunities.

Key Activities:

• Analyze features, pricing, and marketing strategies of major literacy platforms (e.g., Duolingo, Khan Academy).
• Conduct surveys to understand user preferences.
• Recommend differentiators or improvements for a specific platform.
  Outcome: A competitor analysis report with actionable insights.

6. Global Literacy Awareness Campaign

Objective: Design a campaign to raise awareness about literacy challenges in a specific region.

Key Activities:

• Research the region’s literacy challenges and root causes.
• Create a multi-channel communication strategy (e.g., videos, social media, events).
• Partner with local influencers or organizations for outreach.
  Outcome: A comprehensive campaign plan with mock-up content and a rollout strategy.

7. Data-Driven Literacy Insights Dashboard

Objective: Develop a dashboard visualizing global literacy metrics for stakeholders.

Key Activities:

• Identify key literacy indicators and data sources.
• Design user-friendly visualization tools.
• Recommend use cases for NGOs, governments, and businesses.
  Outcome: A prototype of a data visualization dashboard.

8. Testing Digital Literacy Interventions in Schools

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of a digital literacy intervention in improving student outcomes in a specific demographic.

Key Activities:

• Partner with a school or educational NGO.
• Implement a literacy software or tool in the classroom.
• Measure improvements in literacy skills through pre- and post-intervention assessments.
  Outcome: A case study documenting the intervention’s impact and scalability.

3. Timeline

Week	Focus
1-2	Orientation, team formation, and project selection.
3-5	Research, data gathering, and stakeholder interviews.
6-8	Analysis, strategy development, and prototype or draft deliverables creation.
9-11	Refinement of deliverables, feedback incorporation, and final presentations preparation.
12	Final presentations to corporate partners, NGOs, or faculty.

4. Student Benefits

1. Real-World Learning:
   • Apply academic knowledge to practical challenges in literacy and education.
   • Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools, market analysis, and strategy development.
2. Workforce Skill Development:
   • Enhance collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills.
   • Build leadership and project management capabilities.
3. Resume and Portfolio Building:
   • Create professional deliverables, such as feasibility reports, marketing plans, and prototypes, to showcase in interviews.
4. Corporate Networking Opportunities:
   • Collaborate with literacy startups, NGOs, and global organizations.
   • Build a network of corporate contacts and industry professionals.
5. Interdisciplinary Experience:
   • Work on projects that intersect business, technology, and social impact.
   • Develop solutions with a focus on global challenges and regional diversity.

Why It Matters:

This project empowers students to make a meaningful impact by addressing global literacy challenges through innovative business strategies. By working on interdisciplinary teams and engaging with real-world stakeholders, students will build valuable skills and contribute to initiatives that foster education and opportunity worldwide.