Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goizueta Marketing Strategy Consultancy?
The Goizueta Marketing Strategy Consultancy (GMSC) is a student-run program dedicated to solving the pressing marketing strategy issues facing major corporations. Since 1991, teams of talented MBA students have worked with these organizations, much like they would in a consulting engagement, but under the structure of a course with faculty supervision.
Who are the clients and why do they participate?
Clients are typically large, multi divisional companies or very large non-profit organizations. Our clients understand that today's business environment produces a constant stream of marketing challenges. Now, more than ever, return on investment drives decision-making, forcing companies to do more with less. GMSC addresses these challenges by providing customized solutions at a fraction of the cost of consulting firms. Recent clients include The American Cancer Society, The Coca-Cola Company, Newell-Rubbermaid, The United Way, GE, Focus Brands, and Solvay Pharmaceuticals just to name a few.
Are the students working on real problems facing the clients?
Yes, the situations are real and current. The teams approach these projects working under strict confidentiality guidelines since these projects are usually highly strategic to the client organizations. In addition, the GMSC Leadership has instituted a blanket non-disclosure agreement that must be signed by all students, faculty, and judges.
What are the deliverables from the students?
The student teams provide 1) a written report including key findings, implications, and actionable recommendations, 2) a presentation of findings and recommendations to the client and stakeholders, and 3) a presentation to a panel of marketing/strategy executives on presentation day (May 10, 2012). There are also periodic deliverables throughout the semester including both qualitative and quantitative research being performed by every team.
How is GMSC structured?
Each client is assigned a team of six to seven students to tackle their pressing business issue. Teams begin working on the projects in January and continue until the presentation day in May. Throughout the project, students attend weekly academic sessions taught by veteran consultant alumni Dr. Shah, other reputable Goizueta professionals and external area specialists to best equip them with the skills to best manage their projects. In addition, students have weekly deliverables and reviews with Dr. Shah to ensure the project is moving in the right direction. Teams also have access to various complementary faculty members to bring specific expertise to each project. Each team is assigned a team guide, a second year student who experienced GMSC the year prior, to provide additional support throughout the entire GMSC process.
I'm interested in becoming a client or judge, how do I get more information?
For more information please contact Ty Heath or Pallavi Jaishankar, Co-Directors of Client Relations, or Sandra Dube, Managing Director.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Goizueta Marketing Strategy Consultancy.
GMSC is a part of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization