The Action Research Project (ARP) is an in-depth, year-long project designed to further student learning while also supporting the goals of the sponsoring organization. For this year-long project, each student and sponsoring employer choose an issue of major importance to their organization and work together to address it. They work closely with a faculty advisor to research the problem or opportunity and to design and implement a response plan. This thesis-like undertaking is graded independently of all other assignments in the program. The Action Research Project is expected to make a significant impact on the revenue growth and/or cost reduction efforts of the organization — an impact that more than pays for the participant’s time and tuition. To ensure students and sponsors scope the project appropriately, students are required to design their research work to deliver a near-to-mid-term business impact of at least $1 million. There are a number of deliverables spread throughout the year designed to keep students on track and moving forward with their projects.

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