Collaborative Learning at Michigan Ross: Subaru Partnership Empowers Future Business Leaders

A team of Online MBA students at the Ross School of Business collaborated with Subaru of America to enhance the car maker's marketing events as part of their Multidisciplinary Action Project course. The project aimed to understand the impact of new electric vehicle legislation and experiential marketing events on Subaru EV sales. The students, led by James Baker, OMBA '25, delivered actionable recommendations to improve experiential marketing events, which Subaru has already begun implementing.

Key Takeaways:

• The Michigan Ross Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) course allows students to apply classroom skills to real-world business challenges, collaborating with industry sponsors to deliver actionable recommendations.
• The Subaru MAP team, consisting of five Online MBA students (James Baker, Tianyi Sheng, Jacob Marcotte, Ashley O'Brien, and Brent Dingman), gathered marketing data and information to understand the impact of electric vehicle legislation on Subaru EV sales.
• The team proposed pivoting the project to focus on enhancing experiential marketing for new EV models, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving in business.
• The Subaru team's feedback was instrumental in helping students refine their approach and develop effective solutions.
• The MAP project provided opportunities for real-world learning, blending virtual coursework with in-person research and collaboration with industry partners.
• The experience gave students confidence in applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, highlighting the value of the Michigan Ross MAP program for future business leaders.

Statistics:

• The Subaru MAP team spent 14 weeks consulting with the sponsor and receiving guidance from faculty, followed by a final analysis and recommendations.
• The team conducted research in person at the Subaru of America Headquarters in New Jersey for a few days, complementing their online coursework.
• The students developed initial recommendations to present to Subaru at the project's midpoint review, incorporating feedback and refining goals to ensure alignment with the business strategy.
• The final deliverable was a thoughtfully prepared report of recommendations, built for the future ahead, with a new outlook on designing and hosting experiences for customers.

Sources:

• Ross School of Business: "Michigan Ross Online MBA Students Partner with Subaru of America"
• Subaru of America: "Subaru of America Partners with Michigan Ross Online MBA Students for Multidisciplinary Action Project"
• Interview with Joe Pawlicki, owner loyalty and engagement manager at Subaru of America
• Testimonials from team members (James Baker, Tianyi Sheng, Jacob Marcotte, Ashley O'Brien, and Brent Dingman)
• Michigan Ross Online MBA Program website