For many small to medium size businesses, conducting an in depth analysis of possible scaling opportunities can prove to be time consuming.
This is where CUBS students can step in and offer their expertise as part of the Business Growth and Innovation module taught by Dr Bernadette Power.
The module sees the West Cork Development Partnership and South Cork Local Enterprise Office allocate students to work within local businesses.
Over the course of 12 weeks, students are embedded within local firms, where they conduct real life consultancy and engage in problem based learning.
During that time, students discuss their feelings on the business with the local enterprise office, interview some of the host organisation’s customers, identify where they can improve and what the growth options are.
In doing so, students get a feel for running a business and an insight into the world of entrepreneurship.
At the conclusion of the 12 week module, the students deliver a 30 minute presentation where they outline their findings.
In return, host organisations are provided with a detailed final report on how they can scale their businesses going forward and what supports are available to do so.
One such firm beneficiary was Glavloc Build Systems, who use a new patented timber build technology system that is capable of revolutionising the way houses are constructed.
The students benefited considerably from their engagements with Paul Glavin (CEO of Glavloc Build Systems) and South Cork Local Enterprise Office.
Indeed, such has been the consistently positive feedback from enterprise boards, CUBS students are invited back year-after-year to offer their expertise to local businesses who usually implement some of the suggested findings.