Our MBA curriculum goes beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, offering students the opportunity to tackle live projects and confront industry problems head-on.

In their first term, students complete workshops on strategy, marketing and finance before getting the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a business challenge. Through this challenge, students immerse themselves in an authentic business scenario, collaborating with industry partners to devise innovative solutions to business problems.

One of these business challenges was with the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club.

 

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City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club logo

Here's how it played out...

Warming up: the brief

The City of Birmingham (COB) Rockets Basketball Club, known for its ambitious plans and positive community impact, posed a challenge for the students: to develop a comprehensive growth and development plan for the next five years.

The goal was to create strategies that would ensure a stable and growing income, enhancing both the club's financial stability and its community outreach.

Six teams, comprising over 40 MBA students, worked diligently to come up with innovative solutions, which they presented to a panel of COB Rockets senior management and Aston Business School academics.

The challenge not only tested their strategic, marketing, and financial acumen but also their ability to work effectively in teams and apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world scenario.

Hear more about the challenge from Rockets' CEO, Robert Palmer...

Shooting for success: student insights

Here's what some of our MBA students had to say...

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Abiodun (Bello) Olatunji MBA student

Bello Olatunji

MBA student

We approached this unique opportunity to work with the COB Rockets with the mindset of turning this challenge into a catalyst for positive change. 

Our team's commitment to enhancing in-game entertainment and hospitality not only addresses the current challenge but also opens doors to new possibilities and avenues for growth.

Our ideas could lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty and potentially attract new customers who are drawn to the unique and immersive aspects of the business offerings.”

 

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Mugdha Padalkar MBA student

Mughda Padalkar

MBA student

 

We were excited by the opportunity to apply our learning on the Aston MBA programme offered by COB Rockets.

We found that COB Rockets' online presence through their website and social media was very important for achieving their ambitious growth target.

Our team proposed development of an app to boost its online presence and affordable ways of financing its development. We were gratified that Kirk and Robert found our proposal intriguing and something to be taken further.” 

Slam dunk: achievements and impact
Aston University MBA business challenge students with Birmingham Rockets

 

The collaboration between Aston University MBA students and the City of Birmingham Rockets proved highly beneficial. The students provided valuable insights and innovative strategies that the Rockets can use to drive future growth.

Robert Palmer, CEO of COB Rockets, praised the students' diligent research and creative solutions, which included new revenue streams and enhanced marketing strategies. This partnership continues to thrive, with promising future projects on the horizon.

The experience enriched the students' learning and offered practical solutions to real-world business challenges, highlighting the mutual benefits of this unique collaboration.

MBA students in lecture theatre with COB Rockets

 

Robert Palmer

CEO, City of Birmingham Rockets

Setting a business challenge for this cohort of MBA students at Aston University has been a fascinating and rewarding experience for us here at City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club.

The detail and enthusiasm shown throughout the project speaks to the high quality of the students and staff at Aston University.

We are proud to have a thriving partnership in place with Aston University and look forward to working together on a range of future projects!”

MBA programme director Kirit Vaidya

Kirit Vaidya

Programme Director, MBA (Full-time)

This business challenge is a key part of our learning by doing approach. Students do not only have to apply the knowledge they have gained during their strategy, marketing and finance and accounting modules but also have to work effectively in teams to address a complex real world challenge.

I am always pleasantly surprised by what they achieve and offer to the business through teamwork, creative thinking and applying what they have learnt.”