Interdisciplinary Challenge Program - June 2023

University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
Danielle Laing
Administrator
(1)
Timeline
  • June 26, 2023
    Experience start
  • July 14, 2023
    Experience end
Experience
1/4 project matches
Dates set by experience
Preferred companies
Anywhere
Startup, Social Enterprise, Non profit, Large enterprise, Small to medium enterprise
Any industries
Categories
Operations Competitive analysis Community engagement Environmental sustainability Social justice
Skills
critical thinking environmental stewardship business consulting business strategy marketing strategy product and service design
Learner goals and capabilities

Are you ready to ignite innovation in your business with the brightest minds from the University of Aberdeen? We invite you to participate in our Interdisciplinary Challenge this spring, an exclusive opportunity for businesses like yours to collaborate with talented students representing diverse programs at the University of Aberdeen.


Over the course of 3 weeks, these dedicated students will delve into your unique challenge or opportunity, focusing on the key themes of sustainability and inclusivity. In close collaboration with a designated contact from your organization, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of your business's needs before diving headfirst into solving your challenge. This intensive 3-week sprint will culminate in well-researched and practical recommendations.


As a participating organization, you’ll be asked to provide a particular question, topic or challenge that will be their area of focus. Their review and recommendations may encompass other areas as well, but they’ll provide targeted and actionable insights based on your primary need.


Key Dates:

May 29, 2023 - Student applications open

June 9, 2023 - Student groups connected to projects

June 26, 2023 - Project kickoff; projects begin

July 14, 2023 - Projects close; final presentations

Learners
Undergraduate
Any level
16 learners
Project
90 hours per learner
Educators assign learners to projects
Teams of 4
Expected outcomes and deliverables

Examples of deliverables might include:

  • 10-15 minute presentation
  • Research and analysis


Project timeline
  • June 26, 2023
    Experience start
  • July 14, 2023
    Experience end
Project Examples

Examples could include, but are not limited to:

  • How might we improve our business processes to be more sustainable?
  • How can we enhance sustainability in our industry?
  • How can we better communicate sustainable initiatives in our organization, internally and externally?
  • What might be the impact of more sustainable business practices on customer satisfaction and willingness to pay?
  • What could be changed in our recruitment practices to attract more diverse talent?
  • How can we create a more inclusive workplace environment?
  • How does our organization compare to others in terms of diversity and inclusion? What might we do to set ourselves apart from our competitors?


Examples in previous years include:

- An Aberdeen-based football club provided the inclusive challenge asking students to support the development of a local women's team. Students were asked to identify sponsorship opportunities and programmes or initiatives that help to engage new fans and consider the unique selling point of the club's women's team over competitors across Scotland.

- An international car rental company ran a sustainable challenge focused on enhancing sustainability in the travel industry, and required students to give high level recommendations with suggested action steps that the company can take within the next 5 years. Students were asked to consider comparisons with other nations using evidence based techniques.

- A sustainable challenge came from a tech company, who asked students to think about ways that they can promote Aberdeen as an attractive place to build a sustainable (clean energy) business. They wanted students to consider all aspects that make a city attractive to small businesses, such as proximity to customer, the cost of offices, cost of living, quality of life, ease of commuting, how environmentally friendly the city is, and if the city has the facilities and services they need (e.g. research and development space, manufacturing facilities, lab space, an established supply chain).

- A local city council provided an inclusive challenge, tasking students with developing a hate crime strategy and a procedure to report communications in the region. The challenge focused around identifying innovative, effective, accessible and sustainable steps towards creating activities or practice to increase confidence and awareness in reporting incidents of hate crime. Students were also asked to come up with a communications plan to address incidents of online hate and micro aggressions.