Ashridge Introduces Groundbreaking Research Project & Collaboration

Research is the heart of every business school. That’s why Ashridge Executive Education, has set up a collaboration network with innovative companies to change the global business landscape. The collaboration falls under the newly created Hult Realtime Research (HRR), which is a global market research engine. Its goal is to identify and test ideas, markets, competitors and business models for organizations.

HRR gives students the chance to work with top leaders and managers at the collaborating companies to resolved top business problems. “Hult Realtime Research provides students with an unforgettable, multicultural and real-life experience that enhances your personal and professional skills and allows you to make a positive difference for organizations and the world as a whole,” Jacqueline Oliver said in a press release.

And recently HRR completed its first project with Airbnb. The project included both primary and secondary research methods and was focused on accelerating Airbnb’s go-to-market strategy. Fourteen Hult graduates from Dubai, Shanghai, New York, Boston and San Francisco conducted the research study over eight weeks.

At the end of the study, the students presented their findings to Airbnb’s Global Head of Hospitality and Strategy alongside other senior executives. Through the research and presentation of the final product, Airbnb was able to make informed decisions about their strategic direction. It was a unique experience for both the students and Airbnb.

To get a better idea of what the experience was like, Hult interviewed two of their participants.

Thomas Lorenz, a 2016 Ashridge graduate, said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Hultians across the globe and to learn more about our diverse student backgrounds.”

As for Jacqueline, she said the project undoubtedly contributed to her team and leadership abilities. But really, she decided to participate because of the opportunity to make an impact personally and professionally. “We were able to perform in-depth research and develop strategic recommendations for a well-known, disruptive company, which subsequently allows Airbnb to make an impact in the industry it operates in,” she said.

regions: London

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