BUS-X390 Integrative Experience – Course Reflection

During the Fall Semester of 2025, I participated in the BUS-X390 Integrative Experience, a capstone project designed to simulate the real-world challenges of managing a business across finance, marketing, and operations. Throughout the semester, I worked collaboratively with my teammates, Danielle Kulich and Erika Corya, to manage a simulated athletic footwear company called All Day Kicks over a ten-year business cycle. The project required us to analyze weekly performance results, make strategic decisions, and adapt to a dynamic competitive environment.

My responsibilities centered on contributing to decision-making discussions, interpreting performance data, and helping prepare our weekly and annual presentations. These deliverables highlighted our company’s successes, identified areas for improvement, and outlined forward-looking strategies to strengthen our financial and operational position. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply classroom concepts to a realistic business scenario while sharpening my analytical thinking, teamwork abilities, and strategic planning skills.

A key component of our success was the strength of our collaboration. Each week, our team met through Microsoft Teams to review the simulation results and discuss financial, marketing, and operations outcomes. Using this information, we co-developed polished PowerPoint presentations—such as our Year 14 example—that communicated performance trends, strategic insights, and action plans. These meetings encouraged active participation from all team members and helped ensure our presentations were cohesive, data-driven, and professional. Through this process, I gained valuable experience in coordinating team efforts, synthesizing large amounts of data, and presenting information clearly and effectively.

Our business decisions were guided by a combined Low-Cost Leadership and Growth Strategy, which shaped our long-term objectives and weekly resource allocations. We focused on maintaining competitive pricing while expanding market presence through increased production, product diversification, and entry into new regions. The performance data reflected strong alignment between our strategy and outcomes: we achieved steady increases in market share, improved production efficiency, and sustained profitability. By controlling costs, optimizing operations, and scaling production, we were able to reach broader customer segments without sacrificing financial stability. These results validated our team’s collaborative and data-informed approach to strategic decision-making.

One of the most rewarding parts of the project was producing our Year 15 presentation in video format and also our Year 19 Presentation in video format , using the Launchpad studio at the IU Library. Working alongside Danielle and Erika, I helped record and edit the simulation presentations. Utilizing the studio’s technology allowed us to deliver a polished and engaging final product while practicing modern media production skills. The experience strengthened our communication abilities and demonstrated how technology can elevate the clarity and professionalism of business presentations.

Overall, the BUS-X390 Integrative Experience was one of the most impactful projects of my academic journey. It allowed me to apply business concepts in a hands-on, realistic environment while developing essential professional skills in teamwork, analysis, communication, and strategic planning. Managing All Day Kicks alongside my teammates provided valuable insight into the complexities of business management and reinforced the importance of collaboration and adaptability in achieving organizational success.