Doane Marketing Students Gain Real-World Experience
In the Fall of 2007, students in Doane's Marketing Research class worked with a local business organization, the Crete Area Medical Center (CAMC), to conduct two marketing research projects. One project was designed to measure perceptions of and level of satisfaction with the Cardiac Care Rehabilitation Program. The second project was designed to measure awareness of the CAMC and programs offered.
In addition to working closely with their professor, Kathleen Zumpfe, the students had the opportunity to receive practical advice and guidance from Doane alumnae Gene Filipi and Cristi Reid, who are both business professionals in marketing research.
The students located their sample population, prepared questions, and pre-tested the survey. Operating as a team, they wrote a final report and presented it to CAMC management. By working on this research project of significance to a local business, the students gained great hands-on experience while addressing the needs of a real-world "client" and being mentored by talented business professionals. It is anticipated that the Fall 2008 class, working with the CAMC, will conduct the survey, analyze the results, and report their findings to the hospital.