IKNS CAPSTONE

Note: This course is offered both in an online (synchronous) format as well as in an in-person format. Both formats conclude with a multi-day, on-campus Residency in December. Please refer to the Important Dates section of the Curriculum & Courses page for upcoming Residency dates.

OVERVIEW: The IKNS Capstone represents the culmination of learning throughout the IKNS program in which students master business-critical concepts in data, analytics, people, networks, integration, and strategy. Working individually and in small teams, students design and deliver a project for a capstone sponsor seeking IKNS expertise to help solve a real-world problem within the sponsor’s organization. Using what they have learned from across the curriculum, students apply IKNS frameworks and use both qualitative and quantitative research to develop a written business report, oral presentation. and a final product for the sponsor including but not limited to a roadmap, strategic plan, white paper, or minimum viable product (MVP). The Capstone provides a final testing ground for students to apply their learning to real organizational needs and also become familiar with consultative approaches. During this course, students collaborate to complete an assignment specified by their Capstone project sponsor. At the conclusion of the Capstone, students provide a report and a strong integrated presentation to the sponsoring organization. Project activity begins at the end of August, with concrete individual and team assignments during the course culminating in a final report and oral presentation delivered in December. 

LOGISTICS: Open to IKNS only. Prerequisites: Before embarking on the Capstone course, students must have earned at least 18 credits towards their IKNS degree. At least 12 of these 18 credits must be specifically from required courses.