Agribusiness international capstone research project: University of Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Abstract The authors were involved in an international capstone project in their final year in the agribusiness undergraduate programme at the University of Queensland (UQ). The capstone experience required them to conduct a commercial research project for a fee-paying agribusiness client in an overseas market. The students were mentored by experienced academic researchers to provide guidance, acting only as ‘safety nets’. The major components of the project involved conducting market research in China, analysing desktop and field data, preparing a report and presenting findings to the client. During the project the authors developed skills in project management, working to deadlines, communication, teamwork, conflict management, and researching in an international setting. The capstone experience equipped the authors with a broad range of skills, applicable to any job or industry, and a wealth of real-world experience, which is seldom available in other business degrees.