An Agile Approach to Student Consulting Projects: Iteration and Communication to Improve Decision Making, Presentations, and Teamwork

Abstract

Embedding consulting projects into the curriculum presents an effective means of providing students with experiential applied learning opportunities. However, creating, planning, and managing such projects can be challenging. This paper introduces a unique approach to managing consulting projects: Agile Project Management with Scrum. By incorporating a commitment to iteration and communication as the core of the project experience, Agile with Scrum fosters an impactful, realistic, and engaging student consulting experience. This approach enhances decision making, presentations, and team dynamics. This article discusses how one supply chain management course embedded Agile with Scrum into a client consulting project to convert a mediocre experiential learning opportunity into a transformative one. After describing Agile with Scrum and explaining its potential in the classroom, this paper discusses the consulting project before and after Agile; the results; the lessons learned; and the value created for students, clients, and faculty. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ited.2023.0057 .