Industry Projects
Get implementable solutions to your business challenges.
Are you exploring a new idea, facing a complex challenge, or seeking fresh perspectives? Our student Industry Projects connect you with groups of 5–30 talented students who will analyse your business challenge and deliver practical, implementable recommendations.
Projects can have single or multiple points of focus – from smaller tasks such as market scans to larger projects such as reimagining part of an existing business. Each project is embedded in our undergraduate or postgraduate programs, ensuring structured, for-credit learning for students and high-quality outcomes for you.
What are the benefits of engaging with a student project?
Practical, implementable solutions to business challenges
Fresh insights from the next generation of business leaders
Access to problem-solving, IT, and communication skills
Opportunity to connect with academic activities and potential research collaborations
Examples of past projects
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The partner:
Large Banking Industry organisation
The challenge:
The organisation in this example is doing research into a new electronic financial product, and wants to explore some of the issues that may arise in relation to this product. Given students will frequently come with fresh perspectives, they see real value in having a student group examine this question. Ideally they would like students to research and present their thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed products, including things like regulatory considerations, market attractiveness, technical considerations.
Skills involved:
Research, Knowledge of securities laws, Knowledge of similar financial products, Teamwork and Presentation skills
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The partner:
Large Retail chain store
The challenge:
The organisation is a household name in its Retail space, and predominantly operates in metropolitan and regional areas. While it is well known and would potentially see success in remote regional areas, their traditional model of large store is unlikely to work in a remote regional area. The organisation is keen for a student group to examine other businesses that have created successful models that work in a setting with a smaller customer base, and propose a model that would be viable for the organisation. This includes value proposition, logistics, cost drivers, pros and cons of the model.
Skills involved:
Research, Knowledge of Recruitment and Employee Value Propositions, Knowledge of the traits of high performing teams, Teamwork and Presentation skills
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The partner:
Financial Group
The challenge:
This organisation manages a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio. They are eager for a student group to identify the impact of macroeconomic factors and key risk items on the performance of the portfolio and create a modelling tool to assist investment managers to conduct scenario analyses.
Skills involved:
Research, problem solving, data analytics, macroeconomics and finance terms
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The partner:
Government Department
The challenge:
This government department is interested in successfully utilising AI/ML. They are keen for a group of students to conduct research in how AI/ML in similar sectors has been implemented thus far and outline what skills are needed to design, implement, test and monitor AI/ML successfully within this department.
Skills involved:
Research, data science, AI/ML
How does a project work?
Projects run over a structured period, typically lasting 12 weeks during a standard semester or an accelerated 4–6 weeks in intensive mode. These projects benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, drawing students from various fields including management, marketing, finance, HR, and accounting. The working format is flexible, accommodating on-site, hybrid, or on-campus arrangements to suit project needs.
A key element of support comes from the industry mentors, who generally commit just 1–2 hours per week of their time, supplementing the guidance provided by the academic staff to ensure students are fully supported throughout the project's duration.
Key dates & timelines
| Semester 1 | Winter | Semester 2 | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express interest by | Mid-December | Mid-May | April - May (depending on project subject) | Mid-September |
| Project period | 12 weeks, March – June | 4 weeks, June - July | 4 weeks, June - July | 4 weeks, either Nov/Dec or Jan/Feb |
More information about getting involved
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- Be achievable within the timeframe: The project can be completed within an intensive (3-4 week) or semester-long period by a team of students.
- Address an open-ended business challenge: The problem should allow multiple approaches and solutions, culminating in actionable recommendations.
- Go beyond simple data collection: Projects should involve synthesis and analysis of data as the basis for recommendations, not just interviews or surveys.
- Please note within the intensive (4-week) mode students cannot conduct surveys: so relevant data should be provided in advance.
- Primarily draw on business expertise: The project should require the application of business knowledge. If it involves non-business areas, guidance should be available from the host organisation.
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- Sign an Industry Project Agreement.
- Work with our Academic team to scope and define an achievable project.
- Depending on the subject, provide student working space or a schedule for office visits.
- Nominate a staff member as a ‘project champion’ to be available to guide the student group in weekly meetings (approximately 1 hour).
- Provide ongoing guidance and discuss relevant issues with students.
- Attend a final student presentation, where outcomes are shared both in presentation and report format (depending on the subject).
Ready to get started?
Whether your project is clearly defined or requires initial consultation with our Partnership Team, we are equipped to guide you at every stage. We work effectively with organisations across all structures and locations—local, global, in-person, or hybrid—to scope and deliver meaningful projects that align precisely with your business goals.