Sample Projects
Development in Africa (Communication, Culture, Development, Fundraising, Awareness-building)
Hands-on development work, experiences with African culture, and project management are just some of the aspects of the Development in Africa project. This project had students work with, and for, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Red Cross. After working with a development organization (NGO) for planning, each team carried out their own project. Some teams led student or community groups in painting murals that will drape the Egyptian Pyramids, or managed public relations campaigns to increase membership or awareness. Other teams helped raise money for rural libraries and an orphanage, developed training materials for youth camps, wrote grants for media projects, raised money for home restorations, and solicited donations for medical supplies.
Marriott International (New Media, Public Relations, Marketing, various countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia)
In order to make recommendations to Marriott International on the prevalence, impact, and effectiveness of “new media” (blogging, podcasting, cell phone messaging, IMing, YouTube, Flickr, etc.), students first investigated the current state of new media in the USA. Using this information as a benchmark, they then looked at the effectiveness of this media in the UK, Germany, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Mexico, China, and Japan. Students then visited and spoke with executives in Public Relations firms, conducted focus group sessions, in order to learn more about the current usage of such media – and to think about the future. At the end of the project, students traveled to Washington, D.C. to present their proposals to executives at Marriott International World Headquarters.
Japanese Teahouse & Shinto Shrine (Public Relations, Aesthetics, Local Government, Community Service, Culture and Religion)
In order to develop an appropriate background understanding of context, students first researched the interrelationships between Japanese Buddhism, Shinto (the native religion of Japan), the “tea ceremony,” and the Japanese aesthetic concept of wabi sabi (“beauty of things imperfect; sad beauty”). Thus grounded, the teams worked in conjunction with local community leaders, the State of Ohio’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and International Relations (Office of the Governor), JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and JASCO (Japan Association of Central Ohio), in order to save a Japanese Teahouse & Shinto Shrine which were brought to Ohio just after World War II. Projects included public relations, awareness-building campaigns, and historical documentation.
Procter and Gamble (Engineering, Communication, Business, Middle East & South America)
GLC students collaborated with Procter & Gamble research and marketing professionals to develop new products for the Middle East and South America. The project involved consumer research, market analysis, technical and manufacturing specifications, packaging, pricing and marketing. The teams then traveled to Cincinnati to present their proposals to executives at P&G World Headquarters.
Harvard University Pluralism Project (Religion, Leadership, Culture, India & USA)
Working in conjunction with visiting students from India, GLC students documented (in the form of case studies ) leadership issues in a Hindu community in West Virginia. Students researched Hinduism and Indian culture. For their primary research, students spent a weekend at this community, talking with members, participating in or observing religious rituals and listening to classical Indian music. Final documents (case studies) were submitted for inclusion in Harvard University’s Pluralism Project.
Embassy of Poland (Economics, Politics, Government, Eastern Europe)
Working in conjunction with the Embassy of Poland and the State of Ohio’s International Trade Division, GLC students researched ways in which the State of Ohio and Poland could build economic bridges. This research required students to develop a detailed understanding of, among other things, the Polish economy, import and export regulations, international trade fairs, technical industries and sectors. Students from the College of Entrepreneurship and Management at Nowy Sacz Business School in Poland joined the project and assisted GLC students with their research. The teams then traveled to Washington D.C. to present their proposals to the Ambassador, counselors, and other VIPs at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.
Leadership East & West (Leadership, Communication, Asia & USA)
Working in conjunction with visiting students from Thailand, GLC students participated in leadership and team-building exercises. Students met with leaders from all walks of life including religion, sports, business, government, and so on. Students had their photo taken with the Governor of the State of Ohio.
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi (Finance, Communication, Marketing, Japan)
GLC students researched international banking practices, including detailed financial analysis. Students compared and contrasted various lending practices in the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi’s New York City headquarters, BTM practices in Japan, and those of competitors. The teams then traveled to New York City to present their proposals to executives at BTM headquarters.
Mexico - Ohio Exporting & Importing (Business, Communication, Latin America & Southeast Ohio)
This was a two-part project. The first part was completed in Guadalajara, Mexico and the second was completed in Athens, Ohio. Working in conjunction with students from Mexico, GLC students assisted various Mexican and American SMEs (small to medium enterprises) with various importing, exporting, marketing, and legal issues.
