How does MoreMarbles work?
We help connect Education and Business as never before. MoreMarbles helps businesses grow and students learn. Click here to find out more.
How much does a project cost?
Project prices range from $500 to $30,000. Usually the price is an indicator of the expertise of the professor and students, as well as the time and effort invovled in the project. However, many experienced professors offer these projects at a huge discount. Prices are listed on the school and professor's profile.
Do students get paid for the work?
In general, students provide these projecst through a specific academic course and receive credit for the project. Schools and professors are free to choose how to use the revenue from the project - whether to cover expenses of the project, provide a small cash prize for the top-graded team or make improvements to the school and department.
How does MoreMarbles get paid?
For projects that cost $5,000 or more, MoreMarbles deducts a 10% fee from the revenue paid to the school. This fee covers the expenses of the website, payment processing, and the operations of MoreMarbles. For projects that cost less than $5,000, the school receives the full amount and MoreMarbles charges the company a finder's fee of $495.
Who is in charge of managing the project?
The sponsoring company or organization must provide at least one contact who will be the primary interface with the student team. This contact is in charge of managing the project and meeting with the student team on a regular basis, as decided by the team and sponsoring organization.
How do I leave feedback?
Once the project is completed, you will be reminded to fill out an evaluation form, to provide the school, students or Client with your feedback on the project. Schools use this feedback to improve their program and to provide extra mentoring to students. Companies and organizations can use this feedback to improve their project management capabilities internally and if they choose to sponsor a similar project in the future.
How do schools get paid?
Businesses and Nonprofit organizations pay for the project through the MoreMarbles website. According to the fee schedule described here, MoreMarbles deducts a fee for its services and the remaining balance is deposited with the school.
What types of projects can students do for me?
Student projects address almost any kind of business need. However, most projects focus on the areas of: Marketing, Strategy, Business Plan creation, Supply Chain, Operations, Accounting, Finance, Organizational Design and Website Analysis.
How do you ensure the quality of the project?
Business and nonprofits are often surprised by the high quality of these projects. Students receive a final grade in their course based on the quality of the project and feedback from the client. Professors often have at least 10-15 years of industry experience and research and act as a mentor and manager for the students. Plus, with the professor and school's reputation on the line, and with students that are looking for future employment, all involved are motivated to providing the client with a top-quality end product.
How involved is the professor/faculty adviser?
Professors play the role of coach and mentor. Although the student team is the interface with the client, professors are closely involved in the project. They meet with the team on with the regular basis to review progress, answer questions and provide feedback.
How is this different from an internship?
Student Consulting projects differ from an internship in three main ways: (1) Student consulting projects are conducted as part of an academic course and not on a full-time or part-time basis; (2) Students work in teams and receive mentoring from their professor or faculty adviser; (3) Payment for the project goes to the school and not to the students.
How do I pay for the project?
Business and nonprofits quickly and easily pay for the project through the MoreMarbles website.
When do I pay for the project?
The project fee must be paid at the beginning of the project, once the project agreements have been signed by both parties.
I'm worried about sharing confidential information
You are not required to share confidential information about your company or organization. However, the success and value of these projects depends on the students' ability to access the necessary information related to the client and project. It may be a good idea to ask students to sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement. If information-sharing is a concern, we suggest you ask student teams to sign a non-disclosure or non-compete agreement.
I need help defining the scope of my project
You're not alone. Often, business owners know what areas of their business need help, but sizing the problem into a specific project can be an arduous task. When companies and nonprofits post a project, MoreMarbles offers a free consultation call with one of its scoping consultants. We'll help you determine the main goal, success criteria, scope, deliverables and ideal timeline for your project.
What if I post a project and don't receive any requests from schools?
Schools and professors are continually searching for new projects to conduct. In order to increase the likelihood of your project being chosen, we suggest you complete all fields that describe your project, make sure the project description is clear and concise, and perhaps broaden your criteria (such as agreeing to work with either a local or non-local school). If you are still waiting to hear from schools, give us a call and we will be more than happy to direct applicable schools to you.
When are projects offered?
Most projects are carried out in tandem with the academic semesters: August - December and January - May. However, there are many extra-curricular student groups and clubs that offer projects at virtually any time of the year.
How do I remove a project post?
To remove or edit a project post, click on the My Account tab, login to your account and click on the Delete or Edit link.
Can I do the same project with more than one school?
Yes. You may sponsor the same project with as many schools as you would like. Receiving input from various sources may provide you with valuable information. We remind you, however, that you will need to pay for each project at each school.
Who can post projects?
Any legally registered company, nonprofit or other type of institution may post a project on MoreMarbles(in accordance with MoreMarbles's Terms of Use statement on the website.
Who has access to view my profile?
Your school/professor profile will only be visible to companies and organizations that have posted a project. It will not be accessible to the general public who visit the MoreMarbles website.
How do I set up an automated project search?
Once you have created a profile, you can save your search criteria and sign up for an automatic email. Every time a project is posted that matches your criteria, we will alert you with an automatic email and a link to the project post.
What types of student groups are allowed to create a profile?
Extra-curricular student groups that would like to provide consulting will be allowed to create a profile if they are officially affiliated with the school and can prove that they are a registered student club, organization or association at that school.
How do I edit my profile?
To edit your profile, click on the My Account tab and enter your login information. Click on the Edit Profile link to make changes to your profile.
What schools can participate?
Any accredited school of higher education (undergraduate, graduate and doctoral) can participate on the MoreMarbles website.
How do I get product support?
The best and quickest way to ask questions or raise concerns is to click on the Contact Us link and send MoreMarbles an email. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
I'm worried about privacy issues
Your privacy is our top concern. We use extensive measures to protect your information and identity. MoreMarbles does not provide your contact information to outside vendors or third-parties. We use PayPal Merchant Services to ensure that all financial transactions are safe and secure.
What types of projects are not allowed on MoreMarbles?
We want all businesses and organizations to have the opportunity to MoreMarbles to student talent. However, for the protection and safety of all, companies and organizations that participate in illegal, drug-related, pornographic or innapropriate activities are not allowed to register on the MoreMarbles website. In addition, our website is built to ensure that your financial transactions are safe and secure.
Can I send questions or suggestions to MoreMarbles?
We would love to hear your suggestions and questions. Please follow the Contact Us link to send us an email.
How do I manage my account?
Click on the My Account tab and enter your login information. Schools can create, edit or delete their profile as well as search freely for available projects. Companies and organizations can post a project, review schools that match their criteria and edit or delete their project posts.
For further questions, please send us an email.
"Participating in 'on the ground' real life consulting project really opened my eyes to how much I enjoyed working as a consultant. Previously, I didn't have this type of work experience, and it was a great way to confirm, while getting my MBA, that this was a career switch I really wanted to make. [The experience was] rewarding for me, both academically and personally. "
