Executive MBA students offer advice about market's future

The 2016 Executive MBA class at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette recently collaborated with the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market to develop a proposed Growth Guidance Plan.

The proposal is its capstone strategic management course project. The plan includes two growth design options, along with marketing and fundraising recommendations.

The Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market is a venue for seasonal, farm-based products and items made by local artisans. It operates at the Moncus Park at the Horse Farm, a 100-acre public park in central Lafayette, on Saturday mornings.

Prior to developing the Growth Guidance Plan, the nine-member EMBA class analyzed over 400 customer surveys collected at the market or online, in addition to surveys submitted by 40 market vendors. It met with the market’s staff and board of directors.

Class members also consulted with representatives of Lafayette Central Park, Inc., a nonprofit organization that's in charge of the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Moncus Park at the Horse Farm.

“Both sides of the project – the students and market leadership – are excited about the project. We look forward to following up with a discussion after they review the recommendations,” said Dr. Patricia Lanier, an associate professor of management. She teaches the capstone course for the University’s B. I. Moody III College of Business Administration.

Lanier led the 2015 EMBA class that developed a Growth Guidance Plan for Youngsville, La.

Cutline: EMBA student Harold Broussard surveyed people to determine what attracted them to Moncus Park at the Horse Farm.

Photo by Marisa Collins