What is the GCP?
The Global Consulting Practicum (GCP) is a cross-functional, capstone course and consulting organization embedded in Wharton. It is designed to bridge the academic curriculum and international business worlds. Established in 1978, the Wharton GCP operates in junction with business schools in Peru, Colombia, India, Jamaica, Chile, Israel and China. GCP pairs Wharton teams of MBA students and faculty with teams from the partner universities to consult to a client company interested in entering or expanding its position in the US.
The Wharton-Fudan GCP
Since 2005, the Wharton GCP has started, the first time in China, to cooperate with Fudan MBA program to launch Wharton-Fudan GCP. The pilot project was completed successfully in 2006 and the Fudan-Wharton GCP team has got good feedback from the client and the Wharton GCP Management. Now a new project is open to Fudan MBA students for application. The format of the project is as follows:
- The project is consisted of five Fudan MBA students and five Wharton MBA students.
- The team delivers an international consulting project to a Chinese firm with the intention to enter or expand in the USA.
- The project will start in October. From October to December, the team works out the project specifics.
- Wharton students will come to China for a week in December to work with the client and Fudan teammates.
- From January to May, the team works on the project.
- Fudan students will spend a week at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in May with the client for the final presentation and bring-alive sessions.
- Fudan students earn 2 credits of an International Business elective for the Spring semester.
Benefits for Students
- A reality education experience in which students apply concepts, methods, and paradigms they have learned in the classroom
- An international virtual team experience which allows students to build horizontal self-managed team capabilities
- An opportunity to develop the ability to be a trusted advisor in any field: consulting, brand management, international project management, etc.
- An entrance to a international professional and academic network of resources
- Travel to America with expenses paid by client
- Develop and expanda global professional network
- Earn 2 credits in International Business elective
- Have fun and make great friends around the world as you undertake demanding work.
The GCP Project for 2007-2008
MediClean is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of healthcare related disinfectants in the People's Republic of China (PRC). It has approximately 165 employees and has been in business for approximately 20 years. The Company produces a wide variety of disinfectants and other medical products. As one of a few nationally recognized domestic brands with rich R&D traditions, the Company's products are marketed, sold and distributed to hospitals and medical facilities throughout all of China.
This project will appeal to a variety of students, particularly those who are interested in biomedical firms, M & A growth strategies, international partnering, issues in overseas investment opportunities and globalization of financial markets.
The GCP project will encompass several exciting and challenging issues for MediClean. Although the scope and vision of this engagement will be further reviewed and refined by the team based on client discussions, MediClean wants GCP to help develop a strategy for upgrading their listing from OTCBB to NASDAQ or other major US stock markets with the following in mind:
- Understand the requirements and processes of the upgrading
- Develop a workable Investors' Relationship (IR) strategy to promote MediClean in the US markets
- Identify potential partners in the US for MediClean’s IR and upgrading in the US
- Develop a clear strategy for MediClean̵
