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Student Projects

FALL 2007 FIELD PROJECTS:

Giant Eagle, the largest grocery chain in Western Pennsylvania
A student team studied the environmental issues surrounding plastic and paper bags. Project dimensions included analysis of consumer perceptions, financial impact, and alternative carry-out packaging solutions.

Allegheny Conference, a civic leadership group that stimulates regional economic development
A student team researched migration patterns of the region's highly educated, young professional population and suggested ways to attract and retain a larger share of this high skill, high demand portion of the region's workforce.

CNX Corporation, a natural gas and coal methane producer
A student team analyzed current and potential governmental regulation and economic incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy industry.

FALL 2007 CLASSROOM PROJECTS:

Life Cycle Assessments
Students reviewed inputs and outputs to the manufacturing process of paper money; recognized movement toward electronic solutions to solve existing currency systems.

Supply Chain Simulations
Students conducted reality-based exercises to assess the impact that business decisions have on all members of a supply chain, including end customers.

Burning Issue Analysis
Students research and interpret topics such as environmental regulation, the role of NGOs in promoting sustainability and social responsibility hot topics.

SPRING 2008 FIELD PROJECTS:

Sustainable Pittsburgh, making Southwestern PA a magnet for sustainable development
A group of Duquesne MBA Sustainability students will be working with this not-for-profit resource for community and business solutions to research and refine sustainability metrics. The group will also help to design and launch a Sustainable Development award for the Southwest Region of Pennsylvania.

Highmark Inc., one of the nation's leading health insurers
Duquesne MBA Sustainability students will be developing the business case for green retrofitting of buildings, researching options and analyzing cost-effectiveness of renovation solutions.

Tower Group, leading research and advisory firm for financial services industry
The financial services industry is a major component of this region's new economy. Duquesne MBA Sustainability students will be evaluating and modeling the carbon footprints of buildings and operations at a macro level.

Green Building Alliance, not-for-profit that advances sustainable design and construction
Duquesne MBA Sustainability students will be developing survey instruments to collect data on green building products, supply chains, and the decision process involved in acquiring green products for new and retrofit building projects.

Auberle, a not-for-profit agency that provides services for at-risk children and families
Transportation to and from treatment centers, residential facilities and family homes is central to Auberle's mission and operations. Duquesne MBA Sustainability students analyzing the organization's annual 260,000+ miles of logistics services, fleet vehicles, and centralized control systems to more effectively serve Auberle clients.