AWG Teams With College Students To Study Own Brands Promotions
In an effort to study the effectiveness of business-to-business promotions on sales of AWG Brands products, Associated Wholesale Grocers partnered with the University of Illinois Gies College of Business to provide AWG with advanced analytics while giving participating students a unique edge in their careers.
Guided by Professor Ashish Khandelwal, nine students from the university’s Masters of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program split into two teams that used data from different sources to isloate the impact of discounts amidst numerous factors. The teams developed a model that is helping AWG make informed business decisions, while evolving promotional activities.
At the end of each research project, students present their findings to teammates at AWG in a formal presentation.
"Collaborating with the University of Illinois is a fantastic opportunity for both AWG and the students to grow and learn together,” said Patrick Reeves, AWG’s chief human resources officer. "We appreciate their hard work and enjoy the chance to develop and possibly recruit future business leaders."
According to AWG officials, the partnership allows students to gain invaluable real world experience by working on live projects that directly impact AWG's business strategies. In return, AWG benefits from fresh perspectives and cutting-edge analytical techniques that can drive significant business improvements.
“AWG’s contribution to our students' learning is commendable,” said Khandelwal. “The AWG team consistently supports and mentors students on real-world problems and business aspects.”
