The Effects of Student Consultancy Programs on Participating Firms

Abstract

This paper discusses the effects student-based consultancy programs have on the firms that participate. The research question asks both what effects the firms experience from participating and what causes these effects. The paper examines this research question through a quantitative analysis of participants in two such programs that have run at the University of Agder for the past 10 years. The findings of the study are that the majority of the participating firms experience both intangible effects and are satisfied with participating in the programs. It also found that one third of the participating firms implemented the recommendations given by the students. Furthermore, this study also looks at recruitment potential and economic effects of the program. For the former, it was found that a small number of students were hired after the program ended, and for the latter, the findings were inconclusive. Lastly, this study points to factors that influence the effects and implications of these types of programs and provides valuable suggestions and insights for further research.