Virtual Program
10 Virtual Live Sessions, including 3 sessions with a Client
*This program includes activities that require review by the professor
Program Overview
Students develop and execute marketing strategies for small businesses in rural and urban communities across Panama, helping them overcome resource limitations and drive growth.
Working in small teams, the class partners with a Panamanian business client to design tailored marketing initiatives and materials.
Guided by professionals and local business experts, students apply the 7 Ps of the Marketing Mix framework. Through client interviews and industry research, they create and present a comprehensive Marketing Plan to their assigned business. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, blending client engagement with reflective activities to reinforce skills.
The program integrates intercultural competence with bilingual (English/Spanish) deliverables, ensuring students can effectively engage with local communities. Through client interviews, industry research, and structured templates, students develop tailored solutions for real-world marketing challenges.
We understand that every group has unique learning objectives and logistical needs. Whether you’re interested in adjusting the program length, scheduling flexibility, team size, cultural immersion depth, or technology use, our team is happy to tailor this experience to your goals.
Contact us to discuss how we can adapt the curriculum and schedule to align with your institution’s priorities.
Marketing Program Learning Objectives
Students that successfully complete the Business Marketing Program will be able to:
- Analyze economic and social challenges affecting rural communities in a developing country
- Consult with clients in both rural and urban communities to assess their business needs
- Collaborate within teams to evaluate a business’s strengths and weaknesses, developing tailored marketing solutions
- Present actionable marketing plans and materials to clients in order to drive business growth.
Resources provided in support of the Virtual Sessions and Modules
- Bilingual facilitators and client liaisons who coordinate each virtual session with students. The client liaisons provide translation during virtual sessions involving business clients, ensuring clear communication
- Students receive guidance from local business experts, as well as support from full-time local teams dedicated to assisting business clients
- All participants have access to electronic support materials through Canvas (LMS)
- Working in small groups, each class collaborates with one business client throughout the program
- Session scheduling that coordinates class meetings and meetings with business clients.
Virtual Sessions and Modules
Module 1 – Introduction to Global Brigades, Economic Context of Panama and Foundations of International Consulting
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Mission and vision and brief history of Global Brigades
- Program Introduction and Expectations
- Panama Country Overview and Economic Context
- Client Selection Process
- Foundations of international consulting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Strategies for sustainable Business Solutions
- Assigned reading: Consulting Project Guide
Module 2 – Marketing Challenges of Urban and Rural Microenterprises & Developing Successful Marketing Strategies
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Panama’s Economic Disparities
- Marketing challenges faced by business owners in rural and urban Panama
- Successful marketing strategies for developing economies (Case Study)
- Communication Skills for Business Analysis.
Self-Paced Activities:
- Review the 7 Ps of the Marketing Mix framework.
- Assigned reading: Deliverables Tool Guide
Module 3 – The 7 Ps of the Marketing Mix and Client Meeting Preparation
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Review of the 7 Ps of Marketing (Product, Pricing, Place, Promotion, Physical Evidence, People, Processes)
- Getting to Know Your Client
- Analyzing Your Client’s Profile using the Marketing Mix framework
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare a Spanish-language self-introduction for client consultations
- Refine client interview questions
- Practice the Spanish Business Package Resource
Module 4 – Client Meeting (Session 1)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Initial client consultation to discuss marketing challenges
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Relationship-building strategies
- Summarize client challenges and goals
Module 5 – Working Session 1 (SWOT Analysis and Marketing Mix)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Analysis of the Client’s Business using the SWOT analysis
- Evaluate client’s current marketing using the 7 Ps framework
- Preparation for the Next Meeting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare follow-up questions for the client
- Brainstorm preliminary marketing strategies.
Module 6 – Client Meeting (Session 2)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present preliminary findings to the Client
- Follow-up interview to clarify marketing challenges
Self-Paced Activities:
- Develop and draft an initial marketing plan based on findings
- Start working on deliverables
Module 7 – Working Session 2 (Marketing Plan Plan Development)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Refine marketing plans post-client feedback
- Prepare presentation for the local business expert to review
Self-Paced Activities:
- Revise presentation for the local business expert to review
Module 8 – Local Business Expert Review
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present marketing plan to the local business expert for feedback
- Integrate feedback to strengthen strategies
Self-Paced Activities:
- Incorporate expert feedback into marketing plan and presentation
Module 9 – Executive Summary Presentation and Class Feedback
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present Marketing Plan to class, faculty, and Kambia facilitators
- Incorporate additional feedback to refine deliverables
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Client Involvement
- Polish presentation and deliverables for Presentation to Client.
Module 10 – Client Presentation & Final Reflection
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Final Presentation to Client
- Deliver finalized marketing plan to Client
- Address final Client feedback
- Reflection: Program Experience
- Lessons learned and future applications
Self-Paced Activities:
- Submit completed business plans and deliverables.
- Complete the Final Business Program Evaluation.