Washburn School of Business Students Collaborated Across Continents to Prepare Business Proposals with Peers from 170 other Universities

      Topeka, Kan. – The 30 Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business students in Dr. Liviu Florea’s International Business class joined 6,258 other students from 170 other universities in 47 countries on six continents to virtually collaborate on business proposals via the X-Culture project. The X-Culture project is a large-scale experiential learning exercise designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in international virtual collaboration. These students worked in teams of six, each in a different country.

      Working in global virtual teams, the students developed a business proposal for one of half a dozen companies that partnered with X-Culture for the Fall 2024 semester and provided a detailed plan for implementing the idea. During the project, the students had numerous live webinars with their client company owners or CEOs. The students had an opportunity to learn more about the business, its history and products, ask questions and receive feedback on their suggestions.

      Florea has been having his classes participate in X-Culture since 2013.

      “Projects like this are invaluable to our students’ knowledge and skill development, not only in developing business expertise but in understanding how to collaborate with others,” said Florea, professor of business management.

      Blythe Landon, bba ’22, stated, “The X-Culture experience was truly one of a kind! Under Dr. Florea’s guidance, we were able to navigate collaboration across time zones, language barriers and cultures, to complete a project that gave us real-life experience with international business. The class gave me the opportunity to put the theories we discussed to the test and learn from the mistakes we inevitably made along the way. Throughout the project, I enjoyed learning about my teammates and the way their university experience differed from my own. X-Culture broadened my horizons and shaped the way I communicate with my coworkers today. I learned not to take communication or intentional norm-setting for granted. It’s the most important part of collaborating with a diverse group.”

      “Professor Liviu Florea proved to be an innovative and inspiring educator and a very reliable partner, who took the responsibilities related to the project very seriously, completed all tasks on time, worked diligently with the students, and responded promptly to students’ questions and concerns,” said Dr. Vas Taras, professor of international business and department head, Department of Management, Bryan School of Business and Economics, vice president-administration, Academy of International Business, X-Culture Project founder and coordinator, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

      “Moreover, Professor Liviu Florea showed interest in the research side of the project and has been actively helping with data collection and contributed otherwise to our research efforts. The students from Washburn University did equally well. Based on peer evaluations and our performance records, the students generally came in very well prepared. They did a wonderful job of establishing contact with their international peers, put an impressive effort into working with their teams, made significant intellectual contributions, and made a very positive impression on their team members.”

       Dr. David Sollars, dean of the Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business stated, “Washburn School of Business students excel in and out of the classroom because they are prepared for the modern business landscape by excellent faculty who ensure their students have opportunities like X-Culture.”

About X-Culture

       X-Culture has received numerous awards from the Academy of Management and Academy of International Business for its work in fostering international inter-institutional collaboration, developing new experiential learning techniques, and research in International Business and Experiential Learning areas.

         Notably, X-Culture has received the 1^st Re-Imagine Education Prize in the Nurturing Employability category. This is a highly prestigious international prize awarded by the Wharton Business School.

About the Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business

         The Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business provides knowledge and personalized experiences to engage students who will enhance the economic vitality of businesses in the region and beyond. The Washburn University School of Business has experienced and knowledgeable faculty and staff members who are dedicated to the success of students. The school's programs are accredited by AACSB, the oldest and most prestigious business accreditation organization.

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