ProgramsIntegrated Project Management Capstone Course (BMIS476 - Fall 2025)

Integrated Project Management Capstone Course (BMIS476 - Fall 2025)

Program Overview
Program Title Integrated Project Management Capstone Course (BMIS476 - Fall 2025)
Organization University of Montana
# of Students Enrolled
14
# of Projects Running
12 Project/s Added (of 8 Projects Expected)

Program Timeline

Project Duration

Start Date: 09/01/25      End Date: 12/12/25

3 months
Collaboration Overview
About Students

Students in this course will manage the planning, execution, and delivery of real-world information systems and technology projects for external industry partners. Emphasis is placed on formal project management methods and use of tools such as Microsoft Project. Teams of students will collaborate with a real-world client to understand needs, define scope, develop technical solutions, and deliver a working product or prototype by the end of the semester. Students are expected to spend approximately 240–300 hours per project, with around 50% of that time dedicated to planning and documentation. 

Past projects have included websites, CRM systems, business applications, mobile apps, big data dashboards, and more. 

Student Level:   Bachelor Degree

Student Time Commitment:   Full Time

Team Structure:   1 - 6

Program Goals
  • Understand and apply industry-standard project management methodologies using tools such as Microsoft Project.
  • Collaborate with real clients to define, scope, plan, and implement information systems and technology solutions that solve business problems.
  • Gain hands-on experience in systems analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation within a structured project lifecycle.
  • Develop technical deliverables such as websites, dashboards, CRMs, or mobile apps aligned with client needs.
  • Practice professional communication, documentation, and teamwork in a real-world setting.
  • Evaluate ethical considerations and security implications in technology deployments.
  • Reflect on the end-to-end project experience and prepare for roles in IT consulting, project management, or software development.
Format Structure

Multiple Projects Multiple Teams
Format Title Capstone
Format Description
This Capstone format invites industry partners to collaborate with senior-level undergraduate students from the University of Montana’s College of Business in a high-impact, experiential learning opportunity. Students apply their cumulative learning in information systems, project management, and systems implementation to real-world projects. As part of the final course in their academic journey, students take ownership of meaningful technical challenges and deliver results to their assigned industry partner. 

Participating companies benefit by receiving: 

  • Fresh insights and technical contributions from students trained in project planning, software development, networking, and data management.

  • Tangible outcomes such as websites, mobile apps, dashboards, databases, or software tools tailored to organizational needs.

  • A pipeline to emerging talent and an opportunity to give back to the academic community.

This is a non-sponsored program, and there is no fee to participate.
Benefits For Industry Partners
By partnering with the University of Montana’s Integrated Project Management Capstone, organizations gain access to motivated, well-trained student teams who deliver real value while operating within a structured, professional project environment. 

A $500 sponsorship fee helps cover student technology, platform access, and project support costs—making this a highly cost-effective way to advance real business initiatives while supporting experiential learning. 

Industry partners benefit from: 

  • Progress on Real Business Priorities
    Move forward a technology, systems, or process initiative that has been delayed due to limited internal time or resources.

  • Disciplined Project Execution
    Student teams apply formal project management methodologies and tools (including Microsoft Project) to define scope, manage timelines, and deliver outcomes professionally.

  • Tangible, Usable Deliverables
    Receive practical outputs such as dashboards, CRMs, websites, internal tools, databases, mobile apps, or documented system improvements aligned to your organization’s needs.

  • Exceptional Value for a Modest Investment
    For a $500 sponsorship, partners receive hundreds of hours of structured student effort—far exceeding the value of the contribution.

  • Fresh Perspectives and Innovative Thinking
    Students bring current technical skills and objective problem-solving approaches that often surface new insights and alternative solutions.

  • Future Talent Pipeline
    Evaluate emerging project managers, analysts, and technologists in a real working environment before making hiring decisions.

  • Clear Documentation and Knowledge Transfer
    Projects emphasize planning, documentation, and handoff, ensuring results are understandable, repeatable, and usable after the semester ends.

  • Positive Community and Educational Impact
    Support hands-on learning while strengthening your organization’s relationship with the University of Montana and the regional business ecosystem.


Most industry partners find that a small, predictable time commitment—typically just a few hours per week—results in meaningful outcomes, professional deliverables, and a highly rewarding collaboration.
Project Modality Fully Remote
Industry Partner Requirements to Participate
Project Topics Customer Service & Account Management Cybersecurity Data Management Entrepreneurship Growth Strategy Information Technology (IT) Innovation Operations Organizational Culture Product Design & Development Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis Research, Analysis, Evaluation Software Design & Development Strategic Planning Talent Management
Target Industries Aerospace & Defense Agriculture & Farming Arts & Recreation Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Computers & Hardware Construction, Repair & Maitenance Consumer Services Education Energy & Utilities Fashion & Apparel Finance Food & Beverage Government Health Care Insurance Manufacturing Media Natural Resources Non-Profit Professional Services Public Works Real Estate Restaurants, Bars & Food Services Retail Semiconductor Software & IT Sports & Entertainment Telecommunications Transportation & Logistics Travel & Tourism
Skills & Expertise Agile methodology API integration Back-end development Business analysis Business process mapping Change management Cloud-based application development CRM implementation Cybersecurity awareness Dashboard design Data analysis Data visualization Database architecture Documentation and training ERP system configuration Front-end development Full-stack engineering Gantt chart creation Jira Kanban boards Microsoft Access Microsoft Project Mobile app development Power BI Project management Requirements gathering Risk analysis Scrum framework Software development SQL Stakeholder communication Systems analysis Systems design Tableau Technical documentation Technical support Testing and quality assurance Trello UI/UX prototyping Version control (Git) Wireframing Workflow automation
Location Information & Preferences

Local (within 30 miles)

Sponsorship

No Sponsorship Required
Compensation

No Compensation Required

Other Requirements
Collaboration Expectations
  • Willingness to collaborate with student teams over 16 weeks
  • Open to scoping and refining project ideas during kickoff
  • Available for regular check-ins (bi-weekly or monthly recommended)
Time Commitment
  • 3–5 hours per week for communication, mentorship, and feedback
Designated Point of Contact
  • One person who serves as the primary liaison for the project
  • Should have decision-making authority or access to decision-makers
Information Sharing
  • Ability to share non-sensitive data or access to relevant systems
  • Willingness to onboard students into relevant platforms (if applicable)
Project Scope Readiness
  • A real-world challenge or opportunity that aligns with course learning objectives
  • Clear goals, constraints, and outcomes to help students deliver value
Feedback Commitment
  • Timely responses to student deliverables, questions, and presentations
  • Participation in mid-point and final presentations (live or virtual)
Non-Disclosure Agreements (optional)
  • If applicable, willing to provide or sign NDAs to protect confidential information
Compensation Requirements
  • Not required (in this case) — but encouraged for equity and commitment
Remote Collaboration Tools
  • Willingness to use video conferencing, email, shared docs, etc.
Legal & Institutional Compliance
  • Adherence to university policies regarding student engagement and data privacy
Project Fit Confirmation
  • Project fits within the 240–300 hour estimated student effort
  • Must be technically feasible and appropriate for undergrad/grad student level
Expected Time Commitment For Project Managers 2 Hours per week
Key Program Dates Due Date

Program Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Student Teams Finalized

 08/28/2025 Event

Students Select Project Preferences

 09/04/2025 Event

Students Introduced to Industry Partners to Schedule Kickoff Meeting for Next Week

 09/17/2025 Event

Submit Project Charter (For Industry Approval)

 09/23/2025 Event

Negotiate and Sign NDA if required

 09/23/2025 Event

Industry Temperature Check 1/3

 09/26/2025 Evaluation

Student Temperature Check 1/3

 09/26/2025 Evaluation

Student Temperature Check 2/3

 10/31/2025 Evaluation

Industry Temperature Check 2/3

 10/31/2025 Evaluation

System Design Document

 11/04/2025 Event

Agile Development Meetings with Project Sponsor

 11/07/2025 Event

Student Temperature Check 3/3

 11/21/2025 Evaluation

Industry Temperature Check 3/3

 11/21/2025 Evaluation

Final Presentation

 12/05/2025 Event

Industry Project Feedback Form

 12/12/2025 Evaluation

Final Project Report and Hand-off

 12/12/2025 Event

Projects

Filters
Project Organization Topics
Revolutionizing Business Processes: Salesforce CPQ Implementation at InstaPrint Cognizant
ESG&R add the "T" Mysmartplans Data Management Product Design & Development Research & Development Software Design & Development
Optimizing Influencer Campaigns with AI Iconically Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Customer Service & Account Management Data Management Digital Marketing Entrepreneurship Growth Strategy Information Technology (IT) Innovation Market Research Marketing Mergers & Acquisitions Operations Product Design & Development Quality Control Research & Development Research, Analysis, Evaluation Sales & Business Development Software Design & Development Talent Management Technology Commercialization Training & Development UX/UI & Human-Centered Design
AI-Driven Legal and Compliance Enhancement University of Montana Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Case Management Legal, Regulatory, Compliance Operations
Market Research ETL Pipeline and Dashboard Morton Analytics LLC Data Management Information Technology (IT) Market Research Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis Research, Analysis, Evaluation Software Design & Development

Program Managers

Name Organization
Clayton Looney University of Montana