Experiential learning process: An example in export plan assignment

Abstract

This paper describes a class assignment in writing an export plan in order to help students to gain hands-on experience in international marketing. It is an interactive online collaborative effort among students, the instructor, exporters and business consultants in putting together an export plan. All writing activities are conducted in the designated Wikipedia website. Students compete to provide data for their assigned exporter who, in turn, is in the process of writing his/her export plan at this website. Students receive feedbacks from the exporter, consultants and the instructor. In addition, students are allowed to view the plan written by the exporter, especially the sections in which they have provided the information to the exporter. The overall administrative process and evaluation methods are described. Challenges in implementing this assignment are also discussed. A revised assignment process is recommended in order to improve its effectiveness and efficacy.