From Theory to Practice: A Strategic Collaboration with BI Students.
At KOKAI, we are always looking for new ways to bridge academic knowledge with real-world business challenges. This fall, we had the opportunity to collaborate with two talented students from BI Norwegian Business School as part of their STR3605 Strategy course. The project was designed to provide the students with hands-on experience while offering us fresh insights into strategic analysis and business development.
About BI - Norwegian Business School
BI (Norwegian Business School) is an independent, not-for-profit foundation and the main provider of research based knowledge on business and management disciplines in Norway.
BI's website: https://www.bi.edu/
BI's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/school/bi-norwegian-business-school/
A Deep Dive into Business Strategy
The students undertook a comprehensive analysis of KOKAI Consulting, applying core strategic frameworks to evaluate industry dynamics, company positioning, and potential growth opportunities. As part of their work, they explored:
Industry and Market Analysis – Understanding competitive forces, industry trends, and potential market shifts using models like PESTEL and Porter’s Five Forces.
Internal Capability Assessment – Evaluating KOKAI’s resources, operational strengths, and key differentiators through frameworks such as VRIO and value chain analysis.
Financial Overview – Reviewing cost structures, revenue streams, and long-term scalability, ensuring financial sustainability aligns with strategic ambitions.
Strategic Frameworks in Action – Examining growth strategies, differentiation, and positioning, applying theoretical models to real-world scenarios.
This structured approach allowed them to understand the complexities of business decision-making and experience how companies must balance innovation, market dynamics, and internal capabilities to stay competitive.
A Learning Experience for Both Sides
This project was not just an academic exercise—it simulated the kind of analytical work a consulting firm would perform to develop and refine business strategies. The students worked closely with our team, gathering information, conducting research, and presenting their findings in a professional-level strategy report and presentation.
For KOKAI, it was an exciting opportunity to:
Engage with the next generation of strategy professionals and see how they apply theoretical models in real business contexts.
Gain fresh perspectives from ambitious students who approached the project with curiosity and analytical rigor.
Reinforce our commitment to collaboration with educational institutions, supporting the growth of future business leaders.
Why Student Collaborations Matter
We firmly believe in the value of combining academic learning with practical business experience. Collaborations like this not only help students refine their problem-solving and analytical skills but also allow businesses to stay connected with emerging trends, innovative thinking, and fresh perspectives.
We encourage more students to take advantage of these opportunities. If you're a business student looking for hands-on experience in strategy, analytics, and consulting, we'd love to hear from you!
