Two teams of upper-class marketing research students presented the results of their research projects from last semester to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and to the Council on the Arts and Humanities (COAHSI) last Wednesday at the College of Staten Island’s Center for the Arts.

“I was so impressed with the initiative and results (of the students) – I’ve been telling everyone. These findings will be very useful as we begin our 2011 strategic planning process and I’m most appreciative,” said Alberta Bresica of the American Cancer Society. Melanie Franklin Cohen of COAHSI added, “Thank you so much for the opportunity to have the students work with me. I really appreciate the findings of their report!”

The CJJG Research Group with members Joanne Accardi, Gelena Istomin, Carmella Lubrano, and Jillian Graniero gave a 20-minute presentation on their findings to Alberta Brescia, Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, Staten Island division. Following a brief question and answer session, The DaVinci Research Group, made up of team members Emanuel Zoumboulis, Tiease Ammamoo, Jamila Cheesé, and Marisa Streppone, then presented their findings to Melanie Franklin Cohen, Executive Director of the Council on the Arts and Humanities (COAHSI).

These presentations were executive summaries of information gleaned from last fall semester’s research. Each team met with their client to determine the problem areas; define the research objectives, constructs; and measurements; and develop a questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed electronically via Constant Contact to a sample of both organization supporters as well as Staten Island Chamber of Commerce members who agreed to participate. The data were then analyzed via SPSS, a statistical software application that the students had to learn, and then crafted into a final report and PowerPoint presentation. Each team was able to demonstrate new and surprising insights to each organization from their support base as well as chamber members, and provided real-world suggestions for cultivating future donor/supporter involvement.

Past research projects from CSI marketing research students have included a study for a St. John’s University continuing education program and for SCORE, Staten Island branch.

Professor Thomas Tellefsen, chairman of the Business department, as well as a team from this semester’s marketing research class also attended. Bill Dubovsky, adjunct lecturer in business, welcomed the audience and videotaped the presentations for future classes. “The teams did outstanding work. It is truly impressive to see the results of our students’ academic research put to practical use by community organizations.” Dubovsky stated.

Each client received a copy of the research report, data, and a copy of the PowerPoint/Keynote presentation.