Project Title: Market Strategy Development for Akkadian's Syllabus Builder

Akkadian

Details
Project Title Market Strategy Development for Akkadian's Syllabus Builder
Project Topics Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Education Quality and STEM Education Innovation
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Akkadian is at the forefront of developing innovative an educational tool, a syllabus builder that caters to the needs of instructors, instructional designers, and academic departments. However, while the company has conducted initial customer discovery, it faces a pressing challenge: demonstrating the market potential and competitive landscape for its product. Without this critical analysis, Akkadian risks losing out on vital funding opportunities that could propel its growth and market entry strategy. The current challenge lies in the lack of a clear understanding of the market dynamics and the competitive environment, which may hinder product design and adoption strategies.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  1. The project will involve a series of key activities and methodologies aimed at delivering comprehensive insights.
  2. Students will use qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys and interviews, to gather data from instructors and departments about their needs and preferences.
  3. Competitive analysis will be conducted through market research on existing tools in instructional design and syllabus generation, focusing on their features, pricing, and market positioning.
  4. Deliverables will include presentations, reports, and an ecosystem map visualizing the competitive landscape.
  5. Data analysis techniques will be employed to interpret findings and derive actionable recommendations relevant to Akkadian's strategy.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • Expected outcomes of this project include a comprehensive understanding of the market potential for Akkadian’s syllabus builder, insights into customer behaviors and preferences, and a competitive analysis that highlights opportunities for differentiation.
  • Students will gain practical experience in market research, strategic thinking, and data analysis, while Akkadian will receive a detailed report with actionable insights to inform its funding applications and product development.
  • SMART goals include defining TAM, SAM, and SOM within the first month, completing a competitive analysis by the second month, and presenting a comprehensive commercialization strategy by the end of the project.

Project Timeline

Akkadian - Market Strategy Development for Akkadian's Syllabus Builder
Due Date
Activities
Deliverables
Status
Action
Tue, 01/20/26
12:00 AM UTC
Academic Calendar
We’ve linked the Academic Calendar for this semester (below) to help you stay on track. It includes key dates such as university holidays, class schedules, deadlines, and other important academic milestones.

Be sure to review it carefully so you’re aware of when your team meets, when assignments are due, and how your Capstone work fits into the broader semester. Staying organized starts here!

https://www.stevens.edu/office-of-the-registrar/academic-calendar
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
We’ve linked the Academic Calendar for this semester (below) to help you stay on track. It includes key dates such as university holidays, class schedules, deadlines, and other important academic milestones.

Be sure to review it carefully so you’re aware of when your team meets, when assignments are due, and how your Capstone work fits into the broader semester. Staying organized starts here!

https://www.stevens.edu/office-of-the-registrar/academic-calendar
Fri, 04/10/26
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Spring 2026 Midterm Student Evaluation
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 04/10/26
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Spring 2026 Midterm Presentations
Required Action Item
The Midterm Presentation is a key milestone in your Capstone experience. It gives your team the opportunity to showcase your progress, clarify your project goals, and gather valuable feedback from your faculty advisor and School of Business staff. 

This is your chance to demonstrate your understanding of the challenge, the approach you’re taking, and any early insights you've uncovered. Clear communication and thoughtful analysis at this stage will help ensure a strong finish to your project in the second half of the semester.

Treat it as both a checkpoint and a strategic opportunity to refine your work moving forward!

Christina Alwell will coordinate with team leads in February to schedule the midterm presentations. These will take place in mid-March.

Team Leads: Please upload a copy of your team’s Midterm Presentation here. This submission helps us keep track of progress and ensure faculty and industry partners have access to your work.
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Guiding Questions:
The Midterm Presentation is a key milestone in your Capstone experience. It gives your team the opportunity to showcase your progress, clarify your project goals, and gather valuable feedback from your faculty advisor and School of Business staff. 

This is your chance to demonstrate your understanding of the challenge, the approach you’re taking, and any early insights you've uncovered. Clear communication and thoughtful analysis at this stage will help ensure a strong finish to your project in the second half of the semester.

Treat it as both a checkpoint and a strategic opportunity to refine your work moving forward!

Christina Alwell will coordinate with team leads in February to schedule the midterm presentations. These will take place in mid-March.

Team Leads: Please upload a copy of your team’s Midterm Presentation here. This submission helps us keep track of progress and ensure faculty and industry partners have access to your work.
Fri, 05/22/26
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Spring 2026 Final Student Self Reflection
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 05/22/26
11:59 PM EST (UTC-05:00)
Spring 2026 Final Presentations
Required Action Item
The Final Presentation is the culmination of your semester-long work and a chance to demonstrate the impact of your project. This is where your team presents your findings, recommendations, and overall contributions to your industry sponsor and faculty advisor.

It’s not just about what you accomplished—it’s about how you approached the problem, collaborated as a team, and applied your skills to deliver meaningful outcomes. Think of it as your professional showcase: a polished, confident presentation that reflects your effort, growth, and real-world readiness.

Take pride in what you've built and finish strong!

Christina Alwell will coordinate with team leads in early April to schedule the final presentations. These will take place in early/mid May (last week of classes and/or final exam period).

Team Leads: Please upload a copy of your team’s Final Presentation here. This submission helps us keep track of progress and ensure faculty and industry partners have access to your work.
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Guiding Questions:
The Final Presentation is the culmination of your semester-long work and a chance to demonstrate the impact of your project. This is where your team presents your findings, recommendations, and overall contributions to your industry sponsor and faculty advisor.

It’s not just about what you accomplished—it’s about how you approached the problem, collaborated as a team, and applied your skills to deliver meaningful outcomes. Think of it as your professional showcase: a polished, confident presentation that reflects your effort, growth, and real-world readiness.

Take pride in what you've built and finish strong!

Christina Alwell will coordinate with team leads in early April to schedule the final presentations. These will take place in early/mid May (last week of classes and/or final exam period).

Team Leads: Please upload a copy of your team’s Final Presentation here. This submission helps us keep track of progress and ensure faculty and industry partners have access to your work.

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
No Teams Available