ProgramsBMIS476 Integrated Project Management Capstone Course (Fall 2026)ProjectsHolborn Corporation Cost Allocation Model Development

Project Title: Holborn Corporation Cost Allocation Model Development

Holborn Corporation

Details
Project Title Holborn Corporation Cost Allocation Model Development
Project Topics Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cost Optimization Operations Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis
Skills & Expertise budgeting business process improvement Cost Optimization Data analysis Excel Financial Modeling Financial Planning & Analysis Forecasting Microsoft Project operations management Project Management Reporting stakeholder communication
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Holborn Corporation, a well-established organization, excels in providing innovative solutions across its industry. However, the company faces challenges in effectively allocating costs across various departments and clients, impacting budgeting and forecasting accuracy. Currently, the absence of a robust cost allocation model leads to inefficiencies in financial planning and can result in suboptimal resource utilization.

The existing system lacks the sophistication to provide detailed insights into departmental and client-specific expenses, hindering precise financial analysis and decision-making. Consequently, this affects the company's ability to optimize costs and improve profitability, posing a significant business challenge that needs addressing.

This project provides an opportunity for students to address this challenge by developing a tailored cost allocation model for Holborn. Students will engage in data collection, analysis, and model development, utilizing their skills in financial modeling and project management.

The project will unfold in phases, beginning with data gathering and analysis to understand current practices, followed by model design and testing. The final phase will involve implementing and delivering the model to Holborn, ensuring it meets the company's requirements.

Participating in this project allows students to apply their academic knowledge to a real-world business problem, enhancing their skills in consulting, finance, and operations. The experience offers valuable insights into the strategic aspects of business management, providing students with a competitive edge for future career opportunities.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  1. Conduct initial meetings with Holborn stakeholders to understand current cost allocation practices.
  2. Gather and analyze existing financial data and reports.
  3. Identify gaps and inefficiencies in the current cost allocation process.
  4. Research best practices and methodologies for cost allocation models.
  5. Design a draft model framework for allocating costs by department and clients.
  6. Develop a prototype of the cost allocation model using financial modeling tools.
  7. Test the prototype with sample data and refine based on findings.
  8. Collaborate with Holborn's financial team for feedback and validation of the model.
  9. Finalize the cost allocation model based on stakeholder input.
  10. Prepare documentation and present the model to Holborn Corporation for implementation.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • Development of a detailed cost allocation model tailored to Holborn's needs.
  • Enhanced student understanding of financial modeling and cost allocation practices.
  • Improved budgeting and forecasting capabilities for Holborn Corporation.
  • Increased cost optimization and resource utilization efficiency.
  • Hands-on experience in project management and collaboration with industry professionals.
  • Recognition of challenges in financial planning and analysis within a corporate setting.
  • Strengthened student skills in data analysis and financial decision-making.
  • Delivery of a valuable tool to Holborn Corporation that supports strategic financial management.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Project Teams Finalized

Sep 03 2026 Event

Learn More About CapSource Platform

 Sep 04 2026 Action Item

CapSource Intro Session

 Sep 08 2026 Event

Schedule Kickoff Meeting with Client

 Sep 10 2026 Event

Projects Assigned

 Sep 10 2026 Event

Submit Team Charter

 Sep 15 2026 Action Item

Submit Status Report #1

 Sep 15 2026 Action Item

Submit Signed NDA (if Required by Client)

 Sep 15 2026 Action Item

Project Kickoff Self Assessment

 Sep 15 2026 Evaluation

Submit Project Charter

 Sep 29 2026 Action Item

Submit Status Report #2

 Sep 29 2026 Action Item

Industry Mentor Temperature Check #1

 Sep 29 2026 Evaluation

Student Temperature Check #1

 Sep 29 2026 Evaluation

Submit Data Collection Plan

 Oct 13 2026 Action Item

Submit Status Report #3

 Oct 13 2026 Action Item

Student Temperature Check #2

 Oct 27 2026 Evaluation

Submit System Requirements Documentation

 Oct 27 2026 Action Item

Submit Status Report #4

 Oct 27 2026 Action Item

Industry Mentor Temperature Check #2

 Oct 27 2026 Evaluation

Submit Status Report #5

 Nov 10 2026 Action Item

Student Temperature Check #3

 Nov 10 2026 Evaluation

Industry Mentor Temperature Check #3

 Nov 10 2026 Evaluation

Submit Design Document

 Nov 10 2026 Action Item

Schedule Your Final Presentations with Client

Nov 10 2026 Action Item

Submit Status Report #6

 Nov 24 2026 Event

Submit Link to Project Workbook

 Dec 04 2026 Action Item

End of Project Self Reflection

 Dec 04 2026 Evaluation

Project Review! Please Provide Us With Your Feedback!

 Dec 04 2026 Evaluation

Share Your Experience!

 Dec 08 2026 Action Item

Program Managers

Name Organization
Clayton Looney University of Montana

Teams

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No Teams Available