Building Data-Driven Solutions for Business Growth
Business dynamics are changing, and it’s more important than ever to leverage data-driven strategies and structured decision-making. We are excited to share a student-led project that combines real-world business insights with student-led innovation for actionable solutions that help businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
As part of the Spring 2025 project, students at Kent State University worked closely with LaConte Consulting and industry professionals to design Strategic Business Toolkits. These are designed to transform survey findings from the Northeast Ohio Business Leaders Survey into practical frameworks that can empower executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers with ready-to-use strategies for growth and resilience.
How the Toolkits Were Created
Step 1: Business students analyzed key insights from the Fall 2024 survey to identify critical trends shaping business decisions.
Step 2: They collaborated with business leader feedback to develop customizable strategy models that address common challenges.
Step 3: The result: A collection of 7 interactive toolkits designed to help companies implement data-driven solutions with confidence.
Interactive Features & Resources
The students offer a variety of elements in their tools including:
- Infographics & Charts – Easy-to-understand visuals summarizing complex concepts
- Video Guides & Case Studies – Real-world applications of these strategies
- Checklist & Action Plans – Step-by-step guides for business implementation
Explore the Strategic Business Toolkits
These toolkits were developed by upper-level university students working in collaboration with business advisor Grace LaConte and Kent State professor James Ferguson. Each resource is designed to support better decision-making, streamline operations, or improve employee outcomes, without needing to start from scratch.
Each link includes the resource itself and a brief overview. You’re welcome to use and adapt these materials as needed.
1. Employee Benefits Tool
Designed by Josh Bordonaro
Purpose: Helps small and mid-sized businesses compare and communicate employee benefit options in a simplified, visual way.
Use it to:
- Evaluate costs vs. perceived value
- Make benefits easier to explain and personalize
2. Financial Planning Toolkit
Purpose: Provides a starter framework for assessing cash flow, budgeting, and preparing for upcoming expenses or changes.
Designed by Iucce Ossuchi
Use it to:
- Plan for capital needs
- Map out revenue fluctuations
- Flag financial blind spots
3. Transportation Options Comparison Tool
Purpose: Helps companies compare transportation solutions (e.g., mileage reimbursement vs. company vehicle) in terms of cost, compliance, and employee satisfaction.
Designed by Benjamin Allio
Use it to:
- Make data-informed vehicle or mileage decisions
- Improve benefit offerings or logistics planning
4. Hiring Decision Toolkit
Purpose: Guides hiring managers through structured comparisons of job candidates based on criteria like skills, team fit, and long-term potential.
Designed by Madison Hertzler
Use it to:
- Reduce decision fatigue
- Encourage consistent hiring criteria
- Document selection rationale
5. Master Your Data: Beginner’s Guide to Pivot Tables
Purpose: A simple walkthrough for using pivot tables in Excel to quickly analyze sales, staffing, or operational data.
Designed by Sarah Gessler
Use it to:
- Turn raw data into actionable insights
- Train non-technical team members
- Save time in regular reporting
6. AI Adoption Models
Purpose: Provides models and readiness questions to help companies decide whether and how to implement AI tools effectively.
Designed by Ben Myers
Use it to:
- Start internal AI discussions
- Prioritize where to test automation or analytics
- Understand barriers to implementation
7. Adaptability vs. Teachability Matrix
Purpose: A visual hiring and coaching tool to assess where employees or candidates fall on the spectrum of adaptability and teachability.
Use it to:
- Make better coaching decisions
- Clarify development paths
- Identify high-potential team members
This is a matrix with Adaptable (Employers) at top, Teachable (Employees) on left. Columns are Low, Moderate, High; Rows are also Low, Moderate, High.
Boxes from top left to right are Risk Zone, Mismatch, Misaligned; Monitor & Coach, Promising Potential, Growth Candidate; Unused Potential, Strong Performer, Ideal Fit/Future Leader.
View the Matrix Tool below or download PowerPoint or PDFs:
Overview Slide Deck: Student Toolkit Presentation
Purpose: Summarizes all 7 projects with examples and use cases, as presented by the student teams.
Use it to:
- Share with colleagues or internal teams
- Get a quick sense of each tool’s strengths and uses
View Presentation Slide Deck (PowerPoint)
Download the Full Ohio Decision-Makers Report and Summary
- Download the Full Report of Ohio Business Leaders Survey – A deep dive into all findings, trends, and recommendations.
- Get the 2-Page Summary – A quick-reference guide with key takeaways and practical insights.
Want to Collaborate with Student Teams?
These toolkits are part of a larger experiential learning initiative. If you’re interested in sponsoring future projects, hosting a challenge, or applying these tools in your business, contact us here.
Next Steps for Your Business
Are you curious whether hidden profit leaks or missed opportunities exist in your company?
Learn about the free Profit Leakage Assessment to discover how small shifts can unlock big gains. After reviewing the details, you can schedule your free assessment at a time that works for you.