Cleveland State University's Monte Ahuja College of Business is seeking local companies that can benefit from free international marketing research conducted in London, England this spring.

CSU business students will travel to London in May to conduct marketing research in an effort to provide local companies with valuable information. Student groups will work with local companies to define information needed to benefit their specific firms. In London, they will visit business libraries, contact company officials, and conduct interviews as part of their research.

The effort is part of an international marketing and business research class led by Kimberly Ruggeri, Lecturer in the Department of Marketing at CSU. The program has benefited several companies in past years. Last year, a student group provided information about market and distribution potential for the candle industry to local company, A.I. Root.

Other student teams quantified the market opportunity for audio book distribution within the United Kingdom for Findaway World, the makers of Playaway, a local private company and evaluated features and price points for a tote bag developed by local entrepreneurs.

"This collaboration is beneficial to both the students and the company. Students get an opportunity to learn about marketing research while experiencing a new culture. Local companies receive marketing research and recommendations about their business problem at no cost to the company. In the past, the project has been successful for both the students and the companies," said Ruggeri.

Because the number of opportunities is limited to participate in the program, interested firms should act quickly by contacting Kim Ruggeri at 216.687.3670 or k.ruggeri@csuohio.edu.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 17,000 students, eight colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2011 as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.