Enhancing business professional competencies in a virtual educational environment

This paper provides an example of the successful incorporation of a virtual project-based learning (PBL) assignment as a significant component of two business courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In these courses, undergraduate accounting and global business students worked with local nonprofits to solve real-world business problems in a virtual environment. This collaboration afforded students the opportunity to practice professional competency skills while growing in their understanding of business and of nonprofits. This paper discusses the challenges and successes that occurred during the implementation of the virtual project, encourages the use of PBL and other innovative teaching projects when teaching online, and facilitates faculty design and implementation of virtual learning programs.