The University of Sydney Business School’s Executive MBA program continues to demonstrate its real-world impact, with graduates applying cutting-edge learning to transform Australia's business landscape. A recent alumni success story showcases how academic rigour combined with industry expertise can drive meaningful innovation in customer experience.

Shaun Percy, Head of Supply Chain Replenishment at Coles Group and Executive MBA ’19 alum recently completed an ambitious capstone project focused on revolutionising the shopping experience for millions of customers through augmented reality technology. Percy worked within Australia's leading supermarket chain to demonstrate how academic learning can drive meaningful innovation in customer experience.

Over nine months, Percy collaborated extensively with internal stakeholders and third-party vendors through structured workshops and iterative development processes. The comprehensive approach reflected core Executive MBA principles of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and evidence-based decision making.

The project culminated in a compelling 45-minute presentation to senior leadership, including the General Manager of Customer Experience at Coles Group, alongside University of Sydney Business School faculty members. Despite COVID-related constraints requiring virtual delivery, the presentation successfully built a compelling business case for transforming in-store customer interactions.

The innovative proposal centred on integrating augmented reality features within the existing mobile application, enabling customers to navigate efficiently to their shopping items while receiving personalised promotions and recommendations. The technology would utilise smartphone cameras and in-store WiFi responder signals, leveraging interactive layout data to provide pinpoint product location accuracy.

Beyond navigation, the proposed solution included engaging features such as personalised deals, loyalty point integration, recipe suggestions, and interactive experiences for families shopping with children.

Demonstrating the Executive MBA's emphasis on practical application, Percy proactively arranged demonstrations and obtained quotes from specialist technology providers. This initiative included leveraging case studies from UK retail implementations, showcasing the global perspective and benchmarking capabilities developed throughout the program.

The proposal received strong stakeholder support, leading to proof-of-concept discussions within Coles Group. While business priorities eventually shifted the original augmented reality vision, key components were integrated into the company's broader mobile application development strategy.

The project's lasting impact exemplifies a crucial Executive MBA learning outcome: understanding that innovation often evolves beyond initial concepts. Core elements of the capstone project, particularly personalised navigation and customisation features, have now been implemented within the retailer's enhanced mobile application.

This evolution demonstrates the strategic thinking capabilities developed through the Executive MBA program, where graduates learn to adapt and influence organisational direction even when original proposals undergo transformation.

This case illustrates the Executive MBA's distinctive approach to education, where academic rigor meets practical application. Students can engage with genuine business challenges, developing solutions that create measurable value for major organisations and their customers.

For prospective Executive MBA candidates, this example demonstrates how the program enables senior professionals to drive innovation within their organisations while developing strategic leadership capabilities. The combination of theoretical frameworks, peer collaboration, and faculty expertise creates an environment where ambitious projects can flourish and generate lasting business impact.

The University of Sydney's Executive MBA continues to attract leaders who seek to transform their industries through evidence-based innovation and strategic thinking. As Percy’s experience shows, the program's emphasis on practical application ensures that classroom learning translates directly into marketplace success.