At CIS University we know that nothing motivates students more than “Challenge-Based Learning” (CBL). For this reason, Business Communications professor Karyn Suarez proposed to her students design a program to create and implement a hypothetical coffee shop on campus, which would compete directly with well-known brands already established, and very popular among the students.
The challenge involved creating a new coffee shop by applying Cialdini’s six principles of persuasion taught in class: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social approval, empathy, authority and scarcity.
The exercise asked students to think creatively and strategically while applying the principles of persuasion in their project for a new business. The students worked in teams during several sessions, developing innovative strategies to attract customers to their business. Some took on the role of CEOs or owners of the cafe and had to direct their persuasion strategies to other classmates, who played the roles of cafe staff, employees, and chefs.
The groups gave a detailed presentation showcasing their ideas for attracting and retaining customers. Each team was judged on their creativity, originality, visual appeal, teamwork, understanding of persuasion concepts, and overall presentation skills.
Professor Suarez ran this challenge across all of her courses and held a symbolic awards ceremony to honor the winning team, which stood out for its innovative solutions and strong application of persuasive principles.
The winning team was formed by students Celia Blanco, Elisa De Esteban, Claudia Garcia, Emma Medvene, and Makenzie ‘Mak’ Reynolds.
“Congratulations to the winning team of the Campus Cafeteria Persuasion Principles Contest: The Secret Sip Cafe,” said Professor Suarez.
“Their innovative ideas and presentation made all the difference. I am incredibly proud of the effort and passion you brought to this task. Well done for this well-deserved victory!”