As the fourth industrial revolution is upon us, Virginia Tech students undertook a capstone project that challenged them to leverage a number of technologies to accelerate progress in many different IT domains. Included were Cloud, Al, ML, robotics and loT. The graduate students worked with Amdocs to create a value-based model for automation in IT to reduce the "run-the-business" operations and increase Amdocs growth. Amdocs is a leading software and services provider to the world's most successful communications and media companies. The team trip was guided by Linda Oldham, Executive Director, Center Business Intelligence & Analytics in the Pamplin College of Business.

Several Amdocs executives sponsored the project and spent 2 days supervising its further development. They included Tomer Simon, IT Futurist, Director of Innovation & Academic Collaboration, Rupesh Guikwad, Global Technology Manager, Hanoch Sapoznikov, Lead of worldwide Academic Relations, and Alex Polyak, Global Technology Manager.

While in Israel, students traveled to various sites such as the Bahai Gardens in Haifa as well as markets in Jerusalem, and the  ancient  ruins of Masada. They also visited a local Kibbutz. "These places were originally agriculture businesses that support an entire community of people, part of a shared living environment. What an amazing part of Israel culture!" said Alexander Zelloe, who has captured many of their adventures on his Impulse Odyssey website.

The students enjoyed world traveling, as well as an international experiential learning experience, all while completing their Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics. (MSBA-BA) degree offered by Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business Center for business Intelligence & Analytics The students will graduate this June. The MSBA-BA program accepts applicants from all undergraduate majors. Students can complete their Masters' degree in about a year while working with high impact companies on a capstone project.