First Place Win for Faculty of Business Administration Students at Northern Ontario Business Case Competition
Honours Bachelor of Commerce students Isabelle Michels, Francesco Sacchetti, Vishwa Shah and Sasha Wilson competed as Team #8 at the annual competition hosted by Algoma University.
The team’s winning presentation was about reducing the effects of contract cheating as teaching transitioned online during COVID-19. They proposed to introduce more support for professors and students because it is an equal effort from both parties. The team took inspiration from some of the Faculty of Business Administration’s practices during COVID-19, such as extensive use of D2L.
The judges were impressed with the team’s concepts. “The judges were very pleased with our presentation and delivery and overall group dynamic,” explains Shah.
“They thought our solutions were realistic and well presented, and could be implemented in real life. They liked our financial analysis and the way we incorporated an analogy in our presentations. They thought we would do very well in bigger case competitions.”
Case Coordinators Dr. Asad Aman and Dr. Kathy Sanderson are also pleased with the results of the students’ hard work and the benefits of participating in the competition.
“The event gives the business students from Northern Ontario universities an invaluable opportunity to interact with the leading practitioners,” Dr. Aman says. “In addition to gaining industry exposure, it also helps them develop networks.”
He adds that the diversity of the team was one of their greatest strengths, “We had a mix of domestic and international students, majoring in different areas of business.”
Dr. Sanderson emphasizes the amount of effort involved in the competition, but also the value added for students.
“Case competitions are very challenging,” she said. “They test assessment skills, critical thinking, implementation plans, and teamwork.
“This year the competitions have been virtual, adding complexity to the competition. The win by the Lakehead University team not only showcases their business knowledge and the strengths of their ideas, but their ability to perform virtually as a team.”
Well done students!