Ross School Team Wins Deloitte National Case Competition
A team of Ross School MBA students has won the Deloitte Foundation’s ninth annual MBA National Case Competition. The competition took place January 3rd-5th at Deloitte’s leadership center near Dallas, Texas. Initially, more than 1,000 students from leading MBA programs across the country entered regional competitions. In the end, 64 students advanced to the national finals.
Case Competition Leads to Innovative Solutions
At the national finals, 16 student teams developed a strategic proposal and presentation to define a growth strategy for a healthy, fast-casual dining chain that operates almost 100 stores across the US. The company focuses on the nutritional value of its menu offerings, and sustainable positive impact of its business.
Students recommended helping the organization achieve growth through several strategies. First, by developing an expansion of current product offerings in innovative formats for target consumers. Next, by leveraging digital opportunities. Finally, by identifying the capabilities and requirements needed to execute the strategy.
Leaders from the company attended the competition and served as judges along with industry and Deloitte leaders.
Nine years in, the motivation and strategic thinking shown by the students competing continues to amaze us, notes Bill Lam, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP.
“This year, we challenged the teams with a case focused on creating a growth strategy for a startup health-conscious restaurant chain,” Lam explained in a statement. “The participants approached the case with passion and determination for helping guide a socially conscious, purpose-driven brand. The competition provided the MBA students great exposure to the realities of working in a dynamic, ever-changing business world.”
In the end, Ross team members Thomas Corness, Jessica McClain, Jason Rock and Andrea Schiff earned a combined scholarship of $20,000 for their well thought out analysis and innovative solution.
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business took second place. The Darden School of Business and NYU Stern School of Business followed in third and fourth place, respectively.
Other Finalist Schools in the MBA National Case Competition
- Berkeley Haas School of Business
- Columbia Business School
- Cornell Johnson College of Business
- Dartmouth Tuck School of Business
- Duke Fuqua School of Business
- Emory Goizueta Business School
- MIT Sloan
- Northwestern Kellogg School of Management
- UCLA Anderson School of Management
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler
- University of Texas McCombs School of Business
“The Deloitte Foundation is committed to providing the emerging workforce with challenging, innovative, experiential learning opportunities,” said Seán Morris, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and member of the Deloitte Foundation board of directors.
Founded in 1928, Deloitte Foundation supports a variety of initiatives that help develop the talent of the future and their influencers. Above all, the foundation promotes excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation.
“The MBA National Case Competition, as well as our other education programs, are designed to be a real-world extension of the classroom setting, allowing students to apply their knowledge, and ultimately growing the pipeline of future talent. We continue to be impressed with the exceptional talent showcased during this annual competition.”
