Kwantlen Polytechnic University business students Steven Vu and Joe Zhao prevailed in the preliminary round of the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC), emerging from over 170 submissions from 41 universities across Canada and around the world.
The Kwantlen team was named as a finalist in the Caro Systems Management of Information Systems Event, competing in the semi-final round that took place from Jan. 6-8 at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. (The finals take place at the end of the month.)
Reflecting on his experience in the competition so far, Zhao, a third-year business student from Richmond says, “It is very helpful for students to gain real-world experience in business. By understanding the issues, conducting critical analysis, brainstorming options and recommending solutions, I have realized the importance of effective problem-solving and communication skills.”
For Surrey resident Vu, the competition provided unique learning opportunities.
“These case studies are a great way to learn about business because you must place yourself within the situation described and think critically. The learning environment created from this kind of setting is a fantastic experience.”
In the finals, the Kwantlen team will have a chance to put their business knowledge and analytical skills to work and compete against five teams from other Canadian universities. The teams will prepare a case presentation under severe time constraints to a panel of judges comprised of professors and industry professionals who will evaluate the presentations based upon the clarity and understanding of all the issues at stake.
Kamal Masri, Kwantlen business faculty and coach for the team, believes that the ICBC adds to his students’ learning experience.
“High calibre case competitions provide students with unique opportunities to develop their public speaking skills and critical analysis of business scenarios. They are excellent opportunities to showcase Kwantlen’s School of Business talent and dedication to student development. Following the competition, students walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of business problems and the related pressure to solve them.”
The ICBC is Canada’s premier undergraduate business case competition, in which participating teams will complete a detailed analysis of a business case while considering relevant background information, the business environment and issues at stake. For more information about the ICBC, visit http://icbconline.ca