Knox students place at Early Leaders Case Competition

Donald Trump did not attend, and it wasn't exactly the TV show The Apprentice, but it was just as exciting for a group of Knox students in their first ?live-case? competition. Two students took honors in a challenge that rivaled the TV show's creativity and competition. More than 50 students, from liberal arts colleges and universities nationwide, competed in the Simon Graduate School of Business Early Leaders Case Competition in Rochester, New York. The competition brought together undergraduate students to compete in a business case competition designed to simulate decisions faced by business leaders around the globe.

Applying their academic training in a realistic business environment while rubbing elbows with industry experts and executives, Knox College senior Leah Heister?s team took second place and received a $3,000 cash prize, and fellow Knox senior Stephanie O?Brien?s team took forth place and a $1,500 cash prize.

?This competition was a valuable addition to my college experience. It was unreal being able to compete with students from big name schools like Boston University and Colombia,? O?Brien says.

?I was put on a team with no one I knew, and we were given under 24 hours to come up with a growth strategy for the U.S. market, based on the case,? Heister says.  ?The experience was unlike any other. I was fortunate to work with a group that thrived on collaboration, and this is one of the reasons why I believe we were so successful.? 

Professor John Spittell, Knox?s Executive in Residence, accompanied the Knox students and served as a guest judge for the competition. He says that he learned more about Knox?s partnership with the Simon School of Business.

?This competition allowed students to use what they have learned in the classroom to tackle a real business challenge faced by the Swedish furniture company IKEA,? he says. ?All of our students worked very hard on their marketing plans, and their recognition is well deserved.?

Once on Simon?s campus, participants were divided into teams, and under tight deadlines their creativity and problem-solving skills were put to the test. Their plans covered advertising, events and promotions, sponsorships, interactive and emerging media, and customer retention/brand experience programs.

The challenge -- apply their knowledge of economics, management, marketing, and merchandising to a real-world situation. Teams played the role of consultants competing for the IKEA marketing account. With 34 stores, the Swedish furniture company has a corporate goal of 50 stores by 2013. Over this two day event, teams made their 20 minute pitch to the company?s executive team (the judges). The winners of the challenge were recognized at a reception dinner.

Knox students traveled to Rochester for the first time since Knox established a direct admission partnership with the Simon School.  Knox College paid the group?s travel expenses. Additional costs, including the hotel accommodations, were provided by University of Rochester. ?This program helps make Knox such a great experience for students,? Spittell adds. ?Students could participate, regardless of their financial means.?

O?Brien adds, ?I now have to make the decision of whether I will immediately pursue a MBA or wait two years. This weekend only made that decision harder.?

?The trend is growing among college graduates to continue in school,? Spittell says.

?I am now looking forward to applying to the Simon School for admittance next year. I think that this is a pivotal step in the expansion of Knox College's commitment to a truly liberal arts education. Allowing students to pursue their interests outside of the classroom and campus is one of the reasons I am proud to be a member of the Knox community,? Heister adds.

Spittell is already hoping for a return trip. ?This was a great competition and a tremendous learning experience. Students honed analytic skills, presentation skills, and teamwork. I fully intend to take a team of students again next year.?

The William E. Simon Graduate School of Business has a direct admission agreement with Knox students. Select candidates with strong academic potential and regardless of major may be admitted at the end of their junior year to Simon School MBA program on the condition that they successfully complete their four-year program at Knox. The Simon School also provides scholarship support to admitted students, based on the quality of their admission application.