A case competition is an event where students come together to present solutions to real-world business problems. These competitions are increasingly popular among both BCom and MBA students, as they provide an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations — experiential learning at its best!
The competition format can vary, but some common elements include:
- Teams of students are given a business case, a real-world problem faced by an organization or an idea they’d like to explore. The case is presented in written form and may include additional materials such as financial statements, market research or other data.
- The teams then have a set amount of time to analyze the case and devise a solution. This can range from a few hours to several days.
- Once the analysis is complete, each team prepares a presentation with its proposed solution and supporting information. This presentation is typically given in front of a panel of judges who evaluate the teams based on criteria such as the feasibility and sustainability of the solution, the quality of the analysis and the persuasiveness of the presentation. In many instances, the panel includes representatives of the company highlighted in the case. Some competitions also include a question-and-answer period, where judges ask specific questions about the proposed solution or analysis.
- At the end of the competition, the winners are announced and may receive prizes such as trophies, cash awards or job opportunities. Outstanding students may receive invitations to an exclusive event to network with their case sponsor.