Case Competitions

For all incoming Full-Time students, you will be required to attend workshops for the first-year experience course. Also, we suggest all students participate in a case competition. Check your RU email regularly for updates.

Case Competitions:

Each year our office supports MBA students participating in selected competitions. Our office handles assembling the team and helps you secure a faculty coach. We do our best to accommodate every student interested in participating and try to put out the strongest team that can win a competition. We will email the class competitions that we feel meet our standards throughout the fall semester and ask students to apply to be selected.

Participating in a case competition during an MBA program offers numerous benefits that can contribute to your personal and professional growth. Here are five key reasons why participating in a case competition is important:

Applied Learning: Case competitions provide a practical platform to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world business scenarios. By working on a specific business problem, you can develop a deeper understanding of how concepts and strategies actually play out in practice.

Problem-Solving Skills: Case competitions challenge participants to analyze complex business challenges, develop innovative solutions, and make strategic recommendations within a limited timeframe. Engaging in this process enhances your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, skills highly valued in the business world.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Case competitions are typically team-based endeavors that require effective collaboration. Working with diverse teammates simulates real workplace dynamics, helping you hone your teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills, which are crucial in any professional setting.

Networking Opportunities: Case competitions often involve interaction with industry professionals, judges, faculty, and peers from different institutions. This exposure offers invaluable networking opportunities that can lead to mentorships, job offers, and connections within the business community.

Resume Enhancement: Participation in case competitions showcases your proactive attitude, commitment to professional development, and ability to thrive under pressure. These experiences can set you apart on your resume, demonstrating your willingness to go beyond the ordinary and engage in rigorous, competitive challenges.

In summary, engaging in a case competition during your MBA program can provide hands-on learning, foster essential skills, boost your network, and enhance your overall candidacy for future career opportunities.

Reimbursement for Competitions:

Up to $500 per student per approved event

Travel must be booked via the university website https://procurementservices.rutgers.edu/travel_and_expense/booking_travel 

We will reimburse a coach if the competition requires their attendance

For questions and processing of reimbursement, please contact Jenean Wicker at jewicker@business.rutgers.edu 

For questions about case competitions, please contact MBA@business.Rutgers.edu

Case Competition Session during Orientation.

1. Brazil  – Growing demand for plant-based diets but economic instability.
2. Germany  – A strong sustainability market but highly competitive dairy alternatives.
3. India  – Huge vegetarian population but limited oat milk awareness.
4. South Korea  – Tech-savvy consumers but strong preference for traditional dairy.

• Instructor explains the scenario and objectives.
• Each team is assigned one expansion market.

1. Market Potential – Consumer demand for plant-based alternatives.
2. Best Entry Strategy – Options:
   • Retail partnerships (supermarkets, cafes)
   • Direct-to-consumer e-commerce
   • Joint venture with a local distributor
3. Key Challenge & Solution – (e.g., lack of consumer awareness, supply chain issues).
4. Marketing Strategy – How should Oatly position itself in this market?

• Each group crafts a 2-minute pitch (3-4 PPT slides) answering:
  1. Why this market?
  2. What’s the best entry strategy?
  3. What’s the biggest challenge & solution?

• Each team presents for 2 minutes.
• Class has a short discussion on key takeaways.

List of Competitions

Case Competitions PowerPoint

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Emotional Intelligence by Coursera:

Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial in the workplace, impacting various aspects of professional interactions and overall success. Recognizing the emotions of oneself and others, effectively managing emotions, and displaying empathy are all essential components of EI. By developing and honing these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to build strong relationships, collaborate effectively, and navigate conflicts in the workplace.

Investing time in completing a class on emotional intelligence on platforms like Coursera can be highly beneficial. Such courses provide valuable insights into understanding emotions, improving self-awareness, and developing empathy and social skills. They offer practical techniques and strategies for managing stress, enhancing communication, and fostering positive work environments. By dedicating time to learning about emotional intelligence, individuals can gain a competitive edge, boost their leadership capabilities, and contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment.

Ultimately, emotional intelligence impacts individual performance and influences team dynamics and organizational culture. Leaders who prioritize emotional intelligence foster an atmosphere of trust, open communication, and collaboration, leading to increased employee engagement and overall productivity. Hence, investing in developing emotional intelligence through resources like the Coursera class can transform your personal and professional growth, benefiting individuals and the future organization you are a part of.

Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating Immensely Human Interactions:

 Course

EI Coaches:

Professor Sharon Hellman

Assistant Dean Marc Limata