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:
Overview of Case Competitions and their Importance. We will go over this more in depth at the Kick-off. (5 minutes).
Case Question: “Reinventing Macy’s for the Future of Retail”
The class will be randomly split into teams. Check your email for your team list and create a team Zoom.
Background: Macy’s, one of the largest department store chains in the US, has been facing declining sales and store closures in recent years due to changes in consumer behavior, increased competition from e-commerce retailers, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Macy’s is looking for new ways to reinvent itself and remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape. To put this into perspective, Macy’s and Bloomingdales (a subsidiary of Macy’s Inc.) only had half the revenue in 2022 of TJX Companies (a low-cost clothing and accessory retailer that owns TJ Max, Home Goods, and Marshalls).
Company Profile: Macy’s operates more than 500 stores in the US and is known for its wide range of apparel, accessories, home goods, and beauty products. In addition to its brick-and-mortar stores, Macy’s also has an e-commerce platform and operates off-price stores such as Macy’s Backstage. The company has been experimenting with new formats such as pop-up stores, curbside pickup, and virtual selling.
Question: How can Macy’s reinvent itself for the future of retail?
The following is a suggested guide on how to proceed for your presentation. However, your team can focus on answering the question anyway you’d like.
- Innovative Store Formats
Propose innovative and engaging store formats that Macy’s can implement to attract and retain customers in the evolving retail landscape.
Consider the following:
Research and analyze successful retail store formats globally.
Consider factors such as experiential shopping, interactive displays, omni-channel integration, and community engagement.
Develop a detailed plan for implementing the proposed store format, including location selection, design concepts, and technology integration.
- E-commerce Transformation
Devise a comprehensive e-commerce strategy for Macy’s that leverages its existing online platform and explores new avenues for growth.
Consider the following:
Evaluate the current state of Macy’s e-commerce platform.
Analyze successful online retailers and marketplaces.
Develop strategies to enhance the online shopping experience, including personalized recommendations, virtual try-ons, and augmented reality.
Explore partnerships or collaborations that could strengthen Macy’s e-commerce presence.
- Data-Driven Customer Insights
Utilize data analytics to provide actionable insights for Macy’s to better understand and cater to customer preferences.
Consider the following:
Analyze customer data to identify trends, purchasing behavior, and preferences.
Propose strategies for personalized marketing and product recommendations.
Explore ways to leverage data to optimize inventory management and pricing strategies.
Consider the ethical implications of data usage and customer privacy.
Research and Analysis (aprox. 30 minutes): Your team should conduct research on the current state of the retail industry and the challenges facing department stores such as Macy’s and their competition. Your analysis should consider factors such as changing consumer preferences, competition from e-commerce retailers, the impact of the pandemic, and technological advancements. You should also analyze Macy’s current strengths and weaknesses and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
Work on Presentation (aprox. 50 minutes): Create a 5-minute (PowerPoint) presentation that outlines your team’s recommendations for how Macy’s can reinvent itself for the future of retail. You should be prepared to present specific strategies and tactics for improving the customer experience, enhancing digital capabilities, optimizing store formats and merchandise assortments, and leveraging new technologies. You should also include metrics for measuring the success of your recommendations.
You will present during the case competition kick-off on Sept. 11th 11:30.
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:
EI Coaches: