A team of LMU MBA students won first place in the Ace the Case Global Business Challenge, a virtual case competition where graduate business students tackle a real challenge for a global client through an interviewer-led case and final video presentation.
Kaamilah Furqan, Stephanie Nava, David Urtecho and Michelle Zalabak were tasked with creating a go-to-market plan for the U.S. expansion of Zeomedia, a Mexico-based water filtration company that uses zeolite, a porous mineral. The team was supported by faculty coaches Jason D’Mello and Anatoly Zhuplev.
Three members on the team were students in D’Mello’s “Business Incubation” class last fall who came together on their own and “demonstrated the entrepreneurial mindset and personal initiative approach to life that we hope to instill in all our students,” he said.
Zhuplev praised the students, who are currently taking his “Managing International Business” class, for their superb work ethic, personal camaraderie and remarkable achievement in winning the challenge.
The competition was no easy feat. The case tested the team’s critical thinking skills, research abilities and knowledge in global business strategies. In only a few short weeks, the students gained confidence and mastered business competencies they will carry throughout their careers.
“This experience has significantly enriched my MBA education by giving me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from my classes toward a real-world situation,” said David Urtecho. “It also allowed me to better understand the type of work consultants do and my ability to be successful in that type of role.”
Marketing faculty Julian Saint Clair encouraged Kaamilah Furqan to participate in the competition, saying it would be a great portfolio piece to add to her resume. Thanks to Ace the Case, Kaamilah is now able to approach and manage her work assignments, projects and presentations more efficiently.
“I learned how to problem solve, work under time constraints and be comfortable with ambiguity,” said Kaamilah. “The case interview process was new territory for me and although I had periods of stress, sleep deprivation and self-doubt, winning the competition made it all worthwhile.”
“This experience taught me the power of collaboration and that anything is possible with hard work and dedication,” added Stephanie Nava. “I highly recommend a case competition to anyone who is looking to put their skills to the test and go outside of their comfort zone.”
This marks the first time LMU graduate business students have participated in an international business case competition, and most certainly won’t be the last.
“The leadership and initiative displayed amongst our four competitors fully embodies our CBA mission and I hope this inspires more CBA graduate students to participate in co-curricular activities,” said Christen Johnson, director of graduate business student engagement.
Ace the Case is funded in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education, and hosted by Florida International University, the University of Maryland and the University of Washington’s Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs). LMU is a proud member of the CIBE university network.