Network of International Business Schools

21st Annual Worldwide Case Competition

February 28–March 5, 2016Hosted by St. Mary’s University

Greehey School of Business San Antonio, Texas

nibscasecompetition.org

The Greehey School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, an accreditation received by fewer than one-third of all U.S. business programs. www.stmarytx.edu/business

The Catholic and Marianist University

DAILY SCHEDULE

Sunday, Feb. 28 — Opening Ceremony3:15 p.m. Buses Depart Hotel Depart hotel on chartered buses and travel to the St. Mary's University campus for the opening ceremony, where you will meet your team ambassador and visit the case preparation and presentation rooms. Teams will also be assigned to divisions, and divisional matchups will be set.4 p.m. Opening Ceremony Albert B. Alkek Business Building, Atrium St. Mary's University4-4:30 p.m. Welcome Jeffrey Johnson, Ph.D. Chair, NIBS Organizing Committee Tanuja Singh, D.B.A. Dean, Greehey School of Business Aaron Tyler, Ph.D. Provost, St. Mary’s University4:30-5 p.m. Competition Overview Matchups will be determined by seeding and random draw. Jeffrey Johnson, Ph.D.5-5:30 p.m. Team Ambassador Introductions and Building Tours5:30-6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception Alkek Business Building, Atrium6:30 p.m. Buses Depart Campus

Monday, Feb. 29 — Case Competition, Round 17:45 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel Buses depart from hotel with teams and coaches competing in Matches 1.1-1.4. 9:45 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel Buses depart with teams and coaches competing in Matches 1.5-1.8. Participants will drop off electronics and belongings in the Student Lounge.

DAILY SCHEDULE (continued)

Noon Lunch Lunch will be provided to teams in the preparation rooms. Lunch for coaches will be available in Coaches’ Lounge. Lunch for judges will be available in the Judges’ Lounge (Alkek 250). After your match, participants may return to the hotel or stay on campus to watch other presentations.3:30, 5:15 p.m. Buses Depart Campus5:15-6 p.m. Coaches’ Meeting Meeting to review operational and academic aspects of Day 1 of the competition. The coaches’ meeting is an opportunity to provide feedback and suggest adjustments to the remaining rounds of competition.6 p.m. Coaches’ Bus Departs Campus7 p.m. Meet for Competitors’ Dinner Meet guides in hotel lobby and walk to restaurant.7:15 p.m. Competitors’ Dinner Dave & Buster’s at Rivercenter Mall 849 E. Commerce St. #740 San Antonio, Texas 782057:30 p.m. Meet for Coaches’ Dinner Meet hosts in hotel lobby and walk to restaurant.7:45 p.m. Coaches’ Dinner Acenar 146 E. Houston St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 9:30 p.m. Return to hotel

Tuesday, March 1 — Case Competition, Round 27:45 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel Buses depart hotel with teams and coaches competing in Matches 2.1-2.4. 9:45 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel Buses departs hotel with teams and coaches competing in Matches 2.5-2.8. Participants will drop off electronics and belongings in the Student Lounge.

DAILY SCHEDULE (continued)

Noon Lunch Lunch will be provided to teams in the preparation rooms. Lunch for coaches will be available in Coaches’ Lounge. Lunch for judges will be available in the Judges’ Lounge. After your match, participants may return to the hotel or stay on campus to watch other presentations.5-6 p.m. Dinner (Competitors and Coaches) University Center, Diamondback Cafe 6:15 p.m. Buses Depart Campus

Wednesday, March 2 — Case Competition, Round 3Last round of group matches — the top two point-earners in each group advance to the quarterfinal round in the afternoon. Teams that do not advance can stay to watch the quarterfinal presentations in the afternoon or use the time to tour San Antonio.6:15 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel Bus departure for all competitors and coaches. Participants will drop off electronics and belongings in the Student Lounge.12:15 p.m. Lunch Albert B. Alkek Business Building, Atrium Lunch for judges will be served in the Judges’ Lounge.1:15 p.m. Buses Depart Hotel4:40-5:55 p.m. Case Competition, Quarterfinals 6:45 p.m. Buses Depart Campus 7:45 p.m. Meet for Dinner Competitors and coaches meet guides in hotel lobby.8 p.m. Dinner Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio 111 W. Crockett St. San Antonio, Texas 782059:30 p.m. Return to Hotel

DAILY SCHEDULE (continued)

Thursday, March 3 — Touring Day10 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel All participants will enjoy a Texas Ranch Experience. Wear your blue jeans, this is Texas!11 a.m. Lunch and Activities Enchanted Springs Ranch2:30 p.m. Buses Depart for Hotel 3:30 p.m. Arrive at Hotel Dinner will be on your own. Feel free to enjoy the complimentary hotel reception.

Friday, March 4 — Case Competition, Semifinals6 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel Buses transport teams and coaches competing in semifinals.10:15 a.m. Buses Depart Hotel Buses transport all non-competing teams and coaches to watch semifinals. Note: Please dress professionally for the Gala. We will be going directly from campus to the event.11:10 a.m.- Semifinals Presentations 12:25 p.m.12:55 p.m. Lunch For participants and coaches, lunch will be in the Alkek Atrium. For judges, lunch will be served in the Judges’ Lounge.1:30-2:30 p.m. Coaches’ Meeting Coaches’ Lounge4:45-6 p.m. Case Competition, Grand Final Case Presentations Law Classrooms Building, Courtroom6:30 p.m. Buses Depart for Gala7 p.m. Reception and Grand Gala Marriott Plaza San Antonio 555 S. Alamo St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 Competition champions, medalists and other winners will be announced.

Room Information

TEAM PREPARATION ROOMS AND LOUNGES

Avans University of Applied Science LIB 124 Carleton University LIB 127 Concordia University LIB 209 Dublin Institute of Technology LIB 211 Heilbronn University LIB 212 International Business Academy LIB 214 Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics LIB 218 Lahti University of Applied Sciences LIB 220 Leeds Beckett University ALK 221 Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences ALK 223 Shantou University ALK 231 Southeast Missouri State University ALK 229 St. Mary’s University ALK 203 Universidad del Pacífico ALK 251 University of Prince Edward Island ALK 211 University of Vermont ALK, Greehey Scholars Room

Coaches’ Lounge University Center, Conference Rooms Students’ Lounge University Center, Conference Rooms Judges’ Lounge ALK 250

PRESENTATION ROOMS

Rounds 1 and 2 Monday, Feb. 29 and Tuesday, March 1ALK 104 ALK 105 ALK 107 ALK 108

Round 3 Wednesday morning, March 2ALK 101 ALK 102 ALK 103 ALK 104 ALK 105 ALK 107 ALK 108 ALK 233

Quarterfinals Wednesday afternoon, March 2ALK 104 ALK 105 ALK 107 ALK 108

Semifinals Friday, March 4ALK 101 ALK 107

Grand Final Friday, March 4LC 102

ALK = Albert B. Alkek Business Building LIB = Louis J. Blume Library LC = Law Commons

Message from the Dean

On behalf of the Greehey School of Business and St. Mary’s University, welcome to our beautiful city of San Antonio.

At the Greehey School of Business, we are intentional about our global mission. We are dedicated to preparing globally aware graduates who are skilled and ethical professionals dedicated to building a better world. An excellent business education is part of our core values and mission. Indeed, one might say that it is our raison d’être. Hosting one of the most challenging undergraduate

case competitions in the world on the campus of St. Mary’s clearly demonstrates our commitment to global education.

However, this competition goes beyond providing a rigorous academic experience. It is also a compelling testament to the power of education in creating a globally connected world that solves the challenges facing it by bringing together people with complementary skills, cultures, ideas and competencies. I believe that the challenges facing the world can be solved by working together, and this competition is a excellent example of the power of collaboration. Moreover, this competition provides one of the most significant experiential learning experiences for our students.

An event of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, judges, faculty, staff and a tremendous team dedicated to deliver a superb experience. I am particularly thankful to our sponsors including our Presenting Sponsors, The Greehey Family Foundation and NuStar Energy. Our judges include business leaders and faculty members who have graciously devoted their time and talent to make this competition a success. I am especially indebted to our conference organizer Jeffrey E. Johnson, Ph.D., and our team coach K. Matthew Gilley, Ph.D.

San Antonio is one of the most welcoming and culturally rich cities in the world. It is my sincere hope that our guests from around the world will enjoy the warm hospitality, the vibrant culture and the welcoming embrace of the city we call home. Bienvenidos a San Antonio.

Tanuja Singh, D.B.A. Dean and Professor of Marketing Greehey School of Business

“Congratulations to all the teams from around the world who have traveled to San Antonio to participate in the NIBS global case competition finals hosted by the Greehey School of Business! As a graduate of the business school, it is exciting for me to see St. Mary’s host this prestigious competition. And, as someone who served as CEO of a Fortune 500 company for more than 32 years, I cannot over-emphasize the importance of understanding how to excel in the global economy. This competition is yet another example of how people from different parts of the world can learn from each other and work together – even as they compete to be the best. I want to welcome to you all to our beautiful city of San Antonio, and hope that this visit will lead to many more in the future!”

Bill Greehey (B.B.A. ’60) Chairman of the Board, NuStar Energy

Message from CPS Energy

As one of the longest-running undergraduate case competitions in the world — focused on testing problem-solving ability, business acumen, cultural insight, communication skills and teamwork – it is an absolute honor for the Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University to host the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) 21st annual Worldwide Case Competition.

Further, as chair of the Greehey School of Business Advisory Council of Executives, I am delighted to note that our local business

community remains a staunch supporter of the Greehey School of Business because it consistently focuses on academic excellence. The NIBS Case Competition is another example of how the Greehey School demonstrates a commitment to prepare students who will become future leaders across our globe.

The event also showcases San Antonio as a hub of global thought leadership. I am pleased that many local business leaders are participating in the event as volunteer judges and sponsors. The Advisory Council of Executives for the Greehey School and other leaders of businesses like CPS Energy (a premier large utility company in San Antonio) are delighted to welcome students and faculty from around the world to the city we call home — San Antonio!

Paula Gold-Williams Interim CEO, CPS Energy Chair, Greehey School of Business Advisory Council of Executives

“The World Affairs Council of San Antonio congratulates Dr. Tanuja Singh, Dean of the Greehey School of Business and St. Mary’s University for ‘bringing the world to San Antonio’ by hosting the prestigious Network of International Business Schools Worldwide Case Competition! This challenge among the brightest students from 10 countries will launch the careers of a promising new generation of global entrepreneurs.”

Beth Costello Director of International Affairs Department at City of San Antonio

Jeffrey Johnson, Ph.D. Chair, NIBS 2016 Organizing Committee

Eileen Wall Mullen, Ph.D. Manager, Team Ambassadors and Digital Engagement

Sarah Cantu Assistant to the Chair

Ajaya K. Swain, Ph.D. Manager, Social Events

Lisa Garcia Manager, Planning and Logistics

Priscilla Dethmann Manager, Social Media

David Sommer, Ph.D. Manager, Judge Selection and Training

Jasmine Garcia Communications Coordinator

Kent W. Royalty, LL.M. Manager, Judge Selection and Training

Jeff Schomburg IT Coordinator

Guillermo Martinez, J.D. Manager, Volunteer Recruiting, Training and Coordination

Feng Zhang, Ph.D. Case Coordinator

Rosie Perez Assistant Manager, Volunteer Recruiting, Training and Coordination

NIBS 2016 Organizing Committee

Team Ambassadors

Avans University of Applied Science Leanne Fuentes Kim Rodriguez

Carleton University Maciel Michael Aime Navarrate Reyes

Concordia University Gabriela Rodriguez John Diaz

Dublin Institute of Technology Diana Gonzalez Mei-Ling Camacho Alele

Heilbronn University Samuel Santos Dania Gamez

International Business Academy Guillermo Avelar Lauren Holman

Jiangxi University of Finance Lucia Paz and Economics Alejandra Coto

Lahti University of Applied Sciences Samantha Ramos Justin Garcia

Leeds Beckett University Nathan Bonsignore Cynthia Devine

Rotterdam University of Applied Science Andrea Elizarrarez Lorena Palacios

Shantou University Veronica Bou Onk Cassandra Cantu

Southeast Missouri State University Gabriel Mendez John Hernandez

Universidad del Pacifico Estefania Reyes Hannah Odom

University of Prince Edwards Island Nathalie Handal Sky Tschirhart

University of Vermont Alori Htay Myint Micala Osuna

Judges

Industry

Shannon Albert Barbara Banker Danko Barisic Aurora Baumgartner Leah Bennett Gaylia Brunson Stefano Cabello Carter Crews Brandon Cross Samuel De Thorne Nancy Doan Linda Doubrava Shahrzad Dowlatshahi Ed Einstein Keith Ellebracht Paul Farnsworth Bobby Freeman

Margot Fuentes Mike Gilliam Brenda Greer Tom Grothues Beth Hair Ben Hinojosa Lindsay Laviada Erik Luis Gret Matula Chad McNair Bill Micale Debra Morales Gregg Muenster Kelsey Myers Harvey Najim Daniel Norris Alicia Olmstead

Mandy Ortiz Chris Payne Gary Payne Karl Pichler Amanda Ramos Luisa Rodriguez Alberto Rodriguez-Baez Carlos Salas Lorena Salazar Jenna Saucedo Kyle Shortt Nada Ismail Taha David Vaio Brian Vaio Matt Webb

Academic

Amber Aubone, Ph.D. Richard J. Bauer, Ph.D. Earnest Broughton Suzanne N. Cory, Ph.D. John Drabier

Richard Hernandez Gail Kaciuba, Ph.D. Gary Liu Prasad Padmanabhan, Ph.D. Monica J. Parzinger, Ph.D.

Alan Preston Ajaya K. Swain, Ph.D. Stephanie G. Ward, Ph.D.

Avans University of Applied Science

Remie Bastiaansen was born and raised in Breda, the Netherlands. Bastiaansen is a fourth-year bachelor student studying Commerce. During his study, Bastiaansen has been experimenting with several startups. He held an internship with Alacakaya Marble Inc. in Turkey where he worked on marketing and sales activities. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Bastiaansen will go to Copenhagen to obtain a master’s degree in Organizational Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Copenhagen Business School. He has a passion for entrepreneurship, sustainability and traveling. Bastiaansen plans to start his own business.

Brent Hoogerwerf was born under the smoke of the famous Nolet KetelOne distillery. He is a fourth-year student earning a bachelor’s degree in Commerce. He has served three years on the board of several student organizations to enrich his experience. Beginning February 2016, Hoogerwerf will combine his activities at KPN Mobile with an internship as researcher for Avans University of Applied Science in Breda. Furthermore, 2016 will be the year when he will start his Master in Management Consulting program at VU University, Amsterdam.

Diana Pantaia was born in Romania and is currently living in the Netherlands. She is a second-year bachelor student of International Business and Management in Breda. She served as communications manager for the University’s Student Council and is currently part of the Challenge Programme, an extracurricular program designed for the 15 best performing students. Pantaia is currently enrolled in a six-month internship in Amsterdam where she works as a digital marketer and content manager. Pantaia plans to participate in a double degree program in the United Kingdom and start her own company.

Luna Liza Verano is an international student from the Philippines who is now on her fourth year of study at Avans University of Applied Sciences and is taking up International Business and Management Studies (IBMS). She is a member of the Challenge Program, a select group of students in IBMS invited to take on extra learning opportunities. For two consecutive years, Verano has been part of the top 30 non-EEA students across the entire university awarded with the Avans scholarship. Prior to her move to the Netherlands, Verano completed a bachelor’s degree in Communication in Cebu, Philippines. She is driven, focused and goal-oriented, and hopes to obtain a career in logistics and supply chain in the near future.

Virgil van de Gevel (coach) is senior lecturer in Marketing and teaches international marketing and strategic management. He is a member of the Examination Board of the Dutch Institute of Marketing for master-level exams for experienced strategic marketers. He has marketing experience with Campina, Novartis, T-Mobile, Sara Lee and PepsiCo.

Carleton University

Alejandro Barreto was born in Colombia but raised in Toronto. Barreto is a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce student concentrating in Finance. He currently serves as an equity analyst at the Sprott Student Investment Fund, where he is responsible for creating equity reports, monitoring the economy and offering opinions on investment ideas. He plans to pursue a career in investment banking and has a strong interest in strategy consulting. Michael Cacho was raised near Toronto. Cacho is a fourth-year Bachelor of International Business student concentrating in Marketing. A recent semifinalist in two national marketing competitions — NESTEA’s The Recruit and Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec — Cacho brings a creative, brand-focused approach to the team. He has held two internships with Mondelez International, working on strategies for global brands like Oreo and Honey Maid. He is also director of Hatch, Carleton University’s student entrepreneurship incubator. In addition to NIBS, Cacho will represent Carleton at the Belgrade Business International Case Competition in April. Cacho plans to pursue a career in global brand management.Isabela Murillo was born in Colombia but raised in Ottawa, Canada. Murillo is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce student concentrating in Finance and International Business. She serves as a teaching assistant for Carleton’s Math and Statistics department and is completing a co-op work term as a junior management consultant with Orbis Risk Consulting. Murillo has twice represented Carleton at the Jeux du Commerce Central case competition: on the Debate team in 2015 and the International Business team in 2016. Murillo plans to pursue a career in consulting, with a focus on finance and multinational organizations.Karen Tran was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. Tran is a fifth-year Bachelor of Commerce student concentrating in Accounting and Information Systems. She is an active member of various student associations. She recently discovered her true passion with case competitions. In 2015, Tran participated in the John Molson Undergraduate Case Competition and was a member of Carleton’s MIS teams at both the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC) and Jeux du Commerce Central. In 2016, in addition to NIBS, Tran will represent Carleton at the Belgrade Business International Case Competition and in Business Policy at ICBC. Tran is working part time at Deloitte and plans to continue her career as a risk advisory consultant with a focus on cybersecurity.Robin Ritchie (coach – not shown) is an active teacher, researcher and writer of cases. Ritchie joined Carleton in 2008, where he was instrumental in establishing the Sprott Competes case competition program. He currently marketing strategy, marketing communications, consumer behavior and business case analysis, and he serves as coach for various case competition teams. His formative years were spent in Calgary, which accounts for his love of the Rocky Mountains and devotion to the National Hockey League team, the Calgary Flames. A lifelong traveler, Ritchie spent time in Spain, Japan and various cities across Canada before settling down with his family in Ottawa, Canada. Before completing his doctoral degree at the University of British Columbia, Ritchie worked as an account manager with Vancouver’s Columbus Group Communications and marketing coordinator with Travel Alberta, the tourism marketing agency for the province of Alberta, Canada.

Concordia University

Michael Blakely was raised near Montreal. He is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Supply Chain Operations Management and minoring in Managerial Accounting. Blakely is participating in three business case competitions this year (operations management, project management and an international competition for strategy). Blakely represents the Supply Chain and Business Technology Student Association helping organize events throughout the academic year. He enjoys sports like skiing, cross-country biking and badminton, and he often goes camping with his family and friends. Blakely strives to work in operations management consulting upon graduation.

Sarah Caraman was raised in Montreal. She is a fifth-year undergraduate Commerce student double majoring in Marketing and Supply Chain Operations Management. This year, Caraman is participating in three business case competitions in the fields of strategy and marketing. She will also carry out volunteer work as a student mentor, career workshop instructor and volunteer consultant to a local nonprofit organization as part of a philanthropic initiative overseen by Accenture. Her passions include the violin, teaching and public speaking. Caraman intends to work in management consulting before pursuing a career in academia.

Clémence Jonsson, of European background, has lived in Canada for 11 years. She is now a fourth-year student at the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, and is studying Human Resource Management. Jonsson has represented Concordia at academic case competitions for the past three years in subjects such as human resources, ethics, international business and strategy. Upon graduation, she will be joining PepsiCo Foods Canada’s human resources department.

Wiliam Christopher Kovalchuk is in his final year in earning his Bachelor of Commerce degree. He will be graduating with a major in Finance and a minor in Financial Reporting. Last year, Kovalchuk worked on the organizing committee of the John Molson Undergraduate Case Competition and served as vice president of corporate relations. He is extremely excited to be making the move to competing. Kovalchuk is an avid provincial-level curler, enjoys outdoor activities and has a passion for cooking. Upon graduation, Kovalchuk will seek employment in the financial services industry.

Mark Haber (coach) received his MBA in 1972 from Syracuse University right after earning his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Sir George Williams (presently Concordia University). His business experience includes corporate marketing in the banking industry and marketing of health and beauty aids. In 1988, Haber began teaching part time at Concordia, and is presently at the John Molson School of Business (JMSB), where he is adviser to the Undergraduate Competition Program. He introduced a system and a class for nine Commerce Games teams in the fall of 1998, and the program has grown to four classes and more than 80 case competitors. In 2002, Haber won the Distinguished Teaching Award as a part-timer. He won the “Recognition Award” at the Jeux de Commerce in 2007 and 2014, in two of the three years JMSB won Overall Gold at the competition. In the 2014-2015 season, JMSB fielded 70 academic teams at 27 competitions that brought home more than 40 podium finishes under his guidance. His vision is to make JMSB a sustainable contender in the world case competition arena.

Dublin Institute of Technology

Colm Fitzpatrick was raised in Dublin. Fitzpatrick is a fourth-year Marketing student in the Dublin Institute of Technology. He spent a semester abroad in 2014 at the City University of New York-College of Staten Island in New York City. His final year dissertation research is being conducted on brand legitimacy with minority consumers. A strong public speaker, Fitzpatrick, along with his team, has presented for international firms like Vodafone Ireland. With a passion for food and a love for travel, Fitzpatrick hopes to work abroad in the advertising industry when he graduates.

Michelle Lynch, hailing from the suburbs of Dublin, is a fourth-year Marketing student. After spending a year studying toward a law and business degree, Lynch felt they lacked the creative outlet that she craved and so instead enrolled in DIT’s marketing program. Lynch is an enthusiastic public speaker. Her cohort formulated strategies and presented them to various multinationals including Vodafone and Lindt. She was also part of a team which spearheaded an anti-smoking initiative targeted at the youth for Ireland’s Health Service Executive in partnership with one of Dublin’s leading creative agencies, Cawley-Nea, part of the international TBWA group. For her final-year dissertation, Lynch is conducting research into consumer culture and the symbolic consumption of music. A music and travel-lover and a self-proclaimed foodie, Lynch hopes to complete a master’s degree in Consumer Behavior, and to work in creative advertising.

Bronagh Murphy is from the North East of Ireland. She is in her final year studying Marketing at Dublin Institute of Technology and is currently conducting dissertation research within the area of Destination Branding in Ireland. She has also had the opportunity to present market research plans to international organizations such as Vodafone and Lindt. With a love of travel, she recently spent a semester abroad studying at Ryerson University, Toronto. Combined with travel, Murphy has a passion for food and music, and hopes to continue her studies and complete a master’s degree in the area of digital marketing.

Sarah Strange is from Ireland’s midlands. She is a fourth-year Marketing student, focusing on consumer research and marketing strategy. Specializing in consumer insight, Strange is currently conducting dissertation research within the area of consumer culture context, which will be used to implement stronger marketing strategies. An avid public speaker, Strange has presented market research and strategy plans to several international organizations including Vodafone Ireland and key advertising agencies. With a passion for technology, travel and international cuisine, she hopes to work within the telecoms or FMCG industry following completion of her undergraduate degree.

Heilbronn University

Tina Armbruster was born and raised near Stuttgart. She is a sixth-semester Bachelor of Business Administration student, concentrating in marketing and media management. During her fifth semester, Armbruster completed an internship as a member of Würth Group, the world market leader in the trade with connecting material. There, she mainly supported the marketing and advertising department. Armbruster took part in the 2015 International Business Case Competition in Leuven, where she represented Heilbronn University. Armbruster is interested in media and communication management, and plans to work in the field of corporate communications.

Cedric Easton was born near Stuttgart, Germany. He is a sixth-semester Bachelor of Business Administration student studying Marketing, Media and Product Management. From April to September 2015, Easton completed an internship at Airbus Helicopters, where he actively supported the marketing department with product promotion. In addition to NIBS, Easton represented Heilbronn University at the 2015 International Business Case Competition in Leuven, Belgium. He has a passion for product management and plans to work in the marketing department of an SME.

Julia Simpfendörfer was born and raised in Southern Germany. She is a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student concentrating in marketing and media management. Her area of study is product and customer management. Simpfendörfer has held internship positions in the fields of marketing, business development and aftersales for Audi at the German headquarters and abroad. During her six-month internship in Dubai, She gained not only professional but also intercultural experience. Among her many interests, Simpfendörfer is dedicated to fitness and travel. She plans to pursue a career in international marketing and is currently looking at possibilities to take her MBA abroad.

Sarah Weber was born in Stuttgart, Germany. Weber studies Business Administration with the focus on product and customer management and is in her fourth year at Heilbronn University. After an internship in a marketing consultancy, Weber maintained this professional direction by joining the consultants-pool of a consulting company led by students and recent graduates. Alongside her studies, she took on a working student position at SAP where she is supporting the global marketing team. Sarah participated in the 2014 International Marketing Week in Paris and represented Heilbronn University at the 2015 International Business Case Competition in Leuven. In the future, Weber sees herself working in an international environment.

Joachim Link (coach) has been working as a Professor of Marketing at Heilbronn University in Germany since 2002. His main areas of teaching and research are within the field of brand management and customer management. In addition, Link is the internship manager of the Business Administration, Marketing and Media Management program at Heilbronn University. Before his academic career he worked as a sales manager in the machine building industry and as a service manager for a software company. In his doctoral thesis he did research on B2B (business-to-business) services in cooperation with Siemens AG.

International Business Academy

Marcela Cazacu, native Moldavian, is studying International Sales and Marketing Management. In fall 2013, she did an exchange program at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and spring 2014 she interned in Seville, Spain, and became the Social Media Marketing and PR Manager at the same company. Cazacu returned to International Business Academy (IBA) after one year to finish her studies and has since enrolled into another study exchange program for spring 2016 at Anyang University, South Korea. Cazacu is highly interested in discovering new cultures and learning new languages. She is fluent in four languages. Cazacu plans to pursue a career in international business.

Sebastiano Finocchiaro was born and raised in Milan. He is a student in the Euro Asia Business Management undergraduate program. He will complete his bachelor’s degree at Shanghai Finance University where he will have the opportunity to master his Chinese skills. Finocchiaro has volunteered as a tour guide in cultural heritage sites and at the 2015 Universal Exhibition Expo. He is passionate about economical paradigms aimed at improving the living standards as well as preserving the environment. (His high school thesis was inspired from the Zero Marginal Cost Society paradigm.)

Monalisa-Alima Istoc-Luca, born in Andorra, raised in Romania, is studying International Marketing and Management at the IBA in Denmark. She has been on an Erasmus Exchange in Turkey, loves experiencing new things and traveling is her main interest. Istoc-Luca plans to continue to travel and land an internship in the United States. Furthermore, Istoc-Luca plans to continue her education and apply for a master’s degree in Marketing Analysis.

Thomas Stegen was born in Belgium but is studying in Denmark for one year. He is a first year student in the Business Management across Europe (BME) program, a study program that provides students the opportunity to study in three different countries over a period of three years. Stegen plans to work at an international consultancy company in order to help companies all over the world develop processes and solve problems. Next to a passion and interest in business, Stegen has a love for music and plays several instruments in multiple orchestras.

Albert G. Elam (coach) is a lecturer in Finance, Accounting, Strategy and Leadership at the IBA, specializing in International Finance. Before entering academia, Elam had a 23-year career in the United States Air Force, and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He owned/operated a small consulting firm for 27 years. He enjoys music, movies, crime and action novels, basketball and American football.

Jon Ording Haug (coach), native Norwegian, is a lecturer in International Marketing and Sales, Strategy and Research Methods at IBA, Kolding. Haug’s work background includes marketing, sales and management, specializing in branding, consumer insight and communication. His worked with international companies like LEGO, Sara Lee and Bestseller as head of marketing. Haug’s interests include sailing and triathlon.

Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics

Yun Dai was raised in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province of China. Dai is a fourth year bachelor student in Management with a concentration in International Accounting. In summer 2015, she attended the summer session at the University of California, Berkeley and studied International Business. Dai competed in the 2015 Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Case Competition and won a prize in Central China. She recently participated in the SEDA project, which digitalizes and creates a socioeconomic database of Chinese local-county-level and city-level gazetteers for economic and social research. As for her hobbies, she enjoys dancing and has won several prizes for it.

ChenLin Tong is a native young Chinese. He is a third year JUFE student concentrating in Marketing and Finance. In 2014, Tong completed an internship in ZARA as the manager intern. He currently serves as president of the Caihong Wechat third department system organization, a project he co-founded in 2014. Following a summer vacation, he served as a stock analyst assistant with Founder Securities Co. Ltd. During his internship, he joined Easin, a volunteer association. Among his many interests, Tong is a dedicated outdoor sports enthusiast and especially surfing.

Shuhe Xie was born in Jiangsu province, but raised in Jiangxi, China. She is a fourth year bachelor student in Management focused on Marketing. She has been active in volunteer support teaching in a rural area and currently serves as an assistant head teacher for JUFE freshman. Furthermore, Xie attended a local porcelain culture contest in 2014 and received an internship opportunity in TLMTX Culture Co. Ltd. Last summer, she had an internship with China Construction Bank. During the past three years in JUFE, Xie obtained several scholarships. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Management in Britain.

Mei Zhou was raised in Shanghai, Mei. He is a third year bachelor student in Economics and Management, studying international trade and financial management. He currently serves as captain of his school’s debate team. As a freshman, Zhou participated in the debate competitions and public speaking contests. He recently represented Jiangxi province to attend the 2015 National Public Speaking contest and won the second prize. Zhou plans to further his study after graduation by pursuing a master’s degree in International Business.

Ying Guo (coach) has earned a doctoral degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Post-modern Management. Guo is an associate professor and teaches Entrepreneurial Management for different levels of students, from undergraduate to graduate level students. During his teaching career, Guo has supervised and trained students attending different types of case competitions and receieved achievements all around the world. In 2014, acting as an experienced coach, Guo led JUFE’s team to London in the 2014 NIBS Worldwide Case Competition championship round. Among his many interests, Guo is a big fan of football.

Jing Shu (coach) earned a master’s degree in Educational Management from Oulu University, Finland. He then received his doctoral degree in Management from Coventry University, United Kingdom. During his time abroad, Shu undertook several high-profile international academic projects and is now a senior expert in management. Due to his experiences and knowledge in management, Shu was invited to act as an expert of think tank serving in the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee. Currently, Shu is a senior lecturer working in the School of Business Administration, JUFE.

Lahti University of Applied Sciences

Evgeniya Aksenkina was raised in Moscow. Aksenkina is a second-year Bachelor of Business Administration student studying International Business, Marketing and Logistics. She was formally the managing director of Jäppiö NY, an organization she co-founded in 2014. Aksenkina was one of the members of the winning team in Innovating Sustainable Urban Living and Wellbeing intensive week course, which recently took place in Lahti University of Applied Sciences. Aksenkina has a passion for sustainable development of business, art and public speaking. She plans to work in the field of international marketing.

Alexandra Maksheeva was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Maksheeva moved to Finland in order to study at Lahti University of Applied Sciences. She is in her third year, studying International Business. In Lahti UAS, Maksheeva has been a student tutor for two years. She also spent one semester in Austria as an exchange student. With a multicultural background, Maksheeva plans to start her internship in a Dutch company Schoeller Allibert, which is also located in Finland. She has passion for foreign languages, sales, marketing and human communications. She plans to work in international business and continue her studies.

Polina Markelova was born and raised in Moscow. She attended one of the most respected high schools, 1230, in the Moscow region. Markelova is currently studying at Lahti University of Applied Sciences in the field of International Business. Before moving to study in Finland, Markelova spent her time at schools in Toronto, and Malta where she improved her English language skills and ability to communicate with people from other cultures and backgrounds. Markelova excels at collaborative work and is always ready to tackle every task she’s given.

Thi Tram Anh Nguyen was born and raised in Vietnam. Nguyen is a second-year student in the degree program of International Business, concentrating on international trade and accounting. At Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Nguyen has actively participated in school projects related to products and service design as well as business sustainability development. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and is running a startup shop with her friend. Nguyen intends to go on exchange to South Korea with the desire of exploring an exotic culture and new ways of doing business. The NIBS Case Competition is Nguyen’s first international case competition and looks forward to having an internship opportunity in the field of her studies in the near future.

Marja Viljanen (coach) is head of International Business degree program and senior lecturer at Lahti University of Applied Sciences. Viljanen teaches several marketing-related courses including customer relations, marketing and international marketing classes. Her teaching interests also include conducting interactive, team-based case studies to illustrate the fascinating complexities of doing business in an international context. On a personal level, she enjoys movies, visual arts and sports.

Leeds Beckett University

Ryan Ahern is an ambitious fourth-year Business and Management student from Harpenden, Hertfordshire. He hopes to earn a master’s degree in Real Estate Finance. Training as a property investment analyst in London during his placement year, Ahern is an aspiring real estate investor. Being highly self-motivated he also works on a small portfolio of properties as an asset manager. He is a competitive golfer with a low handicap, and he’s a former junior captain of his local golf club. Ahern enjoys spending time with his family but balances that with his personal business goals.

Kimberley Elizabeth Lister was born and raised in the United Kingdom, in the city of Bradford, moving to and currently residing in Leeds since 2013. Lister is a second-year undergraduate student studying human resources and business management at Leeds Beckett University. Lister is a mature student, having embarked on her undergraduate studies at age 24. Her professional background is within property and aviation. She previously worked as an air hostess for Fly Emirates and lived in Dubai in the Middle East. Lister hopes to return to the aviation industry after graduating Leeds Beckett University within a human resources operations role.

Edwin Parker hails from Leeds in West Yorkshire. He is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Business and Management. While on academic exchange at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, Parker was a key member of the winning team in a dodgeball league. Parker set up a successful retail business with an international supply chain stretching to Yiwu, China, for the placement year of his degree. Parker is representing Leeds Beckett University as the captain of a leading team in the 2015-16 IBM Universities Business Challenge. Parker demonstrates his passion towards achieving his entrepreneurial goals by managing two startup business projects alongside his final year of study.

Timothy Stebastiaan Smith Van Zyl was born in Vereeniging, South Africa. He is a second-year undergraduate student, studying Human Resources and Business Management. Van Zyl and his husband love city living in Leeds, where they own a penthouse apartment. He is fluent in two languages (English and Afrikaans) and has worked for Virgin on the East Coast railway for around 12 years. Van Zyl has a keen interest in recruitment and is active in recruitment centers for his work. In his spare time, Van Zyl is a foodie and loves traveling.

Val Finnigan (coach) is a senior lecturer at the School of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behaviour at Leeds Beckett University. In 2006, she was recognized for her work in promoting employability and became a University Teacher Fellow. Finnigan teaches in the field of cross cultural management, but also works extensively with both undergraduate and graduate students on their personal and professional development as future professionals in the world of business. She has experience running joint study programs across Europe under the auspices of the European Union, which has taken her to teaching at partner universities at 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in Spain and -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) in Ukraine. She currently looks after the incoming exchange students for the faculty of business and law. Despite her extensive travels, Finnigan lives in Leeds, in the North of England, 100 miles from her birthplace in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Marie Kerr (coach) is a senior lecturer at the School of Strategy, Marketing and Communications at Leeds Business School and fellow of the Leeds Beckett Centre for Governance, Leadership and Global Responsibility. Kerr teaches Business Strategy, Ethics, Governance and Consultancy in the school’s undergraduate, M.B.A. and M.Sc. programs. While fortunate to have traveled widely on business in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong and Africa, Kerr still lives and works in the North of England where she grew up. Before joining Leeds Beckett University, she worked for nearly 15 years as an engineer and project manager with a number of high profile manufacturing companies including Cummins Inc., David Brown Gear Systems Ltd. and GKN PLC.

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Sheila Kap was raised in Westland, the Netherlands. She is a fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, and she’s in the honors program. Kap traveled to Germany for an internship at Opel Adam AG, but now her challenge is at Silicon Venturing Rotterdam, where she is active in finding technologies to help businesses with their daily problems. Her final goal is creating new startups. Kap is interested in disruptive technologies, and her passions are horticulture and horses.

Nicholas Smeele was born in Rotterdam but lived in Melbourne, Australia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for his family’s business. He is a fourth-year bachelor honors student in Commercial Economics with a specialty in Sports Marketing and Management. He achieved his brand marketing internship in London, completed a summer school course at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and represented the Rotterdam University at the International Business Case Competition 2015 in Leuven, Belgium. He has also been active in the student representative advisory board and has developed his business skills in many consulting projects as extracurricular activities. Among his interests in branding, corporate strategies and consultancy, Smeele has a passion for sports and technology.

Gerard Van der Star has a background in clinical chemistry and a career in international sales and marketing in the life science industry. He moved into higher education more than 15 years ago. As an autodidact in education, Van der Star set up several International Marketing Minor programs and developed a new bachelor program for part-time Commercial Economics students. Recently his passion for techno startups has resulted in the honors program, Silicon Venturing Rotterdam, in which students from more than eight backgrounds work together for six months developing startup businesses in the technology sector. Van der Star dreams of leading transdisciplinary high-performance teams that boost necessary innovation in order to make the world a better place.

Roderick Vos is a native Dutchman. He is a fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Management Studies. His main focus is on digital marketing, consultancy, strategy, innovation and change management. Vos takes part in the honors program at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. As part of this team, he was co-winner of the International Business Case Competition 2015 in Leuven, Belgium. He has a passion for entrepreneurship and the lifelong learning concept, which made him start a company in the educational sector. He creates and develops products. Vos plans to obtain a Master of Science, Master of Business Administration and a doctoral degree to pursue a career in entrepreneurship.

Bram Van Walstijn, a fourth-year student studying Business Economics, was born in Amsterdam and lives in The Hague. He is president of the Honours Student Association Rotterdam and founded this association with several students. He is also a participant in Rotterdam 100, an organization in which students try to find solutions for problems that have to be dealt with by Rotterdam companies. Last year, Van Walstijn took part in an International Business Case Competition in Montreal. For Van Walstijn, market entries and competitive advantages are particularly interesting. He also has a passion for baseball.

Shantou University

Shunqi (Cheryl) Chen, raised in Guangdong, China, is a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student studying Accounting. After a year as a finance specialist in the Leiling Lychee and Honey promotion program at STU Enactus, Cheryl became the vice project manager of the program, which aids local farmers through sustainable and entrepreneurial action. She also participated in the Asian Global Development Camp 2015 held in Surabaya, Indonesia, to learn about the culture and the economic model of Indonesia. She is curious about the traditional industries and plans to work in a traditional industry and generate innovative ideas.

Yanwei (Avril) Chen, born in Zhejiang, China, is a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student studying Accounting. Avril serves as the head of finance department of the Shantou University Enactus team. After a year at STU Enactus, she participated in Leiling Lychee and Honey promotion program to help local farmers use the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. The program placed second in Enactus World Cup 2015 in China. She has a passion for social benefit and plans to work in international business, specifically accounting, in China.

Zhixin Kuang, raised in Guangzhou, China, is a second-year Bachelor of International Business student studying International Business and Trade. She serves as the minister of IBCC, an organization that holds international business case competitions. She has also taken part in a summer camp held by Want Want China Times Media Group and Taiwan University. This experience allowed her to network with staff members with the Want Want company. She is active in social practice and plans to work in international business and trade in China.

Haixin (Crystal) Xiao, raised in Guangdong, China, is a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student studying Accounting. She was the vice president of AIESEC at Shantou University in 2014-15 and led the finance department. In the summer of 2015, she organized and led an international summer camp for autistic children. Currently, she plays the first oboe in the school’s wind band. She looks forward to working at a Big Four accounting firm.

Southeast Missouri State University

Austin Cordell is a senior from Chesterfield, Missouri. He is a double-major in Accounting and Criminal Justice. After a two-year appointment by Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, governor of Missouri, Austin currently serves as the student representative to Southeast Missouri State’s Board of Regents. After graduation, he hopes to enter the corporate treasury and financial risk management field and gain experience that will help him attain his goal of working for federal law enforcement to investigate financial crimes.

Omar Salman Dawood is a senior Accounting major from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Dawood is the president of Collegiate DECA at Southeast and also serves as a senator for the Harrison College of Business in the Southeast Missouri State University Student Government. After his undergraduate studies, he plans to get a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship. He enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, which have developed his interest in identifying emerging global market opportunities.

Peter Jacobsen is a junior from Treynor, Iowa. His major field of study is Economics, and he has a double minor in Math and Finance. Jacobsen serves as president of student government at Southeast Missouri State. He has also served as treasurer for the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and is a leader in Campus Crusade, a member of Young Americans for Liberty and has worked at the Institute for Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His ultimate goal is to attend graduate school in Economics and become a professor.

Andrew Vukovich is a senior Financial Economics major and a former proof operations accountant for Citibank. He was born in Detroit and moved to St. Louis when he was 9 years old. Vukovich worked at Citibank during the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and became concerned with his future financial stability. He decided to return to school to learn more about the global financial environment. His long-term goal is to become a certified risk manager for a major financial institution.

Willie Redmond (coach) earned a doctoral degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. Redmond has been at Southeast Missouri State University for 17 years. He teaches the graduate and undergraduate capstone Business Administration courses in Strategic Management. He is active with International Business study abroad programs and has also taught classes in Finland, Russia, Germany and the Netherlands. In addition to teaching, he is a faculty associate in the office of the provost. There, he supervises the statewide Missouri Alliance for Collaborative Education and participates in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Global Engagement Initiative.

St. Mary’s University

Brett Laursen was raised in Schertz, Texas. He is a Corporate Finance/Risk Management major. Laursen currently works part time for both a veterinary clinic and at the St. Mary’s Business Office. In addition to school and work, Laursen serves as the vice president of Sigma Beta Chi, a social fraternity at St. Mary’s. Laursen aspires to work in wealth management, and he plans to pursue a certified financial analyst designation and further his education with a graduate degree in Finance.

Fatima Morfin was born in Mexico, but raised in Houston. Morfin is a junior marketing major. She is currently a marketing intern at the St. Mary’s Campus Recreation Department and is responsible for assisting the campus director with the development and implementation of marketing strategies for special events. Her passion for serving the community led her to join Kappa Delta Chi sorority, a professional/service organization. With her internship experience, insight from a sports marketing class, and passion for volleyball, Morfin plans to pursue a career in sports marketing and work for a local sports team.

Jessica P. Rojas Quesada is a native of Mexico City, but was raised in McAllen, Texas. Rojas Quesada is a senior majoring in Economics, and Accounting and Data Analytics. She is the president of the Honors Society of Economics and the event director of Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos. Rojas Quesada served as the vice president of operations for the Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity from 2014 to 2015. She currently interns at the IRS-Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program through St. Mary’s. She plans to obtain her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) title and attend law school.

Marisela Treviño is a Texas native. She is a senior Accounting major in the Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s. She received a bachelor’s degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011. Treviño has served as the finance director of the St. Mary’s chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America. Upon graduation in May, Treviño plans to begin a career as an auditor in public accounting.

K. Matthew Gilley, Ph.D. (coach), is the Bill Greehey Chair in Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility. He earned a doctorate in Corporate Strategy from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997. Prior to joining the Greehey School of Business, Gilley served on the faculty of the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University and on the business faculty at James Madison University. Gilley’s research and teaching center on ethics, corporate social responsibility and business strategy. Gilley is a Fellow of the Ethics Research Center in Washington.

Universidad del PacíficoManual de imagen

Universidad del Pacifico

Ximena Cam Arellano, a native of Lima, is a fourth-year Business Management student at Universidad del Pacífico. She has been part of several volunteer programs dedicated to help low budget public schools in Lima’s high poverty areas where she strengthened her teaching skills. She speaks English, French and her native language Spanish, giving her the opportunity to know other cultures and countries. Cam Arellano enjoys hiking and tennis. She plans to concentrate in marketing and market research.

Caroline María José Coronel Sánchez was born in Peru. Coronel Sánchez is a fourth-year Business Management and Accounting student at the Universidad del Pacífico. She is a member of the Photography Club at the Universidad del Pacífico, which allowed her to express her emotions nonverbally. She also has been part of volunteer programs. Coronel Sánchez plans to specialize in cost and management accounting.

Rossana Montero is a professor of International Business. She teaches internationalization strategies, international marketing and international business in the school’s undergraduate, Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and extension programs. Montero grew up in Lima, Peru. She is pursuing a master’s degree in research and plans to start a doctorate degree in 2017. Before teaching at Universidad del Pacífico at the academic sector, Montero worked in the private and public sector in positions related to international business. In the private sector, Montero served as commercial manager in different export Peruvian companies of the food and agribusiness sector. She also represented foreign companies in Peru as a buyer agent. In the public sector, Montero worked at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, in charge of the National Direction of Commercial Decentralization and Export Culture, as well as in Promperu (Trade Promotion Organization of Peru), in charge of the area of Regions and Development.

Carla Fiorella Patiño Osorio was born in Lima, Peru. Patiño Osorio is a fourth-year Accounting and Business Management student at the Universidad del Pacifico. Last year, she won the Robert Maes prize for her academic performance. Patiño Osorio is a research assistant in issues related to poverty like spending in social programs and poverty measurement. Patiño Osorio enjoys volunteering. In 2014, she taught in low budget schools in Brazil. She plans to specialize in tax and legal services, and grow professionally in one of the big four audits.

Noelia Venet Gallegos was born in Mexico. She is a fourth-year Business Management student at the Universidad del Pacífico in Peru. She grew up in Mexico, China, France and Peru, which gave her the opportunity to strengthen her proficiency in different languages and discover different cultures. Among her interests, Vanet Gallegos practices rock climbing on a regular basis and is the current female national champion of the sport in Peru. She also transmits her passion working at a local climbing gym with young children but also realizing volunteering activities. Vanet Gallegos plans to pursue a career in quality management.

University of Prince Edward Island

Erin Devine was born and raised in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. She is a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student. She has been involved in case competitions for a year and has competed in national and international competitions. Most recently, she was on the first place team and the second place team at the Scotiabank Ethics in Actions Case Competition in 2014 and 2015, respectively. She currently serves as secretary of the UPEI Business Society and works for the Federal government in Veteran Affairs. Devine hopes to pursue a career as a lawyer.

Megan Martin was born and raised in Prince Edward Island. Martin is a fourth year Business Administration student specializing in Accounting. She spent the last year interning with PwC in Calgary, where she worked with clients across several industries. Martin is active in several campus organizations including Enactus and the UPEI Business Society. In 2014, she was the recipient of the Harry W. MacLauchlan award in entrepreneurial leadership for her involvement in her family’s business and commitment to volunteer work at a local hospital. Upon graduation, Martin plans to pursue a career in public accounting.

Bobby McIsaac is from a small New Brunswick town. McIsaac is a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at UPEI. In addition to school, McIsaac has gained experience across several diverse industries, playing key roles in growing multiple companies. As an actor/director/musician, he and a partner revitalized a theatre company, doubling profits for three consecutive years. As an oyster farmer, he and a team implemented a new system, improving efficiency and quality of growth. A passionate and competitive nature has led McIsaac to win awards for playing music and pouring beer; now his passion is focused on business.

Harrison Wood was raised in Charlottetown, Canada. He is a third-year Bachelor of Business and Administration student specializing in Accounting. He serves as the third-year representative for the UPEI Business Society. It is Wood’s first year participating in UPEI’s Case Competition Program. He recently completed a work-term with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency where he served as an assistant economic development officer. He was a member of the 2013 Summerside Western Capitals, who were the runner-up in the Royal Bank Cup National Jr. “A” Hockey Championships. Wood grew up with a passion for agriculture; however, he aspires to study law in the future.

Mary Whitrow (coach – not shown) is the coordinator and coach of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) Case Competition Program. She has a unique perspective as a coach because, while completing her Bachelor of Business Administration at UPEI, she competed in various national and international case competitions. She also has a minor in Spanish, which included course work in Salamanca, Spain. Before returning to UPEI to coach, Whitrow worked as a marketing specialist at one of Progress Magazine’s top 101 companies in Atlantic Canada. In addition to her case work at UPEI, Whitrow is the editor of the UPEI School of Business Magazine.

University of Vermont

Alex Beard was born in Connecticut, but raised in Vermont. He is a third-year Business major with a concentration in Business Analytics. He is also a Teaching Assistant in the Computer Science Department, where he is pursuing a second major in Computer Science and Information Systems. He has interned at National Life Group in its Competition Analytics Department, and with CallFinder, in both the Marketing and Call Analytics departments. His interests include skiing, snowboarding and basketball. Beard has a passion for statistical analysis in sports, and he hopes to one day be the GM of an NBA team.

Roger DaGama, a New York native, is a student at the University of Vermont, Class of 2016. He is majoring in Business Administration, with concentrations in Accounting and Sustainable Business. DaGama is the Treasurer of the Student Government Association and served as co-president of the Grossman School of Business Student Advisory Committee. DaGama is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and has completed an internship in financial planning and analysis at National Life Group in Montpelier, Vermont. Upon graduation, DaGama will continue his education in the University of Vermont’s Master of Accountancy program.

Patrick Mathon, from Massachusetts, is a fourth year Business Administration student concentrating in Finance and Sustainable Business. He spent his Spring 2015 semester studying abroad at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. Mathon is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, serves on the Grossman School of Business Student Advisory Committee, and works as a sustainability outreach intern for the University of Vermont’s Office of Sustainability. He has held internship positions in financial management, internal audit, and corporate social responsibility at companies including General Electric, Keurig Green Mountain and Dunkin’ Brands. Upon graduation, Mathon will join General Electric’s Financial Management Program.

Ashley Sorel was raised in New Jersey but resides in Massachusetts. She is a third-year student majoring in Business Administration with an interdisciplinary theme in Entrepreneurship and concentrations in Business Analytics and Finance. She currently serves as president of the university’s Colleges Against Cancer Club and Chair of the Relay for Life Event Leadership Team. Sorel completed an internship at Beverly Bank in 2015 in deposit operations and will return as a financial credit analysis intern in 2016. Sorel tutors business and statistics courses and is an active member of the Gamma Tau chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.

John Monahan (coach) was a practicing attorney and part-time professor at the University of Vermont for many years before joining the Grossman School of Business to teach Business Law and Business Communications on a full-time basis in 2013. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, served on active duty in the Air Force in California and Massachusetts, was a Program Analyst at Ford Aerospace in Colorado, then attended and graduated from the University of Maine School of Law before launching his legal career in Vermont. Having graduated from high school in San Antonio, he is looking forward to returning for the competition at St. Mary’s.

Sponsors

On behalf of the Network of International Business Schools, St. Mary’s University, and the Greehey School of Business, we would like to express our sincere appreciation

to our sponsors, whose generous support helped make this event possible.

Bronze Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Greehey School of Business Advisory Council of Executives