SC State continues its rise to the top at National Business Case Competition
October 5, 2017
SC State University students in the School of Business won second place, claiming victory over several other distinguished colleges and universities in the 2017 National Black MBA Association’s (NBMBAA) Undergraduate Minority Business Case Competition, which convened Sept. 27–29 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SC State competed in the competition in 2016 for the first time, and brought home third place. The goal is to win first place next year.
Capturing a $10,000 prize, the students who competed are Ariana Ruiz, a junior agribusiness major; Omari Richards, a senior management major; Nawal Bryant, a senior management major and Trevon Andrews, a junior agribusiness major.
Richards also won “Best Presenter” during the preliminary round.
These exceptional students contended with 14 other schools with confidence and expertise, and represented SC State with vigor and pride.
Indiana University won first place, Alabama State University achieved third place and Clark Atlanta University took home fourth place.
Other schools that competed in the competition are Claflin University, Georgia State University, Ohio State University, Rutgers University, University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, Lane College, Louisiana State University, North Carolina A & T State University, St. Thomas University and Xavier University.
Teams were given one month to analyze a complex business case, showcase their problem-solving skills and present their findings before a panel of executives. Judges visited from leading corporations and academic institutions from various regions of the country.
SC State students’ case comprised of a proposal, displaying the most effective social media platform for Canadian airline, WestJet. The team presented an intriguing PowerPoint presentation of their analysis, social media platform choice and specific recommendations for implementing the strategy.
Ellen Ricoma, Masters of Business Administration director at SC State, coached the team throughout the competition.
The students also received the opportunity to be exclusively interviewed for internships and full-time job offers with Delta Airlines, the sponsor of this year’s competition.
Pictured from left: Trevon Andrews, junior agribusiness major; Nawal Bryant, senior management major; Ariana Ruiz, junior agribusiness major; Omari Richards, senior management major
Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., with a student population of some 2,600, South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
