Manning School of Business News and Highlights

Winners announced for the Winter 2016 Shaw Group Business Case Competition

The business group Ideal Horizons, comprised of Jared Craig, Vince Lausoontornsiri, Liam Maaskant, and Alisa Nguyen, has won first prize in the 2016 Shaw Group Business Case Competition for first-year business students. This year’s case was called Cookie Man: Exploring New Frontiers, which examines an Australian cookie and biscuit brand facing stiff competition in the Indian market. Professors Charlene Boudreau and Ryan MacNeil were the organizers of this year’s competition. Professor Boudreau said the case tested the students’ analytical and critical thinking skills, particularly in the areas of marketing, operations, and financial management. It’s important to find a case that will challenge the students; not in a way that is beyond their capabilities, but in a way that allows them to explore those capabilities, achieve more than they thought they could, and ultimately develop the skills and confidence to do it again.

L-R: Jared Craig, Vince Lausoontornsiri, Alisa Nguyen and Liam Maaskant,

Of the four groups competing, the judges agreed that Ideal Horizons best captured the realities of a compelling business case and based their recommendations on an in-depth review of all of the data provided – including current efficiencies, demand, and cash flow, said Emily Halle (Shaw Group). Angela Myers (Grant Thornton) said the winning team had a very polished presentation, and a thorough analysis and discussion of alternatives. They also handled the question period very well. Other competition judges were John Lawrence (RBC) and Roger Wehrell (Acadia University). For their first-place finish, Craig, Vince, Liam, and Alisa share $1000 and will lunch with Shaw Group executives.

Business case competitions provide students with collaborative learning experiences, networking opportunities, and knowledge of real world business challenges. The Fred C. Manning School of Business acknowledges the generous support of The Shaw Group in funding this popular competition.

About the Manning School

Founded in 1957, the Manning School at Acadia University is home to over 600 students from over 20 countries. With 23 faculty members from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, the Manning School offers small classes that encourage concentrated interaction between students and faculty. Our students have opportunities to learn outside the classroom through co-op placements, projects with local enterprises, and international exchanges. Firmly rooted in a rich institutional legacy that personifies the very essence of a liberal education, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program at Acadia is challenging and flexible, allowing students to explore a broad range of interests and producing well-rounded graduates who are well-positioned to pursue varied professional opportunities. Our graduates work in leadership roles across Canada and around the globe, with many having made their Acadia BBA degree a pathway to prestigious graduate programs.