The Sprott School of Business will host the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) worldwide case competition from Feb. 15-20, marking the event’s 20th anniversary.
On Feb. 12, 16 qualifying schools will arrive in Ottawa, representing Europe, South America, Latin America, Asia, and the United States.
Each team of four students is competing for the prestige of holding the winning title, said Robin Ritchie, associate professor at Carleton and the competition’s organizer.
This will be Carleton’s fifth year competing in the event and the team is determined to win as they are the defending champions of the winning title, Ritchie said.
“All of the students representing Carleton this year were handpicked by a group of faculty members,” said Robert Riordan, a Sprott faculty member and the team’s coach.
Students must complete a mandatory course geared towards international business, followed by a series of applications and tryouts to be considered for a place on one of the teams representing Carleton internationally, Riordan said.
“To see the students comprehensively communicate effectively is a beautiful and stunning process that makes the entire experience rewarding,” he said.
The competition involves students brainstorming solutions and alternatives to cases, which are then presented for a panel of over 35 judges that includes industrial managers and faculty members from various universities.
Sarah McRae, a fourth-year international business student participating in the competition, said she will bring a concentration on international marketing and trade into her first official case event.
“I am incredibly proud of the NIBS team and how far they have come,” McRae said, and added she is ready to welcome the international students to Carleton and gain as much global exposure and experience possible.
Riordan said the importance of globally aware young, innovative, business students is essential, and hopes the competition will bring just that.
“The more exposure we can give on international issues to our students the more prepared and effective they will be in the real world,” Riordan said.
