Past Case Competitions

This year’s event was held February 27^th – 28^th, 2025.  The event is designed to foster collaboration among students from various institutions and diverse business backgrounds, providing a unique platform for them to blend their expertise and creativity in crafting innovative solutions. Students represented various academic disciplines including Accounting, Finance, Management and Marketing.

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, this year’s competition welcomed a record breaking 14 faculty advisors and 56 students representing a diverse range of institutions with varying levels of experience.   Participating institutions were: Alabama State University, Albany State University, Allen University, California State University – Sacramento, Claflin University, Community College of Denver, Georgia State University, Grambling State University, Howard University, Johnson C. Smith, Oakwood University and Rust College.  This year we welcomed four new institutions to the competition: Allen University, Bethune Cookman University, Grambling State University, and Rust College.

Case Competition Impact
Comprehensive feedback gathered through anonymous surveys reflected overwhelmingly positive responses from students, advisors, and judges alike. Key highlights include robust agreement on the efficacy of case competition guidelines, materials, and overall facilitation. Notably, a staggering 95% of participants acknowledged that the experience enhanced their problem-solving skills, underscoring the competition's role in nurturing critical thinking and experiential learning. Additionally, an impressive 98% expressed likelihood in recommending participation in such case competitions to their peers, signaling a strong vote of confidence in the value derived from the event. Through strategic partnerships and continuous refinement, the competition remains poised to cultivate the next generation of visionary leaders equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of a globalized economy.

The challenges posed by the competition not only tested their business acumen but also enhanced their ability to work in a globalized business environment. We witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and dedication of the students as they collaborated, learned from one another, and ultimately presented their innovative solutions to real-world business issues to a panel of judges comprised of business and academic professionals.

Participants arriving early were able to participate in an optional cultural event. Students toured the World of Coca-Cola and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center.

Interactive events on the first day, aimed at building trust and familiarity among team members, setting the tone for a collaborative and supportive environment. Participants learned how to analyze a case led by one of GSU’s international business faculty and learned winning strategies from a National Black MBA case competition consultant. A Georgia State faculty member also shared insights on how to present to business professionals. A panel, comprised of past case competition participants, shared their experience of participating in a competition and answered participant questions.

The business case studied was Popeyes in China:
Making Fried Chicken Fly in a Foreign Market. The case explores the complexities of launching and sustaining a Western fast-food brand in a highly competitive and culturally diverse Chinese market. It examines the evolving consumer preferences, the dominance of local fast-food chains, and the trend of 'Guochao'—nationalistic fashion influencing younger generations. Popeyes’ signature fried chicken faces challenges in a market accustomed to varied cooking styles and regional tastes.

WINNING TEAMS

Utilizing a mixed teams model, the competition recognized outstanding performances from various institutions.  While specific team member names are omitted, the winning teams, representing their respective institutions, showcased exceptional innovation and strategic acumen in addressing the challenges presented by the Popeye’s case.

Quotes from Participants

“The structure of the competition and how the managing staff are so on top of everything! Outstanding way to challenge the minds of college students in the business world”

--2025 Case Competition Student Participant

“I enjoyed being able to work with many different people from various backgrounds.  It opened my mind to other ideas and presentation tactics I hadn’t thought about”

--2025 Case Competition Student Participant

“The networking was spectacular for the students and advisors; additionally, it was a valuable learning experience”

--2025 Case Competition Advisor

“Thank you for providing this exhilarating experience”

--2025 Case Competition Advisor

“Thank you for inviting me to join the CIBER case study competition this year as a judge.  I truly enjoyed myself and the entire experience.  Every time I've gotten involved with something from the Robinson College, it has been organized, managed and presented in an extremely high-class and professional manner.  That was certainly true of this year's CIBER business case study competition.  Also, I was very impressed with the students.  They are smart, ambitious and enthusiastic.”

--2025 Case Competition Judge

This year’s international business case competition brought together 31 students on March 1, 2024, from the following eight universities:  Alabama State University, Albany State University, California State University-Sacramento, Claflin University, Community College of Denver, Georgia State University, Howard University, and Oakwood University. Many institutions have been long-time competitors.  This year, two new institutions participated California State University-Sacramento and Community College of Denver.

Following the Case Competition, the committee distributed an anonymous survey to all participants, including students, judges, and advisors. Overall, response levels were excellent/strongly agreed in areas such as; case competition guidelines, materials, kickoff, video submissions, final round, and overall facilitation. Most participants agreed that the case provided an international perspective that helped them understand experiential learning.  According to the survey, the virtual online structure was one of the less favorable aspects of the competition.

Furthermore, the survey asked if mixed teams or similar teams should be formed. There was a significant divide among participants regarding the team structure. In conclusion, the survey praised the Case Competition Committee's flawless implementation of the virtual case competition.

"We were honored to be part of a prestigious competition."

-- Dr. Mahdi Bajestani, Alabama State University

"The idea of organizing such an activity where students can express themselves and improve their problem-solving skills is already very nice. The event was organized in a systematic way. It was a serious and sincere organization."

--  Anonymous

"Allows students to participate in an experiential learning activity and develop their research, communication, and teamwork skills." 

--  Anonymous

"The GSU-CIBER Conference was again very good this year.   While I wish our team had placed in the finalist round, the schools that participated were all fine institutions.  However, I'm looking forward to returning to the previous format on-site with team diversity among the schools."

--  Dr. Theodore Brown, Oakwood University

"Thank you for allowing our school to participate. This is a wonderful learning experience for our students. I look forward to moving to the "live" in-person competition in 2024."

--  Anonymous

This year’s international business case competition brought together 40 students on March 3, 2023, from the following ten universities:  Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Bethune Cookman University, Claflin University, Florida A& M University, Florida Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Howard University, Oakwood University, Southern University. Many institutions have been long-time competitors.  This year, three new institutions participated Alabama State University, Bethune Cookman, and Florida A&M.

Following the Case Competition, the committee distributed an anonymous survey to all participants, including students, judges, and advisors. Overall, response levels were excellent/strongly agreed in areas such as; case competition guidelines, materials, kickoff, video submissions, final round, and overall facilitation. Most participants agreed that the case provided an international perspective that helped them understand experiential learning.  According to the survey, the virtual online structure was one of the less favorable aspects of the competition.

Furthermore, the survey asked if mixed teams or similar teams should be formed. There was a significant divide among participants regarding the team structure. In conclusion, the survey praised the Case Competition Committee's flawless implementation of the virtual case competition.

"We were honored to be part of a prestigious competition."

-- Dr. Mahdi Bajestani, Alabama State University

"The idea of organizing such an activity where students can express themselves and improve their problem-solving skills is already very nice. The event was organized in a systematic way. It was a serious and sincere organization."

--  Anonymous

"Allows students to participate in an experiential learning activity and develop their research, communication, and teamwork skills." 

--  Anonymous

"The GSU-CIBER Conference was again very good this year.   While I wish our team had placed in the finalist round, the schools that participated were all fine institutions.  However, I'm looking forward to returning to the previous format on-site with team diversity among the schools."

--  Dr. Theodore Brown, Oakwood University

"Thank you for allowing our school to participate. This is a wonderful learning experience for our students. I look forward to moving to the "live" in-person competition in 2024."

--  Anonymous

The International Business Case Competition is an annual event in which students from different minority serving institutions and Historically Black College and Universities are tasked with solving a real-world business problem. The program provides each student with beneficial skills and experience. The structure of the event will allow students to work through multiple cross-cultural obstacles, including different study habits, and learning methods. The fields represented during the Case Competition are Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and Management & Operations.

Traditionally, selected students travel to Atlanta, GA for a two-day event. However, out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with current guidelines on large gatherings, the 2022 event will be held virtually.

During the Kick-Off Event, students are given the time to participate in a variety of events that are meant to build up their trust and familiarity with each other. Later, each team is given the case and has two weeks to prepare solutions and submit a video presentations for round one. Next, the final four teams will present live in front of a panel of judges to present their solution to the case.

The International Business Case Competition is funded by the U.S. Department of Education with a goal of mounting the competitiveness in the global market. The competition not only allows students to work together in teams, but it also prepares them to enter the global job market, in which they will be confronted by actual business problems.

GSU-CIBER hosted the 2nd International Business Case Competition at Georgia State University as part as the Minority Serving Institute Consortium.

The competition was held March 26-27, 2015, and was structured as previous CIBER competitions with approximately 9 teams of 4 students with different majors from Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida Institute of Technology, Georgia Perimeter College, Georgia State, Kennesaw State University, LaGrange College, Oakwood University and Southern University at New Orleans. On the first day of the competition, the students had an opportunity to socialize and get to know their team members. A visit to the World of Coca Cola was included in the program.

Following the introduction, students received an international business case and guidelines about the submission procedures, as well as overall ground rules. Students then began working on their solutions due that evening. On the morning of March 27th, four non-GSU faculty members and four senior executives from the Atlanta business community, including Rahm Sitaraman, retired dir., Eurasia and Africa Franchise Leadership Development, the Coca-Cola Co.; Frank Blount, CEO and chairman of the venture capital company, JI Ventures Inc., Trevor Williams, Global Atlanta’s managing editor, and Rahim Charania, founder and CEO of American Fueling Systems, formed a panel of judges.  Upon completion of round 1, two semi-finalist teams proceeded to round 2. The judges  jointly selected a winning team after Round 2. The winning team was composed of Brieanna Cannon, Oakwood University; Yahjah Brown, Southern University of New Orleans; Victor Westerlund, Florida Institute of Technology and Alexander Cann, Georgia Perimeter College. The competition concluded with an award ceremony for all participating students, faculty, advisors, and judges.

This competition provided participating students with a real-life  exposure to real business problems dealing with the concept of  international business. It also provided an opportunity to improve their research and presentation skills. Additionally, students also had the opportunity to  network with many professionals from the Atlanta business community, as well as with other peers from around the nation.

GSU-CIBER hosted International Business Case Competition for the first time on March 7-8, 2013. On the first day of the competition, the students were given the whole morning to socialize and get to know their team members that they are meeting for the first time. A visit to the Georgia aquarium was included in the program. Later that day, the students received an international business case and were guided to their rooms to work on their presentation due by 11:30 pm that evening. The next morning, four senior executives from the business community and four non GSU-faculty members formed the panel of judges and were divided in two rooms. In each room, four teams presented their case, and one team from each room was selected as a finalist to proceed to the second round. The two final teams, the STARS and the ANGELS, presented their case to all eight judges, and a winning team was chosen.

The students were very well prepared, and they gave exceptional presentations with extensive analysis and convincing arguments. It was hard to believe that these students had only received the case few hours before the presentation was due. The competition was followed by an award lunch, during which the STARS team was announced as the winner, and both the first and second place teams were awarded.

Dan Bogdan, a Perimeter College student from the STARS team, said

“I was humbled and honored to be part of a team that took very seriously the task of competing against many brilliant minds of different students from different Southeastern Colleges / Universities. Not only did we come up with a positive, factual, and credible answer, as related to the task entrusted to us, but we also learned to trust each other’s wisdom, in a collaborative manner, putting our best skills at work in a selfless way, that eventually came to reward both, the team as a whole, and each individual member of it.”

Overall, he thought the competition helped promote a culture of excellence, which is an asset that needs to be properly understood and practiced among the students if they would ever be successful in any professional, academic, or personal endeavor.

The University of Connecticut’s Center for International Business Education and Research hosted the annual CIBER Case Challenge in Storrs, Connecticut from Wednesday, October 19 – Saturday, October 22, 2011. Georgia State University, a cosponsor of this project, selected a four-member team for the case challenge where students across the U.S. and other countries competed in analyzing and presenting international business cases in front of judges on topics addressing multiple geographical regions and functional areas. This was an excellent opportunity for students to gain exposure to international business issues and participate in an international case competition. The competition also offered opportunities to meet and socialize with business students from around the globe and visit one or two local companies. GSU-CIBER was represented by Ashley Shepard, Jeremy Dollar, Ashley Knight and Jonathan Silberman. These students had the honor of taking home the first and second place awards.

GSU Students Win Big at National Case Challenge Competition by Kirstie Brown

GSU-CIBER celebrates the four undergraduate Robinson College of Business students — Jeremy Dollar, Ashley Knight, Ashley Shepard and Jonny Silberman — who competed in this year'€™s (2011) CIBER Case Challenge at the University of Connecticut.

Established a little over one year ago, CIBER already is building a strong reputation in the annual Case Challenge competition. Last year, GSU student Lateefah Taiwo competed on the challenge's winning team. She and fellow 2010 GSU Case Challenger Alex Cannon met with this year's group to share advice. The team also received assistance from Professor Daniel Bello in the Institute of International Business, Craig Ruff in the Department of Finance, Walter Wallace and Marta White in the Department of Managerial Sciences, and the entire CIBER staff. Armed with helpful guidance, this year's Case Challengers proved they were strong competitors. Jeremy Dollar, a senior Finance and Philosophy double major, brought home the first place award, and Jonny Silberman, a senior Business Management–Economics student, took second place.

Institutional teams of four students come from 15 business schools across the United States and abroad to compete in the Case Challenge. The students are then split from their school groups into teams of four with students from other institutions, including at least one international student. A student on each team represents a different business focus: Finance (including Accounting), Marketing and Management and Operations.

On the first day, the students complete different team building activities to better acquaint themselves with their new teammates, and at 9 a.m. the next morning, they receive their international business case. This year, teams received a 20-page case study on American Express and were asked to resolve how the company could globally expand while maintaining their customer service program. Teams presented their resolutions starting at 8:30 a.m. the following morning.

A writer for the Huffington Post, Stacie Nevadomski Berdan, described her admiration for the student competitors in a recent article, saying

I was impressed by all the students for many reasons. They wanted to participate in a competitive and grueling competition. They worked through multiple cross-cultural obstacles, including different nationalities, language barriers and even diverse university cultures. But most of all I admire them for thinking globally throughout the competition.

Jeremy Dollar described the preparation process as "really grueling... We worked for about 20 hours."

Jonny Silberman said the biggest challenge was working with people from different backgrounds and commented it was difficult "coming from different perspectives."

Both Silberman and Dollar agreed the experience was well worth the sleep deprivation and large coffee consumption necessary to complete their case presentation. Silberman reflected that the greatest moment was watching the "power of a team."

Dollar and Silberman presented their awards to the CIBER office and are both eager to help next year’s Case Challengers maintain GSU's winning tradition.

In 2010, Student Case Competition took place at the Ohio State University. This event brought together as many as 16 teams from around the world and across the U.S. to compete. Four undergraduate students participated from each university and the program began on October 27 with an opportunity for everyone to meet each other during a networking reception. The next day was filled with team building activities to enable the students to get to know each other and on the third day, the teams received an internationally focused business case. They had 24 hours to prepare their solutions and they presented them to a panel of executive judges on Saturday, October 30th. That evening, the winners were announced at a formal awards banquet. During this competition, GSU-CIBER was represented by Olufunke ("€œLateefah"€) Taiwo, who won the overall competition, David McConico, who was announced as the "Best Presenter"€, Alex Cannon and Alaina Daner.