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Sprott set to host NIBS Worldwide Case Competition

Top business students from 11 countries coming to Carleton for international business competition

Group photo of Sprott students holding championship trophy. NIBS representative and team coach, Professor Linda Schweitzer.
Sprott 2014 NIBS winning team. (Left to Right) NIBS representative, coach Professor Linda Schweitzer, Rob Curtis, Rachelle Hinchey, Emma Zaorski, and Amanda Tindyebwa

On Feb. 15, the best and brightest business students from around the world will arrive on the Carleton University campus to compete in the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Worldwide Case Competition.

Carleton’s Sprott School of Business is hosting the week-long competition, where 16 teams representing universities in 11 countries across four continents will compete for the championship title. Sprott is not only hosting the event but defending its title as NIBS 2014 champion.

“The Sprott School is proud to host NIBS 2015,” says Dean Jerry Tomberlin. “Throughout the competition, the top business students from around the world will showcase their global perspective, cultural insights and international experiences, while testing their skills in problem solving, adaptability, communication and teamwork. We look forward to an outstanding week of competition.”

“We received a record number of entries, making the 2015 competition especially competitive,” says Robin Ritchie, associate professor of Marketing and chair of the NIBS 2015 Organizing Committee. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the NIBS case competition, making it one of the longest-running events of its kind in the world. The level of interest we’ve seen is a testament to the incredibly high calibre of the competition.”

What distinguishes NIBS from other case competitions is its emphasis on international business and the challenges of doing business across cultures and borders. An entire day is dedicated to cultural development and competitors will visit local businesses and institutions.

During the competition, teams of four undergraduate students will be given three or four hours to analyze a business case and prepare a solution – no Internet access allowed. The students must then present their recommendation before a panel of business executives, senior managers and academics.

Over the week, all 16 teams will take part in a round robin tournament. The teams with the top scores will advance to elimination, playoff rounds.

All are welcome to watch the presentations. A full schedule of events is available on the NIBS 2015 website.

NIBS 2015 is sponsored by Export Development Canada.

NIBS Worldwide Case Competition Finalists

(Listed in alphabetical order)