UpFront MBAs’ winning ways

A team of MBA students from the University of Auckland has topped the list of international performers in one of the world’s most prestigious MBA case competitions.
The team headed off competition from Spain, Germany, Finland, Sweden and 10 American universities in the recent John Molson International MBA Case Competition in Montreal.
Held for the 23rd time, this annual competition is limited to 128 students from 32 of the world’s top business schools and is the oldest and largest global case competition in the world.
Teams get three hours to analyse and evaluate five business cases then deliver presentation that shows their ability to grasp the relevant issues and present feasible solutions.
They are judged on their creativity, insight, substance and plausibility of implementation.
Canadian teams filled the top nine spots in the 32-strong field, with Auckland’s 10th placing meaning they just missed out on spot in the playoffs. The home team from John Molson School of Business (at Montreal’s Concordia University) won the event.
Auckland MBA director and team coach professor Geoff Lorigan says he was delighted with the Auckland team’s performance.
“They grew in confidence as the competition went on and gave stunning presentations. I’m very proud of their achievements and the good spirit in which they handled all outcomes. This was wonderful growth and benchmark opportunity – I consider we are up there with the best.”
The team of executive MBA students (aka Middle Earth Consultants) comprised Alan Mayo (The Warehouse), Mike Hartley (UDC), Michael Toxopeus (Royal NZ Navy) and Jared Colby (ANZ Banking Group).