Much like a winter classic, Spartans competed in an academic contest that determined where the trophy would be housed for the next year, East Lansing or Troy.

On Sunday, January 7, students from the Eli Broad College of Business Executive MBA program competed in a case competition leading up to the final module before graduation.

Troy EMBA students

One of the teams comprised of Troy EMBA students took home the 2017 Case Competition title

In the first round of the day-long case competition, 27 student teams from EMBA’s East Lansing and Troy campuses were tasked to analyze a dynamic and complex business case, then develop and present their analyses, recommendations, and implementation before a panel of judges comprised of EMBA faculty and alumni.

Five teams made it to the final round, taking place in the afternoon, at which teams presented their cases once more. Judging the second round were the EMBA alumni who traveled back to MSU’s campus to take part in the competition.

Dianna Dryer (EMBA ’06), who returned to her alma mater from Houston, Texas, served as a judge for the second time. Dryer, vice president and chief financial officer of GSFSGroup, was excited to help students polish their presentation skills. “Coming back for events like this reminds me of what is important,” said Dryer.

The winning team was announced during the reception for participating students and judges and included Troy students: Steve Crummel, Steve London, Jessie Lu, Ed Marchese, Yulia Perehodnik, and Panaiappan Subramanian.

“This win was a significant accomplishment given the quality of their classmates and presentations. Preparation for the competition is considerable.  The event is intense, the pride to finish among the top is high, and the learning that takes place for all participants is significant,” Greg Janicki, director of EMBA’s Troy campus, said. “It’s a theme that runs through the entire 20-month program.”