The
Network of International Business Schools（also called NIBS）case competition, hosted by London South Bank University, was held in London, UK from 2
nd to 7
th March 2014. This competition aims at improving students’ analytical and innovative ability in the fast changing business world. It attracts 16 international top teams that are from different countries such as Finland, the USA, and Canada. Four excellent students, including Zoe Tsai (International Finance), Alisa Chen (Accounting), Shirley Shi (International Finance), and Tim Yip (Marketing) from Shantou University Business School, formed the Tronners team and attended the 6-day competition.
In the competition, the four competitors experienced the fierce competition; also, they actively took part in various social activities. The good interaction not only helps students abroad their horizons, but also delivers the good image of Shantou University to the whole world.
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Fierce Competition】
There are two rounds in the competition, including the qualifying round and championship round.During the qualifying round, the Tronners completed the case report excellently in Shantou University, and successfully be selected into the top 16 teams for championship round.
During the championship round, the NIBS case competition use the round robin system. In the first 3 days, every team competed with three different teams. Every two head-to-head competitors get their scores out of 12.The three-day scores are summed and the top 4 teams will be selected into the semi-final round. It is the same rule to select 2 teams to the final round. During the competition, the competitors need to finish the case in 3 or 4 hours, and present their ideas to the judges in 20 minutes, then answer the questions in 10 minutes. In the competition, our team Tronners competed with three different teams, which are London South Bank University, Southeast Missouri State University, and University of Prince Edward Island.
During the highly tense round robin, our team dealt with it confidently. They needed to finish the case reading, group discussion, strategy recommendation and PPT design. The competitors provided the strategies from producing, human resourcing, marketing and financing, which showed their teamwork ability and overall business knowledge. In the presentation round as well as the Question and Answer round, our team are highly appreciated by the judges because of the outstanding presentation skills and flexible thinking.
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Social Activities】
The NIBS competition is not only a case competition, but also an international platform for excellent students to communicate with each other. Our team actively took part in the social activities, such as Salsa dancing, Cruise dinner and London one-day travelling. With these activities, our students not only have a meaningful communication with excellent students and gain international friendship, but also stand for the good image of our university.
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Experience sharing】
Both in the period of preparation and competition, we applied what we learn into the business practice, from which we improve our analytical ability and strategic thinking. Also, we broaden our international horizon. Also, we accumulate more international case competition experience which we hope can contribute to the further development of our school case competition organization.
Both in the period of preparation and competition, we found that teamwork and coordination is very important. Our students’ outstanding performance not only gains from their hard work, but also thanks to the international horizon and advanced educating model that focuses on improving students overall quality.
Thanks to Professor King as well as the teachers from business school and English Learning Center, our students have excellent performance in this competition. Also, we greatly appreciate this opportunity that is provided by Business School and Li Ka Shing Foundation of Shantou University.
