IB Case Challenge 2020

UCF Integrated Business Case Challenge

The Integrated Business Program at the University of Central Florida invites all the high school juniors and seniors to participate in the 2020 Integrated Business Case Challenge on Friday, February 7th on the UCF campus.

Join students from other high schools in Central Florida to work on team work, presentation, and goal setting skills with support from current UCF Integrated Business faculty and students. Whether students intend to major in business or are exploring other career options, they can practice some valuable skills while collaborating with a team to propose a solution to our case challenge.

Registration is free. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and prizes will be awarded in several categories.

High school teachers can participate in an interactive, professional development session with our Integrated Business faculty while the students work on the competition. The event will be held at the College of Business on Friday, February 7th from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

High school groups should register by contacting UCF Instructor, Shelley Maccini at shelley.maccini@ucf.edu.  Priority registration deadline is Friday, December 6^th.  Additional registrations will be accepted on a space available basis.

Tentative Agenda

8:00-9:00 Registration, Networking, and Introductions

9:00-10:00 Team Building Exercises

10:00-12:00 Skills Training

12:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30-3:00 Team work time

3:00-4:30 Presentations and Judging

4:30-5:00 Awards and Wrap Up

FAQ

What is the UCF Integrated Business Case Challenge?

In short, the UCF Integrated Business Case Challenge is an opportunity for Central Florida high school students to spend a day at UCF  practicing their team work and presentation skills while interacting with current UCF faculty and students, in pursuit of the best recommendation to our solve our business case.

What will the business case be?

There is no need to prepare in advance, so we are saving the business case details until competition day.  That morning, students will participate in skill building sessions led by our Integrated Business students.  After lunch, students will work with a team to propose a solution to our business case, and present to our judges.

Why should high school students participate?

Meet some new people, improve team work and collaboration skills, refine presentation skills, learn a few business skills, engage in the college experience, and hopefully have some fun. 

Who is eligible to participate?

Any high school junior or senior from the Central Florida region.  Sophomores may be considered on a case by case basis. 

Do students need to plan to major in business in college?

Absolutely not. While we are using a business case as the challenge, the skills that students will practice are relevant to just about any major field of study or career.

Why does the competition emphasize soft skills?

Soft skills are part of our DNA in Integrated Business.   We have learned from employers that the soft skills:  team work, critical thinking, communication, etc. are the most sought after skills in college graduates.  As a result, soft skill development is built into every part of our Integrated Business curriculum.

What is Integrated Business?

Integrated Business is a relatively new major within the College of Business Administration.  In just a few short years, we have grown to become one of the largest majors on campus.  We are a multi-disciplinary business program, meaning our graduates have not concentrated in any one area or field in business.  Instead, after completing the core business classes, Integrated Business students take classes in a number of diverse areas such as Project Management, Applied Business Technology, and Data Driven Decision Making to name just a few.  All the while, students are continuing to work on developing their soft skills through interactive activities in every class.  As a result, Integrated Business graduates leave UCF prepared to step into a variety of different roles in the business community. 

Can students pick their team during sign up?

Sorry, but no.  One of the soft skills we want to help students develop is how to collaborate as a team with people they just met.    

Do students need to be planning to enroll at UCF?

Not at all.  Needless to say, we would be happy to answer questions about UCF and the Integrated Business experience, but UCF need not be in your near future for you to join us for the Integrated Business Case Challenge.

Is there a charge to participate?

Registration is free.  Thanks to our contributors, the Integrated Business team will provide breakfast and lunch as well at no charge to participants.

Are there prizes for the winner?

Yes, there will be prizes for our winners.  However, we think the experience will be valuable to you whether you win or not.

What will teachers/chaperones do while students are working on the competition?

Our Integrated Business faculty members are developing a professional development experience for high school teachers in attendance.

When is the competition?

Friday, February 7th.  Breakfast and our open session start at 8:00am.   We will finish by 5:00pm.

Where will the Integrated Business Case Challenge be held?

At the College of Business on the UCF campus.  We will meet in the Atrium of the Business Administration I building.  The closest parking is in Garage C.  If your group is arriving by bus, please coordinate bus drop off with us in advance.

How do teachers sign up students?

High school teachers should contact Integrated Business Instructor Shelley Maccini at shelley.maccini@ucf.edu or (407) 490-1970.  Priority registration deadline is December 6^th.

Is there a dress code requirement?

We ask all participants to dress business casual.