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Nottingham Business School students compete in an international business challenge with IE Business School

Final year undergraduate students were selected for the second annual IE Business School BBA Business Challenge, where they competed against teams from across the world.

IE BBA Business Challenge 2020
All the competitors in the 2020 IE BBA Business Challenge

Four final year undergraduate students Robert Hughes, Natalia Kiousi-Adami, Philippa Mwayi and Will Holian visited IE Business School’s Madrid and Segovia campuses this February to take part in the 2020 BBA Business Challenge.  The challenge posed a fantastic opportunity for the students to apply their learning and put the skills they’ve developed during their time studying at Nottingham Business School (NBS) to the test, as well as networking with other undergraduates from across the world.

The competition ran over five days, with students given the opportunity to compete in both a four-hour case, focusing on the cloud gaming industry and a 24-hour case focusing on a sustainable, luxury fashion brand. At the conclusion of each case the students then presented their strategy and recommendations to a panel of industry and academic professionals.

Outside of the competition, the team were able to socialise and explore the beautiful city of Segovia, whilst developing a rich international network of friends and contacts for their future careers. It was a fantastic opportunity to share experiences with students hailing from countries such as Canada, Ecuador, Norway, Australia and the Netherlands.

The students were accompanied by Tom Spencer, Assistant Head of Undergraduate Programmes at NBS. He commended the students on their professionalism: “The students were excellent representatives of NBS and the competition was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with students from across the world in a friendly but competitive environment. We thank IE for their hospitality and look forward to taking part in future competitions. Our congratulations go to the University of Warwick for winning the four-hour case and Rotterdam School of Management for winning the 24-hour case (for the second year running).”

Robert Hughes, BA (Hons) Business Management and Accounting and Finance student, shared his experience: “The cases gave a great insight into what consulting in the real world would potentially be like, albeit without such immense time pressure! It was brilliant to come away from the event with so many new connections from around the world with students who perform at such a high level. As this was NBS' first year taking part in this competition, we've taken away a lot of valuable insight which can hopefully benefit cohorts taking part in the future. It was a truly fantastic and unique experience.”

Students taking part in the IE Business Challenge
Nottingham Business School students (L-R) Robert, Natalia, Will and Philippa

BA (Hons) Marketing student Philippa Mwayi added: "I found the trip a real eye opener; having never participated in a challenge like that before meant it was daunting at times and definitely required a lot of hard work and determination. However, seeing the team progress, our ideas get stronger and our skills become refined was exceptionally rewarding. Going forward, I have a lot more confidence in my abilities and would recommend that every business student takes part in an experience like this.”

Finally, Natalia Kiousi-Adami, BA (Hons) International Business student, reflected on her experience: “The experience was nothing I had ever expected or prepared for but nevertheless it taught me a lot. As I reflected on the week at the end of the IE BBA Business Challenge I realised that I had developed a new mindset for navigating through life. I was able to build on my strengths and look for new opportunities for self-development.

“The week was more than just competing, it was mostly about observing, collaborating, learning and most importantly making friends with students from worldwide leading universities. The passion, determination and commitment put in by every team was exceptional and I am proud of myself and my team for maintaining our enthusiasm and hard work throughout.”

Published on 3 March 2020
  • Category: Business; Nottingham Business School