The challenge: How to handle a business operation whose profits are inconsistent with an organization’s strategic direction.
Three teams of SBA Scholars (top photo) were asked to address this seemingly unusual business dilemma as part of the MSU-Federal Credit Union Scholars Case Competition in February. The case introduced competitors to credit unions as a form of cooperative economic entities while facilitating a discussion about organizations where shareholders are customers.
Presented with the case that day, team members quickly analyzed the situation, then worked together to develop recommendations and create a presentation supporting their view. Each team then had 20 minutes to present their approach to a panel of judges.
“All the teams did fantastic and are all winners,” says Mark Simon professor, management, one of the judges. “I know such a statement is sometime a cliché, but this time it is not. Not only did all the students do exceptionally well, they are all exceptional students! They go above and beyond what is expected and have shown an incredible dedication to learning.”
Simon went on to say: “The winning team did an excellent job of organizing their thoughts and approaching the case in a very structured manner.”
That team (pictured below) – the No Name Team – was comprised of Andrew Fusco, junior, William Gross, sophomore, Jessica LaRoque, junior, Jamie Moy, junior, and Joshua Solomon, senior. Each received an award of one tuition credit.
The SBA’s Scholars program offers participants many ways to build leadership and analytical skills which provides an avenue for practicing team work, leadership, analytical skills, public speaking
and presenting.
The team competition approach cements the learning in a tangible way and helps build strong business leaders. That’s why organizations such as the OU Branch of the MSU-Federal Credit Union are willing to sponsor such events.
“The credit union supports Scholars because the program helps make a better, more informed, educated citizen, and that knowledge benefits the entire community,” says John M. Savio, vice president, OU branch of the MSU-FCU, and member of SBA’s Board of Visitors.