Case competition in Economics and business: innovative business ideas from future economists

11:18, November 3, 2021

The regional stage of the All-Russian case-championship in economics and entrepreneurship for schoolchildren took place over the weekend

Teams of high-school students received business tasks from the international consulting company McKinsey & Company, worked on their solution with the support of mentors and presented the results to experts from business, universities and government bodies.

Office and students of the International Economics and Business programme GSEM UrFU joined the expert jury, which also included Tatyana Kansafarova, Executive Vice President Regional Association of Employers "The Sverdlovsk Regional Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs" and Olga Ivanova, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics and Management, ISPU.

More than 80 teams from the Ural Federal District took part in the selection of the regional stage. 11 teams presented their creative initiatives on the case - to improve the transport situation in the city and the environment by reducing emissions. Many teams offered really interesting business ideas and solutions, taking into account international experience and current realities, demonstrating knowledge of a research approach with in-depth factual analysis, skills in economic modeling and financial justification, as well as competencies in visualisation, presentation structuring and teamwork.

Valentin Voitenkov, 4th year student of the IEB programme, Case Club UrFU, shared his impressions:

"This is not my first experience of participating as a jury at a case championship at a regional level. I'm glad that the general level of preparedness of the participants is growing from year to year. I would like to note that the International Economics and Business programme annually holds championships in cooperation with Case Club UrFU and large companies. The importance of solving cases is justified by international practices - you cannot get an offer from a large company without the ability to solve business cases and issues. Therefore, special attention is paid to the case method in the IEB  programme within the framework of such courses as "International Business'', "Corporate Social Responsibility" and others."

Anastasia Smirnova, 3rd year student of the IEB programme, added:

“The case championship is a way to gain new knowledge, experience and acquaintances. Previously, I was a member of the prize-winners team at the spring «World Games of Analysts» Case Championship of the IEB programme, but now I was invited to be a member of the jury at the regional stage of the case championship in economics and entrepreneurship. This was my first experience of refereeing at such a large event, but very interesting and informative. The topic was especially hooked, it was relevant to relieve the city from traffic jams and thereby improve the environment. All the guys are great fellows - did a great job. Everyone got a lot of positive emotions and experience!"

Alexander Ishukov, Senior Lecturer, Assistant Director of BA International Economics and Business, and Yana Lopatkova, Assistant Lecturer, Assistant Director for Corporate Affairs, noted:

“It's nice to see the interest of schoolchildren in solving complex business problems. The guys with shining eyes presented their creative, thoughtful and sound ideas from a financial and economic point of view, which clearly confirms their desire to study economics, entrepreneurship and implement interesting projects in the future. We wish participants the best of luck and hope to see these talented guys again on our IEB programme!"

We express our gratitude to the participants for excellent presentations and ideas as well as colleagues for a productive large-scale event and networking!