One example of a real-world learning experience that challenges students to put knowledge into action is the IBESCC Student Case Study Competition in Los Angeles, California. Students tackle complex business issues and analyze organizations’ management styles, decision-making, legal and regulatory issues, and ethics, all within the framework of sustainability and the UN Sustainability Goals. “It is a great learning experience because it allows students to apply all of their knowledge, analyze issues and present their findings and recommendations,” Professor Christine Cahill says. This year the team topic is “Cooling AI: The Hidden Cost of Water”, and they will be addressing the significant water consumption needed to cool AI data centers, aiming to develop sustainable solutions to reduce this environmental impact.
STAC has participated in case study competitions for the past several years, earning as high as 1st place last year in the 10 Minute Competition, first place in 90 Second Competition in 2024 in 2022, and 1st place in a similar competition in 2022 and 2016. Past student participants have noted that this is a valuable opportunity to apply knowledge learned in the classroom in a different way, that participation strengthens their ability to work well in groups and overcome the challenges associated with groups, and helped to improve public speaking capabilities and presentation skills. Some of our past team members have gone on to highly successful careers at locations such as Ernst & Young, PWC, KPMG, BMW, Ogilvy UK, Capgemini, and the Office of New York State Attorney General. This experience bolsters a student’s resume, provides them with opportunities to network, and generally elevates the profile of the School of Business and the College.
This year, our team consists of five excellent students, who earned a spot on the team based on professor recommendations, GPA and an application essay. We strive to fundraise for the competition so that any student can participate and compete, regardless of financial ability. An estimated budget for STAC participation in person totals approximately $8,000. Any financial support would go directly to reduce student costs (which would total about $2,000 per student), and would be greatly appreciated.
The 2025 team:
Ella Call:
This unique opportunity grants me the ability to work in a collaborative setting, and will help me become a more well-rounded problem solver, who can tackle real-world challenges, with perseverance.
Kamya Ramakrishnan
This opportunity will allow me to refine my problem-solving and presentation skills in a real-world competitive environment, while also learning from my peers and professors.
Patrick Phelan
This is a chance to challenge myself in a different way, learn from real-world business problems, and grow as not only a student, but a leader as well.
Frank Schaefer
I was a member of the Fed Challenge team in the fall, and I am inspired by that experience to compete in this national competition and work with this team towards a common goal.
Eliana Raposo
As a math major, I look at a business plan as an optimization problem trying to maximize profits, however, this opportunity would allow me to look deeper into the ethical connotations of decisions, making me more well rounded as a critical thinker.