Kansas State University team takes second at Big 12 MBA Case Competition
Friday, April 8, 2016
The Kansas State University MBA team accepts the second-place award at the Big 12 MBA Case Competition. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — A team of Kansas State University Master of Business Administration students took second place at the recent 10th annual Big 12 MBA Case Competition at the University of Oklahoma's Price School of Business.
The competition, which is sponsored by Deloitte, challenges MBA students from around the Big 12 with a real-world problem from a local company. The teams were asked to advise the Boeing Co. by assessing the financial viability of an aircraft project as well as addressing human capital and supplier issues. Students had 24 hours to research, analyze and recommend a course of action. Each four-member team had 15 minutes to present its analysis and recommendations to judges, followed by a 15 minute Q-and-A session.
The Kansas State University MBA team included Drew Hertel, Ellis; Adam Sobba, Richmond; Kyle Klein, Loveland, Colorado; and Tony Silvernagel, Spearfish, South Dakota. The team was coached by management instructor Sabine Turnley and marketing instructor David Lehman, and was advised by associate dean for academic programs Chwen Sheu and graduate program coordinator Lynn Waugh.
"Competing in a case competition of this level requires excellent analytical skills, a strong work ethic, and a persuasive communication style," Turnley said. "Our team had the complete package, and we are so proud of what they have accomplished."
As part of its second-place finish the team was awarded a cash prize of $3,000, while Klein won Outstanding Q-and-A and was awarded a $250 prize.
"Participating in a competition of this caliber allows our MBA students to showcase what they have learned at K-State," Turnley said. "The team did a remarkable job with its financial analysis and the extensive research that was needed to design such an extensive proposal. Their outstanding performance this weekend reflects very positively on the quality of the students and teachers we have within our college."
The Big 12 MBA Case Competition will be hosted at Baylor University next year, before coming to Kansas State University's Manhattan campus in 2018.
