Case Competitions

There are a great many upcoming competitions that may be of interest to Net impact members:

Thunderbird Sustainable Innovation Summit
Register by Sunday, September 30
Thunderbird's real-life business sustainability challenge gives teams of MBAs and other masters degree students from around the world the opportunity to practice sustainable innovation strategies around the world and in our backyards. Teams from around the world will compete online with a 2 page Sustainable Innovation Plan. The final ten teams, will present solutions to the final round questions at Thunderbird to our sponsors live. The most innovative team will win $20,000 in cash and the title "Global Champions of Sustainable Innovation." Visit http://sustainableinnovation.thunderbird.edu for more information.

Kenan-Flagler Sustainability Venture Capital Investment Competition
Registration begins Friday, October 26 and is open to the first 8 teams
Your team plays the role of a venture capital firm going through the entire VC investment process. Valuations include sustainability metrics. Evaluate real business plans while being judged by real VCs. Enrollment is based on a first-come, first-serve basis and is limited to the first 8 teams who complete the form and send in their deposit. Visit http://www.svcic.org/ for more information.

Rotman CSR Case Competition
Register by Friday, November 9
The Rotman CSR Case Competition is a unique opportunity for MBA students from the U.S. and Canada to showcase their creativity and analytical skills in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. As the influence of corporations grows worldwide, transcending national and cultural boundaries, a new generation of leaders will need to understand how organizations can operate profitably as responsible members of their communities. The study of CSR touches on issues of cultural sensitivity, environmental sustainability, stakeholder safety and wellbeing, financial integrity, and many others. The top prize is $5,000.

Haas Education Leadership Case Competition
Register by Thursday, November 15
Last year the inaugural case focused on Results-Based Budgeting in the Oakland Unified School District. The competition was a success according to district representatives, participants and press. Several prominent media outlets published pieces on the e ELCC’s innovative approach to education reform, including the Oakland Tribune, CNN, ABC News, and the Financial Times.

This year, we will center the case on K-12 education in New Orleans with the goal to provide real, practical solutions for the recovery of the New Orleans Public School District in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Visit www.edcase.org for more information.

Georgia Tech Intersections MBA Case Competition
Register by Wednesday, November 21
The focus of Intersections is the evolving partnership between corporate and non-profit communities. Only 1 team of 4 students can come from UMD. Total prize money is $15,000. To register, visit http://mgt.gatech.edu/intersections/.

University of Texas 2009 Social Innovation Competition
Register by Friday, February 6, 2009
The RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the LBJ School of Public Affairs would like to invite your members to participate in our 2008 Social Innovation Competition. The RGK Center is inviting students to submit plans that use creativity and innovation to tackle a pressing social issue. The competition develops in three rounds: submitting an executive summary, developing a detailed venture plan, and presenting in front of a panel judges in Austin. The winning team will be awarded $50,000 to put their plan into action. Visit http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/rgk/competition// for more information.