Students mind their business with finesse

Business instructor Laura Byrne (centre) says she played a small part in her students’ success in the Best Strategy Invitational. But they beg to differ.

Two teams of Douglas students recently sprinted to first place in an international competition that put their management skills to the test.

The teams, made up of students from the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, competed with students from colleges and universities around the world in the Business Strategy Game’s (BSG) online game, the Best Strategy Invitational (BSI). For two weeks, they acted as managers of simulated athletic footwear companies, making tight deadline decisions on everything from production and warehouse operations to budgeting and marketing. In all, 394 teams competed in 33 divisions.

“Participating in the competition gave me the practical, hands-on reinforcement that I know the material I learned in class. It proved to me that I could go out and run a company,” says Bang Tran, who with teammate Allyn Edwards is completing his Accounting Management Diploma.  

Tran and Edwards worked together as team Funtastic. Also winning their division was Four Real, comprised of Francis Impelido, Michael Phillips, and Cory Smith. The Douglas crews beat teams from schools such as the University of Western Ontario, California State University, Channel Islands, Arizona State University, Purdue University, Calumet and Peru State College.

They were introduced to the BSG in the mandatory Business Strategy and Simulation course taught by Laura Byrne. The students who performed well in the in-class competition were invited to participate in the BSI, which is held three times a year. Participation in the BSI is entirely voluntary.

Byrne insists she played “a small part” in her students’ success, noting, “I did not help the teams once they were in the BSI simulation. I observed their performance and encouraged them, but they actively participated in the competition of their own volition. Their initiative was really quite something.”

However, her students say Byrne’s in-class preparation before the BSI was crucial to their success. “Laura was extremely helpful during the in-class game. She has a very good understanding of her class, and gives valid advice and insight into what you’re doing,” says Edwards.

In fact, Edwards and Tran agree that teachers like Byrne made it easy for them to decide to continue their education – both begin the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Program in September – at Douglas.

“I went to university straight out of high school and it was overwhelming. University classes can have 300 to 400 people so it’s hard to get one-on-one time with your professors,” says Tran. He adds that by going to Douglas, he saves on everything from parking to tuition.

Adds Edwards: "With the quality teachers and smaller class sizes, you get a better return on your dollar.”

For more information on programs in the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, including the BBA Program, attend a free information session on Tuesday, August 11 at 5pm, room A1470, David Lam Campus.

Links:

Information Sessions
Accounting Management
Bachelor of Business Administration
Business Strategy Game
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