College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) hosted dozens of the Middle East region’s best business-minded students, as well as a few from this part of the world, for the newly-minted Al Ruwad Regional Business Case Competition. Twelve teams representing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Canada (two teams from CNA), participated in the newly renamed competition.
Over two days of competition, teams presented individual case scenarios to a panel of expert judges made up of CNA-Q instructors and members of local industry. Cumulative scores then determined the top four teams who went on to compete in the final presentation.
Coach Tina Dean says the Distributed Learning team,
709 Solutions, and Grand Falls-Windsor team,
Brand Knew Solutions, both made it to the finals - placing second and fourth respectively.
“Having the opportunity to take the students to this international competition was very rewarding,” Dean said. “Their excitement, enthusiasm, and determination were evident as both teams made it to the finals.”
The teams were given business cases that challenged their knowledge within the realms of marketing, finance and human resources.
“This opportunity put their diverse skills to the test when dealing with a hypothetical business problem,” Dean continued. “Both teams showcased their talents on this competitive stage. As a coach, the competition was filled with several proud moments.”
Coach Lisa Skinner says she also felt proud watching the students put the skills they learned in their Business Administration program to good use.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of students or a better co-coach, in Tina. Seeing how hard the girls all worked at this competition was inspiring and just shows what hard work and dedication can do,” Skinner said.
“The fact that they were able to take the knowledge they have acquired in the Business Administration program and apply it in a setting such as this is fantastic. It has been a wonderful learning experience for them all. I cannot express how proud I am of both teams and how hard they worked. I will truly never forget this experience with them.”
The competition was held from March 27-29 with CNA teams competing against Fujairah College, Jubail Industrial College, Jubail University College, Sharjah Women’s College, Stenden University Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University, and Texas A&M University at Qatar represented.
Tania Newman of
Brand Knew Solutions says it was the trip of a lifetime.
“Our trip to Qatar and being able to attend the Al Ruwad Regional Business Case Competition was an amazing experience for all of us,” Newman said. “We have learned new skills, met new friends and made memories that will last a lifetime. The generosity and hospitality of CNA-Q was exceptional and we look forward to coming back next year.”
“This trip has been a whirlwind of highs and lows that we wouldn’t trade for anything,” said Wendy Hodder of
709 Solutions. “We have experienced so much, learned lessons and made friendships that will last a lifetime – not to mention experiencing a different culture. Thank you CNA and CNA-Q for this opportunity and making us feel welcome. And a big thank you to our coaches Tina and Lisa especially for believing in us.”
The top three positions went to
Tartan Consultants (Carnegie Mellon University – Qatar),
709 Solutions (College of the North Atlantic – Canada) and
Banat Consultants (College of the North Atlantic – Qatar).
Mary Vaughan, the CNA’s Dean of Business and Information Technology, says she was impressed with the hard work of the students.
“I am so proud of our students who competed in the CNA-Qatar International Case Competition,” Vaughan said. “They were outstanding. They performed with confidence and presented strong business solutions as they competed against fellow students and other universities. Their faculty coaches had them well prepared to handle just about anything. Our students have now been provided with an international business competition experience, one that is unique and one that will have a very positive impact on them in the future.”
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Media Contact:
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca