A team of four MBA students representing FIU Business was chosen as one of seven finalists at the National Black MBA Association’s (NBMBAA) annual Graduate Case Competition, placing among the top tier of 33 distinguished university teams at the virtual event.
The 2020 competition required that students analyze a case by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and take on the role of an independent consultant for a dealership responding to the economic effects of COVID-19 and the implementation of digital sales. Each team had to work under deadline to analyze the case, use their problem-solving skills to determine possible solutions, and present their recommendations to a panel of senior executives from Fortune 500 companies. The teams that were selected as finalists had 20 minutes to present their recommendations followed by 10 minutes of questions and answers.
FIU’s team consisted of three Professional MBA Online students — Corwin McCammon, Sharon Scarborough, and Christie Pageler — and International MBA student student Royer Baez. Fred Walumbwa, professor of international business, served as their faculty advisor. In addition to participating in the team, McCammon won an award for best Q&A responder.
As they prepared for the competition, “I was really impressed by how quickly this team got down to business,” said Walumbwa. “They had only two weeks to put everything together for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete with the best of the best in the nation. They are my ‘dream team.’” He credited MBA program manager Romy Veizaga for assisting and inspiring the group through long practice sessions.
Although the team didn’t place in the final competition, Angel Burgos, executive director of MBA programs called the team and its achievements “exceptional.” “There is no doubt that the drive and tenacity of our students is what makes the FIU MBA a stronger program with each passing year,” he said.
