By Lana Hall
Ryerson’s fledgling MBA program snagged first place and the Queen’s Cup trophy in the 2008 MBA Games last Saturday, beating out 13 other universities including York’s Schulich.
The event was hosted by the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Teams from across the country flocked to the campus for three days of academic, athletic and team-spirit challenges.
Ryerson’s team cleaned up in all three areas, including first place overall in both the academic and team spirit activities. Team captain Brian Yoon says the competition was strong, but the team was well prepared.
“Last year we had no idea what to expect,” he said. “But having done so well, this year we had the motivation and momentum.”
Yoon also credits the “amazing chemistry and goal alignment” of his team for the experience, adding “every individual added something unique and powerful.”
Participants handled four academic challenges; a strategic case, a marketing case, a negotiation challenge and a stock challenge.
After teams finished the business simulations, teams competed in sports such as volleyball and water polo, as well as team spirit challenges such as a karaoke dance.
MBA professor Dale Carl, the team’s faculty supervisor, is thrilled but not shocked by Ryerson’s tremendous win. “The enthusiasm was there and the leadership was there,” he said. “We started preparation from the very first MBA orientation in September.”
Both Yoon and Carl mention the camaraderie between schools. “By the end of the gala night,” Carl said, “all the schools were standing and cheering for Ryerson.”
The first MBA Games were held 20 years ago at Queen’s University. Ryerson’s MBA team competed for the first time last year, coming in third.
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