Ten student teams from nine countries demonstrated how they think strategically and globally for the 29th Annual Scotiabank International Case Competition (SICC), sponsored by the Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab at Ivey. Participants were immersed in diverse perspectives from their competitors as well as the judges’ experience and expertise, all while tackling a business case that shows the complexities of international business.
The event ran March 21-24 and a team of HBA students was integral to the success of the competition. SICC teams included participants from:
- New Zealand – Otago Business School, University of Otago
- Germany – Münster School of Business and Economics
- Hong Kong – University of Hong Kong
- Netherlands – Rotterdam School of Management
- Puerto Rico – Inter American University of Puerto Rico
- Norway – Norwegian School of Economics
- Mexico – Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México
- Peru – Universidad del Pacifico
- United States – Florida State University College of Business
- United States – Northeastern D’Amore-McKim School of Business
An Ivey tradition
This year, two judges, each with 10 or more years of service, were recognized for their long-standing commitment to this Ivey tradition.
Darren Jack, HBA ’88, MBA ’92, Co-Founder & Director of AssetMine Global Inc., first became involved with SICC in 1998.
“As an Ivey graduate, the competition is a way for me to stay connected with the School and other alumni, including many of the judges,” he said. “Participating in the competition has helped me connect in a meaningful and fulfilling way.”
Kevin Yousie, HBA ’77, MBA ’80, President of Crosswater Partners, has also served as a judge for more than 20 years and still looks forward to the competition each year.
“It serves as a terrific opportunity for cross-cultural interaction, networking among the students, and, of course, the social program,” said Yousie. “As a judge, it is both interesting and inspiring to see the outstanding quality of the presentations from the various student teams and to see the friendships that form.”
The case: Mogo Canada
This year’s case looked at Mogo Finance Technology Inc. (TSX:MOGO), a Vancouver-based financial technology (FinTech) company that is focused on building the best digital financial services experience for the next generation of Canadians. Mogo's platform currently delivers five innovative products designed to help consumers get in control of their financial health. SICC teams were challenged to analyze Mogo’s current situation and recommend a strategy for the future growth of the company.
Teams were given time to prepare their cases, and then presented to a panel of three judges comprised of Ivey alumni and industry experts. After a round of preliminary presentations, four finalist teams presented again to all 12 judges and their fellow peers. The Norwegian School of Economics from Norway took first place. The Münster School of Business and Economics from Germany were the runners up, with the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México coming in third place.
“I’m continually impressed by how many different perspectives there are in regard to a complex business problem,” said Jack. “And how many diverse and convincing solutions that the international teams come up with drawing on their unique cultural learning styles and experiences. It really emphasizes the fact that there are no single solutions.”
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