Eight University of Wyoming MBA Program students are participating in a case study competition that requires innovative thinking centered on corporate profitability and environmental, social and ethical issues.
The UW College of Business is among 25 leading business schools selected for the Aspen Institute's 2012 Business and Society International MBA Case Competition. Students have one weekend to analyze a new case study -- developed by the Yale School of Management -- and to give deep thought to the potentially positive role that business can play in society.
Winners will be announced April 13 in New York City. Students are competing for $40,000 in awards.
Representing UW are Anna Chopping, from Thermopolis; Robin Crosby, Portsmouth, R.I.; Zach Parrie and Matt Steidtmann, both from Laramie; Elesif Smith, Jackson; Chris Stearns, Casper; Josi Wambach, Holyoke, Colo.; and Chris Weiland, Cheyenne.
"This preeminent case competition inspires students at 25 forward-thinking MBA programs to tackle real-life business challenges that broach serious societal issues," says Nancy McGaw, Aspen Institute's Center for Business Education director. "Each year, we are encouraged by the creativity and intellectual rigor that this next generation of business leadership brings to today's most pressing problems."
Martin Saffer, MBA director, says it is quite an accomplishment for UW students to be selected for the competition.
"We are proud to be competing with some of the best MBA programs in the world," he says. "The Aspen Institute and the University of Wyoming MBA program are aligned in our focus on sustainability and global business practices."
Among the competing MBA programs are Duquesne University, Lamar University, Temple University, Texas Christian University, University of Denver, University of Notre Dame and Villanova University. Business administration programs from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Spain and Venezuela also are participating.
Five finalists will be flown to New York City, where teams will present to a panel of corporate judges and join an invitation-only reception with friends of the Aspen Institute. The first-place team will receive $20,000 and an additional $1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
As part of the Aspen Institute Business and Society Program, the company maintains close ties with more than 150 MBA programs in 28 countries, creating opportunities for executives and educators to explore new pathways to sustainability and values-based leadership.
The UW College of Business offers two MBA programs, which are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International and dedicated to preparing students for career success at an affordable price, Saffer says.
Providing quality instruction completely online, the Executive MBA Program is for professionals who need a part-time program that fits their schedules. Offering intensive classroom instruction on campus, the full-time MBA Program is for students looking to launch their career or round out their education with business experience.
"Both MBA programs concentrate on honing decision-making techniques on real business problems, developing managerial skills for successful leadership and improving interpersonal skills," Saffer says. "By the end of the program, graduates are consummate professionals equipped for success in many different business environments."
For more information, contact Saffer at (307) 766-6145 or email msaffer@uwyo.edu.
