By Naveen Raj, MBA Class of 2016

For a school that produces many consultants every year, it is only normal to conclude the first year of studies by organizing a case competition. The Executive Panel case competition is first-year capstone case competition, which is organized at the end of first academic year. The competition is an opportunity for the MBA students to utilize the skills that they have gained and honed in the first year of studies to solve a business case.

This year students representing 13 teams analyzed a new Harvard case study, focused on Rail Transportation in the United States. The case focused particularly on a ‘Class I’ railroad company operating in the eastern United States. The case was quite ambiguous and there was no right answer. The teams had a bit more than two days of time to work on this case. After analyzing the case for two days they had to present their business strategy to a panel of senior alumni and corporate partners.

In addition to the commemorative ‘Nittany Lion’ trophies, the competition winners were awarded a total of $5,000. This competition was an opportunity for the students not only to exhibit the newly gained MBA skills but also to network with alumni and corporate partners who are generous and supportive.

Congratulations to this year’s winning teams!