KMG CASE COMPETITION 2022 IS HERE!

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s case competition with…

 

READY TO SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS?

This is your chance to develop a business strategy and pitch directly to a panel of judges from Dremel. 

Registration is now closed.

The KMG Case Competition is a unique opportunity that allows students to compete in teams to solve a current business challenge. The competition objective is to enhance Kellstadt student engagement with the business community and provide a platform to enrich the student experience through learning and networking. Students will be able to apply learned class concepts, work in teams to develop a business solution, pitch their recommendations, and receive personalized feedback from judges and professors.  

This year, we are thrilled to offer a case submitted directly from Dremel and judged by a panel of knowledgeable Dremel employees. 

The competition is open to all MBA/MS students at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Students will work in teams of 3 members to develop a strategy and deliver a 20-minute presentation that outlines the recommended course of action for the company.

Important Dates

  • Monday, February 21 — Application deadline

    ** Case released to all participants **

  • Wednesday, February 23, 4:30-5:30pm — Case Q&A session with Jon from Dremel

  • Saturday, February 26 — Cases Due by noon

  • Monday, February 28 — Top 5 Teams will be selected to move on to Final Presentations

  • Thursday, March 3, 3-5pm — Final Presentations (Virtual)

Team Registration

  • Teams must include 3 members; diverse backgrounds and concentrations are encouraged

  • We are accepting a maximum of 10 teams, early registration is strongly recommended

  • Following case submissions, 5 teams will be selected to move forward to the Final Presentations

  • Application form includes:

    • Member information

    • What background and knowledge do you or your team plan to leverage?

    • Confirmation of individual/team attendance on Thursday, March 3 from 3-5pm

Individual Registration

  • No team? No problem. Register as an individual and we will match you with other enthusiastic applicants to create your team. Diverse backgrounds and concentrations are encouraged to apply.

Presentation Criteria

  • Team presentations must be no more than 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Q&A with the judges

  • Each team can utilize feedback from a Kellstadt alumni as their coach, to gather feedback on the team's analysis, strategy, and presentation development

  • Judges will evaluate presentations on:

    • Business knowledge and application

    • Analysis

    • Evidence-based recommendations and strategy

    • Impactful storytelling

    • Creativity

    • Overall presentation quality

Head Judge

Jon Zasiebida Dremel Global Brand Director, Robert Bosch Tool Corp.

Prizes

Winners of the KMG Case Competition will receive a premium swag bag from Dremel! (And bragging rights.)

Questions? Email us at kellstadtmarketinggroup@gmail.com

FAQs

I am a new student. Can I still participate? Yes, the KMG Case Competition is open to any current MBA/MS Kellstadt student. This is an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world case. This is a learning event for all participants -- we don't expect you to be perfect, but we expect students to do their best.

I don't have a team, how will I be placed in a group? Individuals who submit a complete application will be randomly assigned into teams with other applicants. This is a great way to make new friends, and often the best groups are the ones formed random. So why not, right?

Do we have to submit a written report?   A written report is not required for this competition.  However, remember that the presentation should include evidence-based recommendations and storytelling. Pretend you are a product manager pitching a business strategy to executives. Make sure you are knowledgeable and have supporting evidence during the presentations.

What is the time commitment for this competition? While it may vary from team to team, developing a good strategy and presentation does take time. As such. this will require ample time for you to do background research, brainstorm ideas with the team, develop a story, create a presentation, etc. You will have roughly 3 weeks to prepare, so we encourage you to use your time wisely.

What happens when I submit an application? You will receive a follow-up email once all applications have been reviewed with additional instructions. Note: all information on the application form needs to be completed to be considered for the competition. 

I am not a Kellstadt MBA/MS student. Can I still participate? Although the competition is targeted to current Kellstadt MBA/MS students, we will consider making special exceptions for DePaul honors students and/or other DePaul graduate programs. Please email us directly at kellstadtmarketinggroup@gmail.com.

Can I come watch the competition? Of course! We encourage you to come support fellow students and partake in the networking reception after the event. We will have a separate RSVP link for audience member soon. Make sure to follow "Kellstadt Marketing Group" on your favorite social media platform to stay informed.

Any other words of advice? Do your background research — you will need this to develop a strong strategy and to ensure to you are confident speaking on the topic. As a team, you will need to organize quickly— set up meeting times, split up the work, create team goals and deadlines. Also, we encourage you to reach out to one of our Kellstadt faculty coaches or find a professor of your own to gather feedback, as that will help you prepare.

Final word:  Our judges from Dremel are excited to participate in this event, so let's show them what great talent Kellstadt has to offer! Good luck!