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Frequently-Asked Questions

Q: What is a case competition?

A: A case competition is an event in which teams have the opportunity to research a real-life business situation and advise management on what the company should do. Each team in the IKEA International Case Competition will be working on the same case, which will be made available to them exactly 42 hours before their presentation.

Q: What about teams?

A: There is a limit of four members per team. Each member of the team needs to fill out an application (which can be downloaded off this site). The application must be turned into LEWIS 313 or to ikeacase@u.washington.edu no later than 5 pm on Monday, December 3, 2007.

Q: What will I get out of participating in this event?

A: First, because you are all serious business students, participating and volunteering in the IKEA International Case Competition is an excellent resume builder. On top of that, there will be lots of great prizes, free food, and the winning team will split a $1,000 IKEA-Seattle gift certificate. Case competitions are also an excellent way of applying the book knowledge that you have learned to solve real world problems that may arise in the business world. They also provide a great opportunity to practice analytical and team working skills in a realistic, high-pressure work environment. Plus, you can show how smart and qualified you are to corporate judges.

Q: What types of volunteer work can I do? And what will I get for my time?

A: You can help with the day of the competition, marketing/PR, and other aspects of the competition. Helping out can also count toward your CISB Service Hours. We also plan on having lots of food and fun for our volunteers. If you are interested, send an email to ikeacase@u.washington.edu.

Q: Where can I get more information about competitions?

A: The Undergraduate Program Office has prepared a helpful handout that covers a lot of information including which international competitions the UW has been invited to this year.