Global Business Case Competition

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Frequently Asked Questions

These questions of information were prepared for participants and faculty advisors in order to better prepare you for the week's events. If you have a question that is not answered here, please email us.

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How does a university receive an invitation to participate?
The University of Washington Foster School challenges selected schools from across the globe to compete in the annual undergraduate Global Business Case Competition. Invitations are sent out in the fall. Contact us for more information. See Archives for schools who have participated in the past.

What is the agenda for the week?
The week's schedule has a variety of competition-related and social events.

How many team members are allowed per team?
We allow four members to participate in the competition. No alternates are allowed.

What is the length and nature of the case that will be analyzed?
We recommend that you examine the previous years' cases. This year's case will approximate the length of previously used cases. The issues, of course, will be different.

How are the cases distributed?
The competition begins when teams receive their cases on Thursday morning. Distribution will be staggered in exactly the same way as the preliminary presentations, to allow exactly 48 hours for each team to analyze and prepare their PowerPoint presentations.

What software is used during the competition?
The presentation laptops will be installed with Microsoft Office 2007, and PowerPoint is required during presentations.

How many advisors are there for each team? What is their function?
We permit one advisor per team. These advisors are invited to participate in many of the activities held throughout the week, including the corporate tour. The advisors are not allowed to assist in the case analysis. They may be available during the 48-hour analysis period only to help with non-case-related issues, such as bringing up food and water.

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Will I have access to a computer and the internet?
Yes, computer & internet will be available both on UW campus and in the hotel.

On Campus Technology Access:

• You will receive a UW NetID & password upon arrival. Your UW NetID serves as your identification as a UW student or guest. This will allow you access to UW libraries, networks, and other resources.
• If you bring your own laptop – with UW NetID and password, you can access wireless internet on campus.
• If you do not bring your own laptop – with UW NetID and password, you can log onto computers on campus.

Hotel Technology Access:

• In the rooms: there will be DSL and wireless connectivity.
• GBCC Command Center: The Command Center in the hotel will be open from the time the teams receive the case until the final presentations. The Command Center will be equipped with two desktop computers, and printers, as well as four DSL lines intended to be used for downloading large files and quantities of information during the case analysis. Command Center staff will be available to troubleshoot GBCC laptops, and will have access to the technology vendor if necessary.

Will I have access to the UW library database?
Yes, when you log onto computers in UW libraries with your UW NetID, you will automatically be allowed to access library databases. You can research more in advance on the UW Libraries Homepage or at the homepage for the Foster Business Library.

Will I have access to printers?
Yes, teams will be provided access to additional computers and printers in the Command Center of the hotel.

Will I have access to a presentation clicker with a built-in laser point?
Yes, during the preliminary and final rounds, each team will be provided with a presentation clicker and built-in laser pointer. 

What hardware and software will I have access to?
Various computer centers on campus will have different software installed. However, you should be aware that these additional programs will not be installed on the presentation computers and should only be used to interpret data, not present results.

Can I bring my own laptop and use it on campus?
Yes, you are required to bring your own laptops as we will not be providing laptops. You may not use your personal computer for the presentations on Saturday. GBCC laptops will be provided on Saturday for each presentation room. You will bring your presentation on a thumb drive.

What peripheral equipment is needed?
Please keep in mind that the US has a 120 volt electricity system. If any of your equipment is programmed to function with a different system, please bring your own converters and adapters.

What if my technology question has not been answered?
For answers to other technology- related questions, please visit the GBCC Technology page or contact the GBCC Co-Chairs.

Where can I find the competition rules?
Please visit the Competition Guidelines page at to view the competition rules. It is your responsibility to know them.

Will our faculty advisor be able to assist us while we prepare for the case?
No. The faculty advisor may not help team members during preparation of the case analysis or on the Day of Competition.  This rule applies to any non-team member i.e. staff, ambassadors, other students/faculty. Only the four participants of each team will be allowed to work on the case material.

What can I do to prepare for the competition?
To prepare for the competition teams may want to practice analyzing past GBC cases or other business cases such as Harvard Business School Cases. Past GBCC cases have been posted on the GBCC Archives. Harvard cases are copyrighted and can be purchased from Harvard Business School Publishing. Similar business case studies may be available from websites or other sources at your university.

Will we need to bring our own supplies?
Teams will be provided with a small packet of office supplies to help them prepare their case analysis. If you anticipate having special needs as you prepare, please bring those items with you. If you find you need more office supplies than what is provided, there are several stores nearby where you will be able to purchase a variety of items.

Will our presentations be recorded?
Presentations will be professionally videotaped and distributed to all teams after the competition. No additional video or audio recording of presentations will be permitted.

What is covered by GBCC?
The GBCC covers participant's hotel accommodations for the nights of April 7 - 12. The competition also covers all meals on April 8 - April 12.

What is not covered by GBCC?

• The GBCC does not cover any personal expenses or expenses related to activities outside of the Event Schedule.
• Additional materials and supplies related to your case preparation will be your responsibility.
• Additional food or snacks outside the scheduled meals will not be covered by the GBCC.
• Optional events and associated expenses. This includes dessert with the ambassador and city tour.
• Transportation to the airport for departure.
• Long Distance phone calls. A credit card must be given to the front desk to cover all long distance phone calls. However, since these rates tend to be higher than average you are advised to purchase a calling card and call from outside the hotel.
• Hotel room services: food, movies, etc.

If I want to arrive earlier, how should I arrange accommodations and transportation?
Please contact the GBCC Co-Chairs as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate you. However, given time constraints it will not be possible for us to pick you up. To arrange for early accommodations please contact our hotel.

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Competition FAQs | Participant FAQs | Faculty Advisor FAQs | Top of Page

Will I be able to assist my students while they prepare for the case?
No, only the four participants of each team will be allowed to work on case material.  Your student team may not consult with non-team members during preparation of the case analysis or on the Day of Competition. This rule applies to any non-team member i.e. staff, ambassadors, other students/faculty.  Only the four participants of each team will be allowed to work on case material.  Additionally, faculty advisors will not be allowed to mediate disputes between members of their team during the competition.  Your role during the preparation and presentation days will be quite limited. 

What am I allowed to do while the competition takes place?
You are welcome to observe all four preliminary round presentations in your team's presentation room, but you may not change rooms during the preliminaries. You will also be permitted to observe all four final round presentations.

Will I receive a copy of the case?
You will receive a copy of the case during the Faculty Advisors’ Luncheon.  If you do not attend the Faculty Advisors’ Luncheon, you can pick up a copy of the case in the Command Center located in the hotel following the luncheon. 

What can I do to help my students prepare for the competition?
To prepare for the competition teams may want to practice analyzing past GBCC cases or other business cases such as Harvard Business School Cases. Past GBCC cases have been posted on the GBCC Archives. Harvard cases are copyrighted and can be purchased from Harvard Business School Publishing. Similar business case studies may be available from websites or other sources at your university.   

May I video tape my team's presentation?
All presentations will be professionally videotaped and distributed to all teams after the competition. No additional video or audio recording of presentations will be permitted.

What is covered by GBCC?
Food: The GBCC will cover a majority of the meals throughout the week.  For formally planned GBCC activities where food is provided, faculty advisors will not be expected to pay.  Please see the Event Schedule for a list of formally planned GBCC activities.  Please note that many meals are only available on sites where special events are being held. Should you choose not to participate in the events, GBCC will not be able to cover nor arrange your meals. 
Transportation: (1) Airport pick-up services, available if you arrive on April 7 only, and (2) transportation between GBCC event locations.

What is not covered by GBCC?
Accommodations: Faculty advisors are responsible for arranging their own accommodations, including reservations and payment.
Additional food and beverage: If you decide not to participate in some GBCC events where meals will be served, you will not be reimbursed, nor will GBCC be able to arrange your meals.
Transportation: any transportation expenses where you are not with the GBCC group.
Personal expenses: All fees related to non-GBCC activities and personal items or expenses.
Second Advisor: If your school has more than one faculty advisor accompanying the team, the expenses for the second faculty advisor will not be covered by GBCC. Please contact your Faculty Relations Manager for more information.
Transportation to the airport: the hotel can help you arrange for Shuttle Express service. We recommend that you arrange the shuttle service on the day you arrive in Seattle.

If I want to stay longer or arrive earlier, how should I arrange accommodations and transportation?
Please contact your Faculty Relations Manager as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate you. However, given time constraints it will not be possible for us to pick you up. To arrange for early accommodations please contact our hotel.

What are some activities that I need to attend?

• Welcome Breakfast and Orientation (obligatory)
• Faculty Advisors' Luncheon (recommended)
  This is a chance for faculty advisors and UW Business School faculty to interact and share insights on business school programs around the world. Many UW faculty are looking forward to welcoming you to our school.
• Boeing Plant Tour (recommended)
  This is a tour to the Boeing aircraft assembly plant in Everett (about 20 miles north of Seattle). At the Everett facility, the Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 are assembled in the largest building by volume in the world (472,000,000 cubic feet). You will have the opportunity to walk through the plant and see actual planes being built during the one and half hour tour. For more information on the Boeing plant, please visit the tour center website.
• All other events are optional, but you are welcome to attend any or all that you wish. Optional events include: campus tour and dinner cruise, Dean's Global Business Roundtable, and the Awards Banquet.

May I participate in activities for students?
Yes, you are invited to all events during the week of GBCC. The only exception is the case preparation! Please check the Event Schedule for more information.

May I do activities on my own?
Yes, you are welcome to arrange your own activities through out the week. We have prepared a list of tourist attractions, other UW events, and other activities happening in the area at the bottom of this page. Please feel free to explore Seattle and University of Washington while you are here. If you need help planning, or if you would like to find specific information, please feel free to contact your Faculty Relations Manager, and we will do our best on assisting you!

Other Activities & Events
Along with the group activities, we have assembled a list of attractions in the Seattle area which may be of your interest. The phone numbers and addresses of the venues are listed so that you may contact them for more information.

At the University of Washington

The Burke/Henry Dollar Deal:
See two great University District museums at a drastically reduced rate! Pay just $1.00 extra at the time of admission purchase at either the Burke Museum or the Henry Art Gallery and receive a coupon to visit the other museum on the same day, FREE! Just mention the Burke/Henry Dollar Deal when you purchase your ticket.

For all other public events at UW, please visit:
http://myuw.washington.edu/pubevents/servlet/uwcal.UWCal

In The Seattle Area
These are just a few ideas of fun places to visit in the Seattle area. Please contact the Faculty Relations Manager, if there is a particular type of place or event that you are looking for, and we will be more than happy to help you find it. Further information about the activities and venues listed above is available from most volunteers working at GBCC.

Benaroya Hall/Seattle Symphony
Benaroya Hall is the venue where the Seattle Symphony performs. Known for its amazing acoustics and attractive architecture, it is a great place for music enthusiasts. Ticket prices vary, so give them a call at 206.215.4747or go online for ticket information.

Experience Music Project (EMP)
EMP is a museum located in Seattle Center , just below the one of Seattle's other great attractions, the Space Needle. The EMP has many interactive activities and displays related to all different genres of music. The architecture of the building is very unique so it is very easy to find!

Pike Place Public Market
This nine-acre historic district hosts nine million visitors each year who come to experience the unique sites and sounds of Seattle's downtown public market. Helping to make up the Market experience are more than 100 farmers, 150 craftspeople, nearly 300 commercial businesspeople and 50 performers. The market has no admission charge.

Ride the Ducks
This tour of the Seattle area will take you for 90 minutes on the land and water around Seattle. The tour is conducted in a DUKW, an old military amphibious craft that can drive on the road and act as a boat when driven into the water. You will see the sights, learn the history and have a great time. The tickets are $22 and can be purchased at 206.441.3825 or at the ticket gate, near the bottom of the Space Needle.

Safeco Field/Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are our city's Baseball team. Purchase tickets online, in person at the Safeco Field Box Office, or by phone at 206.622.4487.

Seattle Space Needle
A landmark in the Seattle area, the Space Needle was constructed for the 1962 World's Fair that was held in Seattle. Since then, it has become both an icon of Seattle and a large tourist attraction. You can ride an elevator to the top of the 520-foot (158.5 meter) tower and step out onto the observation deck to see a 360-degree view of the Puget Sound area. Thursday hours for the observation deck at 10 am- 10 pm and Friday the hours are 10 am - 12 midnight. The cost is $14.00 and information is available at 206.905.2100.

Top photos courtesy of Karen Orders © 2006