STRONG SHOWING BY GOODMAN AT CASE COMPETITIONS By Daniela Gatti
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rom hosting JDC Central on campus and breaking their own record at DECA U Provincials, to remaining undefeated at the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara International Case Competition, Goodman School of Business students experienced another successful business competition season last winter and exemplified the importance of extending their classroom learning to real-life scenarios. “Case competitions prepare students for the working world by encouraging them to think critically and
problem solve, hone their communication skills, and demonstrate competence and confidence in their business knowledge,” said Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes. “What’s more is the camaraderie they form with other students and the feelings of accomplishment they experience when they are recognized for their achievements.” Although students performed well in the competitions they attended, their season was unfortunately cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Goodman’s DECA
team wasn’t able to attend the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, a competition where all 16 Goodman delegates placed in the Top 10 last year and brought home a record 34 medals. Other students were unable to compete in the University of Waterloo Accounting Conference in Toronto and members of Brock Finance and Investment Group couldn’t participate in the Quinnipiac University GAME Forum X finance competition in New York City.
JDC CENTRAL
First place JDC accounting case competition winners. From left, Besma Matar, fourth-year Business Administration Co-op International Double Degree student; Lewis Stevenson, faculty advisor; Harshita Santha, first-year Master of Accountancy student; and Urooj Manzoor, fourth-year Accounting Co-op student.
The competition season kicked off in early January with the Goodman School of Business hosting one of the largest business school competitions in the country. More than 550 students from across Canada attended JDC (Jeux du Commerce) Central Jan. 3 to 5 to compete in the 'business school Olympics.' Students from 11 universities across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes competed in eight pillar academic business categories, as well as sports, debate and social competitions. After an intense weekend, Goodman students placed second for the prestigious School of the Year award, finished first in the accounting and wild card
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GOODMAN: THE MAGAZINE
First place JDC wild card case competition winners. From left, Sam Farberman, fifth-year Business Administration student; Lewis Stevenson, faculty advisor; Monica Upadhyay, first-year Master of Accountancy student; and Manvir Brar, fourth-year Accounting student.
case competitions, and ranked second in both digital strategy and overall participation. Goodman’s quickball team finished third and its sports team received the team sportsmanship award. In addition to students showcasing months of practice and proficiency in their categories, they often form lifelong relationships at JDC Central. “The most rewarding part of participating in JDCC every year is the friendships everyone forms within the team,” said Rosie Di Matteo, a fifth-year Business Administration Co-op student and co-captain of the Goodman JDC Central team. “Although we did not successfully defend our School of the Year title this
year, working with my co-captain Shane Shibley and our JDC team felt like being with family — it was the most rewarding part of it all.” Nick Hollard (BBA '17), Goodman alumnus and former Goodman JDC Central delegate, returned to Niagara to help organize the competition as the Vice-President of Competitions with the Canadian Association of Business Schools. Organizing the competition on hometown soil made the experience extra special for him. “Coming back to showcase the place where I developed so many profound memories was really amazing, both on a professional and personal level,” he said.
