The Audi and Robert Walters Global Business Case Competition
During the 9th-13th of June, BBA Thammasat was invited to participate in the inaugural 2015 Audi-Robert Walters Global Business Case Competition in Japan, hosted by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. The team representatives consisted of Ravisara, Siwawong, Soravut and Pichetpat. All are sophomores from BBA#22.
Being the youngest team ever sent abroad, it was truly a pleasure, and at the same time, a great pressure in representing the program. From the very first simulation, we would always stick to our team motto of ?Do our best & Regret nothing?. GBCC started off with packed fun activities around Beppu. This small town was where we got to experience the delicate culture and warm hospitality of Japanese people. The activities range from how to make an authentic Japanese green tea to even a traditional native charm. Apart from all the fun, friendships forged there are undoubtedly invaluable. Some of the people we met still get in touch with us till now.
For the competition wise, GBCC welcomed 15 leading business schools from around the world. The competition was divided into 3 divisions with 5 teams each. We were in the same division as Singapore Management University, Waikato University, Shantou University and Prasetiya Mulya. This year case company was Audi. This world-renowned company is in pursuits of the conceptual urban device car in 2022. The case focuses on pure innovation that would assist Audi in withstanding the changing consumer, economy and technology landscapes.
We had 23 hours to solve the case and present our findings to the panel of judges right after. As it turned out, Singapore Management University was the team advancing to the finals and eventually won the competition. During the judges feedbacks, we were told that two-third of the judges settled that Thammasat would be advancing through. Unfortunately, Audi representative thought otherwise.
Time and again, experience is what makes a skillful sailor. This competition serves its purpose. Learning to deal with the unexpected and disappointment is what we came to view as a priceless lesson. It forces us to rethink the concept of how we define the word teamwork. One thing that we have learned is there is always room for improvement and that the improvement will take us to new heights. When we look back in the future, we would view this as a big stepping-stone.
Ultimately, we would like to express our unfathomable gratitude to all the advisors, especially Ajarn Supawat Likittanawong, for believing and being patient with us from Day 1. Your endless supports have made this competition most memorable. This journey was truly a steep learning curve for us.
It was a week filled with joy, delight, excitement and, in the end, pride.
Written by Siwawong Wongsophanakul (BBA#22)
