KMG x DCC CASE COMPETITION 2023!
We’re thrilled to announce this year’s case competition with…
Registrations are now closed.
READY TO SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS?
This is your chance to develop a business strategy and pitch directly to a panel of judges from Kraft Heinz.
The KMG X DCC Case Competition is a unique opportunity that allows students to compete in teams to solve a current business challenge. A collaboration between the Kellstadt Marketing Group (KMG) and DePaul Consulting Club (DCC), the objective of this case competition 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 our judge and professors.
This year, we are thrilled to offer a case submitted directly from Kraft Heinz and judged by a knowledgeable Kraft Heinz employee.
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 14, 11:59pm — Registration deadline, students will individually register stating intent to participate.
Wednesday, February 15, 4:00 - 5:00pm — Competition kick off via Zoom, case released to all participants
Monday, February 20, 5:00 pm — Case submissions deadline for all participants
Tuesday, February 21 — Announcement of Finalists via email, Top 5 Teams will be selected to move on to Final Presentations
Tuesday, February 21 4:00 - 5:00pm — Optional Q&A session via Zoom
Friday, February 24, 3-5pm — Final Presentations in person at the DePaul Center (location TBA)
Registration
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.
We are accepting a maximum of 30 individuals, which we will place into 10 three-member groups.
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 plan to leverage?
Confirmation of individual/team attendance for Final Presentation on Friday, February 24, 3-5pm.
Presentation Criteria
Team presentations must be no more than 15 minutes, followed by a 8 to 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
Your presentations will be evaluated on:
Business knowledge and application
Analysis
Evidence-based recommendations and strategy
Impactful storytelling
Creativity
Overall presentation quality
Head Judge
Eric Mills, Kraft Heinz, Associate Director of Marketing and Innovation - Philadelphia and Oscar Mayer
Prizes
Winners of the KMG x DCC Case Competition will receive a premium swag bag from Kraft Heinz and an Amazon gift card from KMG! (And bragging rights.)
Questions? Email us at kellstadtmarketinggroup@gmail.com
FAQs
I am a new student. Can I still participate? Yes, the KMG x DCC 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 want to participate, do I have to have a group? No! Registration for this event is on an individual basis. 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 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 final presentation. 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 judge from Kraft Heinz is excited to participate in this event, so let's show them what great talent Kellstadt has to offer! Good luck!