Business and Hospitality Department
The 1st Annual Business Case Competition launched in Fall 2023 as part of Montgomery College’s experiential learning initiative. The competition provides students from specific MC classes with the opportunity to work with local businesses through the College’s partnership.
About the Competition
Hosted in partnership with the Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI)new window, the competition offers students a unique learning opportunity and supports MC’s partnership with our community. REDI is a public-private partnership formed by the City of Rockville, Maryland to strengthen and broaden the city’s economic base through business entrepreneurship, expansion, retention, and recruitment programs. REDI offers guidance and support to ensure that business ventures in Rockville are successful. Most of REDI’s services carry no charge. Through its collaboration with MC, our students assist REDI in achieving its mission by contributing practical application of their knowledge, skills, and ideas gained in their MC studies.
In the inaugural event held during the Fall 2023 semester, students from two sections of CMAP 120 Introduction to Computer Applications taught by Professor Linda Fontaine participated in the Business Case Competition. On December 12, 2023, student teams presented their analyses and offered ideas on how the participating local businesses, Kashi Art & Design and Eko House, might address some of the challenges they are facing as they work to grow and expand their operations. Skills integrated into the presentations included critical and creative thinking, data analysis, teamwork, and effective communication.
The business owners each selected the winning presentations related to their own businesses. Each member of the winning team who presented at the event received a Montgomery College award that can be used during their studies at MC.
Business Case Competition, Fall 2024
In its second year, the Business Case Competition at Montgomery College (MC) continues to empower students to unlock their potential to transform lives, enrich the community, and change the world. MC’s Business Case Competition allows students to work on real business questions from local businesses. The competition offers students unique experiential learning, elevates MC and our community partnerships, and enhances our educational effectiveness. Students learn valuable skills that businesses seek to help them with their operation, such as critical thinking, problem-solving using data and creativity, teamwork, and communication skills.
Two CMAP 120 Introduction to Computer Applications classes are participating in this year’s Business Competition. Professors Linda Fontaine and Margaret Tabiri are partnering with Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) to connect those students with a local business.
Since REDI offers guidance and support to ensure the success of business ventures in Rockville, it collaborated with Montgomery College to find students who could assist in this effort using the student perspective, along with skills and knowledge learned in their academic endeavors.
This year, student teams will focus on the participating Business, GapBuster, Inc., a local business, and will present their ideas on how they can help the business improve based on the business's needs. The final presentation will be held on Tuesday, December 17th, during final exams week. Teams will be competing for a $500 prize per student.
A video of the winning team’s presentation for this competition will be posted on this web page upon completion of the award.
Future Business Case Competitions
Information on future Business Case Competitions will be posted here. Please check back soon!