International Business Undergraduates Place for Third Time in Three Years in National Case Competition

This April four international business students from the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business competed at the 11th annual Consortium of Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE) Case Competition hosted by the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Business (UMSL). Three of those students flew to St. Louis, and returned with a winning placement at a CUIBE competition for the third time in three years.

“I’m extremely proud that our student team placed third in this year’s competition,” said Eileen Daspro, clinical professor of international business and faculty director for the Knauss School team. “The annual CUIBE competition is a valuable learning experience for these students, and placing among these impressive schools is a sign that we’re accomplishing our school’s objective of developing the next wave of globally competitive leaders.”

The UMSL - CUIBE Annual Case Competition is an event where global challenges provide students with opportunities to showcase their critical thinking skills and business talents. Students apply their classroom knowledge to real issues just as they would with similar problems in their future careers. 

Representing USD this year were Lily Jesanis, Alexa Osorio, Tea Pantelic and Arleth Quintero, who were selected from a competitive pool of applicants. They were supported by their faculty director, Eileen Daspro and student professional development manager, Gelsey Thomas.

“I highly recommend anyone exploring a career in consulting to apply for this experience,” said Alexa. “A lot of the skills were very valuable.”

The USD team went on to face 11 other colleges that are CUIBE members in a weekend full of research and presentations. After a 30-minute presentation and Q&A, a group of judges deliberated to select the winning schools, with USD receiving third place out of all 12 schools. 

This year’s case study required the teams to create a strategic decision model for Reimagine Resources to utilize new regions, resources and partners for future growth. 

The USD Knauss School team's solution focused on the future potential of Mexico as a high growth market for the global fitness industry and the strategic advantages of operating in Mexico under the USMCA free trade agreement.

“It was a full circle moment because I was able to use so much of what I have gained in my classes in this competition, especially when it came to international economics, international comparative management, and much more,” Alexa stated. 

CUIBE was established to promote, enhance and foster innovation in international business education. University of San Diego (Knauss School of Business) is a full member. 

The participating schools were:

Bryant University 

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania 

Illinois State University 

Loyola Marymount University 

Michigan State University 

Missouri Valley College 

Texas A&M University 

University of San Diego 

University of Missouri – St. Louis 

University of Tennessee 

University of Washington 

Washington University – St. Louis 

The three finalists and their rankings are:

Third place: University of San Diego

Second place: Bryant University

First place: University of Washington