Marketing Students Complete Inaugural Marketing Case Study Competition Sponsored by International Paper

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 7, 2021) – Three teams of undergraduate marketing students earned cash prizes after completing an inaugural case study competition sponsored by International Paper at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics.

During the spring 2021 semester, students enrolled in a marketing retailing class split into 18 teams to develop comprehensive solutions that incorporated retailing, marketing, supply chain management, and management science approaches to address a business problem presented by International Paper. The case focused on business-to-business relationships that ultimately impact the means by which consumers receive products.

Along with background and foundational information provided in conjunction with the case, students were tasked with conducting independent research on the industry, International Paper, International Paper’s business customers and end users.

“This experience of working virtually in a team also provided students with an opportunity to experience the direction many companies are heading with their workforces, albeit in a low- to no-risk environment,” said Roland Leak, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management in the Deese College. “As students graduate, they can use this experience to know that they can collaborate with team members in a virtual environment and produce impactful solutions that can support the goals and aims of their organizations.”

The top four teams presented their solutions virtually to International Paper representatives, who chose the three winning teams based on the students’ effort, delivery, thoughtfulness, and understanding of the issue.

The first-place team of Brandon Flowers, Simone Simmons, Ashtyn Jones and Micayla Steele received $1,500; the second-place team of Cheyla Wolfe, Diamond Bethea, Cedric Maddox, Sadaris Rhodes and Raelynn Sanders received $1,000; and the third-place team of Desmyne Gaines, Jada Heron, Tevonna Penn, Aaliyah Rodriguez and Sydnee Wallace received $500.

“The ability to work with a quality organization like International Paper truly enhances the Deese College faculty’s ability to demonstrate the skills students need to build in their undergraduate years so they can enter careers boldly and confidently,” said Leak. “Student experiences like this work in conjunction with the rigor of the marketing program to create knowledgeable and competitive professionals that are ready for the work world.”