CEO Challenge
Are you up for solving a business problem? Want to show off your leadership ability? Are you ready to run a billion-dollar business? If you are, we are offering a business simulation competition for teams and individuals. The CEO Business Challenge is an exciting event where you can take over as the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company. In this role, you are responsible for the success and profitability of the organization.
In much the same way a flight simulator enables pilots to hone their instincts and build their flight skills, the simulation provides you with the opportunity to “fly” a business. By applying new ideas and concepts into a risk-free environment, you will experience the systemic consequences of your actions and uncover the critical interactions which may drive or prevent the business success of your simulated company.
HOW IT WORKS
The CEO Challenge is designed to build a deeper comprehension of financial reporting and metrics, and to further develop a strategic mindset. Participants learn how their decision-making can support and help achieve business strategy. Acting as CEO for a simulated Consumer Beverage Goods company called Fizz, teams of learners are responsible for driving the success and profitability of the organization by developing a new strategic direction. The previous leadership team reduced marketing and operating expenses, slashed new product R&D, and have sunset underperforming products. Over the course of the simulation, learners are faced with changing competitors and must right the ship by making day-to-day operational business decisions to help generate more revenue, manage cash flow, turn a profit, and build shareholder value. This will be a two day competition: November 17 & 18, 2022.
LEARNING FOCUS
- Building a deeper comprehension of strategic thinking and planning frameworks and models.
- Build a stronger comprehension of a company's financial position and key business metrics
- Recognize the interconnections, challenges, and opportunities faced by companies
- Understand how to compete in a changing and evolving marketplace
TEAMS
There will be a graduate and undergraduate divisional competition. Teams are made up of 2-4 people and cross collaboration teams between colleges will be promoted. Submit your own team or sign up as an individual.
PRIZES
| Graduate Competition | Undergraduate Competition |
|---|---|
| 1st Place: $5,000 | 1st Place: $5,000 |
| 2nd Place: $3,500 | 2nd Place: $3,500 |
| 3rd Place: $1,500 | 3rd Place: $1,500 |
LEARNING OUTCOMES
As a result of this program, you will:
- Strengthen financial acumen to better appreciate the levers that impact a business’ growth and profitability
- Develop a free enterprise mindset to improve decision making from a financial perspective
- Improve your understanding of how business executives think about priorities and how they make decisions
- Understand a balanced scorecard and the tradeoffs that impact performance
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME!
To be eligible, participants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Kentucky. Participants can register teams of 2-4 or can register as an individual to be placed in a team later on. Each participant will receive a $100 Scholarship. Please click the registration link below to sign up. Deadline to register: October 28, 2022.
For questions, please contact Dr. Darshak Patel, dpate3@uky.edu.
