SEBASTIAN  MOLINA CALVO, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, PARTICIPANT AT BBICC 2017

Could you pinpoint a few moments from BBICC 2017 that have had the most impact on your overall impression?

-Overall, BBICC left a big impact and made an amazing impression. It’s hard to specify because the whole competition was run impeccably. However, if I pick a couple of specific moments, it would come down to the case launches, the judges’ panel, and the organizing committee and team ambassadors.

Both cases were extremely interesting, but what made BBICC more impressive was the case launches that preceded the case cracking sessions. Being able to listen directly to company representatives allowed us to understand and contextualize the case far more than just being given papers to read. This really set the pace and gave us a much better idea as well as a better starting place to begin the case. I think that this really elevates the competition and allows the teams to be far more efficient and eliminates a lot of the doubt that comes from not necessarily knowing too much about the case sponsor.

The judge panels were all very well selected. From industry professionals, consultants, employees from the case sponsors, and previous case club competitors, it was a perfect balance and really allowed for successful feedback after cases. Having good judges allows the presenters to dive deeper into the details and get their ideas across well.

Finally, from a logistics perspective, the competition is flawless, but more than that, the whole organizing committee and the team ambassadors were excellent. We always felt welcome and supported. We were able to focus on the competition but also had an amazing time and enjoyed ourselves throughout the week.

Continue Reading "Cultural understanding is imperative"

MARK LIN, UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, PARTICIPANT AT BBICC 2017

Could you pinpoint a few moments from BBICC 2017 that have had the most impact on your overall impression?

-The clear impression that you get from BBICC is that (a) it is incredibly well-planned, well-resourced and run, and (b) it is being run by passionate, fun, enthusiastic people.

This impression was present throughout the competition, whether it be the welcome dinner (with traditional Serbian food and dancing), day trips through Belgrade with our awesome ambassador, the competition itself and the closing party. You’ll no doubt have an amazing experience, and will leave with lasting relationships.

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EMILY FODOR, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, PARTICIPANT AT BBICC 2017

Could you pinpoint a few moments from BBICC 2017 that have had the most impact on your overall impression?

– One of the first moments of BBICC shaped my experience. As soon as the UF team landed in Belgrade, a couple days early, our ambassador and other members of the OC greeted us like they were our long lost family at the airport. They drove us to our apartment, since we arrived early, and even helped us carry our suitcases up the stairs because the elevator was broken at our Airbnb. From the first hour we were in Belgrade, we felt extremely welcome and at home in Serbia.

Another memorable time was the trivia game where people from all the teams and the OC mixed together and got to answer questions, bond over rakija, and get to know each other on a more personal level.

Continue Reading "Friendliness and hospitality is a huge competitive advantage"

JAMIE WILLIAMS, HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PARTICIPANT AT BBICC 2017

Could you pinpoint a few moments from BBICC 2017 that have had the most impact on your overall impression?

– One of my fondest memories of BBICC was during the cocktail evening. Aside from the free flow alcohol, I perceived it as an enriching opportunity for my teammates and myself to partake in a platform for both global knowledge and cultural exchange. Beyond that, the cocktail night served a testament to BBICC’s commitment to both excellence and in achieving vast international exposure.

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JOB SIWAWONG, THAMMASAT UNIVERSITY, SECOND PLACE AT BBICC 2017

Could you pinpoint a few moments from BBICC 2017 that have had the most impact on your overall impression?

– It all began the moment we walked out of the immigration. Our super team ambassador, Nikola, made us this big welcome sign before taking us around Belgrade on the very first day! Overall, it’s the people, the food, the city, the fun, the case – everything essentially plays part in leaving us with a positive impression.

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How would you comment cooperation between University of Belgrade and the universities from the United States and BBICC competition?

– I think this is a fantastic initiative by the University of Belgrade to bring together this international competition including three universities from the United States and it shows great initiative on the part of the Belgrade leadership. I also think it provides our students, as well as other students from around the globe, with great opportunity to come here and experience this beautiful country and beautiful culture and see the huge skills that the business community in Serbia has.

Continue Reading "Interview with the Ambassador of the United States of America in Serbia: His Excellency Kyle Randolph Scott"