Starting this 2024 fall semester, CALS will be hosting two Case Study Competitions for undergraduates. The first will be held in partnership with Brakebush (a chicken processing company), and the second with Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) (a national milk marketing cooperative).
Sponsored by the Renk Agribusiness Institute, these activities will allow for teams of CALS undergraduate students from different majors to work together on a real-world scenario created by our two employer partners. Teams will then compete for prizes by providing a final presentation with their recommendations to a panel of judges.
The Application for the DFA Competition is Open Now Through Tuesday, October 22nd!
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Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) Competition Schedule: October 25-November 8
Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA) is a national milk marketing cooperative in the United States. It is owned by and serves nearly 14,000 dairy farmer-members representing more than 9,000 dairy farms in 48 states. DFA markets members’ raw milk and sells milk and derivative products (dairy products, food components, ingredients and shelf-stable dairy products) to wholesale buyers.
Important Dates:
- Application opens: Tuesday, October 15th
- Application closes: Tuesday, October 22nd
- Teams assigned and members notified: Thursday, October 24th
- Case scenario and grading rubric available: Noon, Friday, October 25th
- Upload final presentation file: 11:00am, Friday, November 8th
- Final Presentation Showcase: 1:00-4:30pm, Friday, November 8th
What is a Case Study and how is it analyzed?
- A case study is a learning process that imitates or simulates a real-world situation by describing a significant issue and including sufficient information in order to reach conclusions.
- Analysis of a case study scenario requires participants to navigate the information provided, make inferences based on that information, research the company and industry, furnish additional information as appropriate, organize the gathered evidence, develop a relevant conclusion and position, and present results and recommendations to decision makers.
Why should students participate in a CALS Case Study Competition?
- Develop your teamwork, leadership, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, analytical, and presentation skills!
- Strengthen your resume and reference your experience during interviews!
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team while applying concepts from your individual courses!
- Understand industry challenges and learn how academic work transfers to a business environment!
- Interact with professionals who are recruiting students for internships and full-time positions!
- Compete for prizes through a fun experiential learning activity!
Who is eligible to participate?
- All CALS undergraduate students are eligible to apply and potentially participate in both competitions, pending the total number and quality of applications received.
- The application form will collect basic information from students, and the criteria used for selection include the following:
- A brief personal statement describing one’s background, experience, and/or interest in participating in the specific competition
- A commitment of time and effort over the 2-week period, and availability to attend the final presentation
- CALS majors identified by each employer partner as a priority given the case study topic:
- DFA: Agricultural & Applied Economics, Agricultural Business Management, Dairy Science, Dairy and Food Animal Management, Life Sciences Communication, and Community and Environmental Sociology.
What is the format of a CALS Case Study Competition?
- Students will apply individually (see eligibility section above) and those selected to participate will be assigned to a team with a total of 4-5 members. A maximum of 5 teams will be allowed to participate in each competition.
- The application opens on Tuesday, October 15 and closes on Tuesday, October 22 for the DFA competition.
- After all team members have been notified, the case study scenario and grading rubric (including details on how teams will be evaluated) will be emailed to all participants.
- Teams will then be given 2 weeks to develop a 15-minute (maximum) PowerPoint presentation that addresses the challenge(s) identified in the case scenario and includes their specific recommendations supported with appropriate evidence.
- Presentations will be given to a panel of 2-3 judges from the employer partner who will evaluate and score each team’s presentation. Presentation order will be randomized. Immediately following each team’s presentation, the panel of judges will be allowed 10 minutes (maximum) of Q&A with the team members to create a meaningful dialogue through follow-up comments and questions.
- Teams will only be allowed to view other teams’ presentation and Q&A once their presentation and Q&A has been completed, and are not allowed to ask questions of other teams.
- Following the conclusion of the final team’s presentation and Q&A, scores will be totaled and the final placing of teams will be announced along with the awarding of prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. A reception for all competing team members and employer partners will follow.
When and where are the competitions taking place?
- A Final Presentation Showcase will be held in the Upper Carson Gulley Program Room from 1:00-4:30pm on Friday, November 8th for the DFA competition
How do I apply?
The Application for the DFA Competition is Open Now Through Tuesday, October 22nd!
Questions?
- Email Jeremy Beach at jpbeach@wisc.edu