3/28/2009

The 4 Finalists

After much deliberation, the 4 finalists were annouced after lunch. The air was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Judges from each group provided a few comments on the overall presentations.

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Group 1: Stain Kildal, Ericsson - "It was a great experience and were impressed with the comprehensive package and story in 24 hours. Questions around Ericsson's business model is highly relevant to Ericsson".


It was Ericsson Stockholm that took victory in Group 1.

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Group 2: Gabriela Styf-Sjoman, Ericsson - "I wish I can take the 4 teams, combine them and give them a new task". Gabriela provided a few words for each team in Group 2. Ericsson Beijng: "interesting and intelligent ideas to drive traffic" Ericsson Tokyo: "I was very touched by Maria's personal story of a mother's perspective in 2020 being a mother myself. Ericsson Manila: "excellent presentation, great overall picture and the team differentiated what we need to do to establish ourselves in the emerging markets". Ericsson Montreal: "presented Ericsson's strengths and weaknesses and took the judges along with them by "thinking out of the box".



"It was a very very tough decision" but Ericsson Manila took the spot.

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Group 3: Panel of judges commented that they were "impressed by the foresights and the insights" provided. They might employ the same 24 hour time period for their employees at Ericsson because "even with months of preparation, some plans are not as good as the ones we've seen today".

Ericsson Buenos Aires was in the words of Cecilia de Leeuw, Ericsson "might have worked for Ericsson before".

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Group 4: The panel of judges commented how "refreshing it was to see the new perspectives in such a short time". But provided a few comments for all the teams: "(1) given the opportunities, to make the best of them, (2) challenge the corporation to make the corporation better (3) change is constant, what you do today is not enough".



Ericsson Nanjing took home the sweet spot.

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The schedule of events for the next few hours follows:

Ericsson Nanjing - 2.30pm
Ericsson Stockholm - 3.15pm
Ericsson Manila - 4.00pm
Ericsson Buneos Aires - 4.45pm

A cocktail reception after the end of the 4 presentations will be held in the atrium for all to enjoy.

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