3/26/2010
Briefing - Case Question Revealed!
Professor N. Venkatraman, Jr. Professor in Management, (writer of the case question) has just finished his final round of briefings to the last 4 teams. The teams received a single portable drive each containing a comprehensive packet of information - the case question details, what is expected of teams, annual reports of Ericsson's competitors, video files of the industry, Ericsson's media presentations etc.
Morgan Stanley's report in December 2009 (The Mobile Internet Report) suggests that companies are gearing up to maximize gains on the explosive growth in the telecommunications sector. With an estimated 50 billion devices demanding internet and telecommunications services expected to come onstream quickly, how will Ericsson position itself to create and capture value in the next decade?
The notion of "Navigating in a Sea of Connectivity" is the theme in this year's case competition.
This year's case is more focused and specific as compared to the previous years where teams could drive the discussion to their advantage.
The setting is in March 2010 where Hans Vestberg (President and CEO of Ericsson) delivers his address offering Ericsson's positive economic performance admist the year's financial crisis. He delivers an upbeat message with the theme "the decade of mobile internet".
The setting is in March 2010 where Hans Vestberg (President and CEO of Ericsson) delivers his address offering Ericsson's positive economic performance admist the year's financial crisis. He delivers an upbeat message with the theme "the decade of mobile internet".
Morgan Stanley's report in December 2009 (The Mobile Internet Report) suggests that companies are gearing up to maximize gains on the explosive growth in the telecommunications sector. With an estimated 50 billion devices demanding internet and telecommunications services expected to come onstream quickly, how will Ericsson position itself to create and capture value in the next decade?
The notion of "Navigating in a Sea of Connectivity" is the theme in this year's case competition.
The teams have to address the various issues Ericsson is facing in the new wave of change and development. With exactly 24 hours to strategize, conduct research and prepare their presentations and recommendations. Here's to all the Teams - Good Luck from all of us!!
Off to a wet start
It's snowing after a beautiful 70 degree week in Boston. *boo* The first group of teams arriving have to deal with the snow coming into Boston University School of Management's building.
3/25/2010
Pre Competition Reception
The participants from the 16 teams gathered a little past 7pm this evening at the School of Management's ballroom on the 9th floor. It was a first time the teams were meeting their competition, lively banter of getting to know each other were exchanged, the atmosphere was very relaxed with the students in high spirits. Tomorrow -- they become competition.... 
One team with lots of good advice and practice is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Their team has received lots of preparation, advice from the faculty on what to do, not to do, how to present. Joe Sutanto has very confidently commented that the HKUST team will get no less than 12 hours sleep tomorrow! Well, we'll have to see about that, Joe!
Steve Newman (Program Director for Executive Development, Ericsson) "We are thrilled to have 16 of the best schools in the world spend time thinking about Ericsson about the issues of strategic importance. Since 2008, Ericsson has been trying to integrate the Case Competition with the company's own Executive Program".
Par-Anders Pherson (Vice President, Leadership, Ericsson) "Ericsson has been around for 130 years, the CEO of Ericsson has continuously stressed on the challenge and importance to ensure that the company stays around for the next 130 years". And to do this, "Ericsson must connect itself to global talent. The company stays committed to what each of you have to say."
I had the opportunity to speak with a few teams.
IESE Business School's team is missing a team-mate, his flight was delayed and the rest of the team hopes he can make it to Boston before the competition tomorrow! In any case, this team comes with sound advice from the school's previous team which came in second last year.
The advice consitutes:
(1) Have a good time, don't take it too seriously
(2) Get the judges drunk the night before
IESE Business School's team is missing a team-mate, his flight was delayed and the rest of the team hopes he can make it to Boston before the competition tomorrow! In any case, this team comes with sound advice from the school's previous team which came in second last year.
The advice consitutes:
(1) Have a good time, don't take it too seriously
(2) Get the judges drunk the night before
Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth were added to the competition at a later stage than the rest of the teams.
With only 2 weeks notice before the start of the competition, the team weren't "exactly sure what they missed out on but were excited and looking forward to the event". The team members are all second year MBAs with 3 of them working as a team on a case competition before.
With only 2 weeks notice before the start of the competition, the team weren't "exactly sure what they missed out on but were excited and looking forward to the event". The team members are all second year MBAs with 3 of them working as a team on a case competition before.
Another team with all second year MBAs is the University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flager Business School which hopes will work to the team's advantage. Speaking with Ramesh Gangadhar, a second time participant in the competition explained that the team this time comes with more organizational skills and structure, as compared to last year where the team consisted of only first years. Speaking of organizational skills - this team has drawn up a schedule for every 15 minutes interval!!
A less conventional (and surprising) approach comes from Boston University - 1/2 of the team is wearing the same outfit from last year, for good luck they say! Scott Lowe is wearing the same shirt from last year and Simone Patel is wearing the same shoes and nail polish from last year. I do hope they washed them before tonight! 
One team with lots of good advice and practice is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Their team has received lots of preparation, advice from the faculty on what to do, not to do, how to present. Joe Sutanto has very confidently commented that the HKUST team will get no less than 12 hours sleep tomorrow! Well, we'll have to see about that, Joe!
Steve Newman (Program Director for Executive Development, Ericsson) "We are thrilled to have 16 of the best schools in the world spend time thinking about Ericsson about the issues of strategic importance. Since 2008, Ericsson has been trying to integrate the Case Competition with the company's own Executive Program".
Par-Anders Pherson (Vice President, Leadership, Ericsson) "Ericsson has been around for 130 years, the CEO of Ericsson has continuously stressed on the challenge and importance to ensure that the company stays around for the next 130 years". And to do this, "Ericsson must connect itself to global talent. The company stays committed to what each of you have to say."
Professor Mike Lawson (Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Information Systems, Boston University) during his speech expressed his thanks for the teams' "diligence and hard work that has paid off and the excitement and ethusiasm that they bring to the competition". "Despite Thomas Friedman's book, and despite capital and people being very mobile" Professor Lawson commented that "the world is not flat but remains round and diverse economically and politically". "International events such as this promote diversity". "This is the 5th time we have had this competition and it promises to be the best and most competitive!"
So, with the best and most competitive competition ahead! - Let the games begin!!
3/24/2010
Final Preparations
Dean Chalykoff (mastermind and case competition guru) and Narayanan Raman (Committee Chair) have just finished our final meeting.
Months of preparation, hard work and meticulous planning will finally come to fruitation in a matter of hours.
Months of preparation, hard work and meticulous planning will finally come to fruitation in a matter of hours.
Yours truly
So I was asked to blog again, YES, for the second time running. *ahem* I was the official blogger last year and was invited to be part of this wonderful event..
Teams:
(1) If you see me, don't run away - I don't bite
(2) I'll be with you during the whole competition, yes... even at 4am..
(3) Note-worthy comments / insights / fainting spells / gossip etc all very much welcome
(4) If I'm on my 15th cup of coffee and 3rd piece of cake. Don't tell anyone...
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Teams:
(1) If you see me, don't run away - I don't bite
(2) I'll be with you during the whole competition, yes... even at 4am..
(3) Note-worthy comments / insights / fainting spells / gossip etc all very much welcome
(4) If I'm on my 15th cup of coffee and 3rd piece of cake. Don't tell anyone...
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
5th International Tech Strategy Business Case Competition Countdown
We are less than 24 hours to the reception at Boston University tomorrow evening where the kick-off to the Case Competition will begin. The teams get to mix and mingle, enjoy the open bar and hor devours before the 24 hour marathon competition heats up Friday morning.
16 teams
64 participants
14 nationalities
7 countries
24 hours
1 case
$25,000
Will this competition outshine the previous 4 competitions? Is the beautiful city of Boston ready? Is Boston University ready? But, most importantly, are our 16 teams ready?
We are waiting with anticipation!
16 teams
64 participants
14 nationalities
7 countries
24 hours
1 case
$25,000
Will this competition outshine the previous 4 competitions? Is the beautiful city of Boston ready? Is Boston University ready? But, most importantly, are our 16 teams ready?
We are waiting with anticipation!
3/11/2010
3/09/2010
Updates
There have been a couple of changes to the Case Competition lineup. Due to unforeseen circumstances, both MIT and Seoul National University have had to withdraw from the competition. We are sad to see them go, but are also excited to welcome two new schools: Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and Richard Ivey School of Business from the University of Western Ontario.
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