A team of five Waseda students (So Itamoto, Mizuki Ueda, Haruki Sasaki, Sho Higashitake, Kohtaro Watanabe) from the Global Management Program (GMP) recently took part in the BFI Case Jam event held at Singapore Management University from August 30th to 31st. Sponsored by EY Parthenon, BFI Case Jam is a case competition challenging participants to develop solutions for real-world business issues faced by family-run companies.
Waseda Team with Prof. Kenneth Goh (SMU) and Prof. Kim (Waseda)
Unlike traditional case study competitions, the BFI Case Jam introduced elements of spontaneity and teamwork. Teams were randomly formed on the day of the event, and the case study was presented to the audience shortly after. Each group then had just six hours to research, devise strategies, and prepare a solution. The outcome was presented via a video, which was evaluated by a panel of judges comprising professors, consultants, and family business leaders. Teams that advanced to the finals had the opportunity to present their solutions to a larger audience.
A group photo of all student participants, judges, and organizers
Whiteboard notes from a team discussing their business strategies
The experience underscored the significance of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. To successfully tackle the challenge, teams needed to leverage each member’s strengths, assign roles efficiently, and communicate effectively within a limited timeframe. Building trust quickly and demonstrating strong communication skills were essential.
Our team organized ourselves by identifying our strengths at the outset. Those with financial expertise handled the calculations, while creative members worked on producing the introductory video. Strategy-oriented teammates focused on planning, and those with a strength in logical reasoning worked on developing the storyline. By drawing on everyone’s skills, we were able to maximize our output within the tight deadline.
Despite the challenging atmosphere, we enjoyed the competition thanks to the support and dedication of our teammates. Their openness to different perspectives and enthusiasm for the challenge made the experience both rewarding and memorable. Reflecting on the event, I realized the value of each person’s contribution, and I was proud to have made a meaningful impact on our team’s success.
The opportunity to engage with talented students from universities around the world was a valuable experience that broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of teamwork. Collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds helped me refine my problem-solving abilities and approach challenges from multiple angles. I am deeply grateful to the GMP for offering me this incredible opportunity. Moving forward, I plan to apply the lessons I’ve learned to my seminar activities and GMP projects, further enhancing my skills and growth.
