Breaking Barriers at UOIT: Second annual Case Competition a success
March 11, 2011
More than 100 University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) students recently attended the second annual UOIT Accounting Case Competition at the Ajax Convention Centre. The theme of the competition was Breaking Barriers, where students from the Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT), focused upon endeavours that are required for success in a world where geographic, cultural, social and financial barriers often shift and change. Students from the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences and Social Science and Humanities also attended the competition.
"It is really important that we hold these events in order to build the reputation of UOIT among industry leaders and professionals," said John Oentoro, president, UOIT Accounting Association (UOAA). "Students are given the chance to develop valuable business skills while networking with peers, faculty and notable business professionals."Organized by the UOAA, the competition consisted of team-building workshops, a case study and presentations, keynote speakers, networking opportunities and a formal dinner and social. In teams of five, students presented case solutions to a panel of judges comprised of notable industry professionals. The first-place team consisting of Mayur Chophla, Nicholas Soldera, Bic Ngo, Clayton Hon and Ahnch Bala was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and the runners-up received $500.
"I continue to be impressed with the commitment of the Accounting Association student group to achieving high quality in all of their endeavours," said Dr. Pamela Ritchie, dean, FBIT. "Not only does it speak well for them, but also for the faculty mentors who also are committed to achieving the highest quality. The external mentorship from our industry partners makes it possible for the students not only to develop these skills, but also to host such events."
In addition to Dr. Ritchie, the competition was attended by Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president, UOIT, along with many FBIT faculty members. An inspiring speech was made by keynote speaker Kelvin Tran, chief accountant and head of Treasury Middle Office, TD Bank Group."Considering the fact that this is only our second annual Case Competition, I believe we have taken a huge step forward in terms of the scale of our event," said Junaid Ahmed, chair, Case Competition team, UOAA. "I am truly proud of the entire team responsible for putting this event together. Going forward, I am confident that this event will continue to grow every year and achieve new levels of success at all ends. This certainly is an excellent platform to showcase the talent of UOIT Accounting students."
In addition to thanking the judges, faculty members, students and guests who attended the event, organizers would like to gratefully acknowledge the support of the Case Competition's many sponsors:- Platinum: Chartered Accountants of Ontario and FBIT;
- Gold: Ajax Convention Centre and TD Bank Financial Group;
- Silver: Canadian Marketing Association, Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada; and
- Bronze: DovesNetwork, Graywood Developments Inc., John Wiley & Sons Inc., McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Pearson Education and The Artist Den.
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