The Case Challenge: Create a Post-Pandemic Economic Plan

It’s difficult to figure out where to start when it comes to addressing the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But these Maryland Smith students have an idea.

On March 6, Maryland Smith MBA students – Ashlee Albertson, Daylin Russo, Morgan Daly and Sara Bartczak – placed fourth out of 80 teams internationally in the 3rd annual Net Impact Case Competition on Social Responsibility at the University of Colorado, Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.

Held virtually this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s competition challenged students to create an economic recovery plan tailored to a global pandemic. Teams were required to implement solutions that provided equitable social and economic impact, and that also paid respect to a country’s diverse communities.

This year’s case challenge builds on the NICC’s commitment to challenging students to find answers to major societal issues with a positive social, environmental, and financial impact.

The Maryland Smith team advanced to the competition’s final round and took home $1,000 in prize money.

The team’s creativity, conscientious ideas and fearlessness were on full display, says Nima Farshchi, director of the Maryland Smith Center for Social Value Creation.

For the team, it’s an accomplishment that’s months in the making. First-round submissions closed in November and the Maryland Smith team was recognized as one of the top 20 teams invited to present during the final round last week.