The winning team of the fall 2019 live strategy case competition poses with executives from presenting company Howard Bank

Digital strategies for local bank proposed during capstone competition

More than 300 senior-level students competed in the capstone Live Strategy Case Competition presented by Howard Bank this fall.

Students in each section of the Strategic Management course were divided into teams and tasked with tackling a business challenge provided by Howard Bank. The case asked the teams to explore creating a new digital branch experience for the local bank’s customers. Teams had to conduct internal and external analyses and prepare a report and presentation.

The top teams from each section presented to bank executives in the competition finale on Dec. 6. Executives said they were impressed by the teams and took something away from every presentation that they can use in their business going forward.

Overall first place went to Team Pentagon, comprised of seniors Austin Alley, Jadie Phan, Judith Brantley, Shamia Warren and Varsha Balram.

Since 2015, the Live Strategy Case Competition has partnered with several companies including Stanley Black & Decker, Cintas and SECU Maryland to present cases and provide data on real business issues. More than 1,900 students have benefited from the hands-on experience and networking opportunities of the competition since its launch.