Business Students Add Corporate Win to their Resumes

Winners of the 2024 Capsim Fall Business Simulation Challenge have a new credential to inspire recruiters: they have piloted a multi-million dollar company to market dominance in a competitive international industry.

For the first time in its 23 year history, both sections of the global competition was won by students from Indian business schools. Ravi Shankar Singh and Varun Agrawal of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, won the Capstone Fall Challenge. Muthu Kumaran, Venkatasai Jonnadula, Sanjaykumar S R, Seenuvasudevan R and Srimathi S of Bharathidasan Institute of Management, India, won the Foundation Fall Challenge.

Finalists in both simulations competed against hundreds of students from universities around the world for an invitation to the final weekend battle for supremacy. The championship schedule – which demanded hourly decisions throughout Saturday, Central Time – required both winning teams to work through Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Simulating real-world challenges

Ravi Shankar Singh, who is completing an MBA, said: “The simulation helped us appreciate the inter-linkages between different business departments, and to understand how to balance multiple objectives using cost-benefit analysis. Another insight was that sometimes we have to lose some battles (lose points in some parameters) to win the war.”

Ravi’s teammate Varun Agrawal, who hopes to begin his career in Finance, said: “It’s important to understand how all decisions are linked to the financial statements, and ultimately to the valuation (stock price) of the company. The simulation experience also helps tie qualitative aspects to the numbers, and teaches how to use the levers to balance all objectives.”

Muthu Kumaran, on behalf of his team, said: “The biggest challenge was staying consistent in our decision-making amid the high-pressure final rounds. Balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy required resilience and adaptability, particularly as the competitive landscape intensified with each round.”

Graduates testify to career benefits

Professor James Cooper of the University of Illinois, Chicago, with student finalists in the Capstone Fall Challenge, said former students have reported their simulation experience paid dividends in their careers.

“One common theme is that the simulation gave them a deeper understanding of strategy and the interconnectedness of business functions,” Professor Cooper said. “Many have reported that this perspective has helped them approach challenges more holistically in their careers, enabling them to work more effectively with colleagues from different departments and make more informed, strategic decisions.”

Professor Norma Juma, who has seen eight teams from Washburn University place in the Capstone finals over nearly two decades, agreed.

“I have incorporated the Capsim simulation in my classes since 2006,” Professor Juma said. “The most rewarding aspect has been hearing testimonials from alumni about the valuable, transferable skills they gained through the experience. Many former students highlight the importance of learning to make informed forecasts and plan capacity effectively – essential skills for any business aiming to maintain optimal inventory levels and avoid stockouts. Additionally, team dynamics and ethical decision-making are key skills students consistently mention, even years after graduation, as instrumental in their professional growth and success.”

President of Capsim Reda Chafai said just competing in the Capsim Challenge was testament to a student’s commitment to understanding business. “The Capsim Challenge comes at the most hectic time of the semester,” he said. “Students who take time out to challenge themselves in this international tournament during the assessment period show a clear enthusiasm for business.”

Final results for Capsim's Fall 2024 Foundation® Challenge:

Final results for Capsim's Fall 2024 Capstone® Challenge:

About the Capsim Challenge

The Capsim Challenge attracts students from around the globe who have completed a Capsim simulation in the previous 12 months. Countries represented include Australia, Canada, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Türkiye and USA. All winners past and present are listed in the Capsim Hall of Fame at www.capsim.com/challenge/.