Business students from various schools showcased their skills and teamwork in the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business’s Secondary School Business Simulation Competition, culminating in a thrilling finale where Naparima College secured second place.
Naparima College Shines with Strong Performance
Naparima College’s business team delivered an impressive performance, earning them the second spot in a competitive field of 35 schools. The team, led by Mariano Browne and supported by Josiah Rajack, Kaelon Winchester, Narin Ramdath, and Dr. Ron Sookram, demonstrated exceptional strategic planning and decision-making skills throughout the competition.
Despite the intense pressure, the Naparima students maintained their composure, effectively managing their virtual business to outperform many seasoned competitors. Their ability to adapt to the dynamic challenges posed by the simulation was a key factor in their success.
“We put in a lot of time and effort, and it really paid off,” Browne remarked. “Our teamwork was crucial in navigating the complexities of the simulation and making informed decisions that led us to second place.”
SWAHA Hindu College’s Remarkable Debut
For SWAHA Hindu College, the competition marked their first foray into the Business Simulation arena. Securing fourth place out of 35 schools was a significant achievement for the team, reflecting their hard work and dedication.
Kimberly Mohammed, a standout participant from SWAHA Hindu College, expressed immense pride in her team’s performance. “We believe we did it really well. It was something very new to us, and you know you wouldn’t see this in a textbook. It was like real life, and for us to have made it so far, first of all, we have to thank God,” she said.
Rahul Ramdeo, another key member of the team, highlighted the technical challenges they faced. “The interface at first was really confusing. There were a lot of numbers and metrics that we were not aware of. Yes, we did economics and POB – but it was very different in the simulation itself.”
Their success was attributed to strong teamwork and the ability to learn from their mistakes. “We really worked through it. The first round was the test round, and we really worked and got through it,” Ramdeo added. “The team effort really and truly helped. Everybody put in their input somewhere and we understood better through collaborative effort.”
Fatima College Continues to Dominate
Fatima College once again proved their prowess by securing third place for the second consecutive year. Their consistent performance highlights the strength and effectiveness of their business education program.
Sterlin Russell from Fatima College shared his positive experience, stating, “I am more of a hands-on learner, so doing this competition really got me a sense of what you have to do in a real business scenario. I feel like CAPE attempts to do this with case studies but it’s not really as practical, since you have to be writing an exam.”
The practical approach taken by Fatima College has clearly paid off, as their students continue to excel in real-world applications of business principles. Their ability to translate classroom knowledge into effective business strategies was evident throughout the competition.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning Valuable Lessons
Participating in the Business Simulation Competition presented numerous challenges for all teams, from managing profits and sustainability to navigating the complexities of a virtual business environment. However, these challenges provided invaluable learning experiences for the students.
Lessons Learned:
- Adaptability: Students learned to quickly adapt to changing business conditions and unexpected obstacles.
- Teamwork: Effective collaboration and communication were essential for making strategic decisions.
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing data and making informed decisions under pressure honed their critical thinking skills.
- Resilience: Facing setbacks and learning to recover from mistakes built their resilience and perseverance.
These lessons are crucial for their future careers in business and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive world.
Celebrating Success and Looking Forward
The award ceremony on November 15 was a celebration of the hard work and dedication exhibited by all participants. Business Day had the opportunity to speak with the second, third, and fourth-place winners, gaining insights into their experiences and achievements.
Table: Top Performers of the Competition
| Position | School | Key Contributors | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Naparima College | Mariano Browne, Josiah Rajack, Kaelon Winchester, Narin Ramdath, Dr. Ron Sookram | Strategic decision-making, strong teamwork |
| 3rd | Fatima College | Sterlin Russell | Consistent performance, practical learning |
| 4th | SWAHA Hindu College | Kimberly Mohammed, Rahul Ramdeo | Adaptability, teamwork, overcoming challenges |
This table showcases the top performers and their key strengths, highlighting the diverse approaches that led to their success.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Business Leaders
The Business Simulation Competition not only provided a platform for students to showcase their skills but also inspired them to pursue further studies and careers in business. The hands-on experience gained from managing a virtual business has ignited a passion for entrepreneurship and strategic planning among the participants.
Dr. Ron Sookram, Academic Director of Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, emphasized the importance of such competitions in shaping the future of young business leaders. “These competitions are instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. They prepare students to tackle the complexities of the business world with confidence and competence.”
Fostering a Collaborative and Competitive Spirit
The competition fostered a spirit of collaboration and healthy competition among the participating schools. Students had the opportunity to learn from each other, share best practices, and build networks that will support their academic and professional journeys.
Benefits of Participation:
- Networking: Building connections with peers and industry professionals.
- Skill Development: Enhancing business management and strategic planning skills.
- Confidence Building: Gaining confidence through competitive success and recognition.
- Future Opportunities: Opening doors to scholarships, internships, and career opportunities.
These benefits extend beyond the competition itself, providing students with the tools and experiences necessary to excel in their future endeavors.
