Brilliant ideas: Corvinus at the ROCA Case Competition

They stood out from the international competition with their innovative solutions and strategic thinking. Our team, which consisted of Csenge Balogh, Eszter Éva Gombos, Luca Németh and Norbert Stósz, participated in the competition under the mentorship of Balázs Fejes from 17-22 November 2024. The team earned the right to participate in the competition after an excellent performance in the Cases on International Business Strategy (CIBS) course, the final course in the Case Track series in the undergraduate programme.  

The competition was hosted by the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, where the teams had to solve three six-hour cases over three days and compete against other universities in their division. Among the prestigious opponents were teams from Babes-Bolyai University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Copenhagen Business School, which shows the high standard of the competition.  

Preparation for the competition began months in advance, with the team dedicating countless hours to learning analytical, strategic and presentation skills. Workshops and practice sessions focused on time management, developing effective narratives and understanding the industries of the case study companies, including ORO Workorell, GoHost and ORGA.  

 “The preparation process was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It has improved our resilience, ability to develop compelling narratives and work effectively under pressure,” shared Csenge Balogh.  

Throughout the event, the team excelled in presenting practical and innovative solutions to challenges. For ORO Workorell, they proposed a comprehensive marketing strategy focused on increasing brand awareness and promoting sustainable practices in the workplace solutions market, which includes ergonomic office furniture and environmentally friendly business products. Their approach was innovative as they focused on integrating digital marketing and storytelling with a focus on sustainability, earning them the recognition of the jury.   

Another standout achievement was their solution for ORGA, a technology company in the competitive technology services market, designing a differentiation strategy to sustain innovation amid rapidly changing industry trends. Their innovative approach leveraged modular service offerings, providing the flexibility and scalability to earn the jury’s praise for their forward-thinking perspective.  

“One of the most memorable moments was when we received recognition from a senior executive at ORO Workorell, who called our solution a ‘brilliant idea’ and showed a genuine interest in its implementation. It was a powerful testament to our hard work,” said Norbert Stósz.  

The competition was not only about case solving, but also an enriching cultural and social experience. The team had the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues and professionals from different backgrounds while exploring the vibrant culture and sights of Rotterdam.  

“This week was not just about racing, it was about growth, camaraderie and discovery. The challenges we faced, the feedback we received, and the friendships we made will stay with me for a lifetime,” said Éva Eszter Gombos.  

The team’s mentor Balázs Fejes expressed his pride in the team’s commitment and performance. It was a privilege to support this team, and it was a great honour to be able to give this team a great honour. They approached every challenge with determination and represented the university with dignity and professionalism.”  

 Thank you to the advisors, and to Case Track graduate students, especially Bence Gál for their guidance, and to Case Track faculty and the Case Track Community for supporting their journey. The students’ accomplishments are a testament to their talent, hard work and the University’s commitment to academic and personal excellence.