Where Strategy and Culture Converge: Our Students competed in Mexico

Our university was represented by Boglárka Fancsali, Dóra Gaál, Rebeka Nagy, and Csongor Kölber, who earned their place in the competition after excelling in the Cases on International Business Strategy (CIBS) course. Guided by Zsolt Matyusz, Associate Professor at the Institute of Operations and Decision Sciences, the team embarked on a journey that combined professional challenges with cultural discovery. 

This international event offered participants a unique opportunity to blend strategic thinking with cultural insight, allowing them to showcase their analytical and creative capabilities while embracing the nuances of Mexican culture. 

Tackling the Challenges 

The BMCC featured three distinct rounds, each designed to test different aspects of business strategy. 

In the Pre-Case round, teams were given a week to analyze and propose solutions for the market entry of Dulces de la Rosa, a leading Mexican confectionery brand, into China. 

The Pitch-Case round challenged participants to collaborate with students from other universities. With only four hours to work, teams developed solutions to improve the welfare of Mexican chickens. This round required quick thinking, adaptability, and strong teamwork across cultural boundaries. 

The 24-Hour Case focused on lucha libre, Mexico’s iconic wrestling tradition. Teams were tasked with creating recruitment and expansion strategies for AAA, a prominent lucha libre promoter. The Hungarian team presented an innovative solution that included a loyalty program, partnerships with tourism agencies, a global tour supported by a social media campaign, and app enhancements to improve customer engagement. 

Achievements and Feedback 

The team’s performance was exceptional, earning them third place in their division across all three rounds. Notably, Dóra Gaál’s team advanced to the finals in the Pitch-Case round. The judges praised the Hungarian team’s precise analysis of alternatives, well-structured storylines, and accurate KPIs and timelines. The solutions also impressed with their alignment to Mexican cultural elements, demonstrating the team’s ability to integrate local nuances into their strategic thinking. 

Preparation for Success 

Preparation for the competition began months in advance, with the team engaging in workshops to master analytical frameworks and best practices. They tackled five 24-hour cases, presenting detailed solutions followed by rigorous Q&A sessions. Feedback from Case Track mentors and senior students played a pivotal role in refining their techniques, improving their presentation skills, and building confidence. 

Each team member made significant strides during this period. Dóra Gaál focused on improving her Q&A performance, while Rebeka Nagy enhanced her creativity. Csongor Kölber specialized in financial strategy development, and Boglárka Fancsali worked on visualization and time management. 

Cultural Immersion 

Beyond the competition, the event offered an opportunity to immerse in Mexican culture. Judges expected solutions to align with local traditions and values, an aspect the team fully embraced. According to Csongor Kölber, this cultural harmony was

not only an aesthetic consideration but also a strategic decision.

The experience was enriched by visits to cultural landmarks such as Tlaquepaque and the town of Tequila. The competition concluded with a gala event at the Hospicio Cabañas, leaving participants with lasting memories of Mexico’s vibrant heritage. 

Reflections and Advice 

Reflecting on their journey, the team emphasized the transformative nature of case competitions. Boglárka Fancsali described the event as

an incredible opportunity to gain experiences that enrich your professional knowledge,

while Rebeka Nagy highlighted the importance of the process, stating,

In competitions, it’s not just the result but also the journey that matters.

The team’s success is a testament to their hard work, the guidance of their mentor Zsolt Matyusz, and the support of the Case Track mentors and Corvinus Case Track Community. Their achievement demonstrates how blending cultural understanding with strategic insight can lead to outstanding results. 

Congratulations to the team for their remarkable performance, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to their preparation and success!