UMBS Performs Well at NBMBAA Conference

by Eric Thomas

During the National Black MBA Association Conference, Dana Dore, David Jones, and Eric Thomas represented the University of Michigan for the Case Competition.  The case competition was sponsored by Daimler Chrysler and was based on the recruiting and retention of MBA’s in a fictitious company’s finance rotational program.

 The UMBS team presented a well-researched case.  The team gathered research from trusted consulting professionals, current professors and the UMBS Office of Career Development.  The team approached the problem from a classical organizational behavior perspective.  The team used the 4 basic needs of Control, Meaning, Belonging, and Competence to serve as the foundation of their recommendations.  Paula Caproni, a current knowledge learder in the field and a professor at the University, provided much of this information.  Benchmarking top finance rotational programs, analyzing regional and functional compensation packages, and evaluating school recruiting selection choices further supported the recommendations.  The UMBS Office of Career Development was a valued resource in identifying the “best” finance rotational programs.

 Although the team was not declared the winners, everyone in attendance was impressed with the quality of their recommendations, the clarity of their presentation, and the quality of their answers.  The team represented the BBSA and the university well.  Congratulations Dana, Dave, and Eric.