Master’s students take part in UBC Postgraduate challenge
Three teams of Management School master’s students made it to the final of this year’s UBC Global Masters Postgraduate Business Challenge.
The challenge commenced with a 5-week online business simulation which required participants to make strategic financial decisions for a fictional business. Teams worked together to decide how to distribute budget with the aim of maximising profitability and competitiveness.
43 teams from 17 universities took part in the challenge with the top 20 performing teams progressing to the Grand Final.
The final was a one-day event and involved a simulation, similar to stage one but with additional questions and the added challenge of time restrictions. There were also numerous other tasks such as a timed business risk assessment, the creation of a promotional video and a networking session for all finalists.
Phoebe Baldwin, member of one of the Management School teams, said “At the beginning of the UBC me and my teammates Lauren, Holly, Elisavet and Marta didn’t know what to expect but we quickly realised how challenging it was going to be for us. After starting off very slow, ending up in last place, we looked to Nick our advisor to help us get back on track and with weekly team meetings we worked hard together to make accurate and strategic decisions.
“We miraculously made it into the final and after a fairly stressful and challenging day we landed ourselves in 2nd place out of the 20 teams that competed, which was a massive comeback for us and an impressive achievement!
“Overall the UBC was very testing but it was a brilliant opportunity to meet likeminded people and gain and develop key personal and professional skills! I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the experience, hopefully next year Liverpool will bring home the trophy!”
Nick Drape, Academic Lead UBC, said “The UBC Global Masters ran for the third time this year and this was the second time we have entered teams from ULMS. Last year none of the ULMS teams made it past the first round, so to have all three teams make the final this year was a fantastic achievement.
“The final was a very busy day for the teams and they all performed brilliantly with ULMS teams finishing in 8th, 7th and 2nd place. I was very proud of all the teams and especially Phoebe, Lauren, Holly, Elisavet and Marta who, after a slow start to round 1, really knuckled down to make the final and eventually finish second. They could have easily given up in the early stages of the competition and came so close to winning it in the end.
“Overall I think all the teams had a great experience and it was an absolute pleasure to mentor them. Well done all!”