J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has partnered with the Université de Moncton to give students an opportunity to solve a real-life business case. Over the past nine years, JDI has sponsored IT, Finance, Supply Chain, and Marketing case study competitions at several post-secondary institutions.

Our eight university partners include: Acadia University, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Université de Moncton, Mount Allison University, Saint Francis Xavier University, and the University of New Brunswick (both Fredericton and Saint John campuses). To date, over 3,900 talented students have participated in JDI-led case competitions. 

Jules Comeau, Professor in the Université de Moncton’s Business Faculty, describes the case competition as a strong collaboration. “JDI is a good employer of our school’s graduates,” Comeau said. “Case competitions are an excellent learning opportunity for our students. This experience expands learning beyond theory. Students had the opportunity to visit the Kent Homes plant in Bouctouche, prepare a case, and present to JDI executives.”

At the Direct Exchange Case Competition, teams of three to four students are presented with a real-life scenario at JDI, including the relevant data and conditions that a JDI manager was facing at the time.  After research and analysis, the teams each suggest a solution, complete with the logic to support their decision.  Teams were judged based on content completeness, presentation skills, and responses to specific questions posed by the judges. 

Sixteen Université de Moncton students participated in the JDI Direct Exchange Case Competition.

The case competition experience is one Christian Alary, fourth-year student at Université de Moncton, would strongly recommend. “It’s an opportunity I would recommend students take advantage of,” said Alary. “It helps prepare you for reality beyond the walls of your classroom."

Third-year student Sakinatou Diallo, described each phase of the case as a valuable learning experience.

“I enjoyed the research phase because it allowed me to step into a real case. It opened my eyes to just how much you need to take into account to make recommendations in the business world. It’s a challenging experience but I enjoyed it because it’s a taste of how theory is applicable in the real world.”

The Direct Exchange Case Competition is an excellent learning tool, giving students an experience they would not otherwise get in class.

“Université de Moncton holds a special place in my heart because I graduated from this school,” said André Beaulieu, Director of Sales, Sawmill Division at J.D. Irving, Limited. “I am fortunate to be part of a company that allows me to return to my Alma mater and spend time enriching the learning of current students.” JDI is proud to have over 160 U de M graduates on our team today.

A case competition can also be the start of a career. Jake Simon of Mount Allison University, Jane McTague of St. Francis Xavier University, and Johnathan Bienko of Dalhousie University are a few examples of people growing their careers at JDI after experiencing a case competition in class.

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