Saint John, NB:  J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is partnering with several Maritime universities to provide students with an opportunity to solve a real-life business case.
 
In the Direct Exchange Case Competition (DECC), student teams are given details of a real-life supply chain, logistics, or accounting-related event that had occurred at JDI, including the relevant data and conditions that the JDI manager was facing at the time.  After research and analysis, the students suggest a solution, complete with the logic to support their decision, to a panel of university faculty and JDI executives.  Individual team solutions are judged based on content completeness, presentation skills, and responses to specific questions posed by the judges.  A cash prize of $2,500 is awarded to the team with the best solution.
 
Earlier in March, Supply Chain DECCs were held at Dalhousie University, Acadia University, Université de Moncton, and Mount Allison University.  Dalhousie also hosted an Accounting DECC on March 26 and the first Logistics competition on March 28.  The Fredericton and Saint John campuses of University of New Brunswick will hold a combined Accounting DECC in Saint John on April 4.

“I prefer the DECC compared to classroom cases because the competition provides us with a puzzle that has more possible solutions and outcomes than what we would typically encounter,” said Kaitlyn Veitch, a Business student at Dalhousie University.  "It is like an open canvas which allows us to apply all of our knowledge to determine potential solutions.  The DECC is a great opportunity to present to the individuals involved in the real life business case.  They provide valuable feedback and insight into the real outcome as they were directly invested in the decision making.”

“We believe the program’s slogan ‘Real Business, Real Learning, Real Growth’ continues to be an ideal description of what this case competition format is all about.  The student team presentations continue to be extraordinary and we value the opportunity to exchange ideas on potential solutions with each team.  We highly value the partnerships that have been established with the faculty at each university; in the end, it is their willingness that allows the Direct Exchange Program to succeed,” said Jim Jordan, Vice President Supply Chain, J.D. Irving, Limited.

Since 2008 more than 2100 students have participated in Direct Exchange Case Competitions.  “It’s great to share local Atlantic Canadian business practices with university students. This dialogue allows our young business leaders of tomorrow to explore the outstanding career potential that exist in our region today,” Jordan said.

For career opportunities at JDI visit http://www.jdirving.com/jdirving-careers.aspx and Follow Us on Twitter @jdicareers.