A Yucatecan student stands out in a business competition in Canada

Mérida, Yuc., April 28, 2024.- Joaquín Arroyo Betilla, student at the Faculty of Accounting and Management of the Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY), was the winner along with three of his classmates in the business competition from Western Canada.

The group of Akwasi Boateng, Hayden Edwards, Mohamed Aman Khan and the Mexican student, who is on an academic exchange program at North Island College (NIC), competed against seven other groups in the Division I simulation competition, with his company Envision Corp. taking second place.

Through a business strategy simulation, the teams tested their ability to operate a fictitious commercial action camera and drone business, a press release said.

Challenges included creating and presenting a strategic plan and participating in eight decision rounds covering all aspects of the business, including marketing, sales, operations, human resources, administration and finance.

The competition lasted 72 hours with tight deadlines for reporting and analysis for each decision.

“These students surprised themselves with how well they performed, having been so nervous and apprehensive at first. They were able to quickly overcome this and plan and execute their high leverage strategy while focusing on productivity. It was a battle,” said Murray Erickson, NIC coach. “They were close for first place, with the Douglas College team narrowly edging them out.”

This competition provides the opportunity for NIC students to network with other business students and faculty from colleges and universities across Western Canada, as well as practice the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom in a simulated business environment.

“The team started early each day and worked until late in the morning to make annual decisions. This was a great experience and as close as possible to the real lives of these students,” Erickson explained.