University of Hawai’i at Manoa

Shidler College of Business

April 12 - 19, 2024

Two students working on a project together

Overview

The Asia-Pacific Sustainable Marketing Case Competition (APSMCC) is designed to promote knowledge excellence and leadership in Sustainability within the State of Hawai’i and the Asia-Pacific region. With the growing concern on the impact of climate change, promotion and sharing of industry knowledge and best practices in sustainability are of paramount importance. Furthermore, driving youth leadership in support of this advocacy is an integral part of the solution.

The case competition showcases community collaboration, spearheaded by the University of Hawai’i - Shidler College of Business, in addressing solutions and creating opportunities in Hawai’i and the region. APSMCC hopes to achieve the following:

  • Co-create ideas and solutions on problems affecting local and regional communities,
  • Harness the power of the academic community in Hawai’i and beyond,
  • Engage government institutions, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations in the promotion and development of sustainable education and curriculum,
  • Highlight and promote Hawai’i businesses and their sustainability practices,
  • Gain better understanding of how to manage intercultural business practices, and
  • Discover and explore innovative and marketable solutions to issues and challenges related to sustainability.

In addition, APSMCC aims to develop and enhance the level of critical thinking and consulting skills of our students through a timed case analysis. Ultimately, the collaboration would promote a more unified global academic community, and a stronger academe-industry linkage driven by the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Two students working on a project together

Organizers, Partners, and Sponsors

University of Hawai’i - Shidler College of Business

Established in 1949, the Shidler College of Business is a leader among U.S. business schools for its expertise in international business education focus on the Asia-Pacific region, the college provides students with an in-depth understanding of the best business practices, an awareness of languages and cultures, and a solid comprehension of emerging technologies within today's complex global economic environment.

Business Executive Society of Tomorrow

The Business Executive Society of Tomorrow is a general business club at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business. Founded by students in 1998, BEST has a proud history of maintaining and perpetuating excellence in its members. Through the years, we have developed a culture of diligence and dedication to personal and professional growth. Through a combination of tours, workshops, networking events, alumni events, community services, and socials, we strive to mold our members into well-rounded individuals. We pride ourselves in producing the business leaders of tomorrow, and we provide our members with ample opportunities to continually advance toward that goal.

University Partners

The APSMCC was formed through a consortium of the following universities:

Auckland University of Technology Logo
Griffith University Logo
University of Auckland Logo
University of Canterbury Logo
University of Hawaii Logo
University of Southern California Logo
University of Sydney Logo
University of West Australia Logo
Waseda University Logo
Yonsei University Logo

Two students working on a project together

Case Requirements

Case Analysis Requirements

APSMCC requires an interdisciplinary approach to analysis and problem solving. Teams should demonstrate their knowledge in four areas: Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Technology.

The overall presentation should address the following:

  • Challenges and opportunities faced by the organization,
  • Design and development of new good, service, or business model
  • Research on Product-Market fit
  • Cost-Benefit analysis
  • Solution implementation and operational timeline
  • Marketing Pitch

Overall, the analysis and solution should be comprehensive and extensive in approach.

Two students working on a project together

Teams Guidelines and Format

Case Teams

For the inaugural APSMCC, ten (10) universities were invited to participate and send a team.

  • Auckland University of Technology
  • Griffith University
  • University of Auckland
  • University of Canterbury
  • University of Hawaii
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Sydney
  • University of West Australia
  • Waseda University
  • Yonsei University

Team Composition

Each team should have exactly 4 members. All members should be matriculated undergraduate students who are enrolled at their schools as of the date of the competition. Non-business majors are welcome to participate.

Competition Format

The teams will be grouped into three divisions: A, B, and C, based on a random draw at the Kick-off event. Each division will comprise of three teams and the winning team in each division advances to the final round.

Evaluation Criteria and Rules

Judging Criteria

Presentations will be judged according to the following criteria:

  • Quality of Analysis (35%)
  • Quality of Recommendations (30%)
  • Quality of Presentation (15%)
  • Quality of Q&A (10%)
  • Overall Performance (10%)

Competition Rules

Teams are allowed to work with their coach /advisor in preparation for the competition. Team divisions will be drawn during the Kick-Off event. The teams will also receive a copy of the case that evening. The teams will have 1 week to work on the case. Instructions on how to submit will also be provided to the teams.

The presentation slides shall be limited to PowerPoint (no Google slides). Overall time allotted is 25 minutes: 15 min - presentation, 7 min - Q&A, and 3 min - feedback.

The semi-finals and finals will be held virtually.

Advisors/Coaches are welcome to observe their team during their presentation. However, they will not be permitted to sit in on the judges' deliberations.

Once the finalists are announced, advisors/coaches may debrief with their teams and prepare for the final presentation.

View Detailed Competition Rules Here

Timeline and Logistics

Competition Dates and Time

November 15, 2023
Final day to register by 11:59 pm
April 12th (Friday)
Kick-off event
5:00 p.m.
Opening Session and Division Draw
6:00 p.m.
Networking
7:00 p.m.
Case will be distributed
April 17th (Thursday)
Submit Case
5:00 p.m.
Deadline to submit case
April 19th (Friday)
Competition Day
2–2:30 p.m.
Judges Welcome and Debrief
Semi-Final Round
3–3:30 p.m.
First Teams
3:40–4:10 p.m.
Second Teams
4:20–4:50 p.m.
Third Teams
5:00 p.m.
Announcement of Final Qualifiers
Final Round
5:20–5:50 p.m.
First Finalist
6–6:30 p.m.
Second Finalist
6:40–7:10 p.m.
Third Finalist
7:30 p.m.
Announcement of Winners and Closing Remarks

*Note - Time is in Hawaii Standard Time

Venue

The event will be held virtually. We will be utilizing the Zoom platform to run the event.