More than 150 students representing 19 Ontario universities will put their management leadership skills to the test tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 28) when McMaster University hosts the Certified Management Accountants of Ontario inaugural Case Competition.

Teams will use a computer-based decision-driven simulation, interview a fictional company's executive team, and review corporate documents in order to strategically advise senior management on issues that directly impact the company's future.

The winning student team will win $5,000 and the runner up $2,500.

“We are very pleased to host this competition at McMaster because the DeGroote School of Business has a history of innovative partnerships with CMA. Our students have the unique opportunity to earn their CMA at the same time as they are completing their MBA,” said dean Paul Bates. “The case competition and DeGroote's fast-track to CMA designation are examples of how we provide students with the strong combination of the financial and business skills they need to excel.”

The competition provides students with an opportunity to learn best practices, apply them in a challenging and creative situation and acquire an appreciation of a business leader's role.

“This type of competition and skills development helps build Canada's future business leaders,” said Len Crispino, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “This challenge puts the competitors to the test and shows if they've got the skills needed to succeed in business.”

The case competition runs from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday in CIBC Hall on the third floor of the McMaster University Student Centre.