A team of Business Honors Program students presents their recommendations to the panel of judges at the annual Business Honors Case Competition. Photo by Erin Goldfarb.

On Feb. 21, the California State University, Northridge College of Business and Economics held the final round of the Business Honors Case Competition, an annual event in which student teams from the Business Honors Program complete real-world case studies. This year, 20 students participated. The winning team — Amber Deegan, Steven Spanton and Joseph Zapantis — split a $6,000 scholarship award. Steven Spanton also received the $500 Presentation Award scholarship.

Out of five teams who participated in the first round, three were selected to move on to last week’s final round, where they presented their recommendations to a panel of distinguished College of Business and Economics alumni.

Penny Bahn ’84 (Finance), currently the principal at Bahn Valuation Group, returned to CSUN as one of the competition’s judges and was excited to be part of such a crucial learning experience for the students. “Presentation skills are so important in the business world,” Bahn said.

The winning team — Steven Spanton (left), Amber Deegan and Joseph Zapantis — split a $6,000 scholarship award. Photo by Kimberly Khieu.

“Whether you are presenting your analysis or idea to your peers, your superior, your client or a potential client, the ability to articulate your thoughts in a concise, professional manner will determine the success of that moment,” she continued. “Not only did these students present to CSUN leaders, each team presented to outside executives and answered substantive questions on the spot. Next time, whether it’s another competition or their first presentation in their first job, it will be just a little easier.”

Kenneth Floyd ’80 (Business Administration), chief executive officer at Artissimo Designs, also served on the judging panel. Floyd credits CSUN with his business success and wants to instill the same values in current students.

“I have had success as a businessman, due in large measure to the hard work that I experienced as a college student,” Floyd said. “It’s time for me to share my story of hard work and perseverance to the many students at CSUN that need examples of courage and sacrifice. There is nothing that cannot be achieved if you believe in yourself. I’m proud to be a CSUN alum.”

For this year’s final round, the students presented recommendations for the Harvard Business School case, “Nanda Home: Preparing for Life After Clocky,” in which they assumed the role of business consultants presenting recommendations to the management (played by the judging panel) of a new product called Clocky.

College of Business and Economics, Gifts and Grants, Scholarships