A team of MBA students from Loyola Marymount University won second place honors at the International Business Ethics Case Competition (IBECC). The competition was held from April 19-21 at the JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot. Thirty-five teams from five countries had the opportunity to present with the LMU students coming out near the top.
IBECC tasked students with problem-solving the some of world’s most challenging ethical quagmires. The LMU team consisted of three MBA students: Brian Paggao, Laura Geraghty and Peter-Jean Francois. They were advised by former student Bill Murin, and faculty member Jeff Thies.
For their presentation, the team explored the issues surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline. LMU’s team found a solution that would both avoid disrupting Sioux territory and would ultimately yield higher profit for shareholders. According to the students involved, the competition was a challenge and a learning experience.
“We learned a lot about the process of ethical decision-making in business and the effects a decision may have on multiple stakeholders…I’m proud of our team and the skills we brought from the LMU MBA program to communicate effectively and win awards in this tough competition,” said Brian Paggao.
Now 21-years old, the competition, founded by LMU Professor Thomas White, is the oldest of its kind and continues to provide opportunities for students around the world.
Laura Geraghty said, “The competition took us on a condensed journey where we learned the importance of conscious capitalism and the value of making decisions that are in line with the company’s mission.”