Beating Harvard: NEC Business Case Challenge

Having the freedom to challenge ideas, exercise critical thinking skills and negotiate under pressure while receiving constructive feedback is a priceless benefit for students who pursue their graduate studies at New European College and participate in academic events like the recent Harvard Business Case Challenge.

At the end of November, our Master & MBA students were invited to participate in a real-life business case which focused on the rapidly successful Italian stationery company, Moleskine. The business challenge was clear: Should Moleskine ‘exploit’ its core products and brand identity, or ‘explore’ future options for digitalization?

With a classroom full of eager students, a challenging case at hand and pizza, of course, the mood was set! Led by Gianvito Ruggieri, Senior Partner at Nokia for the Corporate Strategy Team and Harvard Business School graduate, and Vittorio Tagliabue, NEC Strategic Management Lecturer & Head of Business Line for Nokia, students were guided step-by-step through an analysis and debate.

In the end, consensus was gained and the result was clear: Exploring future innovation and the digitalisation of the company would certainly ensure viable growth for Moleskine and their future success.

We are truly grateful to Mr. Ruggieri and Mr. Tagliabue for leading a thought-provoking, interactive and fun business challenge with our students. Stay tuned for New European College’s next business case event, Challenge the Chancellor – An opportunity for NEC’s Master students to beat the Chancellor in solving a complex business challenge!