UMSI Theme Year Case Study Competition

The top case study teams will have the chance to win significant cash prizes of $2,500 and $1,000

Centered around the Future of Work theme and anchored by Michigan’s Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer Ben Marchionna's Keynote statement, students will address a critical social and economic issue for the state of Michigan: transforming the state of Michigan's innovation economy.

Students have the chance to shape the Future of Work in Michigan by exploring and sharing ideas on how this topic intersects with key areas such as the University of Michigan's reputation and future, the evolution of the automotive industry, the conservation of the state’s  natural resources, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the growth of tech hubs and innovation districts.

Working in teams or individually, students from across U-M will select an aspect of retaining talent in Michigan to further research and provide recommendations to leaders in the state.

The 2024 Theme Year Keynote and Case Study was funded by the Franklin Innovator Residency Fund. 

Register your case study competition team by 9:00 AM ET, Monday, October 21, 2024

Information and Team-Building Sessions

Watch the Case Study Information Session video.

Case Study Information Session | Wednesday, October 16 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | UMSI Engagement Center

Case Study Information Session | Friday, October 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Virtual

Case Study Information Session | Friday, October 18 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM | UMSI Engagement Center

Join any of these sessions to learn more about the case study competition and to meet other students who can join your team.

Register at umsi.info/elo-register

Case Study Events

Keynote Talk by Ben Marchionna | Thursday, October 17 | 5:00 PM | Recording: umsi.info/fowkeynote

Case Study Competition | Monday, October 21 - Wednesday, October 30

Case Study Finals and Judging | Monday, November 4 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Case Study Outcomes:

The UMSI Case Study Competition asks students to think critically about a real-world problem–how to attract and retain talent in Michigan–and apply information-oriented methods to research the problem and present a solution to a panel of industry judges.  Solutions can be in the shape of:

• A novel technology design or redesign

• The use of data to inform recommendations for policy, program, or service design 

• Recommendations to inform programs, policies, and services

• A new product, service, or company

The UMSI Case Study Competition is an excellent professional skill development opportunity!

Case study competitions often involve real-world problems requiring practical solutions, enabling UMSI students to apply their classroom knowledge practically and feel more engaged with the material.

• Create new portfolio artifacts;

• Enhance problem-scoping and problem-solving skills;

• Demonstrate initiative and develop interview stories for potential employers;

• Enhance teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills;

• Apply UMSI methods to real-world problems:

  • User-centered design

  • Information retrieval and management

  • Data analysis and modeling

  • Digital curation

  • Research through documents, media, and records

• Networking opportunities with industry and U-M peers;

• Refine communication skills through reports and presentations; and

• Produce innovative solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration.

What is a Case Study?

A case study competition is an academic competition where self-selected, interdisciplinary teams receive a case study for a limited period. During this period, the teams utilize their teamwork, critical thinking, analyzing, and organizational skills to deduce a recommendation they support in a presentation in front of judges or company sponsors. The teams must hone in on the most prominent issues related to the identified challenge and, using various resources and information methods, develop a strategy to address these critical issues to help companies achieve their goals.

Email umsi-FOWcasestudy@umich.edu with questions.