Business Operations Research Events challenge members (individually or in teams of up to three) to design and conduct research to present findings and a strategic plan on a topic that changes annually.
The 2023-2024 topic for each career category is the development of a strategy to combat the talent challenge. Businesses today are facing labor shortages across all industries. Participants will collaborate with a local business or organization to analyze the current process for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining workers. Participants will then create and present a strategic plan to attract and retain employees.
The Business Services Operations Research Event requires the preparation of a detailed written strategic plan and presentation based on the results of a research study for a company providing services to businesses on a fee or contract basis or providing services to consumers.
Examples may include:
human resources companies, information technology companies, legal services firms, training and development organizations, health care service providers, libraries, construction companies, landscaping companies, beauty salons, car washes, automotive repair companies, interior decorating, child care services, photography and tutoring services.
The Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Event requires the preparation of a detailed written strategic plan and presentation based on the results of a research study for a company responsible for getting the product into the hands of the customer through forecasting, planning, buying, displaying, selling and providing customer service.
Examples may include:
any retail or wholesale business that provides consumer goods: specialty stores, department stores, shopping malls, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, discount stores, farmers markets and car dealerships.
The Finance Operations Research Event requires the preparation of a detailed written strategic plan and presentation based on the results of a research study for a company providing financial services to commercial and retail customers.
Examples may include:
banks, credit unions, accounting firms, investment companies, insurance companies and real estate firms.
The Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Event requires the preparation of a detailed written strategic plan and presentation based on the results of a research study for a company providing products and services related to event management, lodging, restaurant management and travel and tourism industries.
Examples may include:
hotels, lodging services, convention services, food and beverage services, restaurants, museums, amusement parks, zoos and other tourism-related businesses.
The Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research Event requires the preparation of a detailed written strategic plan and presentation based on the results of a research study for a company providing products, services or experiences relating to amateur or professional sports or sporting events, entertainment or entertainment events, selling or renting of supplies and equipment (other than vehicles) used for recreational or sporting purposes or products and services related to hobbies, leisure or cultural events.
Examples may include:
sports team, movie theatres, waterparks, music venues, concerts, festivals, amateur practice facilities, tournaments, summer camps, outdoor adventure companies and craft/music classes.
Project Presentation Visuals
Handouts are used during the competition they are there to aid your presentation and give your judge a visual to follow during your presentation. Your handouts should be mostly pictures and short phrases. Handouts can be a slideshow presentation, pamphlet, brochure, examples of parts of your strategic plan (Social media posts, invitations, etc.), or a copy of your executive summary.