The RSM Spring Strategy Case is a business case competition focused on simulating real-world strategy consulting projects. This competition provides participants with a platform to tackle complex business challenges, enhance their strategic thinking, and gain valuable experience in the consulting industry. Over the course of the competition, participants are guided by the Management Consulting Group and RSM professionals, engaging in workshops that build analytical and strategic thinking skills. The top three teams will compete in a final round at RSM’s NYC Office, where they will present to a panel of RSM consulting professionals.
Spring 2025 Case Logistics
You are to assume the role of a consultant hired by consumer electronics retailer, Best Buy, presenting to their senior management team.
The case centers the development and execution of the "Building the New Blue" strategy, aiming to enrich lives through technology by addressing key human needs and expanding services such as in-home advisors and entering the health care market. The case highlights the approach Joly calls "Unleashing Human Magic," which focuses on the importance of aligning company purpose with employee motivation and customer needs to drive business growth and transformation.
Round 1
February 28
10-minute PowerPoint presentation in-person,
4-minute Q&A, 4-minute feedbackJudged by MCG E Board
Submission deadline Thursday, February 27th by 11:59pm
Round 2
March 7
8 teams selected, assigned mentor
10-minute PowerPoint presentation to RSM professionals virtually
Submission deadline Thursday, March 6th by 11:59pm
NYC Finals
March 21
3 teams selected, 12-minute presentation, 8-minute Q&A
Lunch & transportation to New York City provided
Followed by networking session with consulting alumni
One team member must submit the PowerPoint presentations as a PPTX and a PDF file by email to competitions@mcgbinghamton.com with each of your team members cc’d. The subject of your email and file names should be: S25SCC[Team #]_[Round #], for example: “S25SCC_Team42_Round1”. Submissions received as Google Slides links or received after the deadline will not be accepted.
For the first two rounds of competition, please bring a laptop with HDMI compatibility to present your slides. Business casual attire is required. Women should wear a conservative blouse or button-up shirt and dress pants with closed-toe flats or heels for shoes, jackets and blazers are optional. For men, a dress shirt with dress pants or khakis is appropriate, and a jacket and tie are optional. Shoes and belts should match, and avoid wearing jeans. During the presentation, competitors will be given time warnings at 5 minutes and 2 minutes.
Workshops
February
18
Tuesday
Case Theory Workshop
Learn how to approach case analysis using McKinsey’s structured problem-solving methods, covering the basics of storytelling and PowerPoint skills for clear and compelling presentations
6:00PM - 7:00PM
AA G021
Casual
February
19
Wednesday
Data visualization with Tableau
Get introduced the fundamentals of data visualization using Tableau, learning how to transform raw data into stories, in addition to the best practices for presenting data effectively
4:30PM - 5:30PM
AA G021
Casual
February
24
Monday
Financial Modeling Workshop
Dive into financial modeling in Excel, focusing on projecting revenue and expenses for consulting recommendations. We'll cover both top-down and bottom-up approaches to enhance your financial forecasting skills.
5:00PM - 6:00PM
AA G021
Casual
February
25
Tuesday
Success Metrics Workshop
Understand how to develop a practical implementation timeline for your consulting recommendations. You’ll also learn how to set key performance indicators and identify risks with corresponding mitigation strategies.
6:00PM - 7:00PM
AA G021
Casual
Competition History
In 2023, President Matt Plotsker founded the Spring Case Competition to serve as an external case for the growing Spring MGMT 111 class, but also as a hands-on experience for students of any age and any major to learn about consulting. In 2025, RSM now sponsors the competition with the final round taking place in their New York City Offices.
2024 Spring Case Competition Winners
2023 Spring Case Competition Winners