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The IIE’s Varsity College hosts a business simulation challenge in Sandton
A Business Simulation Challenge spanning three days provided an opportunity for 35 final year students pursuing IIE’s Bachelor of Commerce and IIE’s Bachelor of Honours in Commerce programs to translate classroom theory into practical experience. Organized as part of The IIE’s Varsity College’s ‘Beyond the Curriculum’ initiative, the challenge involved 11 students from the Sandton campus and 24 from the Waterfall campus.
Under the guidance of industry experts Paul Fletcher from Diversity Training SA, along with faculty members Daniella Teles Amaral, Katie Roebert, and Michelle Kirsten, the students were divided into groups of three or four. Their task was to create a business plan incorporating finance and marketing strategies.
Reflecting on the challenge, Bjorn Bates, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce student at The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall and one of the winners, remarked, “It was an opportunity to apply our knowledge in a real-world setting. The challenge encouraged strategic decision-making and provided a practical experience where theory was put into practice. This hands-on approach should be integrated into our curriculum from the first year.”
The students engaged in critical thinking, risk management, and practical applications to gain insights into business operations. Fletcher evaluated the business plans, emphasizing the students’ ability to apply academic concepts to the task at hand.
Anto Kagisho, the communications representative for the campus, highlighted the significance of initiatives like the Business Simulation Challenge at Varsity College. These initiatives aim to offer students valuable experiences beyond traditional academic learning and prepare them for success in the professional realm.
Furthermore, Kagisho underscored that such initiatives align with The IIE’s Varsity College’s broader strategy of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping students with a competitive edge as they transition into the workforce. Through collaborative efforts in creating business plans, students not only enhanced their technical competencies but also developed teamwork, decision-making, and strategic planning skills essential for the corporate world.
