AU Students Shine in National Case Study Competition
Ashland, Ohio – Graduates from Ashland University (AU) are likely to attract attention from NBA franchises looking for skilled professionals in business analytics, following the impressive performance of a student team at a national case study competition. The group, consisting of Josh Hagan, Dymtro Solomianiuk, Max Vesper, and Hilary Wallace, made it to the finals of the prestigious event. Their case study, titled “NBA Player Acquisition: Cost-Benefits Analysis & Visualizations,” was presented at the Institute for Management Accountants (IMA) Accounting and Finance Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, earlier this summer. This annual competition, organized by the IMA, challenges students to analyze and propose solutions to complex management accounting issues.
Team Formation and Project Overview
Before their presentation at the IMA conference, Wallace took the initiative to gather a team that complied with the competition’s requirement of two undergraduate students and two graduate students. Solomianiuk and Vesper are both pursuing bachelor’s degrees in business analytics and finance, expected to graduate in May, while Hagan and Wallace recently completed their M.S. in Business Analytics. The team, named Courtside Consulting, chose to focus on the Minnesota Timberwolves and was tasked with identifying 1 to 3 free agents who could enhance the team’s performance while adhering to the NBA’s salary cap constraints. This extensive project required them to analyze data and metrics, pinpoint crucial variables, and devise innovative strategies.
Innovative Modeling Techniques
As they delved into their analysis, the team realized the importance of creating algorithms to minimize bias in their decision-making process. Hagan, hailing from Springboro, Ohio, elaborated on their approach, stating, “We began with a mathematical model to determine which performance metrics, like offensive rebounds and effective field-goal percentage, best predicted a team’s win-loss record over a season.” They identified three players who were under the median salary for their positions, aiming to maximize the team’s win percentage.
Preparing for the Presentation
Upon being named finalists out of approximately 40 participants, Courtside Consulting shifted their focus to enhancing their data visualization and presentation skills, which challenged them beyond their usual comfort levels. The team dedicated several evenings each week to practice during May and June. Wallace noted, “The preparation pushed us further and further. There’s no definitive right or wrong answer, which is what makes these case studies so engaging. We just needed to justify our choices as the best solutions.”
Reflecting on the Experience
Although the final decision did not favor them, the AU team collectively viewed the experience as a triumph. From the inception of Courtside Consulting to their fully funded trip to Arizona, all four students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this valuable project. For Hagan, the hands-on experience with real-world data analytics reaffirmed his enthusiasm for the field and demonstrated the relevance of his academic studies. “I didn’t initially grasp how applicable our coursework would be to the tasks we were undertaking,” he remarked.
Networking and Professional Development
Vesper, a Hillsdale High School alumnus, valued the formal presentation and the opportunity to attend the professional conference, both of which were new experiences for him. “I gained significant insights from the presentation and the networking opportunities at the conference. It was fascinating to see the current state of the industry,” he shared. For Wallace, this experience highlighted the culmination of her academic journey at AU, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business law. “This opportunity has profoundly impacted my life and broadened my horizons regarding what is achievable,” she stated.
Inspiration and Future Aspirations
Solomianiuk, a participant in AU’s Ukrainian Freedom Scholars program, found motivation in attending the conference and believes that all AU students should seize similar opportunities. “Events like these provide a glimpse into the world and the professions that exist,” he reflected. “You realize that the knowledge you gain in class is applicable in the professional realm, which is quite exciting.” From Hinkel’s viewpoint, the experience was beneficial on multiple levels. He emphasized that engaging in a competition requires students to make decisions and present their findings, pushing them out of their comfort zones and into real-world applications.
Back-to-Back Finalist Achievements
This marks the second consecutive year that AU students have reached the finals of the IMA student case competition. Last year, Wallace collaborated with Ryan Baxter, Haven Farson, Drew Lind, and Hunter Schuck on a case focused on stock investment methodologies. Hinkel praised AU’s consecutive finalist appearances as “remarkable” and acknowledged the contributions of faculty members Paul Holmes, Nikita Lopatin, and Sue Mullen in cultivating such high-caliber talent.
Future Endeavors of the Team Members
While Courtside Consulting has not yet received inquiries from NBA teams, the graduates are embarking on new professional journeys. Wallace, originally from Millersburg, Ohio, is heading to the University of Kansas to pursue a Ph.D. in accounting, while Hagan is set to begin his career as a data scientist. Meanwhile, Solomianiuk, Vesper, and their peers are poised to continue this emerging tradition of excellence at AU by participating in future IMA national case study competitions.
