changes in the market, innovation and barriers to entry that it may be experiencing in the sector. The three then meet with Deloitte at its offices on three occasions ahead of the launch to critique, hone and refine the company’s delivery of the training and rehearse their roles in the case’s roll‑out.” How has the partnership allowed the school and its MBA programme to expand its reach? “A partnership like this, with a major global company, demonstrates credibility and means that others follow suit. We involve the likes of Bank of China, AlixPartners, Capgemini, IBM, Edelman and Tesco on the MBA programme. Being able to demonstrate the value that Deloitte places on the Birmingham MBA helps convince other multinationals of the reason to invest time in our programme.” How has the partnership benefitted participants of the Birmingham MBA? “Naturally, some have benefitted directly by going on to work for Deloitte. Others report how they have gone on to use the skills acquired in their workplace, or how they have referenced aspects of the challenge
year on year. Early on, we realised that MBA-level students will deep dive into any case we give them, spotting anything that does not add up. So, we’ve had to learn how to develop meticulously detailed client case scenarios that are far more than just business games. Instead, they are robust end-to-end business simulations that can span an entire week. “Once the partnership was well-established, we brought in an advisory board member to act as a critical friend and ensure that neither party was becoming complacent as a result of the programme’s success. The commercial adviser for transformation at the UK government’s Cabinet Office and Treasury, Marc Stone now works with both parties to see where we can still innovate, in terms of both design and industry relevance. “Most significantly, Deloitte has recruited students from the challenge over the years and some of those recruits have gone on to contribute to the design and delivery of a number of the sessions involved, bringing the challenge programme and partnership full circle. “In short, the process is considerable. Each year, an MBA faculty member, together with our corporate relations manager and the advisory board member, will spend weeks researching the company that the case is based on to ensure it is reflective of any
32 | Ambition | SEPTEMBER 2024
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