Meir Cohen, an MBA candidate at Bar-Ilan University’s Graduate School of Business Administration, has become the first Israeli ever to win first place in the global Capsim Challenge of business simulations.

The Capsim Challenge is a biannual competition that challenges contestants to run a multi-million dollar simulated company.

In the early stage of the competition, approximately 200 teams competed against a computer simulating five competing companies. Bar-Ilan’s teams achieved record results. Cohen reached first place in the qualifying round, while classmates Ron Shremi, Noy Elimelech, Naftali Stern and Amit Shlomovitz came in second.

In the finals, Cohen competed directly with teams of students from New York, Utah, Illinois, India and Thailand for seven consecutive hours, simulating eight years of management. Despite some ups and downs, Cohen succeeded in recovering and showing profitable earnings.

“The Bar-Ilan University School of Business Administration is the first in Israel to incorporate advanced simulation in its studies,” noted Raveh Harush, head of business simulation Capstone courses for MBA programs at Bar-Ilan University’s Graduate School of Business Administration.

“We are committed to gaining knowledge and exhibiting excellence in the international arena. This is the third consecutive year in which our students have made it to the finals.”

“For me the competition was a combination of an enriching intellectual challenge and a unique learning experience that combines the academic world with business reality,” said Cohen. “The guidance and personal support I received from Dr. Harush made the participation an unforgettable experience.”

(via Israel21c)

[Photo: Israel21c ]