The chill winds of December swept through Simon Hall on December 20, 2012.  This was no ordinary cold snap caused by the blustery windstorm outside.  The temperatures were dropping inside Simon Hall as the 10th annual ICE (Integrative Case Experience)  Case Competition for first year MBAs was just about to heat things up.

Our client company, AB In-Bev, presented a “live case” and a real-time problem on the morning of December 19.  The first year MBA students went to work on their analyses – and at 11:30 am on December 20 the 28 student study groups began presenting their findings and recommendations in four separate classrooms.  The judges included ten executives from AB In-Bev, eight core faculty members from Olin, as well as a handful of selected 2nd year MBAs just for good measure.

The competition was fast, furious and fierce.  By 4:00 pm the presentations were finished. We adjourned to celebrate at the Knight Center and to “field test” the client’s product at the end of the semester “ICE Breaker” party.  Winners were crowned and holiday wishes were exchanged as the first year MBAs readied themselves for a well earned holiday respite.  But rest quick first year MBAs – we start again on January 14.