Perspective Online

UWG Students to Compete at 22nd International Economics Convention

The Richards College of Business students are ready to embark on another trip to India for the 22nd International Economics Convention in Mumbai. This marks the fourth year that a team from the University of West Georgia has made the trip. Teammates Cliff Cowart, Sandra Santiago, Khanor Runzi, and Courtney Thomas will attempt to equal last year’s outstanding performance in which the Richards College of Business team took first place in all six team categories. Dr. John Upson will again serve as faculty sponsor.

UWG Students to Compete at 22nd International Economic Convention

Left to right: Dr. John Upson, Khanor Runzi, Sandra Santiago, Cliff Cowart, Courtney Thomas

One of the team’s members, Khanor Runzi, said, “ I can’t wait to match wits internationally against other talented business students. Our team is motivated, cohesive and going for gold!”

The theme of the convention is “Political System and Economic Development.” Within this theme, UWG has been assigned the country of Russia. Each team is assigned a country and a color; UWG will be the “brown” team. Ten teams, consisting of four to six students, will compete for the top prize. In August, the team attended an initial meeting over Skype in which all competing universities presented their preliminary research. Executive Summaries were submitted in September, and the final 35-page empirical research paper will be submitted in late November. After much anticipation, the team will travel in December to host K.C. College to give a 25-minute presentation to convention attendees and a panel of three independent judges. Following the presentation will be a rigorous question and answer session in which the team will defend its arguments.

“I'm looking forward to experiencing a new culture in a professional setting. I can't wait to see how presentation styles differ between us and the other Indian teams," said Cliff Cowart.

Participating students were selected by a committee after being interviewed and presenting a short research project. The team was selected in May of 2014 and immediately began research. Although the convention requires a great amount of time from the students, their participation is completely extracurricular to their normal course work. In addition, several of this year’s students hold leadership positions on prominent clubs and organizations on campus.

"As an economics major, I am honored to be given the opportunity to practice my discipline in the International India Economic Convention," said Sandra Santiago.

Every year UWG has carried home awards. In their first year of competition, UWG took home one individual award of Best Speaker of the conference. In their second year, the team placed third overall. Last year’s performance was by far their best showing. “After last year’s success, we’re certainly excited to be returning to Mumbai, although we know the other schools are gunning for us in a fun way,” said Dr. Upson. Aside from the competition itself, one of the main benefits is the cultural exchange between students. “It’s interesting that over the years we have adopted more of an Indian-style presentation to impress the judges. Now, after our recent success, we hear that many of the Indian teams are adopting an American-style presentation.”

 

Do you have a comment or opinion about this story's topic? Perspective Online wants to hear from you. Submit a letter to the editor today.

Letters to the Editor Policy


Share this story!



FacebooktwitterLinkedInYouTubePinterestInstagram Give WestUniversity of West Georgia