EX3 2025 Competition Cases
Practice cases for the upcoming competition across Medicine, Law, and Finance tracks
Pre-Law Track
Background:
GreenTech Industries is a mid-sized Canadian company that manufactures eco-friendly home appliances, such as energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines. The company prides itself on being "green" and environmentally conscious, marketing itself as a leader in sustainability. Ms. McKenzie, a 27-year-old employee, works in the Quality Control Department. Her job is to inspect appliances before they are shipped to stores and report any safety or environmental concerns. Recently, GreenTech has been struggling financially due to competition and pressure from investors. To cut costs and speed up production, upper management decided to change the materials used in the appliances.
Issue:
Ms. McKenzie has discovered that the new materials contain a chemical that can leak under certain conditions, releasing harmful toxins into the air. Although this problem does not occur often, it could seriously affect customers' health if it does. Ms. McKenzie brought her concerns to her supervisor, but she was told to "ignore the issue" and sign off on the appliances as safe. Her supervisor explained that if the company admits the problem, they could face recalls, lawsuits, and possibly go out of business.
McKenzie's Ethical Dilemma:
- If she stays silent, she will keep her job but may put families at risk.
- If she speaks up, she could lose her job, damage the company, and face backlash from coworkers.
Assignment:
As a team of Ms. McKenzie, Her lawyer, Ethics officer, and a Policy Writer, decide how you could protect Ms. McKenzie, and how you could help her situation. Prepare a 3-5 minute oral within your team to present to the hearing judge. You have full creative freedom to prove your point!
Key Questions:
Should an employee have a duty to protect the public, even if it means going against their employer?
Evaluation Criteria (20 marks total):
Case Understanding (0-5 marks)
Deep understanding of dilemma, company issues, and legal/ethical conflicts
Argument Strength (0-5 marks)
Logical, persuasive arguments backed by evidence and examples
Team Roles & Collaboration (0-5 marks)
Clear role presentation and smooth teamwork
Presentation & Delivery (0-5 marks)
Clear, confident, engaging delivery with strong organization
Background:
MapleBank Financial is a large Canadian bank that manages savings accounts, credit cards, and investment portfolios for thousands of clients. Sofia Lopez, 29, is a junior financial advisor who helps clients decide how to invest their money. She recently discovered that the bank has been quietly steering customers into certain investment products. These products earn high fees for the bank but have lower returns for clients compared to other safer options.
Issue:
Sofia noticed that her manager instructed her to "only recommend the high-fee funds." When she asked why, she was told it was "just business" and necessary for MapleBank to stay profitable.
Sofia's Ethical Dilemma:
- If she follows orders, she risks betraying clients' trust by giving them worse investments.
- If she challenges her boss or reports the practice, she could lose her job and damage her career.
Assignment:
As a team of Sofia, an ethics officer, policy creator, and a fellow advisor, brainstorm what Sofia should do. Present in a 3-5 minute oral presentation to the bank manager and the judges' panel. Be sure to be creative and come with the best possible solution(s).
Key Questions:
- What should Sofia do?
- Should banks be forced to always put clients' best interests first?
- How do consumer protection laws and financial regulations apply?
Evaluation Criteria (20 marks total + 2 bonus):
Case Understanding (0-5 marks)
Strong grasp of fiduciary duty, client trust, and conflict of interest
Argument Strength (0-5 marks)
Logical, persuasive arguments supported with finance/ethics examples
Team Roles & Collaboration (0-5 marks)
Effective use of each role with smooth teamwork
Presentation & Delivery (0-5 marks)
Clear, confident, engaging with strong organization
Bonus (+2 marks):
Creative financial policies or innovative solutions
Finance Track
Background:
Rising Beans Coffee Co. is a mid-sized Canadian coffee chain with 40 stores around Quebec and Ontario. The company has built a strong reputation for ethical sourcing and community involvement, but now it faces growing competition from bigger chains such as Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and other independent cafes.
2024 Financial Performance:
Issue:
Rising Beans Management wants to expand but is unsure which strategy is financially viable. They have narrowed down to 3 options and can only pursue one. The business can receive a bank loan at 6% interest if needed. Investors want to see a payback period of 3-4 years and steady profitability.
Option 1: New Stores
- Open 10 new locations throughout 2 years
- Cost per store: $300,000
- Expected annual revenue per store: $500,000 with 10% net profit margin
Option 2: Digital Expansion
- Invest in a mobile ordering and delivery app
- One time cost: $1 million
- Expected to increase existing stores' sales by 12% per year
Option 3: Wholesale Coffee Products
- Launch a line of packaged coffee beans for grocery stores
- Startup cost: $800,000
- Expected 1st year revenue: $2 million, with 15% net profit margin
- Annual Growth: 8%
Assignment:
As a team of financial consultants, think about what option would be the best for the company. Present in a 3-5 minute oral presentation with your thinking as to which option should Rising Beans proceed with and why. Good Luck!
Key Analysis Areas:
- Financial impact (Return on Investment, profitability, payback period)
- Risks assessment
- Qualitative factors (competitors, brand image)
Evaluation Criteria (30 marks total):
Financial Analysis (0-5 marks)
Accurate calculations, clear financial reasoning, multiple metrics compared effectively
Strategic Evaluation (0-5 marks)
Comprehensive evaluation integrating market trends, brand, and long-term sustainability
Recommendation & Justification (0-5 marks)
Strong, persuasive recommendation fully supported by quantitative + qualitative analysis
Presentation Skills (0-5 marks)
Excellent delivery; professional, engaging, polished
Teamwork & Organization (0-5 marks)
Seamless teamwork; highly professional transitions
Creativity & Professionalism (0-5 marks)
Creative, polished, professional visuals; innovative approach
Medicine Track
Background:
In developing countries, due to reliance on staple, vitamin-lacking foods such as rice, wheat, diarrhea and limited healthcare infrastructure, vitamin A deficiency is common. Vitamin A is a vitamin crucial for photoreception and deficiency can cause night blindness. Nyctalopia is a major risk for accidents, such as falls, at night. Scientists Peter Beyer and Ingo Potrykus dedicated their careers in science to addressing this problem.
Assignment:
If you were tasked with addressing this issue, how would you go about mitigating it?
Response Format:
Essay response (150 words)
Key Considerations:
- Limited healthcare infrastructure in developing countries
- Reliance on staple foods lacking essential vitamins
- Night blindness (nyctalopia) leading to increased accident risk
- Public health intervention strategies
- Sustainable and cost-effective solutions
Note: Reference image shows Retinoic acid structure (source: cell signalling technology)