Judges NEEDED!
We need you! We are looking for volunteers to fill our judged events and assist us with our conference to review projects and judge presentations from the most outstanding young leaders in Texas.
Winners will advance to the State Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas, February 27-March 2, 2025.
We have Events in
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Management Information Systems
- Digital Communication & Design
- Management, Marketing & Communication
- Health Administration
Scroll down to get more information on each judged event.
We are looking for volunteers to fill our judged events and assist us with our conference to review projects prior to completion and judge presentations the day of competition from the most outstanding young leaders in Texas.
Judges are professional volunteers that work in the field they are judging in or they have extensive knowledge of that field.
This year judges are needed to pregrade competition files in a variety of events.
We then need judges to judge presentations with our students on January 25 at Brazosport College. There are both morning and afternoon sessions, so you don't have to commit for a full day.
You don't have to judge all parts if that does not work with your schedule, but we would love it if you can help judge in as many areas as possible.
Students will take this feedback from you, the judge, to prepare for the next level of competition, our State Leadership Conference taking place in Dallas, Texas in February 27-March 2, 2025. (Heads up, we are looking for judges for that conference too!)
We need you! This year our State Leadership Conference will be in Dallas, Texas, February 27-March 2, 2025. We are looking for volunteers to fill our judged events and assist us with our conference to review projects and presentations from the most outstanding young leaders in Texas. Winners will advance to the National Leadership Conference.
If you are able to assist us as a judge, please contact our Judges Coordinator, Sharon Shuler at shuler.sharon@gmail.com
Thank you for believing in us!
FINANCE:
Initial Case Study Topic: Aidan’s life dream is to open a sandwich shop. Aidan loves sandwiches and loves serving people, so this seems like a great fit. Aidan has taken some business classes at his local community college, so he thinks he has a good idea on how to run the business. But to increase his chances of long-term success he is seeking your help before getting started.
Aidan has found a small location (1200 square feet) in Columbus, Ohio that he can rent for $7500 per month. He would still need to setup his company, buy the equipment, advertise, set the menu, find suppliers, and hire help.
Alternatively, Aidan is wondering about the possibility of investing in a franchise, but when he did an internet search, they look expensive and he’s not really sure how they work. He is concerned about the startup costs as well as any share of profits the franchisor might require. Aidan is also worried because he’s heard that he will have less freedom with menu items and general decision making if he chooses a franchise.
Topic:Is Ticketmaster a Monopoly? Is this a case for government regulation, why or why not?
In your response, consider the following:
- Anti-trust regulations
- Consumer implications
- Effect on the ticket sale industry
- Market competition and pricing
- Secondary markets
- Technological innovations
Topic: Investigate the changing nature of the traditional stock markets (New York Stock Exchange/NASDAQ/American Stock Exchange) to discuss the evolving nature of investing in the digital age. What are the costs and benefits for consumers and producers?
In your response, consider the following:
- Digital currencies
- Disruptions to market practices (example - 2021 GameStop stock frenzy)
- Long-run implications to traditional stock markets
- Market access
- Market volatility/risk-return
- Regulatory implications
- US economy’s impact on stock prices
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION:
Topic: Examine how technology has altered the skill set required for administrative support professionals. Identify new competencies that have become essential, such as proficiency in specific software applications, data analysis, digital communication etiquette, and adaptability to evolving technology.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Topic: With the recent rise the investments by the US in broadband infrastructure to provide for Internet deployment in all areas of the United States, it has become apparent there is need for more Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP) to supply the demand of economic growth of internet communication and the advancement of technologies. Increasing the availability of Wireless Internet Service Providers is necessary to meet the requirements of local towns and cities, municipalities, and rural consumers. As a part of bridging the digital divide and ensuring citizens have access to affordable, reliable, and secure high-speed broadband, it has become apparent that there is a need to build an ISP, primarily a WISP, given the need for flexibility in the network. Approximately 98% of North Dakota can receive 10 Mbps of the Internet through a wired or wireless connection. However, with the demand and need for more bandwidth and availability, the time to enter the market to provide a better solution to the Internet is now.
As a new WISP, it has been decided to provide established services to the rural area of North Dakota just outside of Bismarck. As a startup, it has been agreed to start small and provide a service area of 1,500 square miles surrounding the I-94 corridor between Menoken, ND and Elridge, ND. It is in the works to double or even triple the service area in the future. To niche your company high above the competitors, you will provide high-speed services at and above the 10 Mbps customers can receive currently, at a competitive rate.
The WISP network you design should include high-speed, high-performance, and secure Internet connection to the customers in the area. Your bandwidth should handle Internet streaming, gaming, and the everyday demands consumers need in our ever-changing digital world, as well as the change into providing more value-added service to boost current subscriptions and entice new customers to join. In addition to constructing the WISP infrastructure, you have built a 2,000-square-foot office building and a 2,000-square-foot metal workshop. Along with developing your ISP wireless network, you must set up a small-office network for your company. Starting with two sales representatives, two marketing representatives, four support agents, two billing/bookkeeping agents, a CEO in the office, and twelve installation team members. Each installation team will be in one truck in pairs of 2. This office and workshop will need a small network with workstations and office equipment to conduct business and support your WISP company customers, and there is a plan to expand the primary office network to remote workers and additional offices as the company grows.
Like any good ISP, you must provide tiered bandwidth services for your customers. The CEO has decided to provide four tiers of service. 1st tier is bandwidth well providing basic internet/email surfing for the residential client, 2nd tier bandwidth provides for Internet streaming for two devices, along with what the 1st tier provides. 3rd tier is for larger families and supports 4K Internet streaming and includes the tier 1 and 2 features. The 4th tier is the maximum bandwidth your network infrastructure can provide customers without crippling your service provider network while accounting for the customer's needs. In addition to providing internet service, you will supply each customer with an email address and other value-added services as the company progresses.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & DESIGN
Topic: A new dog food company called Champion Dog Food has contacted you to design all of the brand images and packaging for their line of dog food. You will need to create a logo that can be used for all of the brand needs for their company packaging. Along with creating the logo, the company would like you to create a mockup of a dry dog food package, and a wet dog food can.
- Must design a 25 lb. bag of dry food, including the front and back of the package
- Must design the full wrap-around label for a 13 oz. can of wet food
- On the packaging include barcode, ingredients, manufactured in the USA, and 20% of all profits donated to local animal shelter
Topic: Create a short 1:00 - 2:00 minute promotional video about visiting local area attractions, instead of traveling out of state. Showcase the fact that you can have fun in your own regions without the expense of traveling out of state.
Topic: The Smithsonian Zoo in Washington D.C. is working with Australia's Taronga Zoo located in Sydney to add two platypuses to their collection to serve as ambassadors outside their native country of Australia. Freshwater resources and habitats are being affected by pollution and climate change and there is a need to communicate the importance of fresh water for both humans and wildlife. Your task is to design a habitat that can be built for these animals to be their new home in the US.
Topic: Your team is challenged to create a 2-minute animation of an "Enchanted Forest": Enter a mystical forest filled with talking animals, magical plants, and hidden treasures.
Topic: Create a three to five minute (3:00 - 5:00) news broadcast containing two stories. One story should focus on a local hero. This could be a veteran from any branch of the military, a teacher or a new local non-profit, or small business that opened in 2021 or later. The second story should be a weather segment using green screen technology and must also include a (15 - 20) second teaser somewhere in the video project.
Topic: Create a three to five (3:00 - 5:00) minute podcast about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it will impact Gen Z’s, education and/or the workforce. Consider the ease of using ChatGPT. You could include how education will be affected or how AI will impact employees and employers alike.
Topic: An automotive show showcasing all of the new automobiles for the upcoming 2025 model year will be taking place May 10-14, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. You are tasked with designing the branding/identity of this event.
Items include:
- The promotional landing page/website for the auto show, designed for a desktop web browser experience. Two of the following additional pages must be included on the website:
- A listing of vendor booths
- A listing of concession stand vendors with menu & pricing.
- A listing of Ride n’ Drive opportunities offered from new car manufacturers
- A listing of vendor booths
- A prototype of the mobile app for attendees to use at the auto show. The mobile app, designed for a smartphone or tablet of your choosing, must contain a minimum of five (5) screens.
- A social media campaign to promote the auto
Topic: Your team has been hired to design promotional components for a new up and coming movie that has been designated as G or PG-13. The team must create a minimum of (4) items, and one must include the Movie DVD Case (Front, Spine, & Back). Other items could include: Store Movie Poster, Characters, Movie Trailer, Social Media Ad Campaign, Swag, etc.
MANAGEMENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS:
Topic: Background - D’vine by Design is a local “fictious” event planning company that specializes in organizing and managing corporate events, conferences, trade shows, weddings, and social gatherings.
The company was founded in 2015 by Sarah Vine, an experienced event planner with a passion for creating unique and memorable experiences. Initially, the company started as a small venture, but through
consistent dedication and hard work, it quickly gained recognition for its outstanding event management services. With a dedicated team of event professionals, strong client base, and positive reputation, D’vine by Design is considering expanding its operations to tap into new markets and increase its profitability.
Task – D’vine by Design has hired your marketing team to identify expansion opportunities into a domestic U.S. city of your choice within one to three years, with a vision for future international
expansion in five to seven years. Be prepared to defend your recommendations from a marketing standpoint.
Develop an operating plan and organizational structure to initiate a small business. Competitors are to assume they are presenting/pitching their business plan to potential investors with the objective of securing financing for their business venture.
Initial Case Study Topic: Jessica Smith owns and operates a limited liability company where she is paid to be a social media influencer. She has an active YouTube channel with about 85 million subscribers. She utilizes the channel to make videos about the perks and cons of living in New York City, as well as travel for both those who live within the city and those who plan to visit the city. Her YouTube channel is named Jess In NYC, and her subscribers help her earn about $12,000 (gross) a month. Her main income for the business comes from ad revenue generated by her subscribers and paid by YouTube. Jessica is currently a one-woman show, and spends the majority of her day filming, editing, and posting to her YouTube channel. She also tries to carve out at least half an hour each day responding to subscriber emails and comments on her posts. Due to the fact her business has no employees, her expenses are relatively low for the business. She currently pays herself a salary of $100,000, leaving the extra to reinvest into the business; however, she has only been doing this for about one year. Jessica is wanting to expand her business but is unsure of what ways would be most successful and/or cost effective. Jessica is also interested in bringing on some additional employees to aid in the support and growth of her business. Jessica’s primary focus is creating additional value for subscribers while maximizing revenue and growth for the business. Jessica is concerned about the potential time expanding the business would cause and needs solutions that provide growth to the business while prioritizing her time and effort.
One key fear Jessica has when attempting to grow the business is causing subscribers to feel as though she is only catering to the revenue customers bring in, instead of seeing them as a part of the community she has built around her channel. Jessica wants to find ways to grow the business and increase revenue in ways that prioritize customer/subscriber engagement. Create a presentation detailing the ways that Jessica can grow her business without alienating customers. Share insights to current industry trends, financial implications, and human resources requirements.
The contestant will draw two (2) different business topics and will select either one. The topics may deal with Business Professionals of America, office situations, the business world, etc. Contestants will have 10 minutes to prepare a 2-4 minute speech.
The contestant will be given a human resource management scenario. The scenario may deal with office situations, workplace issues, legal matters, etc. The contestant will be provided twenty (20) minutes to develop the presentation.
The contestant will be given an ethical or professionalism scenario. Explore the application of ethical frameworks to various aspects used in business today. The contestant will be provided twenty (20) minutes to develop the presentation.
Each contestant is to select a topic related to business, entrepreneurship, or Business Professionals of America, and develop an oral presentation of no less than five (5) and no more than seven (7) minutes.
Demonstrate the use of correct parliamentary procedure through a chairperson’s ability to conduct a business meeting in a democratic manner that allows the members of the team to effectively participate. Examine the team’s knowledge of parliamentary procedure through oral questions and the objective test.
Topic: Each year 1 out of 10 American college students studies abroad during their undergraduate years. Colleges and universities promote this experience as an opportunity to study while traveling and learning about other cultures. Some colleges/programs even require such an experience for graduation. Create a presentation that delves into this enriching postsecondary experience.
Topics to consider include but are not limited to:
- Why study abroad
- The positives of studying abroad
- The challenges of studying abroad
- The top destinations
- The costs of studying abroad
- How it can affect credits for graduation
Topic: Many employees are beginning to question the fairness, enforceability, and legality of non-compete clauses in their employment contracts. Many employees are choosing to ignore their non-compete agreements and taking the risk of their former companies pursuing legal action. Others are choosing to refuse to work for any employer that forces new hires to sign non-compete agreements. Create a presentation that discusses the following concept of non-compete clauses.
Things to consider but are not limited to:
- What are the pros and cons of non-compete agreements?
- Do you believe they are fair? Feasible?
- What role (if any) should non-compete agreements have in a modern workforce?
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION:
Topic: Currently, only 27 states grant nurse practitioner full medical autonomy for independent medical practice. Nurse practitioner are advanced level nurses with approximately 6-8 years of additional education and training beyond that of a registered nurse. Your state department of health is considering changing the autonomy they give nurse practitioner within their state and have asked you to present a presentation outlining your recommendation. Do you believe that nurse practitioner should be granted independent autonomy, or should be required to operate under the supervision of a physician? Defend your opinion based upon relevant factual findings.