The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) a global professional body for accountants. ACCA Kenya organized an Inter University Strategic Business Leader (SBL) challenge to university students from any discipline. SBL is a contest that reflects the workplace and provides students with real world challenges allowing them demonstrate a blend of technical, practical and professional skills.
The 2021 ACCA Inter University Strategic Business Leader (SBL) Kenya was launched in September 2021. The Finals and Awards Presentation Ceremony was scheduled on 25th February, 2022 at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi. Egerton University students registered for the challenge to compete against 263 teams under team name “The Incredibles” composed of:-
S/No |
Name |
Position |
1. |
Jermain Nyatta |
Team Leader |
2. |
Bonface Muhindi |
Member |
3. |
Cheptoo Sharon |
Member |
4. |
Joan Wangechi |
Member |
5. |
Patriciah Murage |
Institutional Mentor |
6. |
Janet Waweru |
ACCA Mentor |
The contest had four tasks split into three stages which required the teams to play a strategic planning advisory role to an NGO. The NGO was considering expanding its remit to include long term water supply solutions, engage services of a marketing agency as well as adopt cloud and mobile technology.
As summarized in the table, submission for the first and second rounds were virtual and the third round was a live presentation by the top 11 teams
Round |
|
Timeline |
Position |
Remark |
One |
Stage 1: Case Study and Tasks (Virtual) |
12 Oct 2021 – 30 Oct 2021 |
18 out of 263 |
Qualified for Round Two |
Two |
Stage 2: Case Study Scenario and Tasks (Virtual) |
29 Nov 2021 – 17 Dec 2021 |
7 out of 122 |
Qualified for Finals |
Three |
Stage 3: Stage 1 and 2 Case Study Tasks (Physical) |
1 Feb 2022 – 18 Feb 2022 |
Emerged as First Runners Up |
|
Live Oral |
25 Feb 2022 |
Finals at Villa Rosa Kempinski - Nairobi |
Benefits of the SBL Challenge to the Institution and Students
Having performed well and made to the finals, “The Incredibles” competed for the following top prizes and emerged first runners up.
Winning Team |
1st Runners Up |
2nd Runners Up |
|
|
|
The students were able to interact with potential employers and stand an opportunity for internships/mentorship programs. Participating in the SBL Challenge, Egerton University will not only leverage on positive publicity but will also boost the opportunity for developing university-industry partnerships.