Where Learning Meets Innovation: the MMPA Case Competitions
The Master of Management and Professional Accounting (MMPA), one of IMI’s extraordinary graduate programs, places a strong emphasis on innovation, combining pedagogical rigor and creativity to craft unforgettable student experiences in areas related to big data, sustainability, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), amongst others. In addition, experiential learning, co-op placements, and opportunities to learn from industry professionals, make the MMPA program ideal for students entering a continually evolving and complex world.
In the summer of 2023, the MMPA program hosted two case competitions for students in which theoretical business, management, and accounting principles were united through a real-world scenario to create an effective and rewarding learning experience. In the case competitions, students, in collaboration with their group members, used a multidisciplinary approach to explore and analyze the potential of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the gaming industry. Broadly speaking, students needed to understand the role of technological innovation on management, accounting, business, and finance. This approach, referred to as an integrative initiative, is a key example of the MMPA program’s emphasis on hands-on learning.
Michael Marin, an Assistant Professor at IMI who also serves as a judge for the competitions, speaks to why these are a unique learning experience for students: “when students apply what they've learned, they are actively testing and refining their knowledge, which can lead to deeper learning. The competition also allows students to see the complementarity of the different subjects they are taking and build a foundation of strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary for future success in the field.”
Marin goes onto say that “as academics, we always strive to bridge academia and practice. By introducing students to the practical application of what they are learning, it is easier for students to appreciate the importance of the subject matter and stay motivated to continue to learn.” Through engaging in meaningful experiential learning, students not only deepen their knowledge of course material, but also increase their future employability and impact on the world. Through case studies and competitions, simulations, group projects, and interaction with industry professionals, students in the MMPA program are truly equipped to use their skills in a rapidly changing society.
The gaming industry is one such area where rapid innovation is shifting how business, management, and accounting are practiced. What’s so special about video games? In short, the industry is economically remarkable, and innovation is rapidly changing its future landscape. In fact, Marin says that “the gaming industry is bigger than movies, music, and professional North American sports combined. [The industry] also never stops evolving, experimenting, and finding new ways to attract, engage, and entertain players.” Video games continue to spur innovation in areas such as technology, but due to the increasing demand and the versatility of games, as well as the influence of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) on the industry, gaming has become a fascinating intersection of technology and business. According to Marin, the gaming “industry deals with intellectual property, cybersecurity, and international regulations, all of which have significant implications for both management strategies, accounting practices, and business models.”
In addition to teaching the coursework relevant to the competitions, Marin is also a judge, and works with the students to provide necessary help or insight for their success in the competitions, and beyond. For Marin, it’s a special prospect being a judge, especially when considering that his research pertains to integrative learning approaches and optimizing student experiences. When asked how this has been a learning experience for him, Marin cites that being a judge allows “me to observe whether students understand and can utilize class material effectively, [but also], it challenges me to reevaluate my teaching methodologies and delivery to ensure that [students] are prepared for life after academia.”
Moving forward, students at the MMPA can expect more integrative experiential learning and professional development opportunities, and in particular, opportunities that enable them to showcase their fantastic skills and knowledge to potential employers.