2018 Team Role Play Events
2018 Team Role Play Events
2018 Team Role Play Events
CASE STUDIES
2018
BUSINESS LAW
AND ETHICS
2018
BUSINESS LAW +
ETHICS TEAM
DECISION MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Business Management and Administration
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Economics
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
● The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills, Performance
Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review this information
and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your presentation.
● You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members of
the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
● Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of marketplace director and senior vice president for ETOWN, a
company that manages ETOWN.COM, an online auction website. The CEO of the company (judge)
has asked you to analyze cyberscalping claims and determine how the company should handle the
accusations and requests for information.
ETOWN.COM is a popular online shopping website that provides customers the option to both buy
and sell goods on its site. Users of the website must register with an email address, phone number
and physical address in order to buy or sell merchandise. Users must electronically agree to the
terms of services for ETOWN prior to using the website. ETOWN promises confidentiality, keeping
all user information private.
To sell an item on ETOWN, the seller posts item information along with a photograph. Typically,
an item is listed for three to five days on the online marketplace. The seller must identify shipping
charges, but allows interested buyers to bid on the purchase price. If the item is popular, the bids
increase, raising the price. This process allows the seller to receive the maximum price buyers are
willing to pay for the item. ETOWN receives a percentage of all purchase prices.
The company has been successful since its launch in 1995 and has had few very issues with buyers
and sellers up until recently. New computer programs have been developed that are being used to
make mass online purchases. A tech-savvy person with access to the sophisticated program is able
to purchase large quantities of the same item online, completely selling out popular items. For
example, a new gaming system was introduced this past spring. The gaming system sold out in
minutes, most being sold to people using the program. In turn, those items were then being listed
on ETOWN with extremely high bids. An $80.00 gaming system was sold for $13,000 on ETOWN.
This process is called cyberscalping.
Cyberscalping is most rampant during the holiday season. Parents are looking to purchase popular
toys and stores sell out quickly. A popular dollhouse that retails for $299.00 has winning ETOWN
bids of $1,700. A toddler toy that retails for $49.99 has winning ETOWN bids of over $250.00. All
due to cyberscalpers quickly purchasing all retail inventory.
In 2016, Congress passed the Better Online Ticket Sales Act which prohibits cyberscalping, but
the legislation only applies to ticket sales, not toys or other products. The legislation was passed
to save consumers money and frustration.
With information about cyberscalping and inflated prices of items on ETOWN surfacing, many
frustrated parents and lawmakers are speaking out. People are upset that families are being taken
advantage of during the holiday season and cannot afford to purchase toys that are reasonably
priced in stores, due to cyberscalping.
Lawmakers have now started lashing out at ETOWN. Company privacy policies keep all user
information confidential, unless criminal activity is suspected. Since there is no current legislation
that applies to cyberscalping toys or products, ETOWN will not release user information to
consumer watchdog groups. Lawmakers feel ETOWN is acting unethically. Since ETOWN has
access to user information, they could stop cyberscalper sellers from using ETOWN to sell the
scalped merchandise. Lawmakers feel ETOWN is also at fault since the company earns a percentage
of the purchase price.
Executives at ETOWN are unsure how to proceed. No laws are being broken. If ETOWN users are
willing to place high bids on popular items and pay increased prices that is up to the buyer. Nobody
is forcing buyers to pay exorbitant prices.
The CEO of ETOWN (judge) has asked your team to analyze the situation and decide how to
proceed. The CEO (judge) wants a full analysis of the following in your presentation:
You will present your analysis and recommendation to the CEO (judge) in a meeting to take place
in the CEO’s (judge’s) office. The CEO (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking
to hear your ideas. After you have presented your analysis and recommendation and have answered
the CEO’s (judge’s) questions, the CEO (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for
your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of CEO for ETOWN, a company that manages ETOWN.COM, an online
auction website. You have asked the marketplace director and senior vice president (participant
team) to analyze cyberscalping claims and determine how the company should handle the
accusations and requests for information.
ETOWN.COM is a popular online shopping website that provides customers the option to both buy
and sell goods on its site. Users of the website must register with an email address, phone number
and physical address in order to buy or sell merchandise. Users must electronically agree to the
terms of service for ETOWN prior to using the website. ETOWN promises confidentiality, keeping
all user information private.
To sell an item on ETOWN, the seller posts item information along with a photograph. Typically,
an item is listed for three to five days on the online marketplace. The seller must identify shipping
charges, but allows interested buyers to bid on the purchase price. If the item is popular, the bids
increase, raising the price. This process allows the seller to receive the maximum price buyers are
willing to pay for the item. ETOWN receives a percentage of all purchase prices.
The company has been successful since its launch in 1995 and has had few very issues with buyers
and sellers up until recently. New computer programs have been developed that are being used to
make mass online purchases. A tech-savvy person with access to the sophisticated program is able
to purchase large quantities of the same item online, completely selling out popular items. For
example, a new gaming system was introduced this past spring. The gaming system sold out in
minutes, most being sold to people using the program. In turn, those items were then being listed
on ETOWN with extremely high bids. An $80.00 gaming system was sold for $13,000 on ETOWN.
This process is called cyberscalping.
Cyberscalping is most rampant during the holiday season. Parents are looking to purchase popular
toys and stores sell out quickly. A popular dollhouse that retails for $299.00 has winning ETOWN
bids of $1,700. A toddler toy that retails for $49.99 has winning ETOWN bids of over $250.00. All
due to cyberscalpers quickly purchasing all retail inventory.
In 2016, Congress passed the Better Online Ticket Sales Act which prohibits cyberscalping, but
the legislation only applies to ticket sales, not toys or other products. The legislation was passed
to save consumers money and frustration.
With information about cyberscalping and inflated prices of items on ETOWN surfacing, many
frustrated parents and lawmakers are speaking out. People are upset that families are being taken
advantage of during the holiday season and cannot afford to purchase toys that are reasonably
priced in stores, due to cyberscalping.
Lawmakers have now started lashing out at ETOWN. Company privacy policies keep all user
information confidential, unless criminal activity is suspected. Since there is no current legislation
that applies to cyberscalping toys or products, ETOWN will not release user information to
consumer watchdog groups. Lawmakers feel ETOWN is acting unethically. Since ETOWN has
access to user information, they could stop cyberscalper sellers from using ETOWN to sell the
scalped merchandise. Lawmakers feel ETOWN is also at fault since the company earns a percentage
of the purchase price.
Executives at ETOWN are unsure how to proceed. No laws are being broken. If ETOWN users are
willing to place high bids on popular items and pay increased prices that is up to the buyer. Nobody
is forcing buyers to pay exorbitant prices.
You have asked the marketplace director and senior vice president (participant team) to analyze
the situation and decide how to proceed. You want a full analysis of the following in the
presentation:
The marketplace director and senior vice president (participant team) will present an analysis and
recommendation to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by
greeting the marketplace director and senior vice president (participant team) and asking to hear
about their analysis.
After the marketplace director and senior vice president (participant team) have presented the
analysis and recommendation you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
2. If the laws change and cyberscalping products becomes illegal, how can we tell the
difference between supply and demand and cyberscalping?
Once the marketplace director and senior vice president (participant team) have answered your
questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work. You are not to make
any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation, and
then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure fairness,
you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask other
questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the information
is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few minor
problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great degree. A
combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the participant team
DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the effectiveness
of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major flaw) or that
the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Emotional Intelligence
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
• Describe the impact of a person’s social media brand on the achievement of organizational
objectives.
• Determine factors affecting business risk.
• Demonstrate connections between company actions and results.
• Recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas.
• Explain the nature of effective communications.
• Explain ethical considerations in providing information.
• Demonstrate fairness.
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of marketing and director of brand management for
CELEBRATION RESORTS, a chain of hospitality resorts with two domestic locations and five
international locations. The senior vice president (judge) has asked you to analyze the final
product of a hired social influencer and determine how the company should proceed.
CELEBRATION RESORTS offer all-inclusive holidays at each of their locations. While some of the
activities and services vary by location, each resort provides all-inclusive food, beverages and
activities for its guests. Most resorts are located on coastlines with private access to beaches,
multiple swimming pools, restaurants, lounges, fitness centers, spas and children’s centers.
The newest property to open is CELEBRATION RESORT – Beach Town. This new property is the
largest of all CELEBRATION RESORT properties and offers the most services, amenities and
activities. In anticipation of the grand opening of CELEBRATION RESORT – Beach Town,
executives hired a popular social influencer to spend three nights at the new hotel and review the
experience online.
The social influencer is Sam Powers, a 26-year old with a vlog on YouTube that has 2 million
subscribers. Powers’ YouTube channel highlights what is hip and trendy and is marketed toward
young Millennials. Brands that have been mentioned on Sam Powers’ channel have seen their
profits soar or decline, depending on her review.
In CELEBRATION RESORTS’ contract with Sam Powers, the social media star was paid $5,000 up
front and another $5,000 when the final products were delivered. CELEBRATION RESORTS
provided Powers with air transportation for two to Beach Town, three nights lodging at the new
resort and all expenses, taxes, fees and tips included.
The contract stated that Powers must dine at two of the resort restaurants and participate in two
of the resort activities and provide reviews. The reviews would be included in her vlog on
YouTube and on the CELEBRATION RESORTS’ YouTube channel. Sam Powers would also be
responsible for writing a blog of her experiences to be featured on the CELEBRATION RESORTS’
website with links on all CELEBRATION RESORTS social media.
After spending three nights at the new resort, Sam Powers recorded a vlog and wrote a blog
about the experience and sent it to the senior vice president (judge). The vlog and blog were full
of negative comments about the resort: ugly lobby, slow elevators, off-brand bathroom shampoo,
rough bed linens, poorly decorated rooms and uncomfortable beach chairs. Only one out of the
two restaurants reviewed received highly positive affirming remarks. Thankfully, both activities
Sam Powers participated in received positive reviews. It is up to CELEBRATION RESORTS to
decide when all of the content will go live.
The senior vice president (judge) is worried about the negative publicity Sam Powers’ reviews
will give the new resort and the CELEBRATION RESORTS brand. The senior vice president (judge)
wants your team to analyze the information and make a recommendation on how to proceed.
You will present your analysis and recommendation to the senior vice president (judge) in a
meeting to take place in the senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president
(judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have
presented your analysis and recommendation and have answered the senior vice president’s
(judge’s) questions, the senior vice president (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you
for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president of CELEBRATION RESORTS, a chain of
hospitality resorts with two domestic locations and five international locations. You have asked
the director of marketing and director of brand management (participant team) to analyze the
final product of a hired social influencer and determine how the company should proceed.
CELEBRATION RESORTS offer all-inclusive holidays at each of their locations. While some of the
activities and services vary by location, each resort provides all-inclusive food, beverages and
activities for its guests. Most resorts are located on coastlines with private access to beaches,
multiple swimming pools, restaurants, lounges, fitness centers, spas and children’s centers.
The newest property to open is CELEBRATION RESORT – Beach Town. This new property is the
largest of all CELEBRATION RESORT properties and offers the most services, amenities and
activities. In anticipation of the grand opening of CELEBRATION RESORT – Beach Town,
executives hired a popular social influencer to spend three nights at the new hotel and review the
experience online.
The social influencer is Sam Powers, a 26-year old with a vlog on YouTube that has 2 million
subscribers. Powers’ YouTube channel highlights what is hip and trendy and is marketed toward
young Millennials. Brands that have been mentioned on Sam Powers’ channel have seen their
profits soar or decline, depending on her review.
In CELEBRATION RESORTS’ contract with Sam Powers, the social media star was paid $5,000 up
front and another $5,000 when the final products were delivered. CELEBRATION RESORTS
provided Powers with air transportation for two to Beach Town, three nights lodging at the new
resort and all expenses, taxes, fees and tips included.
The contract stated that Powers must dine at two of the resort restaurants and participate in two
of the resort activities and provide reviews. The reviews would be included in her vlog on
YouTube and on the CELEBRATION RESORTS’ YouTube channel. Sam Powers would also be
responsible for writing a blog of her experiences to be featured on the CELEBRATION RESORTS’
website with links on all CELEBRATION RESORTS social media.
After spending three nights at the new resort, Sam Powers recorded a vlog and wrote a blog
about the experience and sent it to you. The vlog and blog were full of negative comments about
the resort: ugly lobby, slow elevators, off-brand bathroom shampoo, rough bed linens, poorly
decorated rooms and uncomfortable beach chairs. Only one out of the two restaurants reviewed
received highly positive affirming remarks. Thankfully, both activities Sam Powers participated
in received positive reviews. It is up to CELEBRATION RESORTS to decide when all of the content
will go live.
You are worried about the negative publicity Sam Powers’ reviews will give the new resort and
the CELEBRATION RESORTS brand. You want the director of marketing and director of brand
management (participant team) to analyze the information and make a recommendation on how
to proceed.
The director of marketing and director of brand management (participant team) will present an
analysis and recommendation to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the
meeting by greeting the director of marketing and director of brand management (participant
team) and asking to hear about their recommendation.
After the director of marketing and director of brand management (participant team) have
presented the recommendations, you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
Once the director of marketing and director of brand management (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Emotional Intelligence
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Marketing
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of marketing and marketing specialist for CREEK FARM, a
company that produces many brands of cookies and crackers. The senior vice president (judge)
has asked you to determine how to ethically market a new product as an essential part of a
child’s lunchtime meal.
CREEK FARM has been producing cookies and crackers for over 50 years. The crackers are sold in
13.7 ounce boxes, holding a large quantity of crackers. The cookies are sold in sealable plastic
12 ounce packages, holding approximately two dozen cookies. The products have been profitable
for CREEK FARM, marketed as a pantry staple for every household.
This year, CREEK FARM will be launching a new product, Crackers & Cheesy. Crackers &
Cheesy are crackers sandwiched together with cheese. A box of Crackers & Cheesy will contain
eight wrapped packages of the product. Each wrapped package contains six cracker sandwiches.
The box of eight wrapped packages is meant for easy grab-and-go. Executives hope that
Crackers & Cheesy can be marketed as a perfect staple in a school-aged child’s lunch box.
Some executives at CREEK FARM are concerned about the ingredients of Crackers & Cheesy. The
product is highly processed and contains artificial colors. One serving of Crackers & Cheesy
contains 10 grams of fat and close to 300 milligrams of sodium. The product is considered below
average in health benefits.
The senior vice president (judge) wants Crackers & Cheesy to be marketed as an essential part of
a child’s lunch, but is aware of the Federal Trade Commission’s truth in advertising law, stating
that messaging in advertisements cannot be untruthful or misleading. Many companies are able
to comply with the law by exaggerating some features of products while downplaying others.
The senior vice president (judge) wants your team to create a marketing campaign for Crackers
& Cheesy that complies with the truth in advertising law, but will still convince parents that the
products are an essential part of their children’s lunch time meals.
You will present your marketing campaign to the senior vice president (judge) in a meeting to
take place in the senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president (judge) will
begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your
ideas and have answered the senior vice president’s (judge’s) questions, the senior vice president
(judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president for CREEK FARM, a company that produces
many brands of cookies and crackers. You have asked the director of marketing and marketing
specialist (participant team) to determine how to ethically market a new product as an essential
part of a child’s lunchtime meal.
CREEK FARM has been producing cookies and crackers for over 50 years. The crackers are sold in
13.7 ounce boxes, holding a large quantity of crackers. The cookies are sold in sealable plastic
12 ounce packages, holding approximately two dozen cookies. The products have been profitable
for CREEK FARM, marketed as a pantry staple for every household.
This year, CREEK FARM will be launching a new product, Crackers & Cheesy. Crackers &
Cheesy are crackers sandwiched together with cheese. A box of Crackers & Cheesy will contain
eight wrapped packages of the product. Each wrapped package contains six cracker sandwiches.
The box of eight wrapped packages is meant for easy grab-and-go. Executives hope that
Crackers & Cheesy can be marketed as a perfect staple in a school-aged child’s lunch box.
Concerning some executives at CREEK FARM are the ingredients of Crackers & Cheesy. The
product is highly processed and contains artificial colors. One serving of Crackers & Cheesy
contains 10 grams of fat and close to 300 milligrams of sodium. The product is considered below
average in health benefits.
You want Crackers & Cheesy to be marketed as an essential part of a child’s lunch, but are
aware of the Federal Trade Commission’s truth in advertising law, stating that messaging in
advertisements cannot be untruthful or misleading. Many companies are able to comply with the
law by exaggerating some features of products while downplaying others.
You want the director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) to create a
marketing campaign for Crackers & Cheesy that complies with the truth in advertising law, but
will still convince parents that the products are an essential part of their children’s lunch time
meals.
The director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) will present ideas to you in
a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the director of
marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) and asking to hear their ideas.
After the director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) have presented the
campaign, you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. How does the nutritional information listed on each package of our products help our
company?
2. How does the nutritional information listed on each package of our products hurt our
company?
3. Is there any chance your marketing campaign will cause complaints from parents? If so,
what would you do to counteract this?
Once the director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) have answered your
questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Marketing
2018
BUYING +
MERCHANDISING TEAM
DECISION MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Marketing
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Product/Service Management
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of vice president of merchandising and vice president of sales for
CLOTH GUARD, a company that manufactures athletic footwear, sports apparel and casual
apparel. The senior vice president (judge) has asked your team to develop a subscription service
that would allow customers to receive CLOTH GUARD products delivered to their door.
CLOTH GUARD began as a company that provided quality apparel and accessories for serious
athletes. The apparel and footwear are all made with the latest advances in materials to ensure
athletes maintain cool core body temperatures and have minimal exposure to perspiration. For
years, CLOTH GUARD was only sold in branded stores, sporting goods stores and online.
The athletic merchandise sold by CLOTH GUARD is priced slightly higher than other athletic
brands, but is backed by a guarantee. The t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, shoes and socks all contain
the moisture-wicking materials that promise minimized effects of perspiration, and breathability.
The average prices are as follows: T-shirts from $24.99 - $44.95, tank tops from $24.99 - $42.95,
shorts from $29.99 - $54.99, athletic shoes from $69.99 - $129.99 and socks from $10.00 -
$20.00.
In the last two years, CLOTH GUARD has become a popular brand among non-athletes, as well.
The company expanded the product line to include merchandise for children’s sizes and
nonathletic apparel. CLOTH GUARD has a wide variety of t-shirts and shorts that simply showcase
the CLOTH GUARD brand, but are meant for everyday wear, rather than for athletic wear. CLOTH
GUARD also made the decision to allow its branded merchandise to be sold at two national
retailers.
To reach out to its core customers, those that made CLOTH GUARD a household name, the senior
vice president (judge) wants to introduce a subscription service. The service would allow
subscribers to receive a box of merchandise from CLOTH GUARD. The subscriber would then
decide which, if any, of the merchandise to be kept and send the remainder back to CLOTH
GUARD.
The senior vice president (judge) wants your team to design the CLOTH GUARD subscription
service. The senior vice president (judge) wants your team to determine:
• How many pieces to include in each box.
• How often boxes should be sent (every 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days).
• How long can a customer keep the box before deciding what to keep.
• The monthly fee for receiving the box each month.
• Whether the customer can keep some pieces and send some back.
• Whether the customer should pay shipping fees for returned items.
• The risks involved with the subscription service.
You will present your ideas to the senior vice president (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president (judge) will begin the meeting
by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your ideas and have
answered the senior vice president’s (judge’s) questions, the senior vice president (judge) will
conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president for CLOTH GUARD, a company that
manufactures athletic footwear, sports apparel and casual apparel. You have asked the vice
president of merchandising and vice president of sales (participant team) to develop a
subscription service that would allow customers to receive CLOTH GUARD products delivered to
their door.
CLOTH GUARD began as a company that provided quality apparel and accessories for serious
athletes. The apparel and footwear are all made with the latest advances in materials to ensure
athletes maintain cool core body temperatures and have minimal exposure to perspiration. For
years, CLOTH GUARD was only sold in branded stores, sporting goods stores and online.
The athletic merchandise sold by CLOTH GUARD is priced slightly higher than other athletic
brands, but is backed by a guarantee. The t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, shoes and socks all contain
the moisture-wicking materials that promise minimized effects of perspiration, and breathability.
The average prices are as follows: T-shirts from $24.99 - $44.95, tank tops from $24.99 - $42.95,
shorts from $29.99 - $54.99, athletic shoes from $69.99 - $129.99, socks from $10.00 - $20.00.
In the last two years, CLOTH GUARD has become a popular brand among non-athletes, as well.
The company expanded the product line to include merchandise for children’s sizes and
nonathletic apparel. CLOTH GUARD has a wide variety of t-shirts and shorts that simply showcase
the CLOTH GUARD brand, but are meant for everyday wear, rather than for athletic wear. CLOTH
GUARD also made the decision to allow its branded merchandise to be sold at two national
retailers.
To reach out to its core customers, those that made CLOTH GUARD a household name, you want
to introduce a subscription service. The service would allow subscribers to receive a box of
merchandise from CLOTH GUARD. The subscriber would then decide which, if any, of the
merchandise to be kept and send the remainder back to CLOTH GUARD.
You want the vice president of merchandising and vice president of sales (participant team) to
design the CLOTH GUARD subscription service. You want the vice president of merchandising
and vice president of sales (participant team) to determine:
• How many pieces to include in each box.
• How often boxes should be sent (every 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days).
• How long can a customer keep the box before deciding what to keep.
• The monthly fee for receiving the box each month.
• Whether the customer can keep some pieces and send some back.
• Whether the customer should pay shipping fees for returned items.
• The risks involved with the subscription service.
The vice president of merchandising and vice president of sales (participant team) will present
ideas to you in a role-play to take place in your office. You will begin the role-play by greeting
the participant team and asking to hear about their ideas.
After the vice president of merchandising and vice president of sales (participant team) have
presented their ideas you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
3. Should we market the subscription service to our non-athletic customers as well as our
athletic customers?
Once the vice president of merchandising and vice president of sales (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Promotion
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of vice president of marketing and vice president of promotion for
SMOOTH, a company that manufactures and markets razors for men. The senior vice president
(judge) has asked your team to develop a promotional campaign for a new type of razor the
company is introducing specifically to combat the male beard trend.
SMOOTH has been producing razors, shaving creams and other shaving supplies for the last 100
years. While its products may be used by both males and females, the brand has only targeted
males in all promotion and on packaging. Spanning several decades, both print and television
advertisements have showcased a clean shaven man rubbing his face while saying, “Smooth.”
The last three years have been tough for SMOOTH and the razor industry as a whole. SMOOTH has
seen declining sales each quarter. Reports are showing that fewer razors and shaving accessories
are being purchased due to a recent trend among males. Since 2012, a growing number of men
have decided to grow beards. The trend began with young men ages 18-24, many not in the
professional workforce. Today, men of all ages, educational, socio-economic and employment
status have grown beards and are keeping them year-round.
Executives at SMOOTH know that the popularity of beards will not last forever. Like the
moustache fad of the 1970s and early 1980s or the goatee fad of the 1990s, beards will one day
not be in fashion. In an attempt to jump start the end of the beard fad, SMOOTH has added a new
razor to its merchandise line.
The SMOOTH Post-Beard Razor is a special razor that is gentle for skin that is not used to the feel
or pressure of a razor blade. The razor has special moisturizers that glide against the skin to
ensure skin does not flake or dry out. The handle is thicker than most other razors and the actual
razor head is much longer than others, enabling it to shave more hair in one swipe than other
razors currently on the market.
The senior vice president (judge) has asked your team to create a promotional campaign for the
new Post-Beard Razor. The senior vice president (judge) wants your campaign to be a signal that
it is the end of the beard fad and time for men to be clean shaven again. The senior vice president
(judge) wants you to include a campaign slogan, types of promotion, types of advertising media
and specific marketing strategies.
You will present the campaign to the senior vice president (judge) in a meeting to take place in
the senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president (judge) will begin the
meeting by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented the campaign
and have answered the senior vice president’s (judge’s) questions, the senior vice president
(judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president for SMOOTH, a company that manufactures
and markets razors for men. You have asked the vice president of marketing and vice president
of promotion (participant team) to develop a promotional campaign for a new type of razor the
company is introducing specifically to combat the male beard trend.
SMOOTH has been producing razors, shaving creams and other shaving supplies for the last 100
years. While its products may be used by both males and females, the brand has targeted males
in all promotion and on packaging. Spanning several decades, both print and television
advertisements have showcased a clean shaven man rubbing his face while saying, “Smooth.”
The last three years have been tough for SMOOTH and the razor industry as a whole. SMOOTH has
seen declining sales each quarter. Reports are showing that fewer razors and shaving accessories
are being purchased due to a recent trend among males. Since 2012, a growing number of men
have decided to grow beards. The trend began with young men ages 18-24, many not in the
professional workforce. Today, men of all ages, educational, socio-economic and employment
status have grown beards and are keeping them year-round.
Executives at SMOOTH know that the popularity of beards will not last forever. Like the
moustache fad of the 1970s and early 1980s or the goatee fad of the 1990s, beards will one day
not be in fashion. In an attempt to jump start the end of the beard fad, SMOOTH has added a new
razor to its merchandise line.
The SMOOTH Post-Beard Razor is a special razor that is gentle for skin that is not used to the feel
or pressure of a razor blade. The razor has special moisturizers that glide against the skin to
ensure skin does not flake or dry out. The handle is thicker than most other razors and the actual
razor head is much longer than others, enabling it to shave more hair in one swipe than other
razors currently on the market.
You have asked the vice president of marketing and vice president of promotion (participant
team) to create a promotional campaign for the new Post-Beard Razor. You want the campaign
to be a signal that it is the end of the beard fad and time for men to be clean shaven again. You
want the vice president of marketing and vice president of promotion (participant team) to
include a campaign slogan, types of promotion, types of advertising media and specific
marketing strategies.
After the vice president of marketing and vice president of promotion (participant team) have
presented the campaign you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. Do you think your campaign will suffer any backlash from men that like their facial hair?
2. Do you think advertising coupons for the new Post-Beard Razor would increase interest
in the product? If so, what medium should they be advertised through and why?
3. Do you think a campaign aimed at women that are tired of men’s beards would be
effective? Why or why not?
Once the vice president of marketing and vice president of promotion (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Promotion
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Economics
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of merchandising and director of brand management for
CROMWELL, a high-end department store with 200 physical store locations. The senior vice
president (judge) has asked your team to decide if adding seasonal merchandise in order to
increase sales would help or harm the company’s image.
CROMWELL is located in shopping malls across the nation. Each CROMWELL department store
features men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and shoe departments, home goods, accessories
and cosmetics counters. Most store are two levels with cosmetics, accessories and home goods
on the first level and all apparel on the second level. The majority of CROMWELL locations also
include a coffee bar and a pianist near the escalators.
Like most other retailers, CROMWELL has seen a decline in same-store sales and an overall profit
decrease in the last two years. Regular peaks in sales occur during the back-to-school season and
during the holidays.
It has been reported that shoppers are now spending over $9 billion dollars each year on
Halloween accessories. This number has increased each year for the past five years. Shoppers are
purchasing decorations, candy and costumes, and they are willing to spend more money on these
items than just five years earlier. Over $3 billion is spent on costumes alone.
Mid-September through October has historically been a slow time at CROMWELL. During this
time, sales decrease due to the end of the back-to-school season until mid-November when the
holiday shopping season begins. CROMWELL has struggled year after year during this time.
The senior vice president (judge) is considering adding Halloween costumes to CROMWELL to fill
the shopping void from mid-September through October. The senior vice president (judge) feels
that if shoppers come to CROMWELL to purchase a Halloween costume, they would also look and
possibly purchase other merchandise.
The senior vice president (judge) wants your advice on the addition of Halloween merchandise to
CROMWELL and to decide if adding Halloween costumes would help or harm CROMWELL in the
long run. Specifically, the senior vice president (judge) wants your opinions on:
• Assortment of sizes of Halloween costumes (Children only? Adults and children?)
• Types of Halloween merchandise to be sold (Only costumes? Decorations?)
• Placement in the store of Halloween merchandise
• Possible effects on the CROMWELL brand image
• Possible effects on profit
• Description of competition
You will present your ideas to the senior vice president (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president (judge) will begin the meeting
by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your ideas and have
answered the senior vice president’s (judge’s) questions, the senior vice president (judge) will
conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president for CROMWELL, a high-end department store
with 200 physical store locations. You have asked the director of merchandising and director of
brand management (participant team) to decide if adding seasonal merchandise in order to
increase sales would help or harm the company’s image.
CROMWELL is located in shopping malls across the nation. Each CROMWELL department store
features men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and shoe departments, home goods, accessories
and cosmetics counters. Most store are two levels with cosmetics, accessories and home goods
on the first level and all apparel on the second level. The majority of CROMWELL locations also
include a coffee bar and a pianist near the escalators.
Like most other retailers, CROMWELL has seen a decline in same-store sales and an overall profit
decrease in the last two years. Regular peaks in sales occur during the back-to-school season and
during the holidays.
It has been reported that shoppers are now spending over $9 billion dollars each year on
Halloween accessories. This number has increased each year for the past five years. Shoppers are
purchasing decorations, candy and costumes, and they are willing to spend more money on these
items than just five years earlier. Over $3 billion is spent on costumes alone.
Mid-September through October has historically been a slow time at CROMWELL. During this
time, sales decrease due to the end of the back to school season until mid-November when the
holiday shopping season begins. CROMWELL has struggled year after year during this time.
You are considering adding Halloween costumes to CROMWELL to fill the shopping void from
mid-September through October. You feel that if shoppers come to CROMWELL to purchase a
Halloween costume, they would also look and possibly purchase other merchandise.
You want the director of merchandising’s and director of brand management’s (participant
team’s) advice on the addition of Halloween merchandise to CROMWELL and to decide if adding
Halloween costumes would help or harm CROMWELL in the long run. Specifically, you want the
director of merchandising’s and director of brand management’s (participant team’s) opinions
on:
• Assortment of sizes of Halloween costumes (Children only? Adults and children?)
• Types of Halloween merchandise to be sold (Only costumes? Decorations?)
• Placement in the store of Halloween merchandise
• Possible effects on the CROMWELL brand image
• Possible effects on profit
• Description of competition
The director of merchandising and director of brand management (participant team) will present
ideas to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the
director of merchandising and director of brand management (participant team) and asking to
hear about their ideas.
After the director of merchandising and director of brand management (participant team) have
presented ideas you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. What is the worst thing that could happen if CROMWELL sells Halloween costumes?
2. Would each CROMWELL store need additional employees to manage the new
merchandise, or would sales associates from other departments be sufficient?
3. What are your thoughts on selling Halloween costumes only on our website, rather than
at physical stores?
Once the director of merchandising and director of brand management (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Economics
2018
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TEAM DECISION
MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Entrepreneurship
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Market Planning
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of the founders and owners of YARDSCAPE DESIGNS, a company that
provides residential and commercial landscaping and other services. The primary investor
(judge) wants you to develop an effective, yet low-cost, marketing strategy that will increase
awareness of the business.
YARDSCAPE DESIGNS serves an area of close to 300,000 people. The company works with both
residential and commercial clients to design the exact landscape desired, no matter how
complicated or simple. The company has relationships with suppliers from around the world to
bring unique offerings to clients. In addition, YARDSCAPE DESIGNS employees hold a wealth of
knowledge on the soils and natural vegetation of the area. If landscaping is not needed, the
company can provide seasonal services, such as fertilizing and seeding, specific to the native
flora.
The primary investor (judge) was impressed with your knowledge and capabilities. The investor
(judge) feels strongly that the services YARDSCAPE DESIGNS offers are different than other simple
landscaping companies in the area. Their competitors do offer basic landscaping services to both
residential and commercial clients, but none have the expertise in the local soils and vegetation
or the relationship with foreign suppliers.
The investor (judge) is not able to provide a budget for a large marketing campaign. The investor
(judge) feels funds are better used for the operations and purchasing, rather than for marketing.
You know that in order to get YARDSCAPE DESIGNS noticed, marketing is needed. The investor
(judge) has asked your team to develop a marketing plan that includes low-cost marketing
strategies to bring awareness to YARDSCAPE DESIGNS. The marketing plan must not include
traditional advertising such as radio, television or print advertising.
You will present your marketing plan to the investor (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
investor’s (judge’s) office. The investor (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and
asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented the plan and have answered the investor’s
(judge’s) questions, the investor (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your
work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of primary investor for YARDSCAPE DESIGNS, a company that
provides residential and commercial landscaping and other services. You want the owners of the
company (participant team) to develop an effective, yet low-cost, marketing strategy that will
increase awareness of the business.
YARDSCAPE DESIGNS serves an area of close to 300,000 people. The company works with both
residential and commercial clients to design the exact landscape desired, no matter how
complicated or simple. The company has relationships with suppliers from around the world to
bring unique offerings to clients. In addition, YARDSCAPE DESIGNS employees hold a wealth of
knowledge on the soils and natural vegetation of the area. If landscaping is not needed, the
company can provide seasonal services, such as fertilizing and seeding, specific to the native
flora.
You were impressed with the owner’s (participant team) knowledge and capabilities. You feel
strongly that the services YARDSCAPE DESIGNS offers are different than other simple landscaping
companies in the area. Their competitors do offer basic landscaping services to both residential
and commercial clients, but none have the expertise in the local soils and vegetation or the
relationship with foreign suppliers.
You are not able to provide a budget for a large marketing campaign. You feel funds are better
used for the operations and purchasing rather than for marketing. The owners (participant team)
know that in order to get YARDSCAPE DESIGNS noticed, marketing is needed. You have asked the
owners (participant team) to develop a marketing plan that includes low-cost marketing
strategies to bring awareness to YARDSCAPE DESIGNS. The marketing plan must not include
traditional advertising such as radio, television or print advertising.
The owners (participant team) will present the plan to you in a meeting to take place in your
office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the owners (participant team) and asking to hear
about their plan.
After the owners (participant team) have presented their plan, you are to ask the following
questions of each participant team:
1. Are your marketing strategies targeted more towards potential residential clients or
commercial clients?
2. Is there a way to track your marketing strategy to find out if it was effective? If so, what
ways?
Once the owners (participant team) have answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting
by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Economics
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of business partners that would like to purchase a franchise. The
financer interested in helping you purchase the franchise (judge) has given you information
about an alternative franchise that might interest you and wants you to analyze the two options
and make a final choice.
You live in a city of 300,000 people. The average annual income among households in the
community is $60,000. The city has a plethora of shopping malls, strip malls and retailers located
throughout the neighborhoods. The largest employers in the area include a large hospital
network, a public university and the headquarters of a hotel management company that employs
300 people.
As business partners, you are interested in purchasing a HAND ME DOWN franchise. HAND ME
DOWN is a store that buys and sells used, high-quality children’s clothing, shoes and toys. The
franchise presents as a retail store with a kid-friendly environment. There are 68 HAND ME
DOWN locations across the nation, most in strip malls in suburban areas or near large shopping
malls.
HAND ME DOWN’S core customers are mothers age 25- to 44-years-old with children under the
age of 14-years-old. Customers tend to be lower-middle to upper-middle income households.
Secondary customers are females age 45- to 65-years-old, most likely to be aunts or
grandmothers of children under the age of 14-years-old. Customers are able to sell their gently
used children’s merchandise to the store or trade for store credit.
You are both passionate about offering customers affordable merchandise for their children. You
feel HAND ME DOWN is a much-needed addition to the area, as the only other second-hand
clothing stores are charity based. HAND ME DOWN would also be the first to offer money or store
credit for donated items.
The cost associated with purchasing a HAND ME DOWN franchise is $250,000. Since you have a
combined $200,000, the financer (judge) will provide $100,000 to make up the cost of the
franchise and help with operating and overhead costs.
The financer (judge) has asked you to review information about a different franchise option. The
financer (judge) has information about FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS. FRUIT BOWL
ARRANGEMENTS is a franchise that specializes in fresh fruit arrangements designed to resemble
flower arrangements.
While there are several florists in the area, there are no FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS in a 200-
mile radius. Customers of FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS purchase products for use in gift-giving:
birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, thank you presents and other celebrations. FRUIT BOWL
ARRANGEMENTS has become a favorite in corporate gift-giving, as well. Arrangements start at
$50.00 and can run as high as $200.00, depending on size and season.
The cost to purchase a FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS franchise is $175,000. You have enough
money to purchase the franchise, plus more for operating and overhead needs. The financer
(judge) is still willing to provide $100,000 if you choose this option.
The financer (judge) has asked you to analyze the two franchising options and determine which
is the best fit. The financer (judge) wants you to analyze cost, market, brand recognition, passion
and staffing.
You will present your analysis and decision to the financer (judge) in a meeting to take place in
the financer’s (judge’s) office. The financer (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and
asking to hear your analysis. After you have presented your analysis and have answered the
financer’s (judge’s) questions, the financer (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you
for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of a financer willing to help two business partners (participant team)
purchase a franchise. You have given the business partners (participant team) information about
an alternative franchise that might interest them and want the business partners (participant team)
to analyze the two options and make a final choice.
The business partners (participant team) live in a city of 300,000 people. The average annual
income among households in the community is $60,000. The city has a plethora of shopping
malls, strip malls and retailers located throughout the neighborhoods. The largest employers in
the area include a large hospital network, a public university and the headquarters of a hotel
management company that employs 300 people.
The business partners (participant team) are interested in purchasing a HAND ME DOWN
franchise. HAND ME DOWN is a store that buys and sells used, high-quality children’s clothing,
shoes and toys. The franchise presents as a retail store with a kid-friendly environment. There are
68 HAND ME DOWN locations across the nation, most in strip malls in suburban areas or near
large shopping malls.
HAND ME DOWN’S core customers are mothers age 25- to 44-years-old with children under the
age of 14-years-old. Customers tend to be lower-middle to upper-middle income households.
Secondary customers are females age 45- to 65-years-old, most likely to be aunts or
grandmothers of children under the age of 14-years-old. Customers are able to sell their gently
used children’s merchandise to the store or trade for store credit.
The business partners (participant team) are both passionate about offering customers affordable
merchandise for their children. The business partners (participant team) feel HAND ME DOWN is
a much-needed addition to the area, as the only other second hand clothing stores are charity
based. HAND ME DOWN would also be the first to offer money or store credit for donated items.
The cost associated with purchasing a HAND ME DOWN franchise is $250,000. Since the business
partners (participant team) have a combined $200,000, you will provide $100,000 to make up the
cost of the franchise and help with operating and overhead costs.
You have asked the business partners (participant team) to review information about a different
franchise option. You have information about FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS. FRUIT BOWL
ARRANGEMENTS is a franchise that specializes in fresh fruit arrangements designed to resemble
flower arrangements.
While there are several florists in the area, there are no FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS in a 200-
mile radius. Customers of FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS purchase products for use in gift giving:
birthdays, anniversaries, retirement, thank you presents and other celebrations. FRUIT BOWL
ARRANGEMENTS has become a favorite in corporate gift-giving, as well. Arrangements start at
$50.00 and can run as high as $200.00, depending on size and season.
The cost to purchase a FRUIT BOWL ARRANGEMENTS franchise is $175,000. The business
partners (participant team) have enough money to purchase the franchise, plus more for
operating and overhead needs. You are still willing to provide $100,000 if the business partners
(participant team) choose this option.
You have asked the business partners (participant team) to analyze the two franchising options
and determine which is the best fit. You want the business partners (participant team) to analyze
cost, market, brand recognition, passion and staffing.
The business partners (participant team) will present an analysis to you in a meeting to take place
in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the business partners (participant team)
and asking to hear about their recommendation.
After the business partners (participant team) have presented ideas, you are to ask the following
questions of each participant team:
2. Are there any resources you will utilize to help you make this franchising decision?
Once the business partners (participant team) have answered your questions, you will conclude
the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Economics
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Channel Management
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of small business owners of BEST STATE OF COFFEE, a company that
sells specialty gourmet coffee made from unique beans found only in your state. A small
business advisor (judge) has provided you with information about expanding your channels of
distribution. The small business advisor (judge) wants you to analyze the information and
determine how to best make the new sales channel work for BEST STATE OF COFFEE.
BEST STATE OF COFFEE is a favorite among people that live in the region. The coffee is made
from unique beans that only grow in the state. The company sells the product as a 16-ounce can
of ground coffee for $11.00 or a two-pound bag of whole beans for $18.00. The products are
available for sale in local, independent coffee houses in the region and online. Shipping prices
for online sales are kept simple: a flat $10.00 shipping fee for orders under $50.00 and free
shipping for orders over $50.00. All shipping within the country is guaranteed within 3-5
business days.
While the business is doing fine, sales have seemed to plateau. There is not much money for
marketing or traditional advertising, so the company is relying on word-of-mouth and direct
marketing channels such as emails and social media.
A small business advisor (judge) has asked you to consider adding another sales channel. The
small business advisor (judge) has given you information on joining the AMAZING
MARKETPLACE. AMAZING is the top online retailer in the world. AMAZING sells hundreds of
thousands of products to millions of customers each year. The AMAZING MARKETPLACE allows
small businesses to sell merchandise on AMAZING. Currently there are over 2 million merchants
on the AMAZING MARKETPLACE that are connected to 300 million shippers. Half of all goods
sold on AMAZING are through the AMAZING MARKETPLACE.
To become an AMAZING MARKETPLACE merchant that sells coffee, the small business must
register as a professional seller. The monthly fee is $39.99, regardless of how many or how few
products are sold on AMAZING. There is also a 15% referral fee on every order that is paid to
AMAZING. Once an order is placed, AMAZING MARKETPLACE will email you the invoice for
proper packaging and shipment. The merchant is able to set shipping charges.
The small business advisor (judge) wants you to determine best practices for adding AMAZING
MARKETPLACE as a sales channel. The small business advisor (judge) wants you to determine:
• Adjusted price for 16-ounce can of ground coffee sold on AMAZING MARKETPLACE
• Adjusted price for 2-pound bag of whole beans sold on AMAZING MARKETPLACE
• The benefits and negative consequences of selling items on AMAZING MARKETPLACE
• Methods to evaluate the new sales channel
You will present your analysis to the advisor (judge) in a meeting to take place in the advisor’s
(judge’s) office. The small business advisor (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and
asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented the analysis and have answered the advisor’s
(judge’s) questions, the advisor (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your
work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of a small business advisor working with the small business owners
(participant team) of BEST STATE OF COFFEE, a company that sells specialty gourmet coffee
made from unique beans found only in your state. You have provided the small business owners
(participant team) with information about expanding their channels of distribution. You want the
small business owners (participant team) to analyze the information and determine how to best
make the new sales channel work for BEST STATE OF COFFEE.
BEST STATE OF COFFEE is a favorite among people that live in the region. The coffee is made
from unique beans that only grow in the state. The company sells the product as a 16-ounce can
of ground coffee for $11.00 or a two-pound bag of whole beans for $18.00. The products are
available for sale in local, independent coffee houses in the region and online. Shipping prices
for online sales are kept simple: a flat $10.00 shipping fee for orders under $50.00 and free
shipping for orders over $50.00. All shipping within the country is guaranteed within 3-5
business days.
While the business is doing fine, sales have seemed to plateau. There is not much money for
marketing or traditional advertising, so the company is relying on word-of-mouth and direct
marketing channels such as emails and social media.
You have asked the small business owners (participant team) to consider adding another sales
channel. You have given the small business owners (participant team) information on joining the
AMAZING MARKETPLACE. AMAZING is the top online retailer in the world. AMAZING sells
hundreds of thousands of products to millions of customers each year. The AMAZING
MARKETPLACE allows small businesses to sell merchandise on AMAZING. Currently there are
over 2 million merchants on the AMAZING MARKETPLACE that are connected to 300 million
shippers. Half of all goods sold on AMAZING are through the AMAZING MARKETPLACE.
To become an AMAZING MARKETPLACE merchant that sells coffee, the small business must
register as a professional seller. The monthly fee is $39.99, regardless of how many or how few
products are sold on AMAZING. There is also a 15% referral fee on every order that is paid to
AMAZING. Once an order is placed, AMAZING MARKETPLACE will email you the invoice for
proper packaging and shipment. The merchant is able to set shipping charges.
You want the small business owners (participant team) to determine best practices for adding
AMAZING MARKETPLACE as a sales channel. You want the small business owners (participant
team) to determine:
• Adjusted price for 16-ounce can of ground coffee sold on AMAZING MARKETPLACE
• Adjusted price for 2-pound bag of whole beans sold on AMAZING MARKETPLACE
• The benefits and negative consequences of selling items on AMAZING MARKETPLACE
• Methods to evaluate the new sales channel
The small business owners (participant team) will present an analysis to you in a meeting to take
place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the small business owners
(participant team) and asking to hear about their recommendation.
After the small business owners (participant team) have presented their analysis, you are to ask
the following questions of each participant team:
1. What strategies should BEST STATE OF COFFEE employ to compete with the hundreds of
other merchants selling coffee on AMAZING?
2. After analyzing the pros and cons of adding AMAZING MARKETPLACE as a new sales
channel, would it be more beneficial for BEST STATE OF COFFEE to direct funds allotted
for AMAZING’S $39.99 monthly fee towards marketing or advertising? Why or why not?
Once the small business owners (participant team) have answered your questions, you will
conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Channel Management
2018
FINANCIAL SERVICES
TEAM DECISION
MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Finance
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Financial – Information Management
FINANCIAL SERVICES
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of financial analysts for UNDERLINE TWO BANK, the seventh-largest
commercial bank in the United States with over $400 billion in assets. UNDERLINE TWO BANK is
known for its credit card focus. The finance director (judge) has asked you to spearhead a special
project regarding the financial information of the bank’s credit card users.
Over 60% of UNDERLINE TWO BANK’S revenue comes from credit cards with over $100 billion
in credit card loans outstanding in the United States and Canada. With more than 50 million
active accounts, there is a high level of sensitive data housed within the bank’s database. The
finance director (judge) has asked you to utilize the financial information of credit card users and
propose a way the bank can capitalize on the increased usage of its credit customers. You must
include users that pay off their credit card balance each month and users that continue to carry
balances. Management is aware that there is an opportunity to increase revenue by promoting
higher levels of credit card activity.
You will present the information to the finance director (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
finance director’s (judge’s) office. The finance director (judge) will begin the meeting by
greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented the information and have
answered the finance director’s (judge’s) questions, the finance director (judge) will conclude the
meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of the finance director for UNDERLINE TWO BANK, the seventh-largest
commercial bank in the United States with over $400 billion in assets. UNDERLINE TWO BANK is
known for its credit card focus. You have asked a team of financial analysts (participant team) to
spearhead a special project regarding the financial information of the bank’s credit card users.
Over 60% of UNDERLINE TWO BANK’S revenue comes from credit cards with over $100 billion
in credit card loans outstanding in the United States and Canada. With more than 50 million
active accounts, there is a high level of sensitive data housed within the bank’s database. You
have asked the financial analysts (participant team) to utilize the financial information of credit
card users and propose a way the bank can capitalize on the increased usage of its credit
customers. The financial analysts (participant team) must include users that pay off their credit
card balance each month and users that continue to carry balances. Management is aware that
there is an opportunity to increase revenue by promoting higher levels of credit card activity.
The financial analysts (participant team) will present information to you in a role-play to take
place in your office. You will begin the role-play by greeting the participant team and asking to
hear about their ideas.
After the financial analysts (participant team) have presented the information, you are to ask the
following questions of each participant team:
1. As a bank, how do we still continue to show that our members are the number one
priority while still earning revenue from their membership?
2. Could the data manipulation techniques used for credit card users be applied to other
aspects in the financial services industry?
Once the financial analysts (participant team) have answered your questions, you will conclude
the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
SOLUTION
General Facts that Support Proposal
How money is made with credit cards?
§ Cardholder-side
o Interest
o Fees
§ Merchant-side
o Transaction fees
Cardholder Revenue
§ Users that carry balances
o Interest
o Earning revenue based on interest charged for any amount carried over from the
prior-month’s statement
o Cannot afford to pay off charges
§ Users that pay off each month
o Fees
o Usage of credit card based on benefits, such as rewards or cash back
o Includes an annual fee
Business Revenue
§ Merchants Fees
o Percentage of credit card purchases goes towards interchange fees
o Portion goes to credit card association (i.e. Visa, MasterCard)
o Bulk goes to issuing bank (i.e. Chase, Bank of America)
Data Sensitivity
§ Information housed within credit card accounts
o Name
o Address
o Social Security Number
o Date of Birth
o Income
o Citizenship Status
o Email Address
o Phone Number
o Linked Bank Accounts
§ Responsibility of bank to ensure cardholder privacy
§ Data security involves preventing unauthorized access to databases
o Cybersecurity risk
o Data breaches
§ Legally could be brought up to the highest levels of government if
millions of people are affected
§ i.e. Equifax – 143 MILLION affected
§ i.e. Facebook – 87 MILLION users had their data compromised
Business Proposals
BEWARE – YOU CANNOT SELL THE DATA. MUST KEEP IT INTERNAL AND
SOLELY USE IT FOR ANALYTICAL PURPOSES. ONCE YOU SELL CONSUMER
DATA THAT IS A LEGAL BATTLE WAITING TO HAPPEN!!
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Information Management
Financial-Information Management
FINANCIAL SERVICES
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of small business banking specialists for EQUITY ONE BANK. The
vice president of the bank (judge) has asked your team to prepare a presentation for the current
small business clients about banking trends due to the growing use of technology in the banking
industry. The vice present (judge) feels this will be a great opportunity to educate and prepare
clients with necessary information regarding the bank’s services.
The vice president (judge) has put together topics that should be discussed during your
presentation to small business clients. The topics to discuss are as follows:
You will present the information first to the vice president (judge) in a small training room at
EQUITY ONE BANK. The vice president (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking
to hear your ideas. After you have finished the presentation and answered the vice president’s
(judge’s) questions, the vice president (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for
your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of vice president of EQUITY ONE BANK. You have asked two small
business banking specialists (participant team) to prepare a presentation for the current small
business clients about banking trends due to the growing use of technology in the banking
industry. You feel this will be a great opportunity to educate and prepare clients with necessary
information regarding the bank’s services.
You have put together topics that should be discussed during the small business banking
specialist’s (participant team’s) presentation to small business clients. The topics of discussion
are as follows:
The two small business banking specialists (participant team) will first give the presentation to
you in a meeting in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the small business
banking specialists (participant team) and asking to hear the presentation.
After the small business banking specialists (participant team) have presented the information,
you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. What specific client needs would involve a trip to a physical branch location?
Once the small business banking specialists (participant team) have answered your questions,
you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
SOLUTION
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Information Management
Financial-Information Management
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Business Law
FINANCIAL SERVICES
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of senior business bankers for PEBBLE FOUNTAIN BANK. The
president of the bank (judge) wants to extend the bank’s lending portfolio to include real estate
loans to business clients. The president (judge) wants your team to create a presentation
regarding bank regulations on commercial lending that will be used as an informational resource
for potential business clients.
The president (judge) wants you to include the following topics in the presentation:
You will first give the presentation to the president (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
president’s (judge’s) office. The president (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and
asking to hear your presentation. After you have finished the presentation and answered the
president’s (judge’s) questions, the president (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you
for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of president of PEBBLE FOUNTAIN BANK. You want to extend the
bank’s lending portfolio to include real estate loans to business clients. You want the senior
business bankers (participant team) to create a presentation regarding bank regulations on
commercial lending that will be used as an informational resource for potential business clients.
You want the senior business bankers (participant team) to include the following topics in the
presentation:
The senior business bankers (participant team) will first give the presentation to you in a meeting
to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the senior business bankers
(participant team) and asking to hear your presentation.
After the senior business bankers (participant team) have presented the information, you are to
ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. Would you recommend that PEBBLE FOUNTAIN BANK offer unsecured loans, those
without collateral? Why or why not?
2. If a business has, in the most recent year, operated at a net loss, should they automatically
be declined for a commercial loan? Why or why not?
Once the senior business bankers (participant team) have answered your questions, you will
conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
SOLUTION
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Business Law
2018
HOSPITALITY SERVICES
TEAM DECISION
MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Hospitality and Tourism
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Customer Relations
HOSPITALITY SERVICES
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience
for a new hotel concept, DEGREE. The founder of the new concept (judge) has asked your team to
design the DEGREE product to ensure the best customer experience for its target market.
The founder of DEGREE (judge) realized there is a strong need for outstanding lodging
experiences in college towns. Most cities that house a university or college do not have much to
offer near the schools in terms of lodging. Visitors to the schools are forced to either lodge miles
away or stay in an unknown motel or a bland chain.
DEGREE’s concept is simple: offer visitors to the universities and colleges a charming, safe and
pleasant lodging experience. The founder (judge) hopes that parents, family members and guests
of the schools will choose DEGREE over the other boring lodging options.
The first DEGREE property is in the planning stages and will open in one year. The property is
located within walking distance of a local university’s student union and several dormitories. The
campus transportation bus stop is located just one block from DEGREE’s entrance, giving guests
the ability to safely and easily travel throughout the university grounds and the surrounding area.
The founder (judge) has asked for your help in designing the DEGREE product. The founder
(judge) wants to ensure that potential guests, parents and visitors of the schools will not only
have their needs met in terms of products and services, but will have their unspoken needs met.
The founder (judge) wants to make certain that DEGREE provides the best guest experience in
addition to a safe place to sleep.
You will present your recommendations to the founder (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
founder’s (judge’s) office. The founder (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and
asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your recommendations and have answered
the founder’s (judge’s) questions, the founder (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you
for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of the founder of a new hotel concept, DEGREE. You have asked the
director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team) to design the
DEGREE product to ensure the best customer experience for its target market.
You realized there is a strong need for outstanding lodging experiences in college towns. Most
cities that house a university or college do not have much to offer near the schools in terms of
lodging. Visitors to the schools are forced to either lodge miles away or stay in an unknown
motel or a bland chain.
DEGREE’s concept is simple: offer visitors to the universities and colleges a charming, safe and
pleasant lodging experience. You hope that parents, family members and guests of the schools
will choose DEGREE over the other boring lodging options.
The first DEGREE property is in the planning stages and will open in one year. The property is
located within walking distance of a local university’s student union and several dormitories. The
campus transportation bus stop is located just one block from DEGREE’s entrance, giving guests
the ability to safely and easily travel throughout the university grounds and the surrounding area.
You have asked for the director of sales and marketing’s and director of brand experience’s
(participant team’s) help in designing the DEGREE product. You want to ensure that potential
guests, parents and visitors of the schools, will not only have their needs met in terms of products
and services, but will have their unspoken needs met. You want to make certain that DEGREE
provides the best guest experience in addition to a safe place to sleep.
You want the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team)
to determine the following:
• Services DEGREE can provide for the target market
• Products DEGREE can provide for the target market
• What DEGREE should look like, in terms of lobby, guest room and other common areas
• How DEGREE can ensure positive customer experiences
• Possible unspoken needs of target market customers
The director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team) will
present their recommendations to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin
the meeting by greeting the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience
(participant team) and asking to hear about their ideas.
After the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team) have
presented their recommendations, you are to ask the following questions of each participant
team:
1. Do you think DEGREE properties are best suited for small college towns, larger college
towns or both? Why?
Once the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Economics
HOSPITALITY SERVICES
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience
for MARVEL INN, a hotel chain with over 1,000 properties in North America. The senior vice
president (judge) wants your team to analyze a new service the chain is considering that would
allow guests to choose their own check-in and check-out times and pay an adjusted room rate
based on adjusted times.
All MARVEL INN locations have the same check-in time of 4:00PM and check-out time of
12:00PM. It is considered standard policy in the hospitality industry that a room stay is for 20
hours, and Marvel Inn follows that standard. While each MARVEL INNS’ room rates vary, most
are between $149.00 and $289.00 per night. MARVEL INN has a loyalty program to entice repeat
visits named Marvelous Program. Members of the Marvelous Program earn points for each stay
and can redeem points for future stays and upgrades.
With so many hotel brands competing for guests and prices extremely comparable, it is
becoming more and more difficult for brands to stand out in the market. Executives at MARVEL
INN performed research among customers, Marvelous Program members and social media
followers. The research asked participants to identify reasons why MARVEL INN was chosen or
not chosen for hotel stays. A significant number of respondents answered that they did not
choose MARVEL INN when they needed a one-night stay and would check-out very early or
would arrive very late in the night. Respondents communicated that the price was too high for
simply a place to sleep and no use of other hotel services. Those respondents opted for less
expensive lodging.
There were also a significant number of responses that indicated the opposite; guests that
preferred an earlier check-in than 4:00PM due to early arrivals via airplane felt angry when
MARVEL INN was unable to accommodate early check-in times. Instead, those guests booked
with hotel brands that allowed earlier check-in times.
After analyzing the research, executives at MARVEL INN are considering a new strategy. MARVEL
INN guests would be able to choose a check-in and check-out time that best fits their needs if the
standard times are not conducive. The room rates for adjusted times would be adjusted, as well.
For example, if a guest only needs a room for 10 hours, the rate would be less than the standard
rate. If a guest wanted to check-in several hours early and check-out late, the rate would be more
than the standard rate. The new strategy has been named “custom guest.”
The senior vice president (judge) wants your team to analyze the custom guest strategy. The
senior vice president (judge) wants your team to determine the following:
• How would custom guest potentially affect profits, both positively and negatively?
• Should custom guest be available only to Marvelous Program members? Explain.
• Which sales booking channels should custom guest be available?
• What communication methods should be used to promote custom guest?
• How does custom guest affect human resources, such as front desk, housekeeping, etc.?
• What is the final recommendation for or against custom guest strategy?
You will present your analysis and final recommendation to the senior vice president (judge) in a
meeting to take place in the senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president
(judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear your analysis. After you have
presented your analysis and have answered the senior vice president’s (judge’s) questions, the
senior vice president (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president of MARVEL INN, a hotel chain with over 1,000
properties in North America. You want the director of sales and marketing and director of brand
experience (participant team) to analyze a new service the chain is considering that would allow
guests to choose their own check-in and check-out times and pay an adjusted room rate based on
adjusted times.
All MARVEL INN locations have the same check-in time of 4:00PM and check-out time of
12:00PM. It is considered standard policy in the hospitality industry that a room stay is for 20
hours, and Marvel Inn follows that standard. While each MARVEL INNS’ room rates vary, most
are between $149.00 and $289.00 per night. MARVEL INN has a loyalty program to entice repeat
visits named Marvelous Program. Members of the Marvelous Program earn points for each stay
and can redeem points for future stays and upgrades.
With so many hotel brands competing for guests and prices extremely comparable, it is
becoming more and more difficult for brands to stand out in the market. Executives at MARVEL
INN performed research among customers, Marvelous Program members and social media
followers. The research asked participants to identify reasons why MARVEL INN was chosen or
not chosen for hotel stays. A significant number of respondents answered that they did not
choose MARVEL INN when they needed a one-night stay and would check-out very early or
would arrive very late in the night. Respondents communicated that the price was too high for
simply a place to sleep and no use of other hotel services. Those respondents opted for less
expensive lodging.
There were also a significant number of responses that indicated the opposite; guests that
preferred an earlier check-in than 4:00PM due to early arrivals via airplane felt angry when
MARVEL INN was unable to accommodate early check-in times. Instead, those guests booked
with hotel brands that allowed earlier check-in times.
After analyzing the research, executives at MARVEL INN are considering a new strategy. MARVEL
INN guests would be able to choose a check-in and check-out time that best fits their needs if the
standard times are not conducive. The room rates for adjusted times would be adjusted, as well.
For example, if a guest only needs a room for 10 hours, the rate would be less than the standard
rate. If a guest wanted to check-in several hours early and check-out late, the rate would be more
than the standard rate. The new strategy has been named “custom guest.”
You want the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team)
to analyze the custom guest strategy. You want the director of sales and marketing and director
of brand experience (participant team) to determine the following:
• How would custom guest potentially affect profits, both positively and negatively?
• Should custom guest be available only to Marvelous Program members? Explain.
• Which sales booking channels should custom guest be available?
• What communication methods should be used to promote custom guest?
• How does custom guest affect human resources, such as front desk, housekeeping, etc.?
• What is the final recommendation for or against custom guest strategy?
The director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team) will
present their analysis to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting
by greeting the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant
team) and asking to hear about their ideas.
After the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team) have
presented their analysis and final recommendation you are to ask the following questions of each
participant team:
2. Typically, MARVEL INN will let a guest check-in an hour early if a room is available or
check-out an hour late if not at full occupancy. Should we eliminate that policy? Why or
why not?
Once the director of sales and marketing and director of brand experience (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Economics
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Product/Service Management
HOSPITALITY SERVICES
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of brand management and director of marketing for
CREEK, a boutique hotel brand owned by CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL. CREEKSIDE
INTERNATIONAL is a hospitality company that manages and franchises 14 different hotel brands.
The senior vice president of CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL (judge) wants your team to analyze
CREEK’s 20 years in business and determine changes and/or additions that need to be made to the
brand to either preserve or change its identity.
CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL has been in the hospitality business for over 100 years, but the
boutique brand it operates, CREEK, has only been in business since 1998. CREEK is the first and
only boutique style hotel owned by CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL. CREEK was meant to target
Millennials and have a mid range price point of $219/night.
All CREEK hotels have similar décor. They are all trendy and hip with minimalist, dark themes.
All CREEK locations have fun lounges, restaurants featuring local fare with local ingredients and
rooftop pools with trendy outdoor games. The restaurants and lounges are marketed as fun and
attract local Millennials as well as hotel guests. CREEK was meant to be the opposite of luxury
hotels, which are thought of as stuffy and boring.
The success of CREEK was overwhelming. CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL executives knew that
CREEK would offer something unique, but they had no idea just how popular the brand would be
among all demographics. Twenty years later, CREEK is still extremely popular, but the primary
demographic has changed from Millennials to Generation X and young Baby Boomers. Another
change is the price point. The high demand for rooms at CREEK has raised the average rate from
$219/night to $349/night, making it fit the luxury hotel price point rather than boutique.
CREEK has run into problems this past year due to the rising room rates with no changes to the
style of offerings of the brand. Guests feel that if they are paying a luxury brand rate, they should
receive luxury brand services and amenities, not boutique brand services and amenities.
Changing CREEK to a luxury brand would require renovations to all the properties, including
changes to style, décor, restaurants and services offered.
With its 20-year anniversary approaching, the senior vice president (judge) wants your team to
analyze the brand identity and history of CREEK. To stay competitive and profitable, the senior
vice president (judge) wants your team to analyze the following:
• Benefits of remaining a boutique hotel brand
• Methods to position CREEK as a boutique hotel brand rather than a luxury hotel brand
• Ways to adjust pricing while still staying profitable
• Additional services/amenities that will identify the CREEK brand as boutique
• Pros and cons of renovating all CREEK properties to luxury hotel brand
• Final recommendation for the CREEK brand
• Method to incorporate your recommendations into CREEK’s 20th anniversary
You will present your analysis and final recommendation to the senior vice president (judge) in a
meeting to take place in the senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president
(judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear your analysis. After you have
presented your analysis and have answered the senior vice president’s (judge’s) questions, the
senior vice president (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president for CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL, a hospitality
company that manages and franchises 14 different hotel brands. The company owns a boutique
hotel brand named CREEK. You want the director of brand management and director of
marketing for CREEK (participant team) to analyze CREEK’s 20 years in business and determine
changes and/or additions that need to be made to the brand to either preserve or change its
identity.
CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL has been in the hospitality business for over 100 years, but the
boutique brand it operates, CREEK, has only been in business since 1998. CREEK is the first and
only boutique style hotel owned by CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL. CREEK was meant to target
Millennials and have a mid range price point of $219/night.
All CREEK hotels have similar décor. They are all trendy and hip with minimalist, dark themes.
All CREEK locations have fun lounges, restaurants featuring local fare with local ingredients and
rooftop pools with trendy outdoor games. The restaurants and lounges are marketed as fun and
attract local Millennials as well as hotel guests. CREEK was meant to be the opposite of luxury
hotels, which are thought of as stuffy and boring.
The success of CREEK was overwhelming. CREEKSIDE INTERNATIONAL executives knew that
CREEK would offer something unique, but they had no idea just how popular the brand would be
among all demographics. Twenty years later, CREEK is still extremely popular, but the primary
demographic has changed from Millennials to Generation X and young Baby Boomers. Another
change is the price point. The high demand for rooms at CREEK has raised the average rate from
$219/night to $349/night, making it fit the luxury hotel price point rather than boutique.
CREEK has run into problems this past year due to the rising room rates with no changes to the
style of offerings of the brand. Guests feel that if they are paying a luxury brand rate, they should
receive luxury brand services and amenities, not boutique brand services and amenities.
Changing CREEK to a luxury brand would require renovations to all the properties, including
changes to style, décor, restaurants and services offered.
With its 20-year anniversary approaching, you want the director of brand management and
director of marketing for CREEK (participant team) to analyze the brand identity and history of
CREEK. To stay competitive and profitable, you want the director of brand management and
director of marketing for CREEK (participant team) to analyze the following:
• Benefits of remaining a boutique hotel brand
• Methods to position CREEK as a boutique hotel brand rather than a luxury hotel brand
• Ways to adjust pricing while still staying profitable
• Additional services/amenities that will identify the CREEK brand as boutique
• Pros and cons of renovating all CREEK properties to luxury hotel brand
• Final recommendation for the CREEK brand
• Method to incorporate your recommendations into CREEK’s 20th anniversary
The director of brand management and director of marketing (participant team) will present their
analysis to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting
the director of brand management and director of marketing (participant team) asking to hear
about their ideas.
After the director of brand management and director of marketing (participant team) have
presented their analysis and final recommendation you are to ask the following questions of each
participant team:
2. With only 50 locations, there is very little supply. What do you think would happen to
popularity and pricing if the company doubled or tripled the number of CREEK locations?
3. What do you think would happen if the company did absolutely nothing and just let
CREEK keep operating as usual?
Once the director of brand management and director of marketing (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Product/Service Management
2018
MARKETING
MANAGEMENT TEAM
DECISION MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Marketing
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Market Planning
MARKETING MANAGEMENT
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of marketing and marketing specialist for HERITAGE
FUNERAL HOME, a new funeral home in a city of 250,000 people. The manager of the funeral
home (judge) has asked your team to develop a marketing plan that will showcase the funeral
home’s special services and promote the new business to the community.
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME opened its doors last month in a city with two other funeral home
businesses. One of the funeral homes is quite small. The other funeral home business, PRECIOUS
FAMILY, is the most well-known and utilized home in the area and has three locations across the
city. PRECIOUS FAMILY has been serving the area for over 100 years and prides itself on helping
generations of families.
Aside from traditional funeral home services, a unique service HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME offers
its customers is the ability to have the funeral service and a gathering after the services all in one
building. An adjacent fellowship hall is set up to accommodate 200 people. The room features a
kitchen able to warm and cool food, prep counters and plates, silverware and other dining
necessities. There is ample seating and technological equipment for presentations. HERITAGE
FUNERAL HOME is the only funeral home in the region that offers the additional service of
providing fellowship space.
The manager of HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (judge) feels that people are reluctant to choose
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME simply because it is new and they are unfamiliar with all the funeral
home has to offer. People in the community choose PRECIOUS FAMILY because it is familiar.
The manager (judge) wants you to create a marketing plan that will showcase HERITAGE
FUNERAL HOME’S special services and promote the new business to the community. The
manager (judge) wants you to include specific marketing strategies, timelines, various
communication channels and primary and secondary target markets in your plan. It is imperative
to the manager (judge) that the marketing planning be kept ethical and demonstrates empathy.
You will present the marketing plan to the manager (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
manager’s (judge’s) office. The manager (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and
asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented the plan and have answered the manager’s
(judge’s) questions, the manager (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your
work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of manager of HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, a new funeral home in a
city of 250,000 people. You have asked the director of marketing and marketing specialist
(participant team) to develop a marketing plan that will showcase the funeral home’s special
services and promote the new business to the community.
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME opened its doors last month in a city with two other funeral home
businesses. One of the funeral homes is quite small. The other funeral home business, PRECIOUS
FAMILY, is the most well-known and utilized home in the area and has three locations across the
city. PRECIOUS FAMILY has been serving the area for over 100 years and prides itself on helping
generations of families.
Aside from traditional funeral home services, a unique service HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME offers
its customers is the ability to have the funeral service and a gathering after the services all in one
building. An adjacent fellowship hall is set up to accommodate 200 people. The room features a
kitchen able to warm and cool food, prep counters and plates, silverware and other dining
necessities. There is ample seating and technological equipment for presentations. HERITAGE
FUNERAL HOME is the only funeral home in the region that offers the additional service of
providing fellowship space.
You feel that people are reluctant to choose HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME simply because it is new
and they are unfamiliar with all the funeral home has to offer. People in the community choose
PRECIOUS FAMILY because it is familiar.
You want the director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) to create a
marketing plan that will showcase HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME’S special services and promote the
new business to the community. You want the director of marketing and marketing specialist
(participant team) to include specific marketing strategies, timelines, various communication
channels and primary and secondary target markets in their plan. It is imperative to you that the
marketing planning be kept ethical and demonstrates empathy.
The director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) will present the plan and to
you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the director
of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) and asking to hear their ideas.
After the director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) have presented the
plan, you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. Do you think it is appropriate for HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME to market itself when the
company is only needed during times of sorrow?
2. How can we ensure your proposed marketing strategies are ethical and show empathy?
Once the director of marketing and marketing specialist (participant team) have answered your
questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work. You are not to make
any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Product/Service Management
MARKETING MANAGEMENT
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of marketing and director of brand engagement for TRI-
STATE DAIRY COUNCIL, an organization that educates consumers about the benefits of dairy
products and promotes the industry and products throughout the region. The executive director
(judge) has asked you to analyze a century-old promotional strategy and recommend changes
that will make it more relevant in today’s culture.
TRI-STATE DAIRY COUNCIL serves a combined population of 28 million people. The region the
organization serves contains several hundred dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products.
The organization produces quarterly literature that educates the public on the region’s dairy
farms, the products being produced and sold, the importance of dairy in diets, and special recipes
for dishes rich in dairy. In addition, the organization visits cities within the region to promote
dairy products, oftentimes attending local festivals.
For over 100 years, TRI-STATE DAIRY COUNCIL has named a Dairy Princess each year. The Dairy
Princess is a young woman, between the ages of 18 and 21 years old, that serves as an
ambassador for the organization. The Dairy Princess attends festivals, parades and special events
during her one-year reign to promote and educate the benefits of dairy. The Dairy Princess wears
a crown, a formal dress, and a sash that has both the TRI-STATE DAIRY COUNCIL emblem and the
title of Dairy Princess.
To be chosen as Dairy Princess, young women must fill out a nomination form that identifies
they are both the correct age and also live in the region. The nominee must include a letter of
recommendation in the application packet. Nominees are also asked to write a report explaining
why dairy is important and why they want to become Dairy Princess. After finalists have been
chosen, contestants must give a speech in front of industry judges so their public speaking skills
can be assessed. An industry judge and staff from TRI-COUNTY DAIRY COUNCIL then make the
final decision on naming the new Dairy Princess.
Each Dairy Princess has her travel paid and is given a stipend for expenses. If all engagements
and obligations are met, the Dairy Princess is awarded $5,000 at the end of her reign. The $5,000
is allocated from the marketing budget, as the role of Dairy Princess is to raise awareness of
dairy.
In the past several years, the number of women applying to become Dairy Princess has severely
declined. Last year, the TRI-COUNTY DAIRY COUNCIL only had three candidates apply and not all
of the applicants met the requirements. In addition, several remarks have been made on the
organization’s social media platforms claiming that pageants are old fashioned and that young
men should have the opportunity to promote dairy products, as well.
The executive director (judge) agrees that the Dairy Princess program has become stale and has
not kept up with modern times. The executive director (judge) wants you to analyze the program
and recommend changes that would make it more relevant, keeping in mind the role of Dairy
Princess is to educate and promote dairy products through young adult ambassadors. The
executive director (judge) wants to hear the following recommendations:
• Analysis of the Dairy Princess program
• Recommendations for a new dairy ambassador program
• Name for the new program
• Positioning of the new program
• Methods to communicate the new program to targeted audiences
You will present your analysis and recommendation to the executive director (judge) in a
meeting to take place in the executive director’s (judge’s) office. The executive director (judge)
will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented
your analysis and have answered the executive director’s (judge’s) questions, the executive
director (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of executive director for TRI-STATE DAIRY COUNCIL, an organization
that educates consumers about the benefits of dairy products and promotes the industry and
products throughout the region. You have asked the director of marketing and director of brand
engagement (participant team) to analyze a century-old promotional strategy and recommend
changes that will make it more relevant in today’s culture.
TRI-STATE DAIRY COUNCIL serves a combined population of 28 million people. The region the
organization serves contains several hundred dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products.
The organization produces quarterly literature that educates the public on the region’s dairy
farms, the products being produced and sold, the importance of dairy in diets, and special recipes
for dishes rich in dairy. In addition, the organization visits cities within the region to promote
dairy products, oftentimes attending local festivals.
For over 100 years, TRI-STATE DAIRY COUNCIL has named a Dairy Princess each year. The Dairy
Princess is a young woman, between the ages of 18 and 21 years old, that serves as an
ambassador for the organization. The Dairy Princess attends festivals, parades and special events
during her one-year reign to promote and educate the benefits of dairy. The Dairy Princess wears
a crown, a formal dress, and a sash that has both the TRI STATE DAIRY COUNCIL emblem and the
title of Dairy Princess.
To be chosen as Dairy Princess, young women must fill out a nomination form that identifies
they are both the correct age, and also live in the region. The nominee must include a letter of
recommendation in the application packet. Nominees are also asked to write a report explaining
why dairy is important and why they want to become Dairy Princess. After finalists have been
chosen, contestants must give a speech in front of industry judges so their public speaking skills
can be assessed. An industry judge and staff from TRI-COUNTY DAIRY COUNCIL then make the
final decision on naming the new Dairy Princess.
Each Dairy Princess has her travel paid and is given a stipend for expenses. If all engagements
and obligations are met, the Dairy Princess is awarded $5,000 at the end of her reign. The $5,000
is allocated from the marketing budget, as the role of Dairy Princess is to raise awareness of
dairy.
In the past several years, the number of women applying to become Dairy Princess has severely
declined. Last year, the TRI-COUNTY DAIRY COUNCIL only had three candidates apply and not all
of the applicants met the requirements. In addition, several remarks have been made on the
organization’s social media platforms claiming that pageants are old fashioned and that young
men should have the opportunity to promote dairy products, as well.
You agree that the Dairy Princess program has become stale and has not kept up with modern
times. You want the director of marketing and director of brand engagement (participant team) to
analyze the program and recommend changes that would make it more relevant, keeping in mind
the role of Dairy Princess is to educate and promote dairy products. You want to hear the
following recommendations:
• Analysis of the Dairy Princess program
• Recommendations for a new dairy ambassador program
• Name for the new program
• Positioning of the new program
• Methods to communicate the new program to targeted audiences
The director of marketing and director of brand engagement (participant team) will present their
analysis and recommendation to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the
meeting by greeting the director of marketing and director of brand engagement (participant
team) and asking to hear their ideas.
After the director of marketing and director of brand engagement (participant team) have
presented their recommendations you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. How can we give the Dairy Princess program a proper goodbye after 100 years?
2. Why do you think your new program will attract more people than the Dairy Princess
program?
3. Will your new program cost the organization more than the Dairy Princess program?
Once the director of marketing and director of brand engagement (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Product/Service Management
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Marketing
MARKETING MANAGEMENT
TEAM DECISION MAKING EVENT
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of general manager and promotions specialist for TRANQUIL
MASSAGE, a local business that provides massage services. The owner of the business (judge)
has asked you to determine how the business can participate in the holiday shopping season even
though it does not offer physical gifts.
TRANQUIL MASSAGE is located in a city with 75,000 people. The owner (judge), a licensed
massage therapist, has a staff of five other massage therapists and operates the business out of a
four-bedroom cottage just two miles outside of the city. Marketing materials and local television
ads for the business use the slogan, “Relaxation is only two miles away,” calling attention to the
location just outside of the city.
TRANQUIL MASSAGE offers various types of massage: Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, shiatsu
and prenatal. Massages are available in two lengths: 30-minute and 60-minute. The massages are
priced at $50 for 30 minutes and $100 for 60 minutes. TRANQUIL MASSAGE does not offer any
products or additional services.
The owner of TRANQUIL MASSAGE (judge) knows that the holiday shopping season is typically
an extremely profitable time of year for small business owners and would like the business to
reap the financial rewards. The business worked with a creative agency to design gift cards for
both 30-minute and 60-minute massages. The gift cards resemble credit cards and feature the
TRANQUIL MASSAGE logo and a pre-printed indication for a 30-minute or 60-minute massage.
Now that the gift cards have been created, the owner (judge) has asked you to develop a plan to
market the gift cards as a holiday gift idea. The owner (judge) is worried that a gift card is not
considered a traditional holiday gift. The owner (judge) would like you to plan the following for
the gift card marketing:
• The promotional price for the gift cards
• Dates the promotional price should be available
• Expiration date for the gift cards
• TRANQUIL MASSAGE gift packaging for customers
• Appropriate channels for sales distribution and marketing
• Methods to imply the gift is the service, not the card
• Examples of the type of person that would enjoy a TRANQUIL MASSAGE gift card
You will present your ideas to the owner (judge) in a meeting to take place in the owner’s
(judge’s) office. The owner (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear
your ideas. After you have presented your ideas and have answered the owner’s (judge’s)
questions, the owner (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of owner of TRANQUIL MASSAGE, a local business that provides
massage services. You have asked the general manager and promotions specialist (participant
team) to determine how the business can participate in the holiday shopping season even though
it does not offer physical gifts.
TRANQUIL MASSAGE is located in a city with 75,000 people. You are a licensed massage
therapist, have a staff of five other massage therapists and operate the business out of a four-
bedroom cottage just two miles outside of the city. Marketing materials and local television ads
for the business use the slogan, “Relaxation is only two miles away,” calling attention to the
location just outside of the city.
TRANQUIL MASSAGE offers various types of massage: Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, shiatsu
and prenatal. Massages are available in two lengths: 30-minute and 60-minute. The massages are
priced at $50 for 30 minutes and $100 for 60 minutes. TRANQUIL MASSAGE does not offer any
products or additional services.
You know that the holiday shopping season is typically an extremely profitable time of year for
small business owners and would like your business to reap the financial rewards. The business
worked with a creative agency to design gift cards for both 30-minute and 60-minute massages.
The gift cards resemble credit cards and feature the TRANQUIL MASSAGE logo and a pre-printed
indication for a 30-minute or 60-minute massage.
Now that the gift cards have been created, you have asked the general manager and promotions
specialist (participant team) to develop a plan to market the gift cards as a holiday gift idea. You
are worried that a gift card is not considered a traditional holiday gift. You would like the general
manager and promotions specialist (participant team) to plan the following for the gift card
marketing:
• The promotional price for the gift cards
• Dates the promotional price should be available
• An expiration date for the gift cards
• TRANQUIL MASSAGE packaging for customers
• Appropriate channels for sales distribution and marketing
• Methods to imply the gift is the service, not the card
• Examples of the type of person that would enjoy a TRANQUIL MASSAGE gift card
The general manager and promotions specialist (participant team) will present their ideas to you
in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the general
manager and promotions specialist (participant team) and asking to hear their ideas.
After the general manager and promotions specialist (participant team) have presented their ideas
you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. Besides the holiday season, when else would a TRANQUIL MASSAGE gift card be
marketable?
2. Do you think our location outside of the city harms or helps our business?
3. Do you think promotional pricing will entice our loyal customers to purchase gift cards?
Once the general manager and promotions specialist (participant team) have answered your
questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Marketing
2018
SPORTS +
ENTERTAINMENT
MARKETING TEAM
DECISION MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Marketing
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Selling
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of sales and director of brand management for GOLF
GALORE, a regional chain of stores that sells golf equipment. The president of the company
(judge) has asked you to determine unique services and experiences the stores can offer that will
increase clientele.
GOLF GALORE has twenty locations in cities with populations exceeding 300,000 people. The
stores’ locations were picked to coincide with cities that have popular golf courses. Each store
has all of the products associated with the sport as well as golf apparel for men, women and
children. The employees are well-trained on all brands and how to best fit the equipment to each
customer.
While GOLF GALORE has maintained steady same-store sales and has achieved high rankings in
customer service, the president of the company (judge) feels that the company is missing out on
a large segment of each community. While avid golfers do shop at GOLF GALORE, they tend to
shop for a specific item rather than look around the store. There is also a large segment of each
community that would not consider themselves avid golfers and that segment does not visit GOLF
GALORE.
The president (judge) feels that the traditional sales model that GOLF GALORE follows is not
attracting new customers. The president (judge) wants your team to determine what unique
services or experiences GOLF GALORE could offer that would not only interest avid golfers but
interest the general public as well. The president (judge) is willing to remodel and/or expand
GOLF GALORE stores to accommodate your recommendations.
You will present your recommendations to the president (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
president’s (judge’s) office. The president (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and
asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your recommendations and have answered
the president’s (judge’s) questions, the president (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking
you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of president of GOLF GALORE, a regional chain of stores that sells golf
equipment. You have asked the director of sales and director of brand management (participant
team) to determine unique services and experiences the stores can offer that will increase
clientele.
GOLF GALORE has twenty locations in cities with populations exceeding 300,000 people. The
store’s locations were picked to coincide with cities that have popular golf courses. Each store
has all of the products associated with the sport as well as golf apparel for men, women and
children. The employees are well-trained on all brands and how to best fit the equipment to each
customer.
While GOLF GALORE has maintained steady same-store sales and has achieved high rankings in
customer service, you feel that the company is missing out on a large segment of each
community. While avid golfers do shop at GOLF GALORE, they tend to shop for a specific item
rather than look around the store. There is also a large segment of each community that would
not consider themselves avid golfers and that segment does not visit GOLF GALORE.
You feel that the traditional sales model that GOLF GALORE follows is not attracting new
customers. You want the director of sales and director of brand management (participant team)
to determine what unique services or experiences GOLF GALORE could offer that would not only
interest avid golfers but interest the general public as well. You are willing to remodel and/or
expand GOLF GALORE stores to accommodate the director of sales and director of brand
management’s (participant team’s) recommendations.
The director of sales and director of brand management (participant team) will present their
recommendations to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by
greeting the director of sales and director of brand management (participant team) and asking to
hear about their ideas.
After the director of sales and director of brand management (participant team) have presented
their ideas, you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. Will your proposed ideas interfere with our avid golfer clientele? If so, in what ways?
Once the director of sales and director of brand management (participant team) have answered
your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Operations
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
• Plan project.
• Develop project plan.
• Identify resources needed for project.
• Identify types of public-relations activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers.
• Coordinate channel management with other marketing activities.
• Evaluate project success.
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of project managers for SOUTH SIDE YOUTH SOCCER, a local youth
sports organization that provides soccer players with opportunities from beginner level to
advanced level of competition. The executive director of the organization (judge) has asked you
to develop a project plan for September’s Youth Soccer Month.
SOUTH SIDE YOUTH SOCCER serves a community of 250,000 people. While the association is not-
for-profit, it does support and promote various soccer clubs including parks and recreation
leagues that charge fees for participation in soccer programs. The largest soccer league in the
community is run by the parks and recreation program. Currently, the parks and recreation soccer
leagues have two divisions of each: U6, U8, U12 and U15, totaling close to 1,000 youth
participants.
Across the nation, September has been named Youth Soccer Month. The focus of Youth Soccer
Month is to initiate, strengthen and/or renew interest and participation in youth soccer. It is a
chance for associations to recognize players, teams, associations and the sport itself. The national
association has given all local associations a theme for each week in the month of September.
The themes should be used as guidelines to build your own activities during Youth Soccer
Month. The weekly themes are as follows:
• Week 1: FUN
• Week 2: FAMILY
• Week 3: FRIENDSHIP
• Week 4: FITNESS
The executive director (judge) has asked your team to develop a project plan for Youth Soccer
Month. The plan must include activities for each week of the month that fit with the theme,
resources needed, strategies for building relationships in the community and increasing
participation in youth soccer. The executive director (judge) has granted you access to all soccer
complexes in the community and communication with all youth currently participating in soccer
programs. The executive director (judge) also wants you to include methods to evaluate the
success of the project.
You will present your project plan to the executive director (judge) in a meeting to take place in
the director’s (judge’s) office. The executive director (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting
you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented the information and have answered
the director’s (judge’s) questions, the executive director (judge) will conclude the meeting by
thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of executive director for SOUTH SIDE YOUTH SOCCER, a local youth
sports organization that provides soccer players with opportunities from beginner level to
advanced level of competition. You have asked two project managers (participant team) to
develop a project plan for September’s Youth Soccer Month.
SOUTH SIDE YOUTH SOCCER serves a community of 250,000 people. While the association is not-
for-profit, it does support and promote various soccer clubs including parks and recreation
leagues that charge fees for participation in soccer programs. The largest soccer league in the
community is run by the parks and recreation program. Currently, the parks and recreation soccer
leagues have two divisions of each: U6, U8, U12 and U15, totaling close to 1,000 youth
participants.
Across the nation, September has been named Youth Soccer Month. The focus of Youth Soccer
Month is to initiate, strengthen and/or renew interest and participation in youth soccer. It is a
chance for associations to recognize players, teams, associations and the sport itself. The national
association has given all local associations a theme for each week in the month of September.
The themes should be used as guidelines to build your own activities during Youth Soccer
Month. The weekly themes are as follows:
• Week 1: FUN
• Week 2: FAMILY
• Week 3: FRIENDSHIP
• Week 4: FITNESS
You have asked the project managers (participant team) to develop a project plan for Youth
Soccer Month. The plan must include activities for each week of the month that fit with the
theme, resources needed, strategies for building relationships in the community and increasing
participation in youth soccer. You have granted the project managers (participant team) access to
all soccer complexes in the community and communication with all youth currently participating
in soccer programs. You also want the project managers (participant team) to include methods to
evaluate the success of the project.
The project managers (participant team) will present the project plan to you in a meeting to take
place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the project managers (participant
team) and asking to hear about their ideas.
After the project managers (participant team) have presented their ideas, you are to ask the
following questions of each participant team:
1. How will your project reach out to youth in the community that do not currently play
soccer?
3. Do you feel the activities you have planned will attract both the youngest players (6 years
old) and the oldest players (15 years old) in our association?
Once the project managers (participant team) have answered your questions, you will conclude
the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Customer Relations
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of program manager and marketing specialist for CAPITOL CITY
PARKS DEPARTMENT, a department in the local government that oversees the local parks. The
director of the organization (judge) has asked you to determine how to increase attendance at the
bimonthly “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” at a local park.
CAPITOL CITY PARKS DEPARTMENT operates in a city of 400,000 people. One of the programs
facilitated by the department is “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” twice a month at a local park.
The parks department sponsors the event by maintaining the large park field and the setup of a
giant 50-foot screen for movie viewing. The department pays the necessary licensing fees to
showcase popular movies, all family friendly with a PG or G rating.
In addition to the movie, “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” also features food trucks set up
along the perimeter of the park for families to grab dinner. The food trucks are made up of
popular local restaurants and a few national chains. If attendees choose to dine using food trucks,
they must purchase their own dinner; however, attendees are free to bring their own picnic
baskets at no charge.
“A Night with Dinner & A Movie” is held the first and third Saturday during the months of June,
July and August. The food trucks open at 5pm and the movie begins at 7pm. Many families
choose to arrive early to find the best seating options. There are portable bathrooms in the park
for an added convenience.
In its first two years, “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” had an overwhelming positive response
from the community. Close to 500 people packed the park for the event each time it was held.
The food truck vendors were extremely pleased with the turnout, and the attendees were happy to
have a free outing for the family. This year, the number has significantly decreased. The very
first Saturday in June, only 300 people attended “A Night with Dinner & A Movie,” and only
100 people attended on the third Saturday in June.
CAPITOL CITY PARKS DEPARTMENT found that the low attendance was due to the extremely hot
temperatures. Typically, Capitol City averages a high temperature of 75 degrees in June, but this
year the temperatures averaged closer to 90 degrees. Instead of low temperatures being in the
60s, low temperatures only decreased to 75 degrees. Citizens of Capitol City were not prepared
for the high summer temperatures.
The forecast for July is not looking any cooler. Meteorologists are stating this will be the hottest
summer on record for Capitol City. High temperatures for the upcoming month are forecasted to
be well into the mid to high 90s, with possibilities of reaching 100 degrees.
The director (judge) has asked your team to determine what can be done to encourage citizens to
attend “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” during July and August, even if the temperatures are
above average. The director (judge) is open to both changes and/or additions to “A Night with
Dinner & A Movie,” as long as it encourages attendance and promotes positive customer
relations to the citizens of Capitol City. The director (judge) also wants you to determine how
your proposed changes and/or additions will be communicated to the public.
You will present your ideas to the director (judge) in a meeting to take place in the director’s
(judge’s) office. The director (judge) will begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear
your ideas. After you have presented your ideas and have answered the director’s (judge’s)
questions, the director (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of director of CAPITOL CITY PARKS DEPARTMENT, a department in the
local government that oversees the local parks. You have asked the program manager and
marketing specialist (participant team) to determine how to increase attendance at the bimonthly
“A Night with Dinner & A Movie” at a local park.
CAPITOL CITY PARKS DEPARTMENT operates in a city of 400,000 people. One of the programs
facilitated by the department is “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” twice a month at a local park.
The parks department sponsors the event by maintaining the large park field and the setup of a
giant 50-foot screen for movie viewing. The department pays the necessary licensing fees to
showcase popular movies, all family friendly with a PG or G rating.
In addition to the movie, “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” also features food trucks set up
along the perimeter of the park for families to grab dinner. The food trucks are made up of
popular local restaurants and a few national chains. If attendees choose to dine using food trucks,
they must purchase their own dinner; however, attendees are free to bring their own picnic
baskets at no charge.
“A Night with Dinner & A Movie” is held the first and third Saturday during the months of June,
July and August. The food trucks open at 5pm and the movie begins at 7pm. Many families
choose to arrive early to find the best seating options. There are portable bathrooms in the park
as an added convenience.
In its first two years, “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” had an overwhelming positive response
from the community. Close to 500 people packed the park for the event each time it was held.
The food truck vendors were extremely pleased with the turnout, and the attendees were happy to
have a free outing for the family. This year the number has significantly decreased. The very first
Saturday in June, only 300 people attended “A Night with Dinner & A Movie,” and only 100
people attended on the third Saturday in June.
CAPITOL CITY PARKS DEPARTMENT found that the low attendace was due to the extremely hot
temperatures. Typically, Capitol City averages a high temperature of 75 degrees in June, but this
year the temperatures averaged closer to 90 degrees. Instead of low temperatures being in the
60s, low temperatures only decreased to 75 degrees. Citizens of Capitol City were not prepared
for the high summer temperatures.
The forecast for July is not looking any cooler. Meteorologists are stating this will be the hottest
summer on record for Capitol City. High temperatures for the upcoming month are forecasted to
be well into the mid to high 90s, with possibilities of reaching 100 degrees.
You have asked the program manager and marketing specialist (participant team) to determine
what can be done to encourage citizens to attend “A Night with Dinner & A Movie” during July
and August, even if the temperatures are above average. You are open to both changes and/or
additions to “A Night with Dinner & A Movie,” as long as it encourages attendance and
promotes positive customer relations to the citizens of Capitol City. You also want the program
manager and marketing specialist (participant team) to determine how their proposed changes
and/or additions will be communicated to the public.
The program manager and marketing specialist (participant team) will present ideas to you in a
meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the program
manager and marketing specialist (participant team) and asking to hear about their ideas.
After the program manager and marketing specialist (participant team) have presented their
ideas, you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. Why is it important for our department to offer free activities to the community?
2. What safety precautions are important when there are extreme temperatures like what is
forecasted?
3. How do think the food truck vendors will respond to your ideas?
Once the program manager and marketing specialist (participant team) have answered your
questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
STDM-18
State/Provincial Event #2
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Customer Relations
2018
TRAVEL + TOURISM
TEAM DECISION
MAKING
2018 CASE STUDIES
INCLUDES:
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Published by Shop DECA. Copyright © 2018 by DECA Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.
No part of this publication may be reproduced for resale without written permision from the publisher. Printed in the United States.
INTEGRATE DECA’S ROLE-PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES
INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
With its connection to National Curriculum Standards, DECA’s Competitive Events Program is designed to be integrated into
classroom instruction to help members apply learning and connect to business. As teaching tools, DECA’s role-plays and case
studies provide relevant, meaningful problems for students to solve, provide a standards-based evaluation, increase rigor of the
instruction, result in evidence of student learning and expose students to DECA – all as part of classroom instruction.
Role-plays and case studies are developed using performance indicators – key concepts from national curriculum standards
that students should learn during the school year. DECA uses five lists of performance indicators which are organized by career
cluster – business administration core, business management and administration, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing,
as well as personal financial literacy.
Each performance indicator list is arranged by instructional areas to assist advisors with planning units of instruction. Advisors
teaching accounting courses, for example, can use the Finance Career Cluster performance indicator list to plan their curriculum
while advisors teaching marketing courses can use the Marketing Career Cluster performance indicator list.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events measure four performance indicators from the business
administration core.
Case studies used for DECA’s Team Decision Making Events measure seven performance indicators. Usually, at least four of the
seven performance indicators have been selected from the case study’s instructional area. Therefore, if the event situation is
asking the participant to develop a promotion plan, most of the performance indicators will be from the promotion instructional
area.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Individual Series Events measure five performance indicators. Usually, at least three of the five
performance indicators have been selected from the event situation’s instructional area. The career pathway is also identified on
the role-play, which may include performance indicators from that specific pathway as well.
Role-plays used for DECA’s Personal Financial Literacy event measure three performance indicators from the National Standards
in K–12 Personal Finance Education, created and maintained by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy.
Since the evaluation form for each role-play and case study assesses the performance indicators, you are assessing students’
performance according to national curriculum standards which are industry validated and aligned to career clusters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Event guidelines, performance indicator lists, sample events and sample exam questions are available at www.deca.org/
competitiveevents. Sample role-play presentations can be viewed at www.deca.org. Advisors may wish to show the videos
and ask students to evaluate the presentations using the evaluation forms. Shop DECA sells many items to assist advisors with
integrating DECA into curriculum at shopdeca.org.
CAREER CLUSTER
Hospitality and Tourism
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Product/Service Management
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
● The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills, Performance
Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review this information
and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your presentation.
● You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members of
the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
● Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of product development and director of marketing for
TRAVEL ALLY, a new company that provides international travelers with customizable safety plans.
The senior vice president (judge) has asked your team to determine how the company’s services
should be positioned to market to different tourist markets.
TRAVEL ALLY will launch soon. The creator of the company saw a need for safety plans for people
that travel abroad. Many unforeseen circumstances can happen on any trip, but international travel
problems can create difficult situations for travelers without the appropriate knowledge.
For a $50.00 fee, TRAVEL ALLY will create a customized safety plan for customers’ international
trips. Once the destination, travel dates and accommodation information is entered into the
website, TRAVEL ALLY supplies the customer with emergency phone numbers, locations of
hospitals, police departments, embassies, customs information, rules of etiquette and evacuation
plans. TRAVEL ALLY is available to help customers 24 hours a day when help is needed due to civil
unrest, natural disaster, accidents, assaults or illness.
In addition to the customized safety plan, TRAVEL ALLY also offers customers a thirty-minute
online safety class that walks travelers through common safety tips and procedures for
international travel. The online safety class comes free with the $50.00 safety plan or can be
purchased separately for $25.00.
The senior vice president (judge) knows that there are many different tourist markets, both
individual and groups, that would benefit from TRAVEL ALLY. The senior vice president (judge)
wants you to choose a market segment and determine how to best position TRAVEL ALLY and
market it to the chosen segment. The senior vice president (judge) wants you to include:
● Chosen market segment
● Marketing strategies appropriate for market segment
● Methods to position TRAVEL ALLY to acquire a positive image/brand
● Promotional considerations
● Marketing considerations for the product extension
You will present your ideas to the senior vice president (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
senior vice president’s (judge’s) office. The senior vice president (judge) will begin the meeting
by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your ideas and have
answered the senior vice president’s (judge’s) questions, the senior vice president (judge) will
conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of senior vice president for TRAVEL ALLY, a new company that provides
international travelers with customizable safety plans. You have asked the director of product
development and director of marketing (participant team) to determine how the company’s
services should be positioned to market to different tourist markets.
TRAVEL ALLY will launch soon. The creator of the company saw a need for safety plans for people
that travel abroad. Many unforeseen circumstances can happen on any trip, but international travel
problems can create difficult situations for travelers without the appropriate knowledge.
For a $50.00 fee, TRAVEL ALLY will create a customized safety plan for customers’ international
trips. Once the destination, travel dates and accommodation information is entered into the
website, TRAVEL ALLY supplies the customer with emergency phone numbers, locations of
hospitals, police departments, embassies, customs information, rules of etiquette and evacuation
plans. TRAVEL ALLY is available to help customers 24 hours a day when help is needed due to civil
unrest, natural disaster, accidents, assaults or illness.
In addition to the customized safety plan, TRAVEL ALLY also offers customers a thirty-minute
online safety class that walks travelers through common safety tips and procedures for
international travel. The online safety class comes free with the $50.00 safety plan or can be
purchased separately for $25.00.
You know that there are many different tourist markets, both individual and groups, that would
benefit from TRAVEL ALLY. You want the director of product development and director of
marketing (participant team) to choose a market segment and determine how to best position
TRAVEL ALLY and market it to the chosen segment. You want the director of product development
and director of marketing (participant team) to include:
● Chosen market segment
● Marketing strategies appropriate for market segment
● Methods to position TRAVEL ALLY to acquire a positive image/brand
● Promotional considerations
● Marketing considerations for the product extension
The director of product development and director of marketing (participant team) will present their
ideas to you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the
director of product development and director of marketing (participant team) and asking to hear
about their ideas.
After the director of product development and director of marketing (participant team) have
presented their ideas, you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. If a group of travelers wants to purchase a travel safety plan, do we charge the entire group
$50.00, charge everyone in the group $50.00 each or create a specific group rate?
2. What other products or services could TRAVEL ALLY offer to assist travelers?
3. If we advertise on television, which networks would be the best fit for TRAVEL ALLY?
Once the director of product development and director of marketing (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation, and
then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure fairness,
you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask other
questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the information
is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few minor
problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great degree. A
combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the participant team
DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the effectiveness
of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major flaw) or that
the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Promotion
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of marketing and director of customer engagement for
RECESS MAGIC, a very large tourist attraction set to open soon. The chief marketing officer
(judge) wants your team to develop a promotional plan for the attraction’s first advertising
campaign entitled, “Ultimate Kidcation.”
RECESS MAGIC will be the first-ever tourist attraction of its kind in the entire region. The
attraction is made up of a state-of-the-art 90 acre amusement park, a water park with over 30
slides and water attractions, a downtown area featuring retail shops and over two dozen
restaurants and a 2,000-room hotel resort. RECESS MAGIC was constructed by investors that saw
a need for family fun destinations in the region. While the primary target market is children,
investors know that adults will enjoy RECESS MAGIC, as well.
The chief marketing officer (judge) feels it is important that during the launch of RECESS MAGIC,
the advertising campaign and promotional efforts are featured around the target market of
children. The campaign, “Ultimate Kidcation,” has been chosen for the debut of RECESS MAGIC.
The chief marketing officer (judge) feels that “Ultimate Kidcation,” communicates that RECESS
MAGIC is the ultimate destination for families with children to go on vacation.
The chief marketing officer (judge) wants your team to develop the rest of the “Ultimate
Kidcation” campaign. The chief marketing officer (judge) wants your team to determine the
following:
You will present the promotional plan to the chief marketing officer (judge) in a meeting to take
place in the chief marketing officer’s (judge’s) office. The chief marketing officer (judge) will
begin the meeting by greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your
ideas and have answered the chief marketing officer’s (judge’s) questions, the chief marketing
officer (judge) will conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of chief marketing officer for RECESS MAGIC, a very large tourist
attraction set to open soon. You want the director of marketing and director of customer
engagement (participant team) to develop a promotional plan for the attraction’s first advertising
campaign entitled, “Ultimate Kidcation.”
RECESS MAGIC will be the first-ever tourist attraction of its kind in the entire region. The
attraction is made up of a state-of-the-art 90 acre amusement park, a water park with over 30
slides and water attractions, a downtown area featuring retail shops and over two dozen
restaurants and a 2,000-room hotel resort. RECESS MAGIC was constructed by investors that saw
a need for family fun destinations in the region. While the primary target market is children,
investors know that adults will enjoy RECESS MAGIC, as well.
You feel it is important that during the launch of RECESS MAGIC, the advertising campaign and
promotional efforts are featured around the target market of children. The campaign, “Ultimate
Kidcation,” has been chosen for the debut of RECESS MAGIC. You feel that “Ultimate Kidcation,”
communicates that RECESS MAGIC is the ultimate destination for families with children to go on
vacation.
You want the director of marketing and director of customer engagement (participant team) to
develop the rest of the “Ultimate Kidcation” campaign. You want the director of marketing and
director of customer engagement (participant team) to determine the following:
After the director of marketing and director of customer engagement (participant team) have
presented the ideas you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
2. Since this is our first campaign, what methods can we use to determine if it is effective?
Once the director of marketing and director of customer engagement (participant team) have
answered your questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Promotion
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Professional Development
PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS
• The event will be presented to you through your reading of the 21st Century Skills,
Performance Indicators and Case Study Situation. You will have up to 30 minutes to review
this information and prepare your presentation. You may make notes to use during your
presentation.
• You will have up to 10 minutes to make your presentation to the judge (you may have more
than one judge), followed by up to 5 minutes to answer the judge’s questions. All members
of the team must participate in the presentation, as well as answer the questions.
• Turn in all of your notes and event materials when you have completed the event.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
• Determine the services provided by professional organizations in the hospitality and tourism
industry.
• Explain employment opportunities in business.
• Determine the nature of organizational goals.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Explain the concept of market and market identification.
• Explain the use of marketing strategies in hospitality and tourism.
• Explain promotional methods used by the hospitality and tourism industry.
Published 2018 by DECA Inc. Copyright © 2018 by DECA, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced for
resale or posted online without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
CASE STUDY SITUATION
You are to assume the roles of director of marketing and director of outreach for ASSOCIATION
OF NORTH AMERICAN AIRLINE PILOTS (ANAAP), an organization formed to maintain the vitality
of airline pilots. The executive director of the organization (judge) has asked your team to
develop strategies to encourage younger generations to consider a career as an airline pilot.
The mission of ANAAP is to be an educational resource for pilot training and skill enhancement,
to advocate within government agencies and to promote professionalism and the vitality of
airline pilots. Most, but not all, commercial airline pilots in North America are members of
ANAAP and utilize services for information and training.
Due to the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age of 65-years old, 42% of all commercial
pilots will be retiring in the next 10 years. In the next 20 years, 117,000 new pilots will be
needed to maintain commercial flights. Without enough commercial pilots, flights will be
limited, routes cancelled and the number of flights per day will be greatly reduced. This is
discouraging news, as airlines are already struggling to find and keep pilots in the industry.
The executive director of ANAAP (judge) feels that the best course of action is to promote a
career as a commercial airline pilot to younger generations currently. If a young person makes
the decision to become an airline pilot early on, the correct educational and skill training can
begin sooner, leading to an increased availability of certified, licensed pilots ready for
commercial employment when needed the most.
The executive director (judge) has asked your team to develop strategies to target younger
generations to consider a career as an airline pilot. The executive director (judge) wants you to
determine the following:
• Which specific demographic to target
• How that demographic will be identified
• Main message/slogan to be used in efforts
• Strategies to market the main message/slogan to appropriate market
• Effective promotional channels
You will present your ideas to the executive director (judge) in a meeting to take place in the
executive director’s (judge’s) office. The executive director (judge) will begin the meeting by
greeting you and asking to hear your ideas. After you have presented your ideas and have
answered the executive director’s (judge’s) questions, the executive director (judge) will
conclude the meeting by thanking you for your work.
JUDGE’S INSTRUCTIONS
You are to assume the role of executive director for ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICAN AIRLINE
PILOTS (ANAAP), an organization formed to maintain the vitality of airline pilots. You have
asked the director of marketing and director of outreach (participant team) to develop strategies
to encourage younger generations to consider a career as an airline pilot.
The mission of ANAAP is to be an educational resource for pilot training and skill enhancement,
to advocate within government agencies and to promote professionalism and the vitality of
airline pilots. Most, but not all, commercial airline pilots in North America are members of
ANAAP and utilize services for information and training.
Due to the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age of 65-years old, 42% of all commercial
pilots will be retiring in the next 10 years. In the next 20 years, 117,000 new pilots will be
needed to maintain commercial flights. Without enough commercial pilots, flights will be
limited, routes cancelled and the number of flights per day will be greatly reduced. This is
discouraging news, as airlines are already struggling to find and keep pilots in the industry.
You feel that the best course of action is to promote a career as a commercial airline pilot to
younger generations currently. If a young person makes the decision to become an airline pilot
early on, the correct educational and skill training can begin sooner, leading to an increased
availability of certified, licensed pilots ready for commercial employment when needed the most.
You have asked the director of marketing and director of outreach (participant team) to develop
strategies to target younger generations to consider a career as an airline pilot. You want the
director of marketing and director of outreach (participant team) to determine the following:
• Which specific demographic to target
• How that demographic will be identified
• Main message/slogan to be used in efforts
• Strategies to market the main message/slogan to appropriate market
• Effective promotional channels
The director of marketing and director of outreach (participant team) will present their ideas to
you in a meeting to take place in your office. You will begin the meeting by greeting the director
of marketing and director of outreach (participant team) and asking to hear about their ideas.
After the director of marketing and director of outreach (participant team) have presented the
ideas you are to ask the following questions of each participant team:
1. What is your timeline for measuring success? When and how will ANAAP be able
determine whether or not your strategies are successful?
Once the director of marketing and director of outreach (participant team) have answered your
questions, you will conclude the meeting by thanking them for their work.
You are not to make any comments after the event is over except to thank the participants.
JUDGING THE PRESENTATION
Team members, assuming the role of a management team for the business represented, will analyze a case
situation related to the chosen occupational area. The team will make decisions regarding the situation,
and then make an oral presentation to the judge. The role of the judge is that of an executive for the
business.
Please place the name and identification number label on the Scantron sheet (unless it has already been
done for you).
Participants will have a 30-minute preparation period and may make notes to use during the role-play.
During the first 10 minutes of the presentation (after introductions), the team will present their analysis,
their decisions and the rationale behind the decisions. Allow the teams to complete this portion without
interruption, unless you are asked to respond.
During the next 5 minutes, you may ask questions of the team to determine their understanding of the
situation presented. Each member of each team should respond to at least one question. To ensure
fairness, you must ask each team the same questions. After asking the standard questions, you may ask
other questions for clarification specific to the current team.
After the questioning period, please thank the team and state that they will be notified of your decision
soon. Then complete the Evaluation Form, making sure to record a score for all categories. The maximum
score for the evaluation is 100 points. The presentation will be weighted at twice (2 times) the value of the
exam scores.
A maximum score of “Exceeds Expectations” in any category means that, in your opinion, the
information is presented effectively and creatively; nothing more could be expected of an employee.
A “Meets Expectations” rating means that the information is present well. Though there may be a few
minor problems or omissions, they are not significant. Creativity, however, is not shown to any great
degree. A combined total score of 70 or better on the written and presentation sections will earn the
participant team DECA’s Certificate of Excellence at the international conference.
A “Below Expectations” score means that the information presented does not meet minimum standards of
acceptability.
A “Little/No Value” score means either that some major flaw has been noted that damages the
effectiveness of the presentation (this may be a major omission, a serious misstatement or any other major
flaw) or that the information presented is of no value (does not help the presentation at all).
We hope you are impressed by the quality of the work of these potential managers. If you have any
suggestions for improving the event, please mention them to your series director.
INSTRUCTIONAL AREA
Professional Development