Hosted by Nottingham University Business School China, the 14th IMA Student Case Competition's East China Regional Final recently concluded successfully, providing an academic platform for five outstanding teams to demonstrate their expertise and innovative thinking.
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a globally leading certification body for management accountants. Since its introduction to China in 2009, its Student Case Competition has attracted over 800 universities and 27,000 students nationwide. This year's competition saw participation from more than 100 universities across China, with 233 teams from seven regional divisions submitting case analysis videos and reports online. After multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation, the top five teams from each division advanced to the regional finals.
This year's competition focused on the theme of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), challenging participants to apply management accounting tools and methodologies to develop innovative solutions for corporate sustainability. Teams were required to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in tackling complex case studies. The five competing teams in the East China division engaged in intense competition, with one ultimately securing the championship and advancing to the national finals.
Throughout the competition, a panel of academic and industry experts served as judges, offering professional critiques and valuable advice to participants. This interdisciplinary exchange not only elevated the competition's academic rigour but also strengthened the integration of management accounting education with real-world applications, equipping participants with enhanced professional awareness and practical capabilities.
Notably, the Business School's team, Phoenixes, reached the East China regional finals. Comprising four first-year undergraduates majoring in Finance, Accounting and Management, and International Business, this young team achieved an impressive second-place finish.
The Business School has been an active participant since the competition's inception in China, frequently advancing to regional and national finals. Last year, the university claimed its first-ever national championship. This year, outstanding members of last year's winning team returned as hosts, sharing competition insights and business acumen to mentor the next generation of participants.
By hosting this competition, the Business School has not only strengthened collaboration with domestic universities and industry experts but also established a high-quality resource platform for its students. Furthermore, this will elevate the school's teaching and research in management accounting to new heights.