Competition FAQs

There are no registration or application fees. Merck has generously agreed to cover the cost of traveling, lodging, and group meals associated with the Grand Business Challenge.

Each team is required to have four participants all of whom must be full-time MBA students. In the event a team member is unable to participate, the team must register an alternate full-time MBA student via email to case-competition_jenkinsmba@ncsu.edu. Please note that once travel arrangements have been made, changes to your team roster are not allowed.

Before the challenge teams may leverage any resources they want to research the clues to include faculty members and subject matter experts. However, once students arrive on campus for the challenge the faculty members and subject matter experts should not be contacted regarding the challenge.

• Business Casual during reception period (grand opening, group meals, Awards Reception)
• Business Professional attire is required for all presenters
• Business Casual attire is suggested for judges and guests

No, only one four-member team per school may compete.

We will provide accommodations at StateView Hotel which is on Centennial Campus. If alternative accommodations are required, please specify in the team registration.

Transportation arrangements to and from Raleigh, NC are being managed via a travel agent.  The agent will contact the teams directly to confirm travel details. Once travel arrangements have been made, changes to a team’s roster will not be allowed.

Shuttles will be provided throughout the competition to ensure all participants are able to get to and from the various event locations and presentations

No – ground transportation will not be provided to or from any airports.  Uber or Lyft are great options for transportation to and from Raleigh Durham International Airport.  

There will be some group meals provided during the competition.  Breakfast is included and will be available at StateView Hotel. Mission Valley Shopping center is nearby with a good variety of restaurants. There are also plenty of local restaurants to order take-out.