Recent University of Guam graduate Rupland Tran finished second in his Industry at the Business Strategy Invitational (BSI). The competition included 48 teams and four different simulation industries.

The Business Strategy Invitational (BSI) is a global competition among high-performing Business Strategy Game (BSG) simulation companies from around the world.  At the UOG, all graduating candidates for the Bachelor of Business Administration are required to participate in the competition as part of their Capstone course.  

Tran, who graduated in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Business with a concentration in Human Resources said the game was a learning experience.

Rupland Tran“The game is unlike any other business courses I've taken at UOG. There is no correct decision in accomplishing a goal,” said Tran.

He said that a significant takeaway is the “unpredictability in the market,” that there are just too many variables that can affect success.  Regardless, understanding the competition, adjusting short-term strategy, and having a long-term strategy is key.  

Dr. Annette Santos, Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration, is extremely proud of this accomplishment.

“At the University of Guam—geographically isolated from the continental U.S. and larger, well-known institutions of higher learning—we are always trying to find ways to gauge our students' academic performance compared to national and global benchmarks,” Santos said. “This accomplishment shows that our students are more than capable of competing on the same level as other universities around the world.”

Santos also acknowledges that the quality of the education and the value of their degree is not a solo effort.

“This is also a testament to the great faculty we have, like Dr. John Rivera, the course instructor, who is committed to the development of intellectual capacity and foster motivation and achievement among our students,” she said. “The same can be said for the SBPA faculty and dedicated support staff.”

This is the second time that a University of Guam competitor has placed in the BSI.  Graduate Jung Jin Cho also placed second in his Industry in August of 2015.