Nov 11, 2026
Student Team Excels at International Case Competition
A multidisciplinary team of four students secured fifth place overall at the University of Münster Case Competition (UMCC 2026), held in Münster, Germany, in October 2026. Competing against international university teams, the students also ranked second in their division and fourth overall in the competition’s final 12-hour case, marking a strong debut in their first international case competition.
Organized by the University of Münster Case Club e.V., UMCC 2026 brought together student teams from universities around the world to develop strategic solutions to real business challenges. Representing KFUPM, the team included Abdullah Basel AlQalalweh and Moutaz Fadi Jaber, both Software Engineering students, alongside Khalid Alrajhi and Salem AlRuwaili, both Industrial and Systems Engineering students.
The competition took place over three consecutive days, with teams analyzing business cases under strict time limits and presenting their recommendations to judging panels that included company representatives. The first two days featured three-hour cases, while the final day involved a more demanding 12-hour challenge.
On the first day, the students examined SUPER POP, a German beverage brand, requiring teams to evaluate the potential launch of a protein drink or energy drink, including product positioning, pricing, and financial feasibility. The second case focused on how Schaeffler, a German automotive and industrial supplier, could restore sustainable competitiveness by 2030. The final case involved CORTEX Biophysik, a company specializing in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, for which teams developed a growth strategy to expand metabolic diagnostics beyond medical and elite sports markets to reach a broader customer base.
Each case required the students to assess market conditions, conduct financial and quantitative analyses, evaluate strategic alternatives, and develop actionable recommendations within a limited timeframe. The final CORTEX case was particularly challenging, requiring a comprehensive strategy covering market expansion, partnerships, revenue opportunities, and implementation priorities.
Following the first day, Abdulrahman Yaghmour and Mohammed Sharaf, from the Beat the Globe Case Competition Team, provided intensive coaching, helping the team establish clearer responsibilities, strengthen its analytical approach, and improve the structure of its presentations.
These adjustments contributed to stronger performances in the second and third cases, ultimately helping the team secure second place in its division, fourth place overall in the final case, and fifth place overall across the competition.
The students were motivated by the opportunity to gain practical experience in international case competitions, test their strategic problem-solving abilities, and represent KFUPM alongside teams from leading universities worldwide. Their participation strengthened their skills in business analysis, decision-making, teamwork, and communicating complex recommendations under pressure.
KFUPM’s Deanship of Student Affairs supported the team’s participation through the 100x – Beat the Globe program. Support included access to international competition opportunities and preparation facilities, coordination of team selection, and travel and logistical arrangements. Through the program, the university is expanding opportunities for students to participate in case competitions and other international competitions, develop their capabilities, and gain practical experience.
Building on this experience, the team plans to participate in future international case competitions, with a stronger emphasis on early preparation, structured practice, and coaching. The students aim to improve their performance, compete for top positions, and continue representing KFUPM internationally.