OU MBA students put their learning to the test in Ireland Strategy Competition

A team of Open University MBA students made their debut entry in the annual MBA Association of Ireland (MBAAI) Strategy Competition, an intense, high-pressure challenge designed to push decision-making, critical analysis, and teamwork to the limits.

This year’s competition, which drew participation from leading business schools nationwide, tasked competing teams with reviving the fortunes of a struggling energy company. Given just under three hours, participants had to devise a three-year turnaround strategy without relying on traditional frameworks like SWOT analysis or Porter’s Five Forces. Instead, they focused on practical, real-world decision-making to guide the company toward sustainability and success.

Adding to the challenge, teams faced unexpected developments every 15 minutes, requiring them to rapidly adapt their strategies in response to emerging HR, public relations, and innovation dilemmas. The competition was judged by a panel of seasoned business leaders, led by renowned strategist and disruptor Ade McCormack, alongside MBAAI past presidents Alacoque McMenamin and Robert Cooper.

A standout performance from The Open University team

Representing The Open University Business School were Patrick McGirr, Maura Culhane, Andrew Devlin, and Jeremy Crangle, who tackled the challenge with agility, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges underscored the effectiveness of OU’s practice-based learning approach.

Reflecting on the experience, team members highlighted the competition’s intensity and value:

A high-stakes strategy challenge against other business schools—an exhilarating and rewarding day that tested our strategic thinking, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.”

Patrick McGirr

An adrenaline-packed experience and a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with MBA peers, confidently apply our strategy skills, and represent the OU among Ireland’s leading Business Schools. I highly recommend this to fellow MBA students.”

Maura Culhane

MBAAI competitors, with OUBS team pictured bottom right

Showcasing MBA students’ skills in Ireland 

The MBAAI Strategy Competition is an opportunity for aspiring business leaders in Ireland and Northern Ireland to network as well as test and strengthen their capabilities in a fast-paced, real-world setting. The Open University Business School’s MBA Director, Dr Richard Longman, said:

Our students demonstrated outstanding real-world competencies, reflecting the strength of our pedagogy, which prioritises the seamless translation of theory into practice.

“This competition also marks a renewed intent for The Open University Business School to strengthen its engagement with MBAAI and maximize the benefits of this partnership for students in Ireland and Northern Ireland. By fostering greater collaboration and participation in future events, the aim is to provide even more opportunities for OU MBA students to develop strategic expertise, professional networks, and real-world leadership skills.”