The Winners in the Strategic Case Competition Organized by Lufthansa Technik Sofia and Our University Received Awards

Students from various specialities took part in the Strategic Case Competition, organized by Lufthansa Technik Sofia /LTSF/ and the UNWE, and four teams reached the finals.

The final stage of the Competition was attended by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies, Atanas Dimitrov, Director of the Inter-University Center for Career Development /ICCD/, Lilia Velinova, Employer Branding Expert at Lufthansa and the Competition’s main organizer, and the company’s mentors - Anna Bogdanova, Tsvetelina Avramova and Yohana Toleva, Managers at Lufthansa.

Yohanna Toleva, Anna Bogdanova, Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Lilia Velinova, and Atanas Dimitrov

Prof. Tsvetana Stoyanova encouraged the students, emphasizing that they have a valuable opportunity to work on a real-world business case - an experience that will give them a taste of the dynamics of the professional environment and allow them to put their acquired knowledge and skills into practice: “I am certain that what you have learned from the company’s mentors will be of benefit to you not only in your studies but also in your future careers. I hope you will demonstrate your full potential, because the UNWE students are truly among the most knowledgeable and capable”.

Lilia Velinova outlined that it is the first competition the company has organized in collaboration with the UNWE, and due to the successful mentoring session four teams have reached the final stage.

The teams worked on a real-life case study from Lufthansa Technik Sofia which the company’s management had assigned to a working group on internal strategies and operations to resolve. The same case study was given to the students.

“Your task is to evaluate the company - market share and financial condition and to provide recommendations how to increase the production and improve the financial results, as well as to elaborate a clear action plan. There is no single correct answer. The objective is to work out a structured presentation supported by data”, explained the mentors.

The four teams worked out presentations in which they gave their proposals for improving the company’s operational efficiency and achieving better financial results. After the presentation and defense of the developed concepts and solutions to the case, the winners in the first edition of the LTSF Strategic Case were announced.

First place was won by the team V&P, consisting of Victoria Zhekova and Petya Georgieva, fourth-year students of speciality International Relations. In addition to a certificate, a cash prize of 770 euros, and branded merchandise, they also won a mentoring week, during which they will have the opportunity to “step into the shoes” of the managers at Lufthansa Technik Sofia and get closer look at the company’s processes.

The second place won the team Skylogic, consisting of the first-year of specialty Business Administration Nikola Stoychev and Petar Parvanov. The prize consists of a certificate, a one-year subscription to Storytel and branded merchandise.

The third place occupied the team Committee No. 1, consisting of Raya Nikolova, Beloslava Nikolaeva, and Ivaylo Lilov, third-year students of speciality Strategic Planning, who received a certificate and branded company merchandise.

The fourth place won the team Committee No. 2 - Victoria Stateva, Martin Kontozov, Lilia Futekova, and Victoria Ivanova, students of speciality Strategic Planning.

“You are all winners. The presentations were exceptionally profound, demonstrating not only a strong financial background but also excellent management skills. You all did a fantastic job!”, said the Director of ICCD Atanas Dimitrov.

“For us, this event was much more than a competition - it was a meeting of ideas, energy and inspiration. We would like to express thankfulness to all participants for their courage, commitment and desire to learn and grow. We look forward to the next edition and new meeting with young talents ready to take their step toward the future”, shared the chief organizer Lilia Velinova.