2001/2002 Winning Case Studies
- Grand Prize
Joshua Berlo and Joseph Worrell, students; James S. O'Rourke, faculty
adviser
University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business
Title: Emulex, Inc.: A Crash Course in Crisis Management
Abstract:
This case study dealt with the Emulex Corporation's response to a fictitious
press release that was posted on the Internet in August 2000 and caused the
value of Emulex stock to plummet by nearly $50 million. The case study
tracked not only how Emulex executives reacted, but also how the hoax tarnished
the newswire industry. One of the students' conclusions was that
no company can ever be totally safe from the spread of erroneous information
and that corporate communications departments have a critical responsibility
to monitor information in the media.
Prize: $5,000 to students; $1,500 to faculty advisor
This case study may be downloaded here.
- Second Prize
Katherine Thomas Seward, student; Elizabeth Powell, Ph.D. faculty
advisor
The Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of
Virginia
Title: Optix Corporation
Abstract:
This case study focused on a multi-national company, identified by the pseudonym "Optix
Corporation," which was attempting to develop a new corporate philanthropy
program that would align their worldwide corporate philosophy with their
U.S. operations. The study details the research and strategic decisions that
go into creating a mission-based program and its impact on the company, its
employees and its key stakeholders.
Prize: $3,000 to student; $1,000 to faculty advisor
This case study may be downloaded here.
