What is JDC West?

JDC West is the largest student-run business competition in Western Canada and is a three-day event that showcases academic competitions, athletic challenges, a social competition as well as a charity initiative. Over 650 students from 11 of Western Canada’s top Universities unite annually to compete in this competition that is solely organized by and for business students.

JDC West seeks to assemble the best business students that Western Canadian universities have to offer. The competition provides students an opportunity to compete with each other in all facets of business, while developing networking, critical thinking, and leadership skills as they prepare to begin their careers in the business world.

JDC West is held annually at one of the ten competing Universities. In January 2009, the University of Alberta set the bar by hosting one of the most successful competitions of JDC West’s short history. To celebrate the 7th Anniversary of JDC West, the University of Alberta brings it back and hopes to improve on last year’s success.

History of the Competition

Since its inception in Quebec in 1989, Jeux Du Commerce (JDC) has witnessed tremendous success. Over the course of its 18 years, it has become a prestigious annual event that brings together over 1,500 top business students from across eastern Canada. The competition sees two full days of intense academic, athletic and social competitions, for which delegates spend countless months preparing for.

Due to the success of Jeux du Commerce in eastern Canada, the competition was expanded to the western provinces under a new name. In January, 2006 the first JDC West competition was held in Vancouver with huge success. The competition will now make its way back to Edmonton to be hosted by the University of Alberta this coming January 13-15. JDC West 2011 will continue the legacy of academic integrity and competitive excellence, while tailoring the competition to create well-rounded, professional business students.

Academics

JDC West centers on complete case analysis of business cases surrounding ten facets of business study. In case teams of three, students are given three hours to read, analyze, strategize and present a solution concerning a relevant business issue. Students compete in cases surrounding the following ten business subject areas:

Debate

JDC West debate is based on the parliamentary style of debate that is found in the Canadian House of Commons. Each team of four will be randomly selected to represent either ‘side government’ or ‘side opposition’, respectively they will parlay to pass or defeat a proposed public bill.

Athletics

The 2012 JDC West athletic competitions are Badminton and Net Ball. These challenging sports will test athletes’ strength, endurance, as well as gamesmanship. It will teach athletes to really work as a team to succeed in 2 very different athletic competitions.

Social

The most grueling and intense competition of the weekend is the social competition. The endurance and sprit of teams are put to the test as they meet challenges much like in the “Amazing Race” and “Fear Factor”. This year there are ten different social events that will test the endurance, spirit, skill, and teamwork of each and every social competitor.

For more information above cases or competitions, please do not hesitate to email the executive at ualberta@jdcwest.com