NETWORK DESIGN
 

This event is based on team, rather than individual, participation.  The ability to evaluate the needs of an organization and then design and implement network solutions is a valuable skill in today’s connected workplace. This event provides recognition for FBLA members who demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply these skills.

 

The one-hour objective test may include questions on network installation—planning, configuration, and topology; problem solving and troubleshooting; network administrator functions; configuration of Internet resources; backup and disaster recovery; configuring network resources and services; and security.  Team members will take one objective test cooperatively.

 

The five teams with the highest test score will be selected to present the case study.  The case study will outline a small business and its computing environment and needs.  Participants will then be required to analyze the situation and recommend a network solution to address the issues raised in the case study.
 

 

ELIGIBILITY
 

A team may be composed of 2 or 3 members.  No more than one member may have entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference, have competed more than two (2) years at the national level, or placed 1st or 2nd at a previous State Leadership Conference.

 

Participants must have paid state and national dues postmarked by December 15 of the current school year.

 

District       Number of participants governed by local FBLA District policy.

 

State          Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found in the Fact Finder.

 

National    See publication:  National Chapter Management Handbook—current edition.

 

REGULATIONS
 

District       Each district determines its own procedures for event registration.

 

State          When it has been determined that a student will represent the district at state competition, the student's local adviser must send the appropriate entry form to the state adviser by first-class mail.  The entry form and the required postmark deadline are included in the SLC registration packet.

 

National    See publication:  National Chapter Management Handbook—current edition.

 

• Participants must be selected in accordance with the regulations of the FBLA district and state chapters and the national association.

 

• Participants failing to report on time may be disqualified. 

 

• Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers.  Nongraphing calculators will be provided.  No electronic devices may be brought to the event.   No reference materials or other items are to be brought to the event.
 

 

• Participants must adhere to the dress code established by the Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

 

• If for any reason, a member(s) fails to take the objective test and/or fails to show for the performance portion of this event, the team will be disqualified.

 

CASE STUDY PROBLEM

• The five teams with the highest score will be scheduled for a performance.  The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person in the event office.

 

• Members of the five participating finalist teams must report to the sequestering room by the time specified in the State Leadership Conference program.  All team members will be sequestered until their performance times.  If a team fails to report prior to the beginning of the first performance, the team will be disqualified. Twenty (20) minutes before their performance time, teams will receive the decision making problem.

 

• Two 4" x 6" index cards will be provided to each participant and may be used during the preparation and performance of the oral segment.  Information may be written on both sides of the note cards.  Note cards will be collected following the presentation.

 

• A flip chart and markers will be provided.

 

• No reference materials, electronic devices, or visual aids can be used during the preparation or performance portions of this event.

 

• The team has seven (7) minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present the solution to the case.  The judges will play the role of the second party in the presentation and refer to the case for specifics.  This is a role-play event. 

 

• Teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.  All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance. 

 

• A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes. 

 

• Case study performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
 

 
 

JUDGING

 

The objective test will be machine graded. In the event of a tie, the students’ performance on the final ten questions of the exam will be evaluated.  After that, if necessary, the order in which the tests were received will be used.

 

The performance portion of this event will be evaluated by a panel of judges.  All decisions of the judges are final.  In the case of a tie after the performance, the objective test score will be added to determine the final rank.
 

AWARDS

 

District       The number of awards presented at the District Leadership Conference is determined by local FBLA District policy.

 

State          State awards for the top five places are presented at the SLC.

 

National    The number of awards presented at the National Leadership Conference is determined by judges and/or number of entries.  The maximum number will be ten.