BUSINESS ETHICS
This event requires students to organize adequately and deliver a presentation effectively as a team. They should demonstrate critical thinking skills through the careful analysis of the various ethical dimensions that are present in their case study. The case studies are based on real-life situations.
COMPETENCIES
The content of the presentation must include good oral communication skills, group collaboration, and critical thinking and analysis. In addition, students will thoroughly research and present their findings.
The topic for this event will be listed in the Chapter Management Handbook that comes from the national office each year. In addition it will be announced in the State Adviser Briefings throughout the year. Participants will be expected to research the case prior to the conference and to be prepared to present their findings and solutions at the SLC. Participants will be expected to answer judges’ questions on their presentations.
ELIGIBILITY
Each chapter may enter one (1) team, comprised of active local members. Participants must be on record in the FBLA-PBL national office as having paid dues by February 15 of the current school year.
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.
REGULATIONS
• Participants failing to report on time for the event may be disqualified.
• Participants must adhere to the dress code established by the board of directors or they will not be permitted to compete in the event.
• Each team’s presentation must be the result of their own independent work. Facts and working data may be secured from any source. The student members, not advisers, must prepare presentations. All members must participate in the advance research of the topic and in the actual presentations.
• Books, other bound materials, and props will NOT be allowed.
• Each team must send six (6) copies of a written synopsis on the case selected, no longer than 500 words. The address and date for sending these copies will be in the State Conference Registration Packet. Each synopsis should be submitted in a separate standard file folder and the folder tab must be labeled with name, school, state, and event.
• Teams will be permitted to bring prepared notes on note cards or paper to the presentation area.
• Equipment may not be used.
PRELIMINARY ROUND
Each team will consist of two to three (2-3) members.
Participants may be divided into groups, depending on the number of participants. The order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person in the event office.
One member should introduce the team and describe the ethical situation. All team members must participate in the presentation. Team members will be allowed to use notes.
Each presentation may last no more than ten (10) minutes. A timekeeper will stand at nine (9) minutes and again at ten (10) minutes. When the presentation is finished, the time used will be recorded, noting a deduction of five (5) points for any presentation that exceeds ten (10) minutes. Following each oral presentation, the judges may conduct a three (3) minute question-and-answer period.
All performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event.
FINAL ROUND
If a final round is necessary, the order of performance will be drawn at random by an impartial person in the event office.
All other procedures as outlined in the preliminary round will be followed for the final round.
JUDGING
The presentations will be evaluated by a panel of judges. All decisions of the judges are final.
AWARDS
State: State awards for the top five places are presented at the State Leadership Conference.
National: The judges will determine the number of awards presented at the National Leadership Conference. The maximum number will be ten (10).