History of the ICBC
The internationally-renowned competition which we know today has come a long way from its modest beginnings. The inaugural event, held in 1978, was the innovation of Geoff Arnoldi, BComm '79, who modified a version of a Cornell University Competition. I.C.B.C. '78 was a one-day, three-event competition, in which ten universities competed in a computer-simulated Business Game, a Business Policy Case, and a Debate. New events were introduced in subsequent years, including Accounting, Labour Arbitration (which has this year been replaced with Human Resources), Marketing, and Management Information Systems (MIS). As the competition began to take shape and earn greater recognition, more universities began to participate in the exciting events I.C.B.C. had to offer.
In order to qualify for the Final Round of I.C.B.C., students had to compete in a Preliminary Round where in teams of two (three for Business Policy), they had to analyze real-world simulation problems and provide a written case analysis. In 1988, the qualification structure of this round changed. Instead of inviting the top five schools based on an overall score from their performance during the Preliminary (formerly Inter-University) Round, the best six teams from each event were invited to attend. This new structure further enhanced the ability of universities to be represented at the Final Round.
I.C.B.C. continued to find new ways to challenge the best and brightest business minds across Canada by adding more events to its roster. In 1995, Finance was introduced to the competition and in 2001 we saw the addition of the Sheldon Chumir Foundation Ethics Event. Also, for the first time in 2001, American universities participated in I.C.B.C. and technology was further integrated into the competition with the addition of laptops for competitor use during their preparation and presentations.
In 2002, I.C.B.C. broke new records with the entry of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, making the competition truly international, as well as many new American University entrants. In 2003, I.C.B.C. celebrated its 25th Anniversary and was an undeniable success largely in part of its new venue with incredible facilities and cutting edge technology - the newly-built Goodes Hall, the Queen's School of Business building.
Major logistical changes continue to be made as the competition expands across the provinces and beyond our borders. Even still, I.C.B.C. remains true to its spirit which is to unite, challenge, and enrich undergraduate business students so to empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Years of success and passion, on part of the executive, its sponsors, the competitors, the volunteers and faculty advisors, lends I.C.B.C. to maintain its right as the most prestigious, largest and longest-running undergraduate business case competition in Canada.