BUS 498 Fall 2025 Program

The BUS 498 case competition is a major component of BUS 498 Capstone Course: Advanced Business Models. This capstone course is an advanced integrated exploration of business models and industry dynamics. Students integrate the strategic management concepts including: the strategy process, the role of top management, resources and capabilities, industry and competitor analysis, competitive scope, strategy implementation, and innovation and growth. 

Twelve teams participated in the first round of the college-wide BUS 498 case competition. These teams analyzed a pre-selected case and prepared presentation that identifies the key issues and provides recommendations for improving the company's competitive position. Panels of community business professionals judged these student presentations. The top three teams have been selected to participate in the virtual final round.
 

Fall 2025 Event Details

• Friday, November 21, 2025
• 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Virtual Final Round
• Assigned Case for this semester: IBJ, Inc. (A): Seeking Matrimony in Japan
   

Faculty Biographies

Clement Chen is an adjunct professor of management at the College of Business. Chen received his MBA from the College of William and Mary and a BS in Applied Science from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a former executive with Lockheed Martin and Leidos and is the recently retired CEO of DSFederal, an AI and data science company.

J. Scott Frampton, PhD is an adjunct professor of management at the Costello College of Business. Dr. Frampton received his doctorate in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, MBA from Boston University, MS from the Naval Postgraduate School, MS from The Eisenhower School, and BS from Texas A&M University. He works full-time as a professor at the National Defense University. He is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Roderick C. French, PhD is an adjunct professor of management at the College of Business. French received his doctorate in management from Walden University, MBA from Webster University and BS from Campbell University. He works full time for the Office of Naval Research as the Director of Total Force Manpower/Human Capital.

Claus W. Langfred, PhD is an associate professor of management at the College of Business, and also serves as the chair of the management area. Langfred received his doctorate in Organization Behavior from Northwestern University, MS from Northwestern University, and BSBA from Washington University.

Avinash Mainkar, PhD is an associate professor of management at the College of Business and also serves as BUS 498 coordinator for 2024-25. Mainkar received his PhD in management from the University of Connecticut, MBA from Tulane University, and BTech from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

Student Participants
 

First Round Judges

(*denotes past judge participation)
 

Final Round Judges

(*denotes past judge participation)
 

Thanks to all student teams and judges!