“In the modern world of business, it is useless to be a creative original thinker unless you can also sell what you create. Management cannot be expected to recognize a good idea unless it is presented to them by a good salesman. - David M. Ogilvy

Opening Ceremonies Initial Pitch Final Presentation

 January 19 th, 2011  Debrief of the Competition  Presentation from Professional Consultants  Distribution of packages  Team brainstorming session

 January 26 th, 2011 (5PM – 7PM)  Brief presentation of potential ideas  Up to 5 minutes in length  You will only present on future plans  You will be scored by a panel of judges  Top 6 teams will go on to Session 3

 February 2 nd, 2011 (5PM – 7PM)  Presentation of final analysis  Presentations are to be minutes in length  You will do a complete analysis of current and future decisions  Awards Ceremony

Skills Development Set Analytical skills Creativity skills Time management skills Communication skills Teamwork skills Personal Aptitude Development Consulting knowledge Networking Decision making Assertiveness Resumé builder

“In the business world, the rear-view mirror is always clearer than the windshield.” - Warren Buffett

 In September 2009, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Rona Inc. was reviewing the company’s progress in relation to the ongoing economic recession. Rona was the largest retailer of hardlines in Canada. Rona had noticed definitive signs of slowdown in the third quarter of 2007 and had launched Strategic Plan 2008 – 2011 as a response. The two- phase program was nearing the completion of its first phase of Productivity, Efficiency and Profitability (PEP) and was gearing up for the 24 month-long Recovery Program. The Strategic Plan had been tweaked since its launch, all with a view towards strengthening the core platform. The objective of the Recovery Plan was to restore focus on growth vectors from which the company had become distracted. On the eve of commencement of the Recovery Plan, the CEO began to wonder if Rona was ready to act on increasing sales, recruiting independents, constructing new stores and pursuing acquisitions. Or was it necessary to redesign and relaunch the PEP program, thus deferring the Recovery Plan?

 There are 3 Options you can take (page 11) › Hold on to PEP Program › Re-design and re-launch PEP Program › Launch Recovery Program  Choose which you believe RONA Inc. should pursue and present on how it should proceed once it has chosen it › Do not need justification for choice (this only applies for Session 2)

 Cici Liu › Business Analyst (Corporate Strategy)  Sean Zhang › Business Analyst (Supply Chain)

 Amiyo Hydari – Student Experience Director 