BPA Judged Events Topics 2016-2017

150-Financial Analyst Team p. 83—PBA Coffee owns a chain of coffee shops across the nation. They want to expand their operations by opening a new store in Columbus, Ohio. PBA Coffee has hired you to prepare their financials and make a presentation to PBA Coffee’s management with your recommendation.

155-Economics Research Project Individual p. 88—Government officials disagree on how to adjust their local, state or national economies. Some promote expansionary fiscal policy, while others promote contractionary fiscal policy. Imagine that you are the economic policy advisor for a government official who has asked you to research and determine his/her policy position for the upcoming speech to their constituents.

160—Economic Research Project Team p. 93—There has been discussion in regards to the end of free trade agreements such as NAFTA. Research the costs and benefits of free trade and the impact on the US if the discussions come to fruition.

260-Administrative Support Research Project p. 119—With the onset of technological advances comes the availability of millions of sources at an individual’s fingertips. How can a business professional or journalist ensure that the information he or she accesses is valid and reliable?

325—Network Design Team p. 137—Elite Quick Freight, Inc. is a commercial shipping company that operates in the US specializing in transporting oversized items and hazardous materials. They are a growing company that is lacking in technology infrastructure. They are seeking assistance in upgrading their equipment and network to meet their needs as their company expands.

410—Graphic Design Production p. 152—Develop a theme, flyer and logo promoting the BPA National Leadership Conference in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, May 9-13, 2018. The developed theme of this presentation may be used as part of the NLC advertising for 2018.

420—Digital Media Production p. 159—Create a one to two minute promotional piece with a consistent theme and slogan for the BPA National Leadership Conference in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, May 9-13, 2018. The developed theme of this competition may be used as part of the NLC advertising for 2018.

425—Computer Modeling p. 164—A new water park is coming to Orlando and the owners are looking for a mascot for this new park. You will model an original character to represent this new water park.

430—Video Production Team p. 169—The National Organization of Youth Safety (NOYS) would like you to make an informational video about tire safety to be targeted toward teenage drivers. This video will be used to promote the importance of maintaining your tires to not only help the efficiency of your car, but also to ensure your safety.

435—Web Site Design Team p. 175—How to… You are building a DIY website. The website should contain two or more projects that have provided detailed instructions for site visitors on how to DIY a particular project. Include all items needed including steps and videos of how to complete the projects.

440—Computer Animation Team p. 180—A new state-of-the-art water park is coming to Orlando and the owners would like you to design the premiere ride for the park. This ride will be the largest feature and the biggest attraction for the park.

445—Broadcast News Team p. 185—Create a 3-5 minute news broadcast containing a feature story about a BPA community service project and a feature on someone who has made a positive impact. Include a separate video file containing a 15-20 second promo/tease.

500—Global Marketing Team p. 192—Over the past 20 years, ethanol production has grown from less than one percent of the US fuel supply to over ten percent. A US based ethanol production company, TJC Alternatives, wants to expand Page 1 globally. Your marketing team has been hired to determine a new location outside of North America to expand operations. You will develop a marketing plan and present your proposal to the TJC Alternatives Board of Directors (judges).

505—Entrepreneurship p. 197—Develop an operating plan and organizational structure to initiate a small business. Competitors are to assume they are presenting their business plan to potential investors at a bank with the objective of securing financing for their business venture.

510—Small Business Management Team p. 202—Your team has been hired by Development Solutions, Incorporated to identify new business strategies to recruit and retain additional part-time staff for their company. DSI offers temporary employment services for businesses in the local area and would like your thoughts and input on how to increase the high quality applicants offered to their customers.

520—Interview Skills p. 207—Using the job listing at the back of the Style and Reference Manual, apply for a job that you would be interested in. Include a cover letter, resume and complete the online application. You will be judged on these items along with an in person interview.

525—Advanced Interview Skills p. 212—This is the next level of Interview Skills and includes the same items and design as Interview Skills with the addition of a portfolio to showcase your work. You will be judged on your ability to reference your portfolio during your interview.

525—Extemporaneous Speech p. 218—Students will draw from a bowl of topics and select two from the bowl. Students will select one of the business related topics. Students will have 10 minutes to prepare a 2-4 minute speech on the topic.

530—Contemporary Issues p. 221—This speaking event is for post-secondary (college) students only.

535—Human Resource Management p. 224—You represent the Human Resource department of Professional Business Associates. You will be given a human resource management scenario that could deal with office situations, workplace issues, legal matters, etc. You will have 20 minutes to prepare your solution based on the Human Resource Manual and present a solution of no more than 5 minutes.

540—Ethics and Professionalism p. 227—This contest is currently only available for post-secondary (college).

545—Prepared Speech p. 230—Student will compose and present a 5-7 minute speech on any topic related to the field of business, office careers, technology, etc. Students will create an outline and include a works cited page. You cannot participate in Prepared Speech and Presentation Management Team or Individual during the same year.

550—Parliamentary Procedure Team p. 234—Students in a team of 4-8 members will present the opening and closing ceremonies and conduct a meeting according to Robert’s Rules of Order. Students will be given the motions and topics to include and 15 minutes to prepare the motions and debate. At the end of the presentation, judges will ask questions related to the problems. Secretary will submit draft minutes of the contest meeting.

555—Presentation Management Individual p. 240—You work for a marketing firm that will be presenting to a city’s chamber of commerce. The focus of your 7-10 minute presentation should be the benefits of shopping locally. Your goal is to be hired to launch the city’s campaign to promote shopping locally. If you compete in this contest you cannot do prepared speech and presentation management team in the same year.

560—Presentation Management Team p. 244—You are employed by a food production company that wants to expand it’s customer base. You have been asked by your marketing director to research one of the company’s products. Create a 7-10 minute presentation to share your research findings and provide a thorough comparison of your product to two other competitors’ similar products. If you compete in this contest, you cannot participate in presentation management individual and prepared speech in the same year.

**In addition, these contests may require pre-submitted documents and additional forms to be completed. Be sure to ensure that you have downloaded the required forms and that all materials are submitted. Review the rubrics for these events and read the full guidelines as listed in the Workplace Skills Assessment Program Guidelines which can be downloaded from www.bpa.org. Advisors and students can log in to the site to download materials. Contact your state advisor, Diana Weber at [email protected] if you need help downloading these items or if you have any questions about contest guidelines. Good luck!