Monday, November 08, 2010
Fifteen teams compete in game-design competition
Contact for more information:
Betty Vawter Senior Editor, News & Information Services 812/480-1873 The teams will make on-campus presentations November 10-12 that will determine the top five teams to qualify for the final round of competition at 9 a.m. November 16 at Escalade Sports. The winning team will receive $1,000. One member from the team will be selected for an internship at Escalade Sports. The USI College of Business and Escalade, a consumer products company that operates divisions in sporting goods and office products, are joint sponsors of the Escalade Ideation Contest. Robert J. Keller, president and chief executive officer of Escalade, introduced the competition in September as executive in residence for the College of Business. Dr. Chad M. Milewicz, assistant professor of marketing, is contest leader at USI. "The contest offers students an opportunity to experience what it is to be innovative and creative with the mentorship of community experts in innovation," he said. "Innovation is a key part of the College of Business vision and mission." Along with Keller, Evan Lederman, category manager for sports, is the contest leader for Escalade. He has discussed the contest and the innovation process in classes on campus. He also has facilitated contact with engineers, marketing specialists, and other professionals at Escalade who have been available to consult with the students. "We are encouraged at what length the students are going to make sure their innovation is a one-of-kind, active, rewarding, social, competitive sport/game with skill challenges and strategic rules," Lederman said. "I am most impressed personally with the research they are conducting to meet their goal and the interaction they are initiating with the Escalade staff. I hope they are learning as much from us as we are from them." To develop games for the contest, participants have asked grade school and high school-aged students what they like in an outdoor game. They have tested their games at social gatherings with other USI students. Team members are using what they have available to make working prototypes of their games. Some teams have built models using tools and materials available around their homes or apartments. Some have purchased inexpensive items similar in shape or size to their game's ideal components. The contest is open to all USI students. Twenty-nine of the 38 participants represent the College of Business. Others major in academic programs in the College of Liberal Arts and the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services. Twenty-seven of the contest participants are enrolled in courses in the College of Business' new minor in entrepreneurship. Three students represent the USI Marketing Club. Eight students formed teams through their own social networks. Judges for the final round of competition will represent USI and Escalade. Community leaders also will be invited to serve as judges. One of the goals in the University's strategic plan is to enhance experiential learning opportunities. The ideation contest demonstrates the integration of community engagement and the academic curriculum. |
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