2023 UWCISA Predictive Analytics Competition - Results
450 second year students from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) applied to be a part of the second annual UWCISA predictive analytics competition, 33 of them, organized into 7 teams were finalists on Friday, August 25, 2023. Each team developed predictive machine learning models to help Raymond Verstappen, the owner of Fontana di Angeli, a designer and distributor of high-quality outdoor decorations for gardens and ponds. Each team leveraged years of data ranging from purchases and sales to weather information, using clever analytics techniques such as regression modelling and time-series forecasting, to help Raymond figure out how to grow his business.
The top teams presented their analysis, and ultimately their recommendation, to a panel of distinguished judges with incredible insight into the world of data analytics. The panel consisted of:
- Luisa David, Research & Insights Manager at Google (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisaddavid/)
- Elvin Aghayev, Head of Finance & Strategy at Squaredance (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvinaghayev/)
- Megan Walker, Director of Product Planning at D2L (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-walker-4943821a/)
Congratulations to the first place winning team: Luka P., Manu K., Pratham A., and Jason C. The team delivered a well-crafted and concise story to the managers of Fda (played by our judges).
2022 First UWCISA Predictive Analytics Competition - Results
Out of 400 students from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), 25 second year students, organized into 7 teams, were selected to compete in the first ever UWCISA predictive analytics competition. Each team developed predictive machine learning models to help Bibitor, a liquor retailer that operates almost 80 stores across USA, determine whether it should pursue a pricing promotion, a key business decision for any growing organization. Each team leveraged years of data ranging from purchases and sales to weather information, using analytics techniques such as regression modelling and time-series forecasting.
The top teams presented their analysis, and ultimately their recommendation, to a panel of judges with incredible insight into the world of data analytics. The panel consisted of Derek Bodkin, VP Insurance New Business at Canada Life, M. Jameel Hussain, Chief Financial Officer at Marina Homes Inc. Judy M Pin, Business Analysis Consultant, and Neil Shay, CEO & General Manager of Caradoc Townsend Mutual Insurance Company.
Congratulations to first place winners, representing his team, team 10, Alexander K. delivered a concise and well-crafted story to the managers of Bibitor (played by our judges), The rest of Group 10 includes Sarah B., Mahek K., Ciara M., and Ajay N.
Second place went to team 12 – Thomas D., Chun S., Christian W., Lauren Y., and Vivian Z. And third place went to team 56 – Hazel R., Joyce W., Vivian W., Aaris X., and Charis Z.