First semester came to a close on Monday with a capstone experience known to the Johnson School as the integrative case. The case gave us a 48 hour opportunity to utilize some of the knowledge we gained in Strategy and Finance to conduct a valuation of MGM Mirage and make some strategic recommendations.
A few of the teams recommended that MGM sell properties in Vegas to improve liquidity, and by a most timely twist of fate, MGM announced the sale of Treasure Island on the morning of our presentations. This was a welcome dose of reality to be sure. All-too-often cases seem like such retrospective snoozefests (particularly the older cases), where we solve for an answer that has already played itself out. There's no imagination in it, no entrepreneurial insight. But this case was different, and although it wasn't without pain, the experience was a valuable one.
Beyond the merits of the exercise itself, the case once again reminded me of the nature of the people that the Johnson School attracts. Thus far, I've worked with three different, randomly assigned groups for various projects throughout the core. Each of the groups, in its own way, provided a distinctly positive experience. The group assignments gave us the opportunity to work with people who would have not come together otherwise, and it never ceased to amaze me how truly rewarding such forced collaboration could be.
Group work does take longer than individual work--the coordination of five minds is not always an easy task--but the product is well worth it. And there's nothing quite like burning the midnight oil to establish enduring friendships. So, if you happen to be reading this, deep thanks to Kelly, Lailee, Dan, Ryan, Bruce, Matt, Melissa, Mark, Ben, Dave, and Karey...you all made group work a true pleasure this semester!
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