The Ethics Case Competition Team from Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Lutgert College of Business participated in the 4thAnnual Southeast Regional Business Ethics Case Competition at Stetson University February 22 and 23. The FGCU team of students Dominic Dent and Kyle Johnson was led by faculty advisors Dr. Craig Randall and Dr. Eric Dent, Uncommon Friends Endowed Chair Professor of Ethics.
The FGCU team finished behind division winner, the University of Florida, and runner-up, Iowa State University. The Southeast Regional draws universities from all over the country, and this year, Canada. Two judges, both Stetson alumni, were from Southwest Florida: Helena Dabrowski, Director of Finance at Sunshine Ace Hardware, and Theo Etzel, CEO of Conditioned Air.
Etzel commented, “It was very refreshing to see the level of passion that the students put forth in coming to ethical, not just legal, approaches to solving business problems.”
The students addressed an actual, current business issue, how pharmaceutical company Allergan should proceed in an environment in which it has controversially transferred their patents of dry-eye medicine, Restasis, to the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Tribe. Students made recommendations taking into consideration ethical, financial, and legal implications.
“It was an exciting experience, and we all contributed and worked hard,” said Kyle Johnson.
Florida Gulf Coast University and the Uncommon Friends Foundation will host an ethics case competition for area high school students on May 12.
For more information, contact Dr. Eric B. Dent, edent@fgcu.edu or 239-590-7162