2027 McGill Desautels
Business Ethics Case Competition

The Laidley Centre for Ethics and Equity is pleased to announce its 2027 Business Ethics Case Competition. The competition will be held at McGill University from March 31st to April 2nd, 2027. The top teams will proceed to the final round, which will be held on Friday, April 2, 2027.

The main objectives of the competition are:

  1. To increase students’ awareness of the importance of ethical decisions in business.
  2. To expose students to real-world scenarios that they may encounter in their future careers.
  3. To provide students with the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking and presentation skills related to business ethics.

Eligibility

The McGill Desautels Business Ethics Case Competition is open to all current undergraduate students who are registered at an accredited university. Students from all academic disciplines are welcome to participate. Teams should include four current undergraduate students from the same university. In case of extenuating circumstances, a team may send three students. As the case will encompass multiple disciplines in management and ethics, we strongly encourage teams to include students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Registration Details

There is a $500 registration fee for each team.

This registration fee provides refreshments at the Wednesday evening pre-case reception, as well as lunch and dinner on Thursday, the tour of Montreal on Friday morning, and lunch and refreshments on Friday afternoon. Teams will be responsible for all transportation costs to and from Montreal, local accommodation in Montreal, and all meals apart from those provided with the registration fee. McGill University has negotiated rates with a range of hotels in the area, which will be shared with registered teams.Registration is on a first come, first served basis until slots are filled.

Prizes

$7500 for first place

$5000 for second place

$2500 for third place

Additional Information

  • Each team should consist of 4 students from the same university. All applications will be vetted, and universities may apply to enter a maximum of two teams. The second team’s participation will be confirmed once the application process closes.
  • Technical knowledge of sustainability, equity, and ethics is not required.
  • The case will be made available on the evening of March 31, 2027. Teams will be expected to hand over presentations by 11am on Thursday, April 1, 2027, which will be followed by lunch and then presentations. The presentation will be 12–15 minutes long followed by an 8–10-minute Q&A.
  • The top teams will proceed to the final round, which will be held the next day: Friday, April 2, 2027.

Preliminary Agenda

Wednesday March 31, 2027 - Welcome & Case Launch

4:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Registration, Networking, Competition Briefing and Case Release

Thursday April 1, 2027 – Preliminary Round

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Preliminary Round Presentations, Networking Dinner, Announcement of the finalists

Friday — Montreal Tour & Finals – April 2, 2027

9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Guided tour of Montreal, Top teams give their final presentations, Awards Ceremony

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the Desautels Business Ethics Case Competition, please contact:

Preetika Joshi with cc to: laidleycentre@mcgill.ca