The Financial Management Research Challenge is hosted by the Mitch Daniels School of Business in collaboration with Purdue Federal Credit Union (PFCU). Showcasing real-life decision-making in the financial world, it allows students to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills while analyzing real data and applying class concepts. The challenge aligns with Purdue's vision for experiential learning and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, fostering student development and engagement with alumni.
“This competition opens students’ eyes to new opportunities and helps create a pipeline of future talent for our organization.”
PFCU President and CEO Bob Falk
Participating in the Financial Management Research Challenge is a great way to gain hands-on experience, put your knowledge into practice, develop teamwork and communication skills, and enhance your resume. It sets you apart from other candidates and mimics real-life problem-solving — a skill valued by employers.
In particular, the Financial Management Research Challenge offers virtual and in-person competitions for MGMT 310 students to evaluate loan requests and develop credit scoring models. The challenge integrates seamlessly with coursework and provides hands-on learning. Round 1 is worth extra credit for some sections of MGMT 310 and 304. In Round 2, the top teams showcase their financial management expertise and compete for prizes and awards at Purdue Federal Credit Union headquarters.
"A combination of discipline-leading faculty and partnerships with key individuals and firms in the real estate industry will create the kind of innovative academic experience that will attract exceptional students and prepare them for industry leading positions and careers."
In this competition, teams will evaluate a loan request from Mallet Inc., a duct and valve manufacturer located in West Lafayette, Indiana, that wants to acquire a new site to build a warehouse that will host future production lines. Because Mallet does not have the required capital to purchase the property, the company is requesting a loan of $5.94 million from PFCU to fund the acquisition.
Among other tasks, students will:
Participate in the Financial Management Research Challenge and become part of this exciting opportunity to learn, apply your skills, and win!
“The experience allows students to practice the soft and hard skills employers seek, helping them become job-ready by developing presentation skills, critical thinking, and teamwork ability."
Professor Fabricio d'Almeida
From left to right: Bob Falk (PFCU CEO and president), George O'Carroll, Josh Jackson, Charlene Sullivan (Professor Emerita of Management at Purdue), Adam McKinney (PFCU), Quinn Toole (PFCU), and Andrea Rider (PFCU)
Vikram Oddiraju, Noah Sakaitani, Sreeya Thirunagari, Gianna Stephan, Elsa Ravaris, Jason Ramirez
Hesham Mohamed, Tej Raman, Theodore Zhang and Parker Alford
Nicholas Most, Emi Quist, Khushi Shah, and Adam Spensley
Chase VanKlaveren, Matthew Stanish, Brock Tengolics, Mohnish Shah and Andrew Charlton
Purdue alumni are invited to be a part of the Financial Management Research Challenge as judges for the first round. Being a judge is a meaningful way to give back to the university. You can connect with emerging talent, stay current in finance, enhance your network, support professional development, and be inspired. Your expertise and feedback will shape the next generation of finance professionals and contribute to their growth and success. You'll also gain fresh perspectives from the next wave of finance experts.
