Curtain call for Horizons 2008

The last day of Horizons 2008 saw the day being wholly dedicated to student activities such as the Business Quiz, Marketing Mix, Print Ad contest and Mad Ads. In light of this, the day started off on a more relaxed schedule than the past two days. Each of the competitive activities were judged by external examiners who were brought in by the department, especially for the occasion.

Ms. Shahzia Khan explains the rules to the judges for the competitions. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

The first students to take the stage were for the teams for the Business Quiz. Three teams competed with each other to answer questions thrown at them relating to the business industry. To break the monotony of the competitions, the hosts also made an effort to involve the audience through 'fillers', where the audience were asked random questions and winners were the glad recipients of the promised spot prizes.

Sharon C. and Sam V. host the Business Quiz on the final day of Horizons 2008. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

After a quick tea break, team members for the Marketing Mix show were seen awaiting their turns in nervous excitement. The aim of this contest was to employ a 25-minute presentation tool to describe the strategic positioning of any chosen product with the help of the 4P's of marketing. As one of the judges noted: "The teams presented well, but overlooked certain minor elements which are nevertheless vital to the impact on the audience."

One of the teams of the Marketing Mix contest field queries from a judge. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

In the Print Ad contest, a total of six teams (each consisting of two members only) took part. Judges were wholly impartial and spoke their mind freely. Although they were careful to encourage the students and not entirely demean them, they also did not hesitate to point out any glaring mistakes they felt would've destroyed the impact of any print ad.

A packed auditorium wait impatiently for the most popular competition of the day - the Mad Ads show. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

Judging by the sheer size of attendance, the final show of the day - Mad Ads - was clearly the most eagerly awaited activity. About six groups took part for this activity, each of them winning over the crowd with their creativity and acting talents. As per the rules, each team was required to choose a product, assign it a brand name and slogan, and enact an advertisement for the product before the audience. Performances of all six groups had the crowd cheering wildly and rooting enthusiastically for their favorite teams.

Members of the winning Mad Ad team entertain the audience. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

The curtains for Horizons 2008 closed gracefully yesterday with the closing ceremony heavily attended by representatives from every department, in addition to the members of the department themselves. At the awards ceremony, winning students who won in the activities conducted during the past three days were felicitated in their respective categories. In addition, the department also recognized students from the Department of Interior Design as well as that of Media & Communications, for their valuable contributions to making the event a success.

The faculty and students of the BBA Department who made Horizons 2008 happen. Photo: Karen Ann Monsy

The BBA department is doubtless, the biggest department in the university. Kudos to everyone who took upon themselves the onus of coordinating an event as challenging as this. The department is hosting this annual event for the second year running...and the signs across their horizons mean they'll be back next year too. Same time, same place ... only bigger and better.