CaseKey Academy 2025
Pillar 1: Foundational Bootcamp run by S. Olayan School of Business (OSB), American University of Beirut, Int. Case Competitions Program Team
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About the Pillar 1
The pillar is designed to teach students the fundamentals of case solving, the core elements of consulting-grade strategy development, and the key techniques for creating and delivering effective, high-impact presentations.
Dates
June 5–11, 2025
Location
Yerevan (in-person)
Trainers
Hagop Panosyan & International Case Team
What will you learn?
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Basics
Learn to analyze business case studies by assessing a company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, then develop growth strategies while understanding corporate, business, and functional-level strategies.
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SCQA – The “WHAT”
Learn to analyze a case by understanding its purpose, the company’s value proposition, and key questions. Define the industry, market size, and growth drivers. Identify structured (MECE) internal/external challenges and opportunities. Frame the core problem in one clear question. Finally, craft an executive summary and introduce KPIs
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Analysis – The “WHY”
Learn different analysis structures (bottom-up, top-down, case-based) and build multidimensional strategy support using internal/external analysis. Identify the right data sources, interpret findings effectively, and visualize insights clearly in PowerPoint.
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Strategy – The “HOW”
Master crafting a compelling storyline and logical flow, then break down strategy into actionable implementation plans. Learn strategic research methods, key data sources, and how to design effective appendix slides. Finally, enhance creativity in content, slides, and overall presentation structure.
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Financials – The “IMPACT”
Master building cost/revenue models in Excel, design strategy timelines with key milestones, and quantify strategic impact. Learn KPI modeling, financial research techniques (including handling data gaps), and how to organize effective appendix slides.
Meet the trainers
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Hagop Panossian (LinkedIn) Hagop is a Senior Lecturer in Strategic Management at the American University of Beirut (AUB). With a Master’s in Management and a BS in Computer Science (LAU), he has taught since 1996, joining AUB full-time in 2012. Passionate about teaching, he blends real-world business experience into his classes. He founded and directs AUB’s International Case Competition Program, coaching teams since 2016. Recognized globally, he won "Coach of the Year" at the John Molson MBA Competition (2018) and Best Coach awards in Serbia and Spain (2019). In 2024, he received AUB’s Faculty Impact, Innovation, and Engagement Award for his contributions
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Elias Chaptini (check the CV) Elias Chaptini is an Industrial Engineering graduate (4.0 GPA) from AUB, with a minor in Psychology. A standout case competitor, he podiumed in 5/8 international competitions, including wins at JMUCC and BBICC—the world’s largest. He interned at BCG Dubai, aiding a GCC government on AI strategy and education reform. As ex-Secretary of AUB’s Consulting Club, he grew it to 500+ members and forged regional firm partnerships. Beyond academics, he’s a competitive tennis player and multi-instrumentalist (piano, ukulele, guitar).
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Karim Captan (check the CV) Karim Captan is an undergraduate Business Administration student at the American University of Beirut with a concentration in Finance and a perfect GPA of 4.0. He has gained hands-on experience in consulting and investment management through his work with BCG Dubai, the AUB Investment Management Program, and multiple international case competitions. Karim also has a strong entrepreneurial background through his family business and partnerships with global fishing brands. He combines strategic insight, financial acumen, and leadership skills to deliver impact across both business and consulting domains.
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Alexander Wakim (check the CV) Alexander Wakim is a top-performing finance graduate from the American University of Beirut (AUB) with a 4.0 GPA and membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. As an Associate Consultant Intern at Bain & Company, he ranked in the top 3% of employees. A serial entrepreneur, he co-founded Glam Beauty, and built a profitable reselling business by age 17. An award-winning case competition leader, he has won multiple international titles and mentored 80+ students. Fluent in English and Arabic, he combines sharp business acumen with a passion for consulting and social impact.
Agenda
Schedule – Foundational Bootcamp
June 5 (Thursday)
18:30 – 21:30 (whole group) | Kickoff & Case Study Introduction
Official opening session covering case-solving pillars and a live case discussion. Joint session with all 90 participants.
- Interpret business case studies
- Identify SWOT components of a company
- Understand corporate vs. business vs. functional strategy
Case: To be shared 10–14 days before training week
June 6 (Friday)
18:30 – 21:30 (whole group) | The “WHAT” – SCQA & Executive Framing
SCQA framework session focused on setting the stage: situation, complication, question, and answer.
- Define industry, market size, and drivers
- Frame internal/external MECE challenges
- Craft concise strategic questions
- Draft executive summaries with KPIs
Case: To be shared 10–14 days before training week
June 7 (Saturday)
09:00–12:00 (Group 1) & 15:00–18:00 (Group 2) | The “WHY” – Analytical Backbone
Two-part session on analysis structures and data visualization.
- Top-down vs. bottom-up analysis logic
- Use external & internal sources to support strategies
- Translate data into clean visuals
Case: To be shared 10–14 days before training week
June 8 (Sunday)
09:00–12:00 (Group 1) & 15:00–18:00 (Group 2) | The “HOW” – Strategy & Implementation
Building logical storylines, implementation plans, creative slides, and appendix development.
- Build creative, logically structured strategy flows
- Break down plans into actionable implementation
- Source and organize relevant content
Case: To be shared 10–14 days before training week
June 9–10 (Mon & Tue)
18:30–21:30 (whole group) | The “IMPACT” – Financial Feasibility
Deep dive into cost modeling, KPIs, and quantifying strategy with financial intuition and tools.
- Build cost/revenue models and implementation timelines
- Quantify strategic impact using KPIs
- Handle missing data with estimation techniques
Case: To be shared 10–14 days before training week
June 11 (Wednesday)
18:30–21:30 (whole group) | Final Recap & Presentation Skills
Final session on presentation design, public speaking, team role distribution, and a live demo by AUB team.
- Master basic consulting-grade slide design
- Translate insights into clear, visual presentations
- Strengthen public speaking & communication skills
Case: To be shared 10–14 days before training week
📝 Note: Each session includes Q&A. Team dynamics, time management, and conflict handling will also be covered throughout the week. June 11 may be extended to address these in depth based on participant feedback.
Foundational Bootcamp – FAQs
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June 5–11, 2025, in-person in Yerevan.
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The S. Olayan School of Business (OSB), American University of Beirut, Int. Case Competitions Program Team, led by Hagop Panossian, delivers the training with a structured and interactive approach.
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Core consulting skills including the SCQA framework, issue tree building, MECE logic, qualitative and quantitative analysis, strategy frameworks, financial modeling, and presentation mastery.
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Yes. The bootcamp is designed to build strong foundational skills, making it perfect for newcomers or those seeking to formalize their approach.
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Not required, but strongly recommended as it builds the foundation for more advanced modules like the Pieter Verhallen Series.
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Each day includes 3-hour intensive sessions (morning, afternoon, or evening depending on the day), with live case breakdowns, team exercises, and practical workshops.
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While not always mandatory, participants are encouraged to reflect, prepare materials, and collaborate with their teams between sessions for better retention.
Sponsors & Partners
Title Sponsor
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The Amaryan Charitable Foundation Foundation is committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the development of individuals and communities in Armenia by supporting initiatives in education, sports, culture, and youth development.
