For Jenna Miner ’25 and Jessica O’Neill ’25, Lebanon Valley College’s Strategic Management capstone was more than just a final requirement—it was a high-stakes, hands-on experience that brought years of classroom learning into real-world focus.

Miner, a Business Administration major from Walkersville, Md., and O’Neill, a Marketing major from Allentown, approached the course with nerves. “I had heard that the first half of the semester is especially intense, with two 30-page case studies and presentations back-to-back,” said Miner. “I was also anxious about learning the Business Strategy Game (BSG) simulation. While the course was indeed challenging, it was manageable with proper time management.”

Taught by Professor Robert Leonard, the Strategic Management capstone begins with rigorous case study analysis before students transition to the BSG, an online simulation where teams act as co-managers of a global athletic footwear company. Over several simulated years, teams compete in a global market against other student-run companies.

“Professor Leonard’s leadership was encouraging and supportive throughout,” said Miner. “He celebrated our successes and offered reassurance during periods of uncertainty, helping us stay focused and motivated. The case studies provided a valuable, real-world framework for strategic thinking.”

O’Neill echoed the sentiment. “Completing case studies at the beginning of the course helped me prepare to apply those same concepts during the simulation. [Professor Leonard] always offered advice and encouragement, especially during our less successful simulation years!”

As co-managers in the BSG, Miner and O’Neill complemented each other’s strengths. Miner focused on operations, production, and financial strategy, drawing on her minors in Accounting and Management. O’Neill took the lead in marketing and competitive strategy. Their balance paid off.

“We strongly emphasised cost management to maintain high profit margins and continuously monitored competitors’ strategies, adapting our approach through ongoing competitive analysis,” said Miner. “By implementing a best-cost provider strategy—matching high product quality while offering lower prices—we successfully captured market share from rivals.”

Despite early success, they faced new challenges mid-game. As competitors improved, their company began slipping in rankings. “We conducted a thorough analysis of their strategies and made a deliberate shift to align with their successful tactics,” said Miner. “Over time, our persistence paid off, regaining momentum and eventually reclaiming the #1 position.”

Their efforts earned them the title of Industry Champions. “It felt like all our hard work had really paid off,” said O’Neill. “It was the cherry on top of an incredible capstone course.”

For both students, the experience delivered critical takeaways.

“Time management was key,” said Miner, who also balanced coursework while going 4-0 in conference play with the women’s tennis team. “This experience also reinforced the importance of adaptability. Even after initial success, we realized that sticking with the same strategy wasn’t sustainable, so we embraced change to stay competitive.”

O’Neill added, “Having uncertainty in our decisions, wondering what our competitors will do next, and future planning—all of these are entirely applicable to the real business world, and I am glad to have experienced them in a low-risk environment.”

Miner plans to launch her career in human resources, pursue SHRM certification, and eventually earn her MBA. O’Neill is headed to Saint Joseph’s University for a one-year, accelerated MBA program while working part-time.

Their message to those preparing for the capstone? Plan ahead and stay open-minded.

“Expect to spend a lot of time outside class working with your team,” said Miner. “Strong communication and coordination with your group members will be critical to your success.”

O’Neill added, “Take it from me—the world’s best procrastinator—you can do this if you manage your time effectively. Go into this class with an open mind, and you’ll leave feeling genuinely more educated in real-world business situations.”