TBSC reaches the business end

The Graphic Business Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC) Version 7.0. took a dramatic turn yesterday when Valley View University (VVU) walked majestically with the first ticket into the quarter-final stage without answering a single question.

That followed the chickening out of their opponents, Christian Service University, from their round of 16 tie at the Zenith College at La in Accra, where the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the competition are being held.

While Valley View waited with bated breath in anticipation of an interesting round of 16 clash, their counterparts from Christian Service simply failed to show up without notice.

However, the second encounter between West End University and Tamale Technical University was full of thrills, as the former ended up winning 29-13 to qualify for the quarter-finals.

This year’s competition, which climaxes on August 9, has some exciting one-sixteenth pairings lined up today featuring Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Pentecost University, while University of Energy and Natural Resources battles Ghana Communication Technology University, before University of Ghana takes on Koforidua Technical University.

Objective

Designed as a bridge between academic theory and the business world, the TBSC continues to offer tertiary students across Ghana a transformative platform to showcase their business acumen, sharpen their critical thinking, and prepare for the job market with an emphasis on ethics and environmental consciousness.

Expanded format

The Quizmaster, Alhassan Trawule, told the Daily Graphic yesterday that the competition was getting keener, hence fans must salivate for an unexpected outcome.

He revealed that, as a break from previous formats, the competition will now include more comprehensive presentations judged by panels, not just the quizmaster.

“We are introducing a lot more of the case studies where schools will be required to apply a lot of principles; they will make presentations for panels to be able to judge them,” he said.

More changes

The competition will also include training sessions in computer literacy and mentorship days, featuring seasoned professionals aimed at equipping participants with both soft and technical skills.

“We have set aside about two days where we have computer training or literacy skills for all participants from the schools.

Aside from that, we also have a day where there will be a mentorship and coaching session,” he said.

Champions and new hopefuls

Mr Trawule paid tribute to the University of Cape Coast, which remains the most successful school in the history of the competition, having won it twice in 2019 and 2021.

He, however, expected other top contenders such as the University for Development Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Ghana to match or surpass that feat this year.

Participants

He said with over 26 schools participating in the seventh edition of the competition and several new entrants joining the fray for the first time, anticipation was building up.

“This year will be quite exciting; we will see how it goes this year,” he said.

Background

The Graphic Business Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC) has seen remarkable performances from various tertiary institutions across Ghana since its inception.

The University of Cape Coast has emerged as the most decorated institution, clinching the title twice, first in 2019 and again in 2021, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the competition.

Other institutions have also left their mark, with past winners showcasing exceptional business acumen and critical thinking.

While the University of Cape Coast leads the pack, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University for Development Studies, University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Ghana have consistently been strong contenders, each vying to add their name to the prestigious list of champions.

As the competition continues to evolve, the legacy of these past winners sets a high bar for new and returning participants in the 2025 edition.