Mays Business School’s 2011 Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) placed second in a national Case Study competition – the first time a Texas A&M team advanced to the finals in this competition. The competition was a part of ALPFA’s annual convention held at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 6-7.

ALPFA, with over 15,000 members nationwide, is dedicated to increasing opportunities for Latino leadership in the business world. The organization prides itself on its fundamental values, including professional growth, integrity, culture, relationship building, service, inclusiveness and teamwork.

At the convention, the Mays’ ALPFA team participated in the National Case Study Competition sponsored by KPMG. After two days of competing, the Aggies placed second in the nation, beating out 28 reputable schools from around the nation, including Baylor and UT.

Members of the Texas A&M team were Arjun Mojan, Daniel Macias, Franklin Alvarez, Hannah Abalos and Henry Silvas. The faculty advisor is Matthew Josefy.

To prepare for the competition, the team of Aggies spent a semester thoroughly researching and analyzing McDonald’s accounting and business procedures. The case focused on the risks and challenges McDonald’s faces from diversification and share-based competition accounting effects. After first presenting their case on a regional level, Texas A&M advanced to the national level, where they successfully presented to a national partners from KPMG and a financial officer from Goldman Sachs.

“The entire team left California with an immense appreciation for the experience gained both at the competition and convention, as well as a larger sense of pride in representing the quality of education Aggies receive at Texas A&M University,” says Alvarez, a senior PPA student.