“The LATAM Airlines Challenge has become an event eagerly anticipated by all MBA students,” said Professor Alejandro Moreno, MBA, a professor of Corporate Finance who has led this initiative for the past five years. The challenge involves students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Universidad ORT Uruguay the role of consultants for LATAM Airlines.
During the event, which aims to foster ties between academia and industry, a case study based on LATAM Airlines was presented. Following the emergence of low-cost carriers, the team of consultants had to analyze connectivity in the region and conduct an in-depth analysis of the Latin American aviation market. The participants solved the case by applying the strategic and financial concepts they had previously learned.
The challenge is part of the Strategic Financial Analysis course, which prepares students to interpret and conduct a comprehensive and strategic analysis of financial reports, their context, and stakeholders. It also examines the link between strategic decisions and financial results.
“The students produce outstanding work that is highly valued from a strategic perspective by LATAM Airlines executives, as well as by professors and instructors who focus on more academic aspects and an understanding of the financial approach,” said Alejandro Moreno.
The faculty is led by Moreno and includes Eduardo Lewy, MBA—Assistant Professor of Finance—, Agustín Tricanico, MBA—Professor of Management at the School of Engineering—, and Nicolás Gambetta, PhD—Coordinator of the graduate programs in Accounting and Taxation—.
The challenge concluded on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. Six groups participated, analyzing the airline market in Uruguay and the region, the company’s main competitors, and its competitive positioning, among other aspects. According to Javier Macías—LATAM Airlines Group’s general manager for Uruguay—who was present during the challenge, the projects were of a very high standard.
"It is truly gratifying to see how, year after year, the teams so quickly grasp the essence of the commercial aviation industry, its challenges, and its ever-changing realities. We are proud to accompany them on this journey, to be part of this initiative, and to be chosen by them every year," said Macías.
Lucia Fernández Elhordoy, MBA—head of sales at LATAM Airlines—who was also present during the challenge, added: "It is incredibly rewarding to help bridge the gap between the business world and academia. Every team demonstrated hard work and dedication."
Meanwhile, Matías Carluccio, commercial manager of Carrasco Airport, who served on the panel alongside MBA graduates from ORT and the University of San Andrés (Argentina), said: “This event has been very enriching for Carrasco Airport. I’m taking away many ideas to consider.”
Juan Semeco, an MBA student and Head of Medical Affairs for Uruguay and Paraguay at AbbVie, noted that the experience was "extraordinary overall—a true example of learning by doing. We were supported and encouraged to move forward with the project. We received constant feedback. I am completely satisfied with the result and proud of my team."
