Canadian HR Reporter

CANADIAN HR REPORTER September 5, 2016 14 FEATURES HR CAREER DEVELOPMENT Case competition brings up winners Annual HRC West gives students a chance to apply real-world knowledge By Kari Whipple I n 2013, Ian Gellatly of the University of Alberta ap- proached the Human Re- sources Institute of Alberta (HRIA) with the idea of creating an HR case competition for post- secondary students in Alberta. HRIA embraced the challenge knowing there was a significant gap in practical learning oppor- tunities for post-secondary stu- dents specializing in HR. With assistance from a dedicated committee of post-secondary rep- resentatives, the first event was held at the University of Alberta in Edmonton in March 2014 un- der the name "HRIA Challenge." e competition was designed to feature comprehensive busi- ness cases that explore some of the most pressing business chal- lenges faced by HR professionals, and all cases were written by ex- perts in the field. It also presented students with the opportunity to meet industry professionals with extensive experience in the field of HR during the day of the challenge and at a networking dinner. "Case competitions provide the opportunity for students to practise their knowledge while showcasing their analytical and presentation skills. ese events also allow students to make new connections and friendships, both with their school peers and with those from other institutions," says Melanie Peacock, associate professor at the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal Univer- sity in Calgary. e teams were composed of three students and one alternate. Individual schools are responsible for assembling teams and in order to prevent judges from bias to- wards teams, each team submits a team name when they register for the competition. The team name does not reveal the school name and the judges only learn the school name when the win- ners are announced. Five teams from Alberta schools attended the first event, with the team from the Univer- sity of Lethbridge taking home the first prize. Riding on the success, the second competition was held in March 2015 at Mount Royal University in Calgary. e event was renamed "HRC West" and attracted seven teams, includ- ing one from British Columbia (Okanagan College). This time around, the winning team came from the University of Alberta. For 2016, HRC West continued to grow, with 10 teams that com- peted from across the west (from B.C. to Manitoba). Camosun Col- lege took the honours of winning this round held at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. "HRIA recognizes that a pro- fession is only as strong as its next generation of leaders and that those future leaders need op- portunities to test their abilities and develop practical skills. We are committed to engaging with post-secondary students and in- stitutions to build awareness of HR and invest in Canada's future HR professionals," says Janice MacPherson, HRIA interim CEO. For 2017, HRC West will part- ner with the Human Resourc- es Management Association (HRMA) of B.C. It will be hosted at Kwantlen Polytechnic Univer- sity in Surrey, B.C. "With more and more teams expressing interest, we expect 2017 to be the biggest one yet," said MacPherson. "e excitement and enthusi- asm of the students, along with the fierce competition between schools, will make this case com- petition one to watch." Kari Whipple is manager of commu- nications at the Human Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA). For more information, visit www.hria.ca. demographics and needs, and that includes embracing new and emerging technologies. Telemedicine lets individuals speak directly to a doctor or spe- cialist who assesses their needs while connected online — from anywhere and at any time. And it's cost-effective for both the em- ployer and individual. In British Columbia, telehealth is available in more than 66 com- munities. In a recent survey by Canada Health Infoway in B.C. patients, 79 per cent of users re- ported receiving the same quality of care as an in-person visit, while 37 per cent felt the care they re- ceived was even better. Another 13 per cent said they wouldn't have otherwise sought medical attention at all. Expand- ing the telehealth program to im- prove rural and remote residents' access to health services and spe- cialists is now a priority. A significant issue Mental health continues to be a significant economic and social issue. While great strides have been made to reduce much of the stigma that once surrounded mental illness, more needs to be done. Barriers to timely care also still exist — the demand for access to effective assessment services far outstrips supply with shortages of mental health professionals. ere are also regional dispari- ties, a lack of cross-cultural ser- vices and difficulties navigating the public health-care system. New, more integrated, collabora- tive approaches to care pathways are required. In an economy where critical skills are in increasingly short sup- ply, and mental illnesses usually strike those in their peak earning years, Canada cannot afford to al- low this situation to continue. Doctors, government agencies, employers, insurers and private providers need to come together to embrace service alternatives that enhance the effectiveness of our health-care system. It's time to rethink the way we diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Karen Seward is president of SCM Health Solutions in Toronto, operating as Cira, MDAC, trm, Sibley. For more information, visit www.scmhealthso- lutions.ca. Barriers to timely care A profession is only as strong as its next generation of leaders. MENTAL HEALTH < pg. 13 Camosun College students (from left) Rebecca Verwolf, Marcella Lima, Hannah Dougherty and Aidan Love (in front) were the winners of the 2016 HRC West competition in Edmonton.

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