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Business ManagementTeam Decision Making2 members

BLTDM

Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making

Two competitors analyze a case study involving a business law or ethics dilemma. They must identify the legal and ethical dimensions, present balanced analysis, and recommend a course of action that addresses stakeholder interests and legal compliance.

Prep Time

30 min

With Judge

15 min

PI Source

BMA + BA Core

Team Size

2 members

Format

Team Case + Objective Test

Who Should Compete

Students interested in business law, compliance, corporate governance, or ethics advisory. Strong analytical writers who can articulate nuanced positions.

The Judge's Role

Panel of judges (typically 2–3) acting as executives or board members evaluating the team's analysis

Competition Format

Event structure.

•

Preparation

30 min

Both team members receive the case study. Divide the analysis, identify the key problem and sub-issues, and build a cohesive recommendation. You may use the printed case and scratch paper provided.

•

Presentation

15 min

Present your analysis and solution to the judges panel. Split delivery evenly. Use clear structure: situation overview, alternatives considered, recommended solution, and implementation steps.

•

Q&A

5 min

Judges ask clarifying or challenge questions. Both members should be ready to answer any aspect of the case. Stay composed and defend your recommendations with data from the case.

Performance Indicators

What you'll be tested on.

•

Business law fundamentals (contracts, torts, agency)

•

Business ethics frameworks

•

Corporate governance and compliance

•

Employment law and HR regulations

•

Intellectual property basics

•

Risk management

Browse all performance indicators

How to Prepare

Preparation framework.

01

Master PI lists for your cluster + BA Core

Both members should know all relevant PIs cold. Questions from judges often test PI knowledge directly.

02

Develop a team case-cracking framework

Agree on a shared structure: problem statement → root causes → alternatives (at least 2) → recommendation → implementation → metrics for success.

03

Practice splitting the presentation evenly

Each member must speak substantially. Assign sections, but both must understand the full case, judges direct questions to either member.

04

Work through past cases

Request sample cases from your advisor or use DECA's official resources. Time the 30-min prep and 15-min presentation.

05

Study together, take the objective test seriously

The objective test score is averaged, so a weak score from one member pulls both scores down.

Sample Scenario Themes

Representative topics.

Not official DECA scenarios, representative themes based on past competitions.

Advising on a contract dispute between business partners

Handling an employee discrimination allegation

Navigating a conflict of interest disclosure

Addressing a data breach and privacy law obligations

Deciding whether to report a supplier's unethical practices

Evaluating a non-compete clause in an executive departure

Competition Tips

Notes from experienced competitors.

•

Know the difference between legal and ethical, a decision can be legal but unethical (and vice versa). Judges expect you to address both dimensions.

•

Structure your analysis with an ethics framework: utilitarian, rights-based, justice, virtue.

•

Present alternative solutions before recommending, it shows rigor.

Ready to prep for BLTDM?

Practice exams for Business Management · Review BMA + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.