chess opening moveFollowing the trialling period the MERIT University Tournament 2024 has begun and the first round results are in.

Initial strong openings have placed 'SWOLE' of the National University of Singapore first very closely followed by Glasgow Caledonian's 'TASKFORCE 141' only 15 points between them.

Only a little behind are University of Manchester's 'Prasinos Aegis' and 'Chai Dragons' and University of Minnesota's 'GopherDigs'. LEEDs' 'GMWP Ltd' are a bit further off the pace. But Minnesota's 'GoldyBuilt' and Manchester's 'Makka Pakka' have work to do with the lowest improvements.

The teams with the clearest strategy tend to do better so the teams with the weakest performance need to review their strategy.

The results from the first round are not good predictors of the eventual outcome given the turbulence that will develop but a good start is always helpful. In these early rounds teams are working out the market level that will produce winning bids. Do they invest heavily in marketing to generate many bidding opportunities or do they manage their overheads more carefully? Such is the balanced judgement that is needed on many decisions.

Good luck to all teams. May your gambit produce the endgame that makes you the MERIT University Tournament 2024 Champions!

 

Click here for the Full results

2023 MERIT champions predicably irrationals

'Predictably Irrational' first showed their strength in period 8 of the Early Years when they broke through to achieve first place. But they had a tussle with 'Wacky Workforce' who displaced them in periods 9 and 10. However they remained tucked in second place and their resolve showed through as they regained top spot in periods 11 and 12 demoting 'Wacky Workforce' to second place and the tussle between the two remained an ongoing one.

However the pattern was set and in the six Final rounds 'Predictably Irrational' retained their first place throughout to be crowned Champions. Not only did they retain their leading position they widened the gap against the others. 'Predictably Irrational' entered the final rounds with a lead of 200 points over 'Wacky Workforce' and ended the Final with a lead of 722 over 'TITANS' who overtook 'Wacky Workforce' to gain second place.

'Predictably Irrational' can readily be described as runaway winners. They must write up the story of their strategy and tactics in managing MERIT which have shown such success and publication of this will educate future contestants.

The placings in the Final round are shown in the diagram below.

merit2023 p18 results merit2023 p18 Share

The winner in the Sponsors Award, measured by the companies with the three teams entered were: AtkinsRealis India, followed by COWI, Mott Macdonald and Binnies UK.

MERIT 2023 was the 33rd time the competition has run strongly supported since its inception in 1988 by the Institution of Civil Engineers MERIT has a strong record of providing initial training in business, company and financial management in a construction context. MERIT also develops teamworking skills and leadership skills which serve the participants throughout their careers. Having given the participants a simulated insight into decision making at the senior management level MERIT influences choices in future development and training as participants career ambitions have been heightened.

 

Click here for the Full results

announcing24

Registration is now OPEN for the MERIT University Tournament 2024.

Aimed at university/college students (undergrads or postgrads, full-time or part-time) the game will run March to June 2024, with an online Final held between the 3rd and 14th June 2024.

Registration is open, and will remain open until 12 April 2024, with pricing starting at £250 per 4 person team.

In order to take full advantage of the Trialling period, we do recommend that you Register as early as possible.

 

MUT2024 flyer
Click to download the
MUT 2024 Flyer

          

For the game's current status and submission timetable,
please Click here for the MERIT University Tournament 2024 game page