Step 1. Companies A and B. Collectively decide what type of business you want to represent, for example, sports apparel companies, beauty salons, or pet care agencies. Then choose a product or service applicable to that type of business. (Both groups should choose the same type of business and product or service.)

Step 2. Companies A and B. Decide how you will present your product to your customers. Focus on the following factors:

• Packaging/presentation

• Price/budget

• Quality

Consumers. Compile a list of what is important to you when choosing this product or service.

Step 3. Companies A and B. Provide a brief presentation to your competition and consumers.

Consumers. Provide in-depth feedback to both companies as to how they could improve; consider your initial list.

Step 4. Companies A and B. Use the consumer feedback to alter your product or service to gain advantage over your competition.

Consumers. Discuss how the two companies compare to real-life companies offering similar products or services. Would you consider purchasing from either of these two companies? Why or why not?

Step 5. Companies A and B. Present your product again. Explain why your product or service surpasses that of your competition.

Consumers. Discuss the changes made by both companies and consider how they accommodated your needs. Did each company effectively incorporate your feedback into its revised presentation? Choose one company that you think gained the competitive advantage.

Entire Class. Openly discuss the factors real companies must face in competition. Were these factors considered in the challenge?