PreCompetition

Resources for Role Play Events


What is a ROLE PLAY Event?

Role Play/Case Study events require students to think on their feet as they work through a business situation - given to them at the conference, with a limited amount of time to prepare. Students will have either ten (10) minutes as an individual or thirty (30) minutes as a team of two (2) for our Team Decision Making Events. After you work through the situation, you will head over to the Judge’s area and present your solution in an interactive session.

These events will also take a 100-question exam, which is based on their event. This exam is used to determine content knowledge and is 1/3 of the score used to calculate the top competitors! (The Role Play(s) make up the other 2/3).

The Exams and Role Plays are generated using PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, which are based off of National Curriculum Standards and are industry-verified for being real-world and relevant. Students are likely learning many of these Performance Indicators in class, but additional outside preparation is definitely encouraged!

To help you prepare for Role Play Events we recommend that you Study Performance Indicators, Take Practice Exams, and Do Practice Role Plays! Luckily for you, we have those tools and resources available here!

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR YOUR EVENT

Performance Indicators are a specific piece of knowledge that students will be challenged on as part of the exam and/or role play scenario. Students should be familiar the Performance Indicators that apply to each event. We have broken these down for you by event.

A good rule of thumb when studying these Performance Indicators is:

When you see it and you’re confident in the answer, move to the next one. If you see it and you’re unsure, talk about it with an advisor/teacher. If it’s the first time seeing that terminology, dig deeper and research the content. There is not a perfect answer for every performance indicator, so there isn’t a bulleted list to study and memorize. Work to become familiar with the terms and feel confident, so that when you see them on an exam or role play, you’re prepared to EARN that DECA Glass!

**DECA Plus has flashcards with great information to address each performance indicator.

A note from judges: “Good competitors will mention the Performance Indicators. What separates the top competitors is explaining the PIs and connecting them to the scenario/situation. That’s what earns them those top scores!”

Since we LOVE Acronyms, here is one regarding Performance Indicators!

D: Deliver the information. If it says Explain… Explain it. If it says Demonstrate… Demonstrate it.
E: Explain its importance and relevancy. Why is this important to know?
C: Connect it to the situation.
A: Above and Beyond. What else can you add on that Performance Indicator to make it memorable and valuable?

 

PRINCIPLES

PBM PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | Click Here to View Performance Indicators

INDIVIDUAL SERIES

HRM HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-26, 42-47

TEAM DECISION MAKING

BLTDM BUSINESS LAW & ETHICS TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-26

 

INDIVIDUAL SERIES

ENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators

TEAM DECISION MAKING

ETDM ENTREPRENEURSHIP TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators

 

PRINCIPLES

PFN PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE | Click Here to View Performance Indicators

INDIVIDUAL SERIES

ACT ACCOUNTING APPLICATIONS SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-26, 27-32
BFS BUSINESS FINANCE SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-26, 38-42

Professional Selling and Consulting

FCE FINANCIAL CONSULTING EVENT | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-26 (Exam Only)

TEAM DECISION MAKING

FTDM FINANCIAL SERVICES TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-26

 

PRINCIPLES

PHT PRINCIPLES OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM | Click Here to View Performance Indicators

INDIVIDUAL SERIES

HLM HOTEL & LODGING MANAGEMENT SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-32, 42-48
QSRM QUICK SERVE RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-32, 49-55
RFSM RESTAURANT AND FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-32, 49-55

TEAM DECISION MAKING

HTDM HOSPITALITY SERVICES TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-32
TTDM TRAVEL & TOURISM TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-32

Professional Selling and Consulting

HTPS HOSPITALITY & TOURISM PROFESSIONAL SELLING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-32 (Exam Only)

 

PRINCIPLES

PMK PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators

INDIVIDUAL SERIES

AAM APPAREL & ACCESSORIES MARKETING SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28, 47-53
ASM AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES MARKETING SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28, 39-42
BSM BUSINESS SERVICES MARKETING SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28, 39-42
FMS FOOD MARKETING SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28, 39-42
MCS MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-38
RMS RETAIL MERCHANDISING SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28, 47-53
SEM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING SERIES | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28, 39-42

TEAM DECISION MAKING

BTDM BUYING & MERCHANDISING TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28
MTDM MARKETING MANAGEMENT TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28
STDM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING TEAM DECISION MAKING | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28

Prepared Events

IMCE, IMCP, IMCS INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN - EVENT, PRODUCT, SERVICE | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28 (Exam Only)
PSE PROFESSIONAL SELLING EVENT | Click Here to View Performance Indicators - pg 4-28 (Exam Only)

 

PFL PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY | Click Here to View Performance Indicators

 

Related Resources:

3 Reasons Why You Should Do A Written Event

With over fifty competitive events, choosing just one to participate in can be one of the most difficult choices to face in DECA. However, a choice that’s much less overwhelming to make but narrows down your choices greatly is whether you want to compete in a written or role play event. A written event involves writing a paper, submitted before competition, and presenting it to a judge. A role play event involves taking a test beforehand and then presenting a response to a scenario you are given at competition. Not sure about which one of these two event categories is best for you? Read on to find out three major reasons that written events might be the perfect fit for you!

You should do a written event if. . .

1) You present the best when you’ve had time to rehearse.

One of the biggest downsides to roleplay events is their on-the-spot nature: you have less than an hour to both brainstorm and deliver a top-notch presentation. On the other hand, if your presentations are best when you’re able to practice them beforehand, a written event allows you to do just that. You’ll be able to spend several months before competition perfecting your presentation so you know it’s the best it can be when you finally deliver it to a judge.

2) You’re a stellar writer.

Your competitive event should show off your best skills. If you have a special way with words, a written event is for you! Your awesome writer’s voice will help you to craft a paper that is both informative yet engaging - a winning combination.

3) You have a unique idea you know you can sell to the judges.

Whether it be a creative way to transform a business whose stock has been underperforming or an idea for the next big tech gadget, a written event is a great way to display a unique, game-changing idea. Use your paper as a tool to pitch your out-of-this-world idea to your judge.

Did any of those reasons sound just like you? If so, check out the DECA website’s competitive events page to find out more about what written events are available!

BY: ANYA KACKER

 

Related Resources:

5 Preparation Tips for District Testing

All Texas DECA Districts will host testing in less than two weeks! Members will be able to compete in role play events, run for district office, and network with members. Keep in mind that you need to “pass” this test in order to QUALIFY for potential advancements for State CDC. For example, if you score a 35%, you will not be able to advance to State no matter how well your role play may have been. Below are tips for preparation and testing itself:

1) STUDY!!! You won’t do well if you don’t try. Practice using tests from previous years. Some questions are recycled. Don’t procrastinate!!!

2) Set a reasonable goal! Write out your goal on paper.  Goal setting is important and will motivate you to work hard leading up to testing.

3) Keep track of time. Remember that you are taking a timed test, so bring a watch that doesn’t make beeping noises or doesn’t have an alarm. Smart Watches are not allowed!

4) Stay hydrated and eat well. Sounds obvious, but you need to seriously keep yourself healthy if you want your brain to perform at its best for testing.

5) Get lots of rest! As always, you function best when you are well rested and have sufficient energy. Don’t stay up all night cramming or playing video games.

BY: EMILY NGUYEN

 

Related Resources:

How to Get a Higher Test Score

  1. Take every practice test you can! You can find numerous online just by searching on the web “DECA (Insert Cluster Name) Cluster Practice Exams.” When taking these tests, I would make sure you understand why you got each question wrong. In my opinion, reading through the answers is far more significant than taking the actual test. If you don’t get a certain concept when testing, search for it online and take the time out to read articles or watch a couple videos. Your friends, family, and teachers are also great resources to use!

  2. Learn your vocab! All of the DECA Exams you take will be heavy with vocabulary, and so it is essential that you understand all terms possible. I personally find it very helpful to search for glossaries on the web - I know Quizlet is a very helpful tool! Just a simple “DECA (Insert Cluster Name) Vocabulary” search on the web can land you hundreds of terms! Another thing I would do is to go through a list of all the Performance Indicators in your event and write down every term you are unfamiliar with. When studying your vocabulary, I would make sure you really understand the terms rather than just the definition. Take some time to set up a schedule and memorize roughly 20 terms a week. Review the terms you previously learned and try to employ them in sentences to increase retention. The vocabulary you learn will not only assist you when you take your test but when you do your Roleplays -  judges are very impressed when they hear these terms!

  3. Know your exam! You can find breakdowns of every DECA Cluster Exam here. This is an amazing resource primarily because it tells you what concepts to focus on the most. The instructional areas provided on the chart are broad categories you need to understand before you take your test.

  4. Try to convince your chapter to get Competition University! Competition University is a website that is designed to train DECA members in any competitive event. It has all the DECA resources ready to go, will teach you performance indicators, and go over practice tests with you.

  5. Use the official DECA Images Resources. DECA Images sells competition materials you can purchase online. This includes things such as flashcards, tests, and much more. This is a great way to study, as you know these resources are reliable since they come from DECA themselves.

  6. For any other resources, visit www.texasdeca.org! Texas DECA provides a wide array of materials to help you succeed as a DECA member, whether it be competition, chapter management, or leadership development. Also, please let Texas DECA know if you have any requests for a new resource to be made

BY: DHRUV GOMBER

 

Related Resources:

Why You Should Compete in a Role Play Event

Roleplays are the perfect way to test your skills of improvisation and quick-thinking or just confidence improvement! If you’re willing to take on the challenge of spontaneity, roleplays are the optimum type of competition for your DECA experience.

Test your knowledge!

Given performance indicators and a scenario, your true knowledge about your competitive event is being put to the test! This best indicates your strengths and weaknesses, helping you build your knowledge and experience of working in the business world. Not only does this improve your skills and application, but also allows you to showcase your abilities on the tested subject. Roleplays really give you a chance to put your best foot forward, if you’re willing to work for it!

Build your confidence!

Learning to present or speak in public can be intimidating and embarrassing, however, roleplays are the icebreaker to gaining confidence in your presentations. Roleplays give you a safe environment to practice your presentation, in a one-on-one environment with the judge. This allows you to have a more intimate environment, giving you tense, yet secure, conditions to grow your confidence skills. A large factor in roleplays includes your confidence levels: handshake, eye contact, posture, and overall engagement. These confidence indicators can boost your presentation, and teach you valuable lessons for future interviews where confidence is key! Considering the factor of improvisation and spontaneity, with practice, roleplays help teach confidence even when you feel overwhelmed in an interview.

Give you an accurate image of real-life situations!

Taking on a hypothetical role and purpose in these interviews allows you to not only assert confidence but gain knowledge of how your skills are applicable in the business world. All roleplays have a situation that is likely to occur in your future of conducting business, whether it comes to customer satisfaction or managing resources. Roleplays give you an accurate representation of problems that employers face and allow you to explore the options of solutions. Not only will this increase your score in a DECA competition, but furthermore prepare you for your future in the business world. Practicing creating new ideas and solutions with originality and leadership in a roleplay inclines you towards being more successful in the future when you approach a similar situation.

BY: MADELINE SEVERSON

 

Related Resources:

How to Run for District Office

Becoming a Texas DECA District Officer is a huge accomplishment and privilege while being a part of the organization. However, the steps and process to get there can seem somewhat daunting and out of your limits. It’s my goal to help you out of that mindset and provide the best advice to help you on your officer journey.

1) Intent to Run

The first thing as an emerging officer candidate is your intent to run or “Your Why?”. It’s important, to begin with seeing a need. A need to change something, a need to help others, a need to better the district. Regardless of your intentions, make the most of your passion and allow that to fuel you while campaigning and throughout your term in office.

2) Test

Yes, the ol’ t-word. In order to become an "official" candidate, you must pass the Texas DECA certification test. Now, before you get nervous and completely forget about running, Texas DECA provides the necessary resources to help you prepare.

What I recommend studying: Texas DECA Fact Sheet Texas DECA Bylaws Know the Texas DECA Website National Officers, DECA INC. History, Core Values, Mission Statement Basic understanding of the competitive events

Don’t think of this as a way to deter you, think of it as a way to see how well of an ambassador you would be!

3) Interview

Another aspect of running for office is participating in an interview with a committee. The great thing is that in the district officer application, there is a list of provided questions to aid in preparation. I HIGHLY recommend briefly looking over these to get a feel for what your answers are going to be and make sure you understand the wording. I don’t recommend creating a separate document, pasting all of the questions, and typing your responses. The goal of the interview is to get a feel for who you are! Not to seem like a robot who memorized word for word. Just relax, take a deep breath, and let your personality shine!

4) Votes/Speech

This part of campaigning has to be my favorite since it’s the culmination of everything! Voting delegates (members selected from a chapter to vote) ultimately decide if your dream becomes a reality. In order to win everyone over, you must give a timed (2 minute) speech. I’m not going to go into detail over this section since I live by the quote:

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

The stage, podium, and room are yours. State who you are, where you’re from, why you’re there, and what you plan to do. Be sure to follow the guidelines on the application for proper stage presence, but seize the moment!

BY: SIKYRA CASTLE

 

Related Resources:

Glass Class - Competition

Resources for Written/Prepared Events

This page is currently under rennovations. Please check back soon for updates and information.


SAMPLE PREPARATION CALENDARS FOR YOUR EVENT

 

Integrated Marketing Campaign Events

operations research events

Professional Selling + Consulting Events

Project Management Events

entrepreneurship events

 

Selling and Consulting Events

Financial Consulting (FCE)
(SAMple competitive event page, all events coming soon)

For 2022-2023 you will assume the role of a financial consultant to a local bank.

The bank is looking to close some of its brick-and-mortar locations and transition more of its services to an online/virtual platform. The bank is seeking your recommendation on what services could be transitioned to an online-only banking platform without compromising customer service to its customers.

Related Resources:

Competitive Events Update

Get a head start on the 2024-2025 competition season with DECA's competitive topics and resources for business operations research, professional selling, hospitality and tourism professional selling and financial consulting.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS RESEARCH EVENTS

The 2024-2025 topic for each career category is the development of a strategic plan to enhance or introduce the use of AI in an existing business or organization. Participants will collaborate with a local business or organization to analyze current AI strategies and practices. Participants will then develop and present a strategic plan for AI usage.

FINANCIAL CONSULTING (FCE)

For 2024-2025, you will assume the role of a financial consultant who works with student-athletes. A potential new client, a college-level athlete who is receiving money from NIL (name, image and likeness) deals has scheduled a meeting with you to learn about how to get started with basic investing. The client would like you to explain different investing options to develop and build a financial portfolio.

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM PROFESSIONAL SELLING (HTPS)

For 2024-2025, you will assume the role of a sales representative for a company specializing in sustainable products. The purchasing manager for a local hotel chain has scheduled a meeting with you to learn about sustainable product options that can be integrated into any of their departments.

PROFESSIONAL SELLING (PSE)

For 2024-2025 you will assume the role of a sales representative of a customer relationship management (CRM) platform. A local small business owner has scheduled a meeting with you to see the potential benefits of adding a CRM platform to reach current and potential customers. The owner wants to learn how your CRM platform will engage customers to positively influence buyer behavior, build brand loyalty, and meet the business's goals.

 

Related Resources:

DECA's Written Event Guidelines - Printout Versions

Earn a Spot at ICDC

compete in the STOCK MARKET GAME

Participants in the Stock Market Game develop and manage all aspects of an investment portfolio including stock selection, buying and selling. The top 25 teams from each DECA region earn the opportunity to compete at ICDC.

September 9 - December 6 | Learn more here


compete in the virtual business challenge

VBC is a fast-paced, online simulation that challenges participants to operate a web-based business in one of eight areas. There are two qualifying rounds. The top two teams from each region in each round earn the opportunity to compete at ICDC.

Round 1 | October 15-25 | Registration Opens October 3 | Learn More Here
Round 2 | January 14-24


compete in a traditional competitive events

DECA offers 51 traditional competitive events to choose from. From role plays to prepared business plans, there’s something for everyone. For traditional competitive events, members will need to compete at the district level, advance to the state level, and qualify for ICDC at the state level.

check out the competitive events here


earn a gold certification in school-based enterprise

SBE’s earning a gold certification or re-certification have the opportunity to participate in the SBE academy and compete at ICDC. SBE teams can have up to two participants. To get certified, chapters must submit their certification paper by January 14. If you are eligible to attend ICDC, the SBE participants will give a presentation over the SBE.

Learn more here


serve as a voting delegate

Our Texas DECA leadership team take on the responsibility of identifying the next team of executive officers. This includes a combination of incoming/outgoing State and District Officers. Learn more about serving as a Texas DECA leader here.


complete chapter campaigns & earn thrive level

Meet the requirements of any two DECA Month Chapter Campaigns (promotional, ethical leadership, community service) or two categories of the National Membership Campaign and earn two allocations to attend the Thrive Academy at ICDC.

Learn more here.


complete the texas two-step campaign

Complete either a social OR community event with another chapter and earn the opportunity to apply for one academy spot. Complete both events and earn the opportunity to apply for two academy spots.

Learn more here.


participate in the case study challenge

Place in the top three in one of the case study challenges offered by Texas DECA and earn your chapter the opportunity to send members to an academy at ICDC.

Learn more here.


WHAT LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES DOES DECA OFFER?

THRIVE ACADEMY

ULTIMATE CHAPTER

Now it’s time to thrive with other high-performing chapters and continue to develop your toolbox of collaboration, communications, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Eligibility to attend Thrive is based on achievement in DECA’s Chapter Campaigns.

ignite academy

ultimate member

Ignite your spark for DECA! As an emerging leader, you have great potential to take advantage of all that DECA offers. Now’s your time to gain an edge as you learn how you can take your personal DECA experience to the next level and ignite your passion for DECA.

aspire academy

ultimate graduate

As you soon graduate, the sky is the limit for your aspirations. Do you know what to expect in college or how to be successful in your career? learn how to leverage your DECA experience to your advantage in college, interviews, and internships. Aspire to get on the fast track to college and career success.

elevate academy

ultimate chapter leader

Elevate your leadership in DECA by becoming the ultimate DECA chapter leader. Discover your personal leadership style and how you can use that to take your chapter to the next level. Now’s your time to elevate your DECA status from member to chapter leader.

 

Related Resources:

Competitive Event Allocations

all chapters will get up to 3 allocations per event. additional allocations will be scaled based on chapter size.

 

The allocation scale can be seen at the bottom of the page. Competitive event allocations are based on the HIGHER total number between the previous year’s final membership and the initial roster submitted by October 15th of the current membership year. See the chart linked below for your allocation based your previous year’s membership. Allocation numbers may increase based on membership numbers as of October 15.

Each individual in principles, personal financial literacy, individual series, or professional selling events counts as ONE allocation. Each two person team for team decision making events counts as ONE allocation. Each team of one to three people for the integrated marketing, operations research, entrepreneurship, or project management events counts as ONE allocation.

 

Allocations will be scaled based on the higher total number between the previous year’s final membership and the initial roster submitted by October 15th of the current membership year.

  • 10-99 Members: up to 3 per event

  • 100-149 members: up to 4 per event

  • 150-199 members: up to 5 per event

  • 200-249 members: up to 6 per event

  • 250-299 members: up to 7 per event

  • 300-349 members: up to 8 per event

  • 350-399 members: up to 9 per event

  • 400+ members: up to 10 per event

 

Principles of Business Administration Events (must be the first year on a DECA Roster)

PBM Principles of Business Management and Administration
PEN Principles of Entrepreneurship
PFN Principles of Finance
PHT Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
PMK Principles of Marketing

Financial Literacy Event

PFL Personal Financial Literacy

Individual Series Events

ACT Accounting Applications Series
AAM Apparel & Accessories Marketing Series
ASM Automotive Services Marketing Series
BFS Business Finance Series
BSM Business Services Marketing Series
ENT Entrepreneurship Series
FMS Food Marketing Series
HLM Hotel and Lodging Management Series
HRM Human Resources Management Series
MCS Marketing Communications Series
QSRM Quick Serve Restaurant Management Series
RFSM Restaurant and Food Service Management Series
RMS Retail Merchandising Series
SEM Sport and Entertainment Marketing Series

Team Decision Making Events

BLTDM Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making Event
BTDM Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making Event
ETDM Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making Event
FTDM Financial Services Team Decision Making Event
HTDM Hospitality Services Team Decision Making Event
MTDM Marketing Management Team Decision Making Event
STDM Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making Event
TTDM Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making Event

Integrated Marketing Campaign

IMCE Integrated Marketing Campaign - Event
IMCP Integrated Marketing Campaign - Product
IMCS Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service

Professional Selling Events

FCE Financial Consulting
HTPS Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling
PSE Professional Selling Event Personal

Business Operations Research Events

BOR Business Services Operations Research Event
BMOR Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Event
FOR Finance Operations Research Event
HTOR Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Event
SEOR Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research Event

Entrepreneurship Events

EIP Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan
ESB Entrepreneurship Start-Up Business Plan
EIB Entrepreneurship Independent Business Plan
EFB Entrepreneurship Franchise Business Plan
IBP International Business Plan
EBG Entrepreneurship Business Growth Plan

Project Management Events

PMBS Business Solutions Project
PMCD Career Development Project
PMCA Community Awareness Project
PMCG Community Giving Project
PMFL Financial Literacy Project
PMSP Sales Project

 

Related Resources:

Guidebook for Chapter Campaigns