During the week of September 20-22 Wayne State University’s School of Business Administration and General Motors brought some of the leading business students from across the country to Detroit for an in-depth look at supply chain systems that support the automotive industry and its high-tech vehicles.
The second annual General Motors/Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition, featuring the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu ECO, brought 16 university teams to the Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center from Sept. 20 - 22.
Regional winners were Pennsylvania State University, Michigan State University, Howard University, and Miami University – Ohio. Miami University – Ohio, in Oxford, Ohio, was the national winner this year. Last year Colorado State was the national winner.
The program introduced students to the issues and challenges involved in producing leading technology vehicles through a case study. Students examined topics such as risk management, production schedules, launch dates, production locations, and supply chain strategies for Mexican sourcing.
The program was “an opportunity to showcase the Southeast Michigan supply chain and its business opportunities, as well as introduce students to the many cultural and entertainment venues in Detroit,” said John Taylor, chair of the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Wayne State University’s School of Business Administration. “Additionally, students had ample time to network with automotive supply chain professionals and participate in several panel sessions on supply chain careers,” said Taylor.
Prior to their visit, the students analyzed production plans for the Chevrolet Malibu ECO, and will studied the implications for key suppliers’ production strategies. The teams developed recommendations based on their investigation of the supply chain enterprise, data analysis and study of financial implications, and then presented their findings to a panel of judges during the competition portion of the program.
The case was developed by title sponsor General Motors and fellow sponsors Bridgestone, Delphi, Lear, and Ryder, in conjunction with WSU’s supply chain faculty. The competition also included sponsorship of the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).
"The Supply Chain Case Competition is a great opportunity for General Motors and its suppliers to work with some of the top young supply chain talent in the United States to provide them with some real-world scenarios,” said Bill Hurles, General Motors executive director of global purchasing and supply chain. “This event is a win-win for all those involved – GM and other suppliers get a chance to hear new and creative ideas from future supply chain professionals and the students gain real-world experience.”
The case recommendations were prepared in advance to allow the students plenty of time to explore Detroit and the automotive industry during their visit. They toured GM’s Lake Orion Assembly plant, and attended a Detroit Tigers game, in addition to attending panel discussions on supply chain careers in the auto industry.
The 16 teams were divided into four regional groups and participated in a preliminary competition on Friday, Sept. 21. The winning semifinalist teams from those regionals received additional information and prepared a second presentation for the competition’s final round the next day. Winning teams were announced at an awards dinner on Sept. 22. Christine Krathwohl, executive director, General Motors Global Logistics and Containers, delivered the keynote address. Regional Winners and the National Champion took home plaques and cash prizes.
Participating universities were from Colorado, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Washington D.C., and Michigan.
In its second year, 128 supply chain students in the United States have participated in the General Motors/Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition.
For additional information, visit the program Web page.