Wayne State University supply chain students win Denver case competition
A team of global supply chain management students from the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University recently competed in the 38th annual Operation Stimulus Case Competition in Denver. The Ilitch School team walked away with a first place finish this year, besting their second place finish from last year.
Sponsored by the Denver Transportation Club, Operation Stimulus is the longest running supply chain and logistics student case study competition in North America. Founded in 1982, this event invites future leaders in supply chain from the nation’s preeminent universities to learn, innovate, and solve real-world problems while simultaneously bringing together industry leaders and supply chain and logistics companies.
This year’s case involved a supply chain strategy to address a solar-related product that could be produced in one of several countries and sold in a number of countries. India, China, the U.S. and Europe were all key considerations in the case. The case forced teams to think outside the box in developing the best solution for customers, the company and the overall supply chain.
“This confluence of brainpower, industry champions and the future of the supply chain is a unique opportunity for all involved and truly furthers the industry,” said Professor John Taylor, chair of the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Wayne State University.
This year’s team included students Vanessa Agrusa, Soros Ashley, Justin Danks and Lisa Schmidt, along with Professor Lori Sisk serving as the faculty representative. Competing schools included Syracuse University, University of North Texas, Kansas State University, University of Wyoming, Georgia Southern, Miami University, Iowa State University, Northern Iowa University and Texas Tech University.
When not competing, the students had opportunities to interact with local professionals to learn the ins and outs of the supply chain industry. “Overall, the experience was amazing,” said senior Vanessa Agrusa.
