WSU and AIAG partner for third supply chain event

Wayne State University has partnered with Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) for three spring conferences. The theme of their most recent gathering, the 2013 Supply Chain Summit, was supply chain security. Timothy Butler, associate professor of global supply chain management, presented a breakout session.

Butler’s presentation highlighted achievements of the GSCM major including the monthly Purchasing Managers Index and the GSCM study abroad program, which is in its third year and has taken students to Canada and Europe to see firsthand how international supply chains work. He also mentioned that the department is in it’s third year of the General Motors/Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition. He finished by noting an increase in students selecting the major over the past five years.

“We place a very high priority on our students,” Butler said. “We are working to be recognized nationally as a top supply chain program.”

For graduate students, starting in the winter there will be a year-long certificate program with AIAG.

“Two new assistant professors, Tingting Yan and Hugo DeCampos, are joining the GSCM program to continue adding new perspectives to develop the program,” Butler said.

The summit brought together top executives and influential individuals in the supply chain field. The summit featured breakout sessions focused on current developments in the field such as continued ways to protect shipments from terrorist activities.

Domenic Leo, a senior majoring in supply chain management, was invited to attend to the summit.

“For Domenic this was an opportunity to meet people like the director of SCM for GM and president of AIAG,” Butler said. “Networking is important aspect for obtaining future jobs and internships.”

“I learned a great deal about the industry that I am going into at the summit,” Leo said. “It gave me a renewed sense of ambition. I am really looking forward to my career choice now.”

The Automotive Industry Action Group 2103 Supply Chain Summit took place on June 18 at The Inn at St. John’s.

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