General Motors supports Wayne State supply chain competition
Program gives students up-close look at high-tech vehicle manufacturing supply chain
Wayne State University’s School of Business Administration and General Motors are bringing some of the leading business students from across the country to Detroit for an in-depth look at the 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, will bring 16 university groups to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center from Sept. 20 - 22.
The program will introduce students to the issues and challenges involved in producing leading technology vehicles through a case study. They will examine topics such as risk management, production schedules, launch dates, and production locations.
“This is 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 of Detroit,” said John Taylor, associate professor and chair of the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Wayne State University’s School of Business Administration. “Additionally, students will have 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 will analyze production plans for the Chevrolet Malibu ECO, and will study the implications for key suppliers’ production strategies. The teams will develop recommendations based on their investigation of the supply chain enterprise, data analysis and study of financial implications, and then present 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 includes the 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 for future supply chain professionals and the students gain real-world experience.”
The case recommendations are prepared in advance to allow the students plenty of time to explore Detroit and the automotive industry during their visit. They will tour GM’s Lake Orion Assembly plant, and attend a Detroit Tigers game.
The 16 teams will be divided into four groups and participate in a preliminary competition on Friday, Sept. 21. The winning semifinalist teams will receive additional information and prepare a second presentation for the competition’s final round the next day. Winning teams will be announced at the awards dinner on Sept. 22. Christine Krathwohl, executive director, General Motors Global Logistics and Containers, will deliver the keynote address. Winners will take home plaques and cash prizes.
Participating universities are 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.
