Competition guidelines
The GM/WSU Mike Ilitch School of Business Supply Chain Case Competition is an exclusive event for select undergraduate students. About four weeks before the competition, teams receive case materials to analyze and create PowerPoint presentations for their Detroit presentation. No outside assistance, including from faculty, is allowed.
On Thursday evening, a lottery will assign each team's presentation order for the first round. Industry judges from the automotive sector will evaluate the teams, and one team from each region will advance to the finals.
Finalists will compete on Saturday, with top teams receiving plaques and the winner's name engraved on the Bill Hurles Trophy. All participants get certificates.
Business casual or professional attire is expected, with logo-embroidered shirts encouraged. Professional conduct is mandatory, and attendance at all events is required.
Frequently asked questions
Who can participate in the GM/WSU Supply Chain Case Competition?
Undergraduate students from invited schools. Students can only compete once.
How many people can be on a team?
Up to four students.
How many teams can a university send?
One team per school.
What is the cost to participate?
- Domestic team (up to four students, one faculty advisor): $500 (includes 3 hotel rooms for 3 nights)
- Domestic team + additional faculty member (separate rooms): $1,200 (includes 4 hotel rooms for 3 nights)
- Domestic team + additional faculty member (shared room): $850 (includes 3 hotel rooms for 3 nights)
- International team (up to four students, one faculty advisor): $1,200 (includes 3 hotel rooms for 4 nights)
What is the faculty advisor's role?
Faculty advisors accompany the team but provide no case assistance. Students can use books, online resources, and other non-human references. Specific activities may be planned for advisors during the event.
When do teams receive the case?
Approximately four weeks before the competition.
What technology is available for the competition?
A laptop and projector are provided in the competition rooms. Teams should bring printed materials as printers may not be available. Presentations must be saved on a USB drive.
Where is the competition held?
At the Detroit Marriott Hotel (Renaissance Center) and Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business.
How are hotel rooms assigned?
Each team gets three hotel rooms (one for the faculty advisor, two for students). A cot may be requested for extra accommodations, based on availability. Additional rooms are at the university’s expense.
Why should your school participate?
- Networking with students, faculty, GM, and industry professionals
- Recruiting and interview opportunities
- Solving real-world supply chain cases
- Experiencing downtown Detroit
- Enhancing presentation skills
What is the competition day schedule?
- Teams arrive 30 minutes before their presentation
- Presentations include 5 minutes setup, 20 minutes presenting, 10 minutes Q&A
- Teams leave after Q&A, followed by a team photo
- Preliminary and final round judges will differ
Will teams get feedback on their presentations?
Judges may offer feedback after each presentation.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is expected. Business professional is also acceptable. Teams can wear logo-embroidered shirts to show school pride, but t-shirts are not recommended.