The automotive industry supply chain case competition: A university and industry partnership

Abstract

The importance of business schools collaborating with industry, and especially local companies, is selfevident. One way that the Global Supply Chain Management Program in the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University has collaborated with General Motors and several major suppliers, and potential employers of students, is through an automotive industry supply chain management (SCM) case competition. In 2016, the Global Supply Chain Management Program, along with General Motors, will host the 6 annual General Motors/Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition. Supply Chain Management students from universities around the world travel to Detroit, MI to participate in the competition and learn about the global automotive industry. In addition to the competition, students tour an automotive assembly plant and network with industry executives and young managers. General Motors and other sponsoring companies utilize the competition to recruit top talent for entry level supply chain management positions, and to help with the education of students. Wayne State and its students benefit from increased exposure to companies with benefits relating to research, faculty recruiting, placement of students, and general development of the Wayne State SCM brand name. This article discusses the nature of the competition and the competitors, issues involved in producing such an event, the costs, and other benefits and challenges related to hosting such a competition.