Miami University SCOM students take on General Motors case competition
Miami University SCOM students take on General Motors case competition
Four Miami University Supply Chain and Operations Management (SCOM) students recently traveled to Detroit, Michigan, to participate in the General Motors (GM) Case Competition, gaining hands-on experience with real-world supply chain challenges while connecting with industry professionals and students from across the country.
Representing Miami were Elaine Schaft, Ben Jubach, Luke Eakin, and Robert Zinkewich. The competition brought together four regions, each consisting of five teams, giving students the opportunity to collaborate, compete, and learn a variety of approaches to solving complex business problems.
Leading up to the competition, the Miami team spent approximately three weeks developing its solution to their given supply chain case. Once in Detroit, students kicked off the experience at the GM Supply Chain Leadership Opening Ceremony, where they had opportunities to network with other competing universities, industry representatives, and supply chain professionals.
One of the highlights of the trip was a tour of GM's Factory ZERO, an electric vehicle manufacturing facility that produces vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Hummer EV. Students gained a firsthand look at the manufacturing processes and supply chain operations behind electric vehicle production.
The competition itself pushed students to think critically, develop practical solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances. After preparing and presenting their original 15-minute presentations, teams were given an unexpected challenge: incorporate a new twist and additional findings into their existing projects. With only 1–1.5 hours to make adjustments, the Miami team successfully adapted its presentation. Their efforts were well received, with feedback that the Miami team really commanded the room.
Beyond the presentations, students walked away with valuable lessons about the realities of supply chain management. They saw how quickly decisions can impact an organization operating on a billion-dollar scale and learned that supplier relationships involve much more than numbers. Communication, trust, contractual agreements, and relationship management all play important roles in developing successful supply chain solutions.
One of the team's biggest takeaways was the importance of resilience and staying focused on the main objective. With so much information and unexpected challenges coming their way, students learned how easy it can be to lose sight of the overall goal. Keeping resilience at the center of their approach helped guide their decisions throughout the competition.
Experiences like the GM Case Competition allow Miami SCOM students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real business challenges. From touring manufacturing facilities to presenting solutions to industry leaders, the experience provided an opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills, build professional connections, and gain a better understanding of the supply chain industry.