General Motors supports fifth annual Wayne State Supply Chain Case Competition

General Motors and the Wayne State University School of Business are welcoming some of the top business students from around the world to Detroit for an in-depth look at the supply chain systems that support the automotive industry and its high-tech vehicles.

The fifth annual General Motors/Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition, featuring the 2016 Cadillac CT6 will bring more than 20 university groups to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center from October 8 – 11. In addition to top teams from across the U.S., this year’s competition includes three international teams from China, Mexico and Poland. 

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 component purchasing strategy, global vs. domestic sourcing, and risk management.

“This is an opportunity to highlight Southeast Michigan’s automotive industry and supply chain management careers in this region, as well as an opportunity to provide students an outstanding educational experience," said John Taylor, chair of the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management and director of Supply Chain Programs at Wayne State University’s School of Business.  "Additionally, students will have time to actually visit an auto assembly plant and participate in several panel sessions on supply chain careers," said Taylor.

This year’s case addresses the assembly strategy of the Cadillac Omega-CT6, one of eight new vehicles that Cadillac will launch by the end of the decade. The CT6 is one of the world’s lightest and most agile luxury performance sedans. The teams will present their recommendations to a panel of industry and academic experts during the competition portion of the program.

The case recommendations are prepared in advance to allow the students plenty of time to explore Detroit and the automotive industry during their visit, which will include a tour GM’s Lake Orion Assembly plant.

The 22 university teams will be divided into six groups to participate in a preliminary competition on Friday, October 9. The 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 October 10. 

For additional information, visit the program Web page. Members of the media who are interested in attending any of the weekend’s activities can contact Steve Townsend at smtownsend@wayne.edu or 313-577-0202.

 

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