General Motors Supports Wayne State University’s Supply Chain Competition

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 third annual General Motors/Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition, featuring the 2014 Cadillac ELR will bring 20 university groups to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center from September 19 through 22, 2013.

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, risk management, and battery production locations.

“This is an opportunity to showcase Southeast Michigan’s automotive industry and supply chain management careers in this region, as well as an opportunity to provide students an outstanding real world educational experience,” 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 time to actually interview with automotive companies and participate in several panel sessions on supply chain careers,” said Taylor.

“On behalf of General Motors, we are honored to partner with Wayne State for a third year on the Supply Chain Case Competition”Bill Hurles, General Motors Executive Director of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain

Prior to their visit, the students will analyze sourcing options for the ELR battery and will study a number of supply chain management implications.

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 Delphi, Lear, DENSO 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.

The ELR’s T-shaped battery pack is located along the centerline of the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels for optimal weight distribution. The 5.5-foot-long (1.6 m), 435-pound (198 kg) pack supplies energy to an advanced electric drive unit capable of 295 lb-ft of instant torque (400 Nm) to propel the vehicle. Using only the energy stored in the battery, the ELR will deliver a GM-estimated range of about 35 miles (56 km) of pure electric driving, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature.

“On behalf of General Motors, we are honored to partner with Wayne State for a third year on the Supply Chain Case Competition”, said Bill Hurles, General Motors Executive Director of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain.

“The competition provides students an opportunity to work as a team to solve real challenges faced by Supply Chain leaders today while developing their presentation skills, as they will present their findings to a panel of industry and academic experts. It’s also a great chance to network with other students and industry leaders from GM and our supplier partners.”

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 Hamtramck Assembly plant.

The 20 university teams will be divided into five groups and participate in a preliminary competition on Friday, Sept. 20. 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. 21.

Participating Schools
Bowling Green State University
Colorado State University
Eastern Michigan University
Florida State University
Howard University
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Lehigh University
Miami University (Ohio)
Michigan State University
North Carolina State University
Northern Iowa University
Ohio State
Pennsylvania State University
Rutgers University
Syracuse University
University of Maryland
University of Memphis
University of Toledo
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University

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