Wildcats take the wheel in Detroit

Business students win global General Motors supply chain case competition

This team of K-State business students won a global case competition that tasked them with addressing real-world challenges from the automotive industry. From left: Jack Brouillette, Kate Hill, Grant Hervey and Sarah Golec. | Download this photo.

By Ruthie Gergeni

College of Business Administration

When four Kansas State University students landed in Detroit for a global case competition, they knew they were about to test their knowledge and skills in a major way. The invitation-only event drew the best supply chain minds from top universities, all ready to tackle real challenges from the automotive industry, and the Wildcats rose to the occasion.

After an intense weekend of strategy, collaboration and problem-solving at the GM/Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business Supply Chain Case Competition, the K-State team earned first place and international acclaim for the College of Business Administration.

The team, led by Dan Minick, advanced instructor of management, included Grant Hervey, junior in agronomy, Atlanta; Kate Hill, sophomore in operations and supply chain management, Wayne, Nebraska; Jack Brouillette, senior in operations and supply chain management, Andover; and Sarah Golec, senior in management, Olathe.

Tackling a real-world challenge from General Motors

The case, developed by General Motors' Global purchasing and supply chain senior leadership team, tasked teams with recommending one of three suppliers to produce a specialized charger adapter for GM's new Cadillac IQ electric vehicle.

The challenge involved balancing production capacity, cost, logistics, sustainability and long-term risk — all while supporting both vehicle production and aftersales supply chains.

"With only half of our team being operations and supply chain management majors, we really had to lean on foundational courses involving strategic management to prepare our solution," Hervey said.

Preparing for the competition

The students met twice per week, often in the Business Building, to discuss strategy and refine their approach in the weeks leading up to the competition. The group's diverse academic backgrounds turned out to be one of their greatest advantages.

Golec focused on outlining the overall business strategy and delegating tasks; Hervey, the agronomy major, led the environmental analysis; Brouilette handled supply-chain-specific calculations; and Hill managed the cost implementation breakdown.

"Many of our slides were developed collaboratively and refined through round-table feedback," Golec said. "It was truly a team effort from start to finish."

Their preparation paid off — by the time they arrived in Detroit, the students had built a strong, data-driven presentation that impressed judges from GM.

Participating in case competitions helps Wildcats prepare for what's next

The winning team of Wildcats, pictured with leader Dan Minick and the competition trophy.

Beyond technical problem-solving, the experience offered valuable lessons about leadership and collaboration.

The students gained insight into business from a general and GM-specific perspective — learning to think about the bottom line, sustainability, customer satisfaction and the technical side of GM's operations.

"As a team, we strengthened our communication, delegation and goal alignment skills while recognizing each member's unique strengths and growth areas," Golec said.

Minick, the team's faculty leader, said the students put "amazing effort" into the case.

"They put together a solution that covered all the bases and left no stone unturned in coming to their conclusion," he said. "I am extremely proud of what they have accomplished and know they will go far in their future endeavors."

From strategy sessions in the Business Building to the spotlight in Detroit, the Wildcats proved that collaboration, preparation and a strong academic foundation can drive success — no matter the challenge.

"Case competitions like the one hosted by GM/WSU, along with others that are offered by other companies throughout the school year, offer students a chance to work on and solve complex real-life business problems," Minick said. "They are then judged by professionals in that field, who give feedback on the students' solutions and provide recommendations. Much more than just a classroom case study, they are a look into what day-to-day life will be like in the workplace."

Students who are interested in a career in supply chain management can explore opportunities on the operations and supply chain management program website.

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