K-State students win regional supply chain case competition
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Students who competed in the Collins Aerospace 2024 Case Competition, from left: Quinton Pfaff, Logan Forssberg, Caden Parker and Chase Ruda with faculty advisor Brandon Savage. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — Four students from Kansas State University's College of Business Administration took home first place in the Collins Aerospace 2024 Case Competition, a regional supply chain competition in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The competition challenged students to address a supply chain disruption caused by the sudden discontinuation of nine critical parts from one of Collins Aerospace's key suppliers, Logic Instruments. Students were asked to develop a comprehensive solution that would ensure the continuity of production while minimizing costs, meeting quality standards, and preserving strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
Competitors were evaluated not only on their ability to solve the immediate problem but also on their long-term strategy, creativity and alignment with Collins Aerospace's values, including supply chain resilience and sustainability. Other teams came from regional universities including Texas Tech, Iowa State, the University of Northern Illinois and Western Illinois University.
The winning team includes Logan Forssberg, sophomore in finance, Shawnee; Quinton Pfaff, sophomore in professional strategic selling, Overland Park; Caden Parker, sophomore in accounting, Waterville; and Chase Ruda, sophomore in finance and marketing, Branson, Missouri.
Faculty advisor Brandon Savage, instructor for the department of management, also took home the Advisor Impact Award after being nominated by the four students, all of whom are Menard Family Scholars.
"I couldn't be prouder of this team," Savage said. "Despite having limited supply chain experience, they stepped up, worked together with great camaraderie and delivered impressive results against more experienced competitors. Their previous collaboration through the Menard Family Scholars Program clearly contributed to their success."
The Menard Family Scholars Program is a yearlong opportunity for exceptional freshman business students. This cohort-based program offers personalized mentoring, alumni connections and industry trips. Scholars gain early access to the College of Business Administration's Career Development Program, receive specialized advising and participate in career shadowing experiences.
K-State's operations and supply chain management program focuses on the integration of business processes across organizations — from material sources and suppliers through manufacturing and processing to delivery to the final customer.
