Experiential Learning
Real-world global projects. Real results.
All the lectures, all the theoretical knowledge, all the skill development—it all comes together during an experiential capstone course in a hands-on engagement for an external client that expects real results.
Working in teams of four to six, students tackle a global supply chain problem. Cohort members draw upon the support and vast resources of the Carlson School, including mentorship by a professional director, access to faculty experts, and extensive research tools. Students learn and apply a structured problem-solving methodology and conduct primary and secondary research to inform rigorous analysis to produce clear insights and fact-based recommendations.
This intense, demanding experience provides a new perspective on supply chain that shapes students’ thinking moving forward.
We’re able to work with a real-world client. This isn’t looking at a case study that happened two years ago or 10 years ago. This is looking at something that’s important for them today.
Sample capstone project topics include:
- Configuring global supply chain to increase resiliency
- Conducting supplier risk assessment
- Evaluating supplier for lead-time reduction
- Analyzing potential supply chains for market entry
- Performing operational cost-reduction analysis
- Evaluating social responsibility in supply chain
Bringing Theory to Life
During the capstone, MS SCM students work in teams to address impactful, global supply chain projects for real-world clients.