Experience meets innovation at CMU’s 5th Annual Logistics Undergraduate Case Competition

The College of Business Administration hosted the fifth annual Logistics Undergraduate Case Competition on Nov. 7 in Grawn Hall’s Atrium, bringing together more than 100 College of Business Administration students to test their business acumen, analytical thinking, and collaboration skills in logistics-focused challenges.

Hosted by CMU’s Department of Marketing, Hospitality and Logistics Management, the event was coordinated by faculty members James A. Taelman and Evelyn K. Smith, with support from Sean Goffnett and Frederick Lawrence.

The daylong event featured two competitive components, a case competition and a simulation event, both designed to mirror real-world business challenges faced by logistics and supply chain professionals.

Real-world learning through simulation and strategy

The simulation event, facilitated by Business Information Systems faculty members Christine Witt and Kyle Nothstine, centered on an ERPsim dairy products challenge. Student teams used SAP software to manage inventory, optimize supply chains, and maximize company valuation in a dynamic, competitive environment.

Meanwhile, in the case competition, teams developed and presented strategic logistics solutions to a panel of industry judges. Each team analyzed a scenario involving regional network optimization, sustainability, and technology-driven delivery strategies, then presented recommendations supported by data and business rationale.

Faculty and alumni inspire student success

Before the competition began, Misty Bennett, associate dean of the College of Business Administration, welcomed students and encouraged them to embrace the learning experience. She applauded their ambition and professionalism, noting that many alumni and corporate partners in attendance once stood where the competitors now do.

“Look at these alumni standing, this is you with more experience and success,” Bennett said. “Take the time to connect with them, learn from them, and see where your logistics journey can lead.”

During opening remarks, Smith emphasized that the event was designed to give every student, not just those selected for national competitions, a hands-on competitive experience in logistics problem-solving.

“We wanted to give all our students the opportunity to participate in a competition that builds skills they can talk about in interviews,” Smith said. “This event is about learning by doing.”

Corporate partners make it possible

The LUCC continues to grow thanks to the generosity and involvement of corporate sponsors who support experiential learning at CMU. This year’s event was supported by:

Dow, Fide Freight, Gordon Food Service, Kimberly Clark, Marathon Petroleum, Penske Logistics, and Ryder.

Taelman expressed appreciation for these partners continued commitment to student development and for the alumni who returned to mentor, judge, and connect with current Chippewas.

“These organizations and individuals make it possible for us to provide meaningful, applied learning experiences,” Taelman said.

The event and associated scholarships were also made possible through the generosity of Jim and Renaye Damman, whose continued support helps advance student engagement and hands-on business education opportunities in logistics and supply chain management.

Celebrating student achievement

Competition was fierce across both the case competition and simulation events, with students displaying critical thinking, technical expertise, and strong communication skills.

Case competition winners

🏆 First place (tie)

• Lauren Bonomo (solo entrant)
• Jaden Barnard, Matthew McLaughlin, Nathan Steichen, Owen Baillie

🥈 Second place

• Emma Schultz, Jorja Suriano, Madison Gould, Zack Breasbois

🥉 Third place

• Chris Armentrout, Jaclyn Serazio, Maura Gum

Simulation event winners

🏆 First place

• Cameron Cook, Jordan Sterzick, Nolan Caszatt, Rajalyaj Esquivel

🥈 Second place

• Anna Hunter, Ava Barion, Brendan Schafer, Larry West III

🥉 Third place

• Alexandru Ciolac, Amber Nehrig, Dominic Maccani, Landon Garcia

Building connections and future logistics leaders

By facing real-world logistics challenges and collaborating with industry professionals, students left the event more confident and career-ready, a reflection of the college’s mission to combine academic excellence with hands-on learning.

Through events like the Logistics Undergraduate Case Competition, Central Michigan University continues to prepare business students to lead with purpose, adaptability and heart in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

For more information on the logistics management program, contact James Taelman or Evelyn Smith.