At Maryland Smith, students have the opportunity to create tangible, real-world solutions to critical issues across the business world. And this semester, students banded together to address another pressing issue – supply chain management and disruptions.
This spring, two multidisciplinary teams of five students from the MBA and specialty master’s programs at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business joined forces to analyze global supply chain processes for Miltec UV, an ultraviolet curing company located in Stevensville, Md.
The project was part of the Maryland Global Consulting Program – a service offered by Maryland Smith’s Center for Global Business that connects Maryland-based businesses with teams of graduate students to tackle cases related to the company’s global operations. Through the program, Maryland exporters glean valuable insights and recommendations, while students gain new perspectives by participating in unique experiential learning opportunities.
Miltec UV specializes in creating an energy-efficient method of drying coatings used for various materials including hardwood floors, sheet metal and car components. It also provides replacement parts that help extend equipment lifespans.
The company charged the two student teams with the task of optimizing supply chain and inventory management with respect to varying demand levels for its many different curing system parts and in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
With the team recommendations, Miltec UV plans to utilize a workbook formulated by one of the teams in addition to Tableau software to optimize inventory ordering and management. The company also plans to discuss potential employment opportunities with some of the participating students. Garrett Sterling, Miltec’s director of operations and the client champion on the project said, “I was very impressed [...] and would be willing to discuss future employment at Miltec.”
Miltec UV views its relationship with the Center for Global Business, especially regarding the Maryland Global Consulting Program, as “invaluable,” highlighting the impact of the program on Maryland businesses as well as the significant experience it provides for students.
Chabbi Pradeep Shah, MS ’22, was proud to help deliver innovative solutions to Miltec UV and believes the experience gained from the program will play a significant role in her aspirations of a supply chain management career.
“The 12-week program allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge about inventory management into practice. The project helped me learn consulting know-how and team management skills,” says Shah. “Knowing that our client was glad and highly satisfied with our team’s final deliverable makes me say confidently that I have come one step closer to the full-time career I am planning to pursue in the supply chain field.”
The Maryland Global Consulting Program welcomes Maryland-based companies for upcoming fall, spring, and summer sessions. Those interested in participating can visit the website or contact smithglobal@umd.edu.
The Maryland Global Consulting Program is sponsored in part by CIBE, a Title VI grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
–By Divija Sadula, undergraduate program assistant, Center for Global Business
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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.