MID students are required to select a capstone project, likely from their sponsor company and work closely with faculty and the Global Supply Chain Systems Laboratory (GSCL) researchers to deliver a high-value solution that is immediately implementable. These projects provide invaluable preparation for professional work where students develop a strategy and timetable for work completion. The faculty and GSCL team guide students through the research project process, establishing a timeline and expectations with the firm, suggesting areas to investigate, helping students refine a problem, pointing out relevant resources, imparting relevant technical skills and knowledge, and commenting thoroughly on iterations of work, from initial drafts to the final product. Students will give an initial presentation of their work to the GSCL team and faculty for feedback and improvement suggestions before giving the final presentation. The MID student brings a Return-On-Investment to the firm with new best practices and a problem-solving skill set that goes far beyond graduation.
The Capstone Project, has provided me with the foundation for the implementation of cutting-edge concepts, which will lead to industry leading best practices within my organization. The capstone project alone will have a positive impact of over $1.5M.
Project Timeline
How to ensure a successful Capstone Project:
- Choose a project for your company that is either business development or operational improvement.
- Projects can be in any functional area, including sales, operations, finance, HR, and IT.
- The project's scope should be narrow enough to complete in about six to eight months.
- The project should involve meaningful data collection and analysis. Recommendations should be based on the analysis.
- The student will calculate the cost of implementing the project and potential benefits to arrive at an ROI.
- The goal of the project for the company is to explore improvement areas that have ROI if implemented.
- The project's goal for the student is to develop deep expertise in a specific area and understand a systematic problem-solving approach.
- You don't have to implement the project during the time in the MID Program, but a proof-of-concept or trial is encouraged.
- Choose 2-4 steering committee members from your company in addition to your faculty advisor.