The Distribution Growth Models course features “real-time” case studies in which multiple distributors and their suppliers provide a problem environment for students to work on supply chain solutions. This second-year course examines global competitive issues in sourcing, operations, and sales and is applicable to all Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) students. Global networks of facilities, human resources, inventories, and supplier relationships are examined together with legal issues and logistics.
Each year, new case studies are prepared, a new global location is identified, and new problem environments are created to reflect the changing challenges facing global distribution. The MID team arranges several site visits to distributors and manufacturers in the international location to occur during that week. Students are responsible for the airfare to and from the destination country. All accommodations, in-country transportation, cultural visits, and most meals are arranged by the MID program.
Purpose: Provide students opportunity to work with real-time case study projects for a global company within a global environment. Research shows, and industry confirms, that we are living in a world that is increasingly interconnected. Therefore, engineers need a deep understanding of global concepts along with the competency to apply these concepts in their own companies.
Who: Students are encouraged to attend, but the trip is OPTIONAL. Students all work together as teams regardless of attendance on the trip.
When: The course is held in the fall of the cohort’s second year.
Duration: The Global Distribution Experience is typically 5-6 days (including flights)
Student Cost: Airfare to and from the host country and some meals and incidentals. The MID program covers all accommodations, in-country transportation, cultural visits, and most meals.
Location: We work each year to provide new project opportunities with company partners. Location of the trip is determined once partner companies are identified (typically the Spring of the cohort’s first year).
Global Distribution Experience Locations
- 2025: Spain
- 2024: Germany
- 2023: France
- 2020-2022 No Trips (COVID)
- 2019: Germany
- 2018: Argentina
- 2017: Poland
- 2016: China
- 2015: Singapore and Malaysia
- 2014: India
- 2013 Norway
- 2012: Brazil
- 2011: Spain and Portugal
- 2010 Austria and Hungary
