2024 - 2025
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Student Research Projects
Student research projects represent a mutually beneficial opportunity for both Penn State Smeal College of Business supply chain students and CSCR support companies. Through these engagements, students gain hands-on experience applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, preparing them for professional success after graduation. In turn, partner companies benefit from high-quality research and actionable insights that address current industry issues.
During the past academic year, CSCR facilitated 21 student research projects in collaboration with 10 partner companies, engaging 70 students across six categories: Nittany Lion Consulting Group (NLCG), SCM 496, Sigma Chi Mu Tau (SCMT) Organization, Schreyer Honors Thesis, the Undergraduate Research Group and High School Students. These projects spanned a range of supply chain management sectors, including aerospace manufacturing, apparel retail, consumer goods, consulting services, electronic computer manufacturing, public administration, and transportation.
A sampling of recent research topics includes:
Enhancing supply chain performance through artificial intelligence and machine learning
Profit optimization analysis during the development cycle of a product
Investigation of the impact of climate change on supply chain resilience
Improving international supplier diversity program
Predicting client demand to ensure revenue and cash objectives
Analysis of US freight railroads for service improvements and business growth