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Research Engagement: Student Information
The Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) provides Penn State students a unique opportunity to earn academic credit while working with the center’s supporters on collaborative research projects. All student research projects are done for credit on the students’ transcript and for a formal letter grade. Student projects are advised by full-time faculty members from the Smeal College of Business.
Note: Students cannot take this course if it brings their total credit hours to more than 19 hours.
How to Participate
Students may participate in research projects through the Sigma Chi Mu Tau (SCMT) - Supply Chain Management 496 option. Members or prospective members of SCMT, a national supply chain honors society, will complete a supply chain research project. Students must be vetted by SCMT leadership to participate in this group research option (1.5 credits per participant). Please contact the to be considered or for more information about SCMT.
Project Timeline
Weeks 1-3: Projects begin; meet with faculty advisor and supporting organization contact
Weeks 3-5: Receive in-class instruction on project management and research
Weeks 4-11: Continue working with faculty advisor and supporting organization contact on project
Weeks 12-14: Projects end; prepare and present final reports and presentations to supporting organization
Types of Projects
Best-In-Class Practices
The methodology usually focuses on research already publicly available, and students will synthesize the existing literature to identify the best practices in a particular subject area.
Company Specific – Data Intensive
This type of research project is focused on a specific problem experienced by a company and requires the company to provide data to the student for analysis.
Company Specific – Process Intensive
This type of project is focused on a specific problem experienced by a company but is process, not data, specific.
Company Specific – Data and Process Intensive
This type of project requires an in-depth analysis by the student since it incorporates both data and process aspects.
Current Topics
These projects cover all of the remaining types of projects that might be submitted.
Interested in Participating?
If you are interested in participating in a Student Research Project, please email Tracie Shannon, CSCR Administrative Director, for more information on how to get involved.