Gary Page wants to give students “real-world assignments that a boss might hand them.”

“The objective of case competitions is for students to gain understanding of real-world business challenges and then demonstrate the ability to analyze and recommend solutions to the sponsoring company,” Page, lecturer in the Harbert College of Business Department of Systems and Technology. That’s exactly what students in his Integrated Logistics Strategy class received this semester when they were Tasked to investigate financial and equipment opportunities for a Birmingham-based trucking company, PS Logistics.

PS Logistics’ flatbed division has flourished. Now, the company’s focus is driving the same success to its   refrigerated division. Presenting to three PS Logistics management representatives on April 11, students analyzed financial and equipment challenges and four teams were awarded based on their research reports and presentations.

Winners, as chosen by the judges, were:

•  Equipment: Zach Lawhon and Marcus Stephens were awarded first place and Andrew Sprinkle and Sam Bayles were awarded second place.
• Financials: Hannah Dewberry and Alex Medley were awarded first place, while Lauren Hannah and Courtney Lopatine were awarded second place.

Lawhon and Stephens took home the best-in-class award as well. 

“Each team was expected to conduct significant research on the U.S. motor freight industry and apply it to current logistics marketplace,” Page said. “Those teams that best understood industry megatrends, the technology advancements and the existing regulatory environment clearly differentiated themselves in the semester-long effort.”

Christan Brannon, Director of Business Development for PS Logistics stated, “The case study competition is beneficial to both parties. Not only do the students get real world problem solving experience, PS Logistics gains a fresh perspective on the topic.”