Sometimes, one good idea is all it takes to form a winning team.

For NC State industrial engineering students, that idea came from Deval Gandhi. He learned about the ISM Carolinas-Virginia Case Competition and quickly took action. “Deval recognized the value this competition would bring to our professional development,” said Bojamma Arun. “He convinced the rest of us to form a team.”

Gandhi brought together Arun, Ayush Kohade and Logan Styers. All four were enrolled in ISE 553, a supply chain class taught by Leila Hajibabai. Together, they entered the March event hosted by UNC Greensboro. The competition was organized by the Institute for Supply Management – Carolinas-Virginia chapter.

The Competition

The challenge focused on a fictional $15 billion semiconductor company. Teams acted as senior supply chain leaders and tackled real-world business problems. Kohade explained the team’s approach. “We opted for the strategic sourcing as our ISE 553 subject was a good prerequisite for the case study,” he said.

Their plan aimed to cut costs by 15 percent each year. It also reduced supplier risks and kept delivery performance strong. “By transitioning from a sole-source dependency… the plan aimed to achieve 15 percent year-over-year cost savings,” Kohade said.

The team proposed a split between two suppliers. That shift supported steady costs and reliable, on-time deliveries.

Throughout the process, the team applied classroom concepts to real-world challenges. They built risk tools and explored AI solutions for supplier management. Furthermore, they identified ways to improve efficiency using data-driven procurement methods.

Kohade said, “The experience was breathtaking. We leaned towards data-driven procurement, AI-driven efficiency, supplier management and economic trends shaping the industry.”

Arun gained similar insight. “The competition enhanced my strategic sourcing expertise, particularly in dual-sourcing models and performance-based contracts,” she said. Moreover, the competition helped her improve communication skills. “It taught me to better communicate complex supply chain concepts to stakeholders and handle challenging questions under pressure.”

While the students led the work, they appreciated their professor’s support. “My students in ISE 553 found the ISM-CV Case Competition and reached out to me for support,” Hajibabai said. “I provided feedback on their work, but the initiative, analysis and refinement of their solution were entirely their own.”

Hajibabai said these experiences have long-term benefits. “Winning an award validates their capabilities and strengthens their resumes,” she said. “It boosts confidence, fosters motivation and opens doors.”

Arun said the networking added even more value. “Connecting with industry professionals and students from other universities expanded my perspective,” she said.

She also praised her professor. “Dr. Leila Hajibabai’s guidance was instrumental in refining our approach,” Arun said.

Hajibabai is proud of the team’s effort. “Their success is a great example of what our students can achieve through hard work and collaboration,” she said. She encourages future students to join competitions like this one.

Ultimately, one good idea sparked teamwork, growth and success, proving the power of collaboration and real-world application.