Are you in the process of earning a bachelor's degree and have a special interest in supply chain? If so, here’s an opportunity to gain real-life industry knowledge and test your skills as a consultant. Plus, gain professional connections and have experience to add to your resume!
The challenge: strategic network design to enhance one of our client's operations
Participating teams will receive a case study to design an optimal network for one of our client’s expanding business. Experienced consultants from 4flow will be available to coach you and your team through the process and give you insights into the daily life of a supply chain consultant.
- Explore real-world challenges: Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of logistics and supply chain. Get a taste of the challenges faced by businesses every day.
- Critical problem solving: Analyze data, identify problems and create innovative strategies and solutions. Develop skills in analyzing and interpreting data that are highly sought after in today's data-driven world.
- Practical experience: Showcase your problem-solving abilities and your commitment to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
During the competition finals, you’ll have the opportunity to network with experienced supply chain professionals on-site at 4flow’s North America headquarters, located just outside of Detroit, Michigan, in Royal Oak. Gain insight into what it’s like to work at 4flow as a supply chain consultant and talk to experienced 4flowers (that’s what we call ourselves) about career opportunities. Plus, network with peers from other universities to build your network.
Who can participate?
Teams must consist of three or four undergraduate students from one the following universities:
- Central Michigan University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Georgia State University
- Michigan State University
- North Carolina State University
- University of Michigan
- University of South Carolina
- The Ohio State University
- Wayne State University
If you are attending another university and interested in participating in the competition, please send us an email.
Do you have what it takes to win the 4flow challenge U.S.A.?
Timeline
Application period
November 15, 2024 – January 10, 2025
Team selection announcement
January 24, 2025
Competition begins
January 31, 2025
First round case study submission period
February 1 – 21, 2025
Second round case study submission period
February 28 - March 23, 2025
Competition finals
March 27 - 28, 2025
Rules and prizes
The winning team will receive $3,400 ($2,400 will be equally divided among team members and $1,000 will go to the winning team’s affiliated university). The runner- up team will receive $1,500 ($1,200 will be equally divided among the team members and $300 will go to their affiliated university).
Rules for participation
- Teams of students earning bachelor’s degrees who are currently studying at one the following universities, preferably with a concentration in supply chain and logistics, are welcome to participate:
- Central Michigan University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Georgia State University
- Michigan State University
- North Carolina State University
- University of Michigan
- University of South Carolina
- The Ohio State University
- Wayne State University
- Teams must consist of three or four members.
- Cross-university teams are not allowed.
- A university or educational institution can have any number of teams participating. However, if a team member is found to be participating in more than one team, all teams will be disqualified.
- Each team is required to submit an application. The application can be in written or video format.
FAQs
Do you have questions about the 4flow challenge?
If my team applies to the challenge, are we automatically enrolled?
No. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on quality and on meeting all qualifying criteria. Only teams with the best submissions and those who have met all qualifications will be accepted into the competition.
If my team is accepted into the competition, do we automatically make it to the competition finals?
No. All case studies will be evaluated and judged. Only the top teams will make it to the competition finals.
One or more of the members of our team does not have a concentration in supply chain and logistics. Can we still apply?
Yes. A strong interest and basic knowledge of supply chain and logistics is all you need.
One or more of the team members are currently finishing degrees or will finish them during the time the 4flow challenge takes place. Can our team still participate?
Each member of your team must be actively enrolled at your university when the 4flow challenge begins. If a team member graduates during the competition, the team and the graduating member can continue participating.
Is a professor’s participation a requirement to participate?
No. The participation of a professor is optional.
Is it possible for a professor to support more than one team?
Yes. A professor may support more than one team.
How can my team register?
Submit your application during the registration period November 15th – December 31st 2024
Where is the final competition?
The competition finals will be held at 4flow’s North America headquarters.
Are travel costs covered?
Expenses including hotel, travel and meals will be covered by 4flow during the event in Royal Oak Michigan.