#United States #Texas #Rutgers Business School #TCU Competition #Frito-Lay

Rutgers Business School Triumphs at TCU Supply Chain Competition

In an impressive display of analytical prowess and teamwork, four graduate students from Rutgers Business School recently emerged victorious at the Texas Christian University (TCU) Supply Chain Case Competition. Competing against 20 teams from various business schools, the Rutgers team earned the top spot by crafting an effective strategy for launching a new Frito-Lay snack during the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Competition Landscape

The competition, which attracted teams from across the country and even one from Germany, presented a robust challenge that entailed a 24-hour supply chain and marketing simulation. The Rutgers team—composed of Full-Time MBAs Badri Venkatanathan, Pilar Grullón, Suman Venkat, and specialty master's student Mansi Sheth—was tested on their ability to forecast demand, assess production capacities, and devise actionable distribution strategies for their product. The stakes were high, as a prize of $14,000 was at play for the winning team.

Preparation and Strategy

Upon receiving their case at 7 a.m., after arriving in Texas the night before, the team was thrilled to dive into the challenge. However, it soon became evident that their initial forecasting models weren’t providing the expected results. Badri, taking on the role of team leader due to his experience in case competitions, observed a fundamental flaw in their analysis and initiated a pivotal shift in their approach. The team quickly regrouped, erasing initial calculations to focus on the core insights necessary for the new product’s market introduction.

A Mindful Shift

As they reassessed their case, Pilar and Mansi identified a crucial aspect: all calculations should be based on snack-sized products. This realization was significant; according to Badri, it acted as the lynchpin for their success. They moved away from a generalized thinking often associated with events like the Super Bowl and instead tailored their strategy, incorporating insights from recent cultural phenomena such as Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” and Lionel Messi’s influence during soccer matches in Miami, a decision that added a layer of creativity to their proposal.

This strategy not only brought a fresh perspective but also showcased the team's ability to think outside the box. It embedded their plan within contemporary economic contexts while ensuring it was grounded in practical applications.

Comprehensive Analysis and Execution

To substantiate their ideas, the team delved into comprehensive analyses, focusing on seven weeks of demand forecasting that spanned over critical summer weekends leading up to the World Cup. They carefully crafted their distribution approach, proposing a fleet of vans they aptly described as a “distribution center on wheels,” affirming their commitment to ensuring a steady supply of snacks to vendors at the stadium.

In an additional effort to stand out, they eagerly tackled a bonus portion of the case, integrating local Texas culture into their strategy, effectively impressing the judges who were initially skeptical about their lack of local roots.

Presentation Day

As the deadline loomed, the team submitted a meticulously prepared 45-slide deck of their strategy. While Grullón took a brief respite with a power nap, the others stayed focused, eager to make their first presentation at midday. Professor David Dreyfus, the team advisor, provided critical support by recording their presentation for review.

Upon advancing to the finals, the team utilized the feedback from their earlier presentation to refine their approach. Their final presentation lasted 25 minutes, followed by a challenging question-and-answer segment with the judges. Completing the session, Grullón felt an overwhelming sense of confidence that they had successfully articulated their strategy.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

The judges responded enthusiastically to the team’s comprehensive approach, creativity, and presentation skills, underscoring the significance of the competition in the realm of graduate-level supply chain management. The recognition and accolades the Rutgers team received highlight not only their individual talents but also their ability to collaborate effectively. Reflecting on their journey, the students appreciated how their initial missteps transformed into pivotal learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in high-stakes environments. The triad of analysis, creativity, and effective teamwork enabled Rutgers Business School to reclaim victory at TCU after a six-year drought, setting a new standard for future competitions. The team members eagerly anticipate how this achievement will enhance their career trajectories as they step into the competitive job market, armed with unique insights and formidable skills acquired through this challenging yet rewarding experience.