Four students in St. Clair's International Business Management - Logistics Systems program have won a provincial supply management content - and some hardware to go along with it.
The case competition was sponsored by ASCM London & District Chapter and is open to all full-time university and college students enrolled in a Supply Chain Management program in Ontario, as well as universities within the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
International Business Management - Logistics Systems students Dianne Bargo, Oruba AlRefa'l, Prateek Sharma, Arjun Patel after competing in the ASCM London & District Chapter case study competition on March 12, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
The St. Clair College team of Dianne Bargo, Oruba AlRefa'l, Arjun Patel, and Prateek Sharma spent the last 12 weeks preparing for the competition, with the goal of creating the best solution for a presented case study.
After progressing past the first round of competition, St. Clair's team of International Business Management students competed in the final round of three, against Fanshawe College and Saskatchewan Polytech-Moose Jaw, with a virtual presentation on March 12, 2025.
"I am extremely proud of this team for their total commitment over the 12 weeks of training and preparation," said Phil Cohen, a professor of International Business at St. Clair College. "These four students, each with their own specific skill sets, bonded together to accomplish this challenge, working cohesively and developing concepts with minimal coaching."
For winning the competition, the team will be presented with certificates, plaques, and a cheque for $500.
"It was one of the best teams I have been privileged to mentor," added Cohen. "Employers will benefit by having this calibre of graduate on board and they will all do well as they pursue their vocational dreams."
International Business Management - Logistics Systems students during the ASCM London & District Chapter case study competition on March 12, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
The Challenge
This particular case study centered around a leading Canadian electronics manufacturer that produces home automation systems, including smart thermostats, security cameras, and lighting control systems. The company had traditionally sourced key components such as microchips, sensors, and batteries from a range of suppliers primarily in Asia, Europe, and North America.
The company began facing significant challenges due to global supply chain disruptions. Their main microchip supplier in Taiwan was forced to halt production, causing a critical shortage. At the same time, increased tariffs between the U.S. and China impacted the cost of many components and ongoing transportation delays hampered logistics efficiency.
The competing teams were 'hired' to assess the company's current situation and recommend a strategy to build a more resilient, effective, and sustainable supply chain.
Over the course of the semester, students got together regularly to produce strategic solutions and recommendations and prepare to present an implementation and risk management plan and explain how sustainability and social responsibility could be incorporated into the plan.
"Success in a competition like this comes down to preparation. From researching strategies to finalizing our presentation and being prepared for the question-and-answer session, every step played a crucial role in helping us perform on the big day," said Arjun Patel of the winning team. "Equally important was teamwork, where leveraging each other's strengths and staying aligned made all the difference in achieving our goal."
Fellow student Dianne Bargo said it was a juggling act between the competition and school requirements, but noted it was nice to see the many hours of hard work and preparation pay off.
"I learned so much from this experience, not just from our mentors but also from my teammates," said Bargo. "Being part of such a diverse and talented team has made this achievement even more meaningful."
"I'm so grateful to be a part of this. This is one for the books!"
"Competing in this competition was an eye-opening experience that tested not only our technical supply chain knowledge but also our ability to think strategically under pressure," said Oruba AlRefa'l. "In today's interconnected world and global trade economy, the hands-on approach and real-world problem-solving made the challenge both demanding and rewarding."
"This win is a testament to the power of teamwork, preparation, and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain management," AlRefa'l said.
Prateek Sharma was initially on the fence about joining the team, as fellow students and peers cautioned him that it would take away from his studies and break his focus during the final semester.
"Some cautioned me about the extensive time and effort it would require, suggesting it might be too challenging alongside studies. Yet deep inside, my passion spoke louder than any doubt," Sharma recalled. "Trusting my instincts, I pursued this challenge with one clear goal: winning gold, and nothing less."
Sharma said the team consisted of four individuals from diverse cultures with unique strengths and ideologies but was bound together by a shared passion for winning and learning.
"Throughout the preparation, we argued, questioned each other, and brainstormed extensively. But at the end of each day, every discussion brought valuable insights that benefited the entire team," Sharma said. "We were fortunate to have exceptional mentorship that encouraged us to think outside the box, emphasizing that there are no wrong answers or silly questions when seeking innovative solutions. Driven by teamwork, dedication, passion, and a relentless hunger to learn, we achieved our goal - winning gold!"
Sharma also shared some sage advice for future students contemplating extra-curricular competitions during the school year.
"Don't let anyone stand between you and your passion," he said.
"Believe in yourself, compete fiercely, always aim to win, and grow from the journey!"
