When we first signed up for the ISCEA (International Supply Chain Education Alliance) Global Supply Chain Case Competition, actually none of us expected to win. In fact, we joked about how we might just make it through the first round and then spend the rest of the time binge-watching supply chain tutorials on YouTube.
Little did we know, those jokes would soon turn into late-night brainstorming sessions, heated debates over slide colors, and, ultimately, the title of Global Winner for 2024.
This competition was a whirlwind. It challenged us to think beyond textbooks and develop practical solutions for real-world supply chain problems.
It also taught us the value of teamwork, resourcefulness, and the occasional laugh during moments of stress. Here’s how we approached it, what worked, and even some mistakes we learned from along the way.
Turning teamwork into our superpower
What makes a team click? Is it shared expertise or how well people communicate under pressure? For us, it was both. Each member brought something unique to the table—analytical thinking, strategy, presentation skills, or creative problem-solving.
But our journey wasn’t without hurdles. During the country round, some of us were working remotely from Rangpur, and online collaboration became our only option. We relied on Google Meet for brainstorming, Google Docs for drafting, and Google Sheets for tracking progress. These tools weren’t just conveniences; they became lifelines that held the team together.
Reflecting on those long nights, it’s clear the bond built through constant communication and mutual respect was our biggest strength. Even in moments of disagreement, we never lost sight of our shared goal.
Starting with the problem, not the solution
The first mistake we made? Jumping straight into brainstorming without fully understanding the case. It’s tempting to dive into solutions when time feels tight, but it often leads to wasted effort. After two days of spinning in circles, we hit pause and returned to basics.
We dissected the case thoroughly—reading every detail, underlining key points, and mapping out supply chain flows with pen and paper. What were the constraints? Where were the opportunities? This process wasn’t just about understanding the problem—it was about grounding ourselves in the reality of the challenge.
One lesson we’ll carry forward is this: never underestimate the power of slowing down to think. A clear understanding of the problem saves time and avoids missteps later.
Making resources work for us
Preparing for a global competition means knowing where to look for answers. We started with foundational knowledge from Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation by Sunil Chopra. But theory alone wasn’t enough.
We turned to YouTube for practical insights. YouTube playlists like “Supply Chain Secrets” and “Supply Chain Tutorials” offered real-world examples that made complex concepts easier to apply. Watching these videos turned dry theories into actionable strategies.
We also explored AI tools like ChatGPT to gather quick insights and industry trends. However, relying on AI blindly taught us an important lesson. Once, we incorporated an AI-suggested idea into our solution, only to find during reviews that it didn’t fit the case. The takeaway? Tools are helpful, but critical thinking and context are irreplaceable.
Crafting solutions that stand out
Brainstorming was where creativity thrived, but it also came with its challenges. At one point, we had so many ideas that choosing a direction felt impossible. So, we created a filtering process: each idea was evaluated based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with the case’s requirements.
Our final solution combined simplicity and practicality. We focused on addressing bottlenecks and improving efficiency without overcomplicating the process. Judges appreciated how our ideas balanced theoretical rigor with real-world application.
Equally important was how we presented our ideas. Using Canva, we designed slides that told a story. Visuals like flowcharts, graphs, and timelines made the presentation easy to follow. One key lesson was to avoid overcrowding slides—clear, concise visuals left a lasting impression.
The impact of feedback and ISCEA Bangladesh
Throughout the process, feedback became our compass. We reviewed each other’s work every evening, refining ideas and improving weak spots. While giving and receiving criticism wasn’t always easy, it helped us grow as a team.
ISCEA Bangladesh played a transformative role in our journey. Their 100% scholarship for the CSCA (Certified Supply Chain Analyst) course gave us the foundation we needed. Concepts like supply chain optimisation and lean management became tools we relied on heavily during the competition.
Beyond the course, ISCEA Bangladesh provided expert feedback on our solutions and presentations before submission. This guidance helped us polish our final output and boosted our confidence during the global round. Their support reminded us of the importance of mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Lessons worth sharing
This competition wasn’t just about winning—it was about growth. It taught us the value of slowing down to analyse problems, the importance of collaboration, and how to creatively apply what we’ve learned.
Here’s a question to think about: when faced with a challenge, do we rush to solve it, or do we take the time to truly understand it? This distinction was the turning point for us.
The ISCEA Global Supply Chain Case Competition isn’t just an event; it’s a journey that pushes teams to innovate, adapt, and grow. Whether it’s the lessons learned from a late-night brainstorming session or the guidance from ISCEA Bangladesh, every step is a reminder that success is about more than just resources. It’s about resourcefulness, teamwork, and the courage to think differently.