testimonials

The Skills Gap

In the fast-changing landscape of supply chain management, companies face increasing challenges due to rapid technological advances, globalization, and market complexity. With stakes higher than ever, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate these complexities is critical.

However, a substantial skills gap persists between academic training and real-world requirements, with a ratio of up to 1:6 in some cases. This disparity makes it harder for companies to find qualified talent, while students struggle to meet entry-level job requirements which often include working experience, creating a "catch-22."

Sandra Maycotte-Felkel, Director of the International Business Program at TEC de Monterrey, asked:

“How can universities better prepare students to meet industry demands? What needs to change?”

The Integration of Experiential Learning using The Fresh Connection

To address this gap, TEC de Monterrey developed an innovative SCM course that integrates experiential learning, role-playing games, and collaboration with industry experts to strengthen four essential SCM competencies:

1. Supply Chain Diagnosis
2. Technology Adoption
3. Data Analysis and Communication
4. Improvement Proposals

In Spring 2022, a pilot course used LEGO-based simulations to help students develop these competencies. While successful, limitations were noted in the Improvement Proposals competency, where time constraints restricted students from fully understanding the real-world impacts of their proposed solutions.

Seeking a more immersive experience, TEC de Monterrey introduced The Fresh Connection (TFC) simulation in Fall 2022. This multi-round, role-playing simulation allowed students to assume various SCM management roles (Sales, Supply Chain, Operations and Purchasing) and experience the financial and performance consequences of their decisions. The hands-on nature of the course enabled students to refine their strategic thinking and better understand the cause-and-effect relationship in SCM.

Results and Findings

A systematic evaluation of student performance through an A/B comparison showed that integrating The Fresh Connection resulted in notable improvements across all competencies, particularly in Data Analysis and Communication.

Sandra Maycotte-Felkel noted the shift in student proposals during the Fall semester:

“Before, students made ambitious suggestions that were often unrealistic in terms of cost and implementation. After The Fresh Connection, their proposals became far more practical and focused.”

Impact

The implementation of The Fresh Connection has significantly improved students' performance in all four key SCM competencies at TEC de Monterrey. The experiential approach provided valuable insights and helped students develop essential skills in diagnosing supply chain issues, adopting technology, analyzing data, communicating effectively, and proposing actionable solutions.

Key impacts include:

• Improved Average Scores: Student scores increased by at least 2 points in all competencies, with a 3-point rise in Data Analysis and Communication.
• Project-Oriented Learning: Students tackled real-world supply chain challenges in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Decision-Making Insight: The time-progression feature of TFC allowed students to see the long-term consequences of their decisions and develop problem-solving skills.
• Enhanced Experiential Learning: The combination of simulations, real-world challenges, and mentorship from industry experts gave students a competitive edge in the job market, with many reporting increased confidence in job interviews.
• Skill Development: Students improved both technical skills (data analysis) and cognitive skills (critical thinking, communication, information processing).
• Validated Improvement: A Student’s t-test confirmed statistically significant improvements in student competencies after using The Fresh Connection.

Sandra Maycotte-Felkel concluded:

“Although simulated, this is the most life-like experience we can provide. It’s essential to prepare students with the skills they need.”

Conclusion

The Fresh Connection has revolutionized supply chain education at TEC de Monterrey, equipping students with the real-world skills needed to excel in the industry. At Inchainge, we are thrilled to continue partnering with TEC de Monterrey to push the boundaries of experiential learning and cultivate the next generation of supply chain leaders. Together, we are shaping the future of supply chain education and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Interested in The Fresh Connection? Contact us today!