UM-Dearborn Students Earn Honors at MWDSI Annual Conference 2026

Competing in the Undergraduate Student Case Competition, the UM-Dearborn team placed third overall for their analysis of operational challenges at Modula’s U.S. manufacturing facility in Franklin, Ohio. Modula, a leader in automated storage and retrieval systems, presented a fast-moving, high-complexity case that required participants to translate classroom concepts into actionable recommendations under intense time pressure.

Over the course of the 24-hour competition, students worked directly with Modula’s executive leadership, including the CEO and senior leaders in operations, supply chain, and business development. The case focused on a large-scale facility transition, tasking participants with assessing impacts on logistics flow, layout efficiency, and end-to-end operations, and proposing solutions that addressed immediate disruptions while supporting scalable, long-term growth.

For the UM-Dearborn students, the experience was both demanding and deeply rewarding.

“Working on the 24-hour Modula case stress-tested our teamwork, our on-the-spot thinking, and every skill we’ve developed,” the students shared. “These competitions are unlike any other educational experience.”

Using structured problem-solving tools, including 5-Why analysis and lean and just-in-time (JIT) principles, the group delivered recommendations that balanced near-term stabilization with long-term optimization. Their final presentation was delivered to a panel of industry judges representing organizations such as Procter & Gamble, GE Aerospace, and Verst Logistics.

Participants included Aaminh Elhajras, Madeline Johnson, Gabriel De La Paz, and Jackson Pichan, advised by Professor Greg Pflum.

Beyond the placement, the experience underscored the value of preparation, collaboration, and experiential learning. Months of practice and mentorship culminated in a moment where students were not only studying business challenges, but solving them in real time.

“Being able to represent our university on a national level is something none of us takes for granted,” they wrote. “We are so proud to have competed for our university and won.”

This achievement reflects the strength of experiential learning at UM-Dearborn, where students build the skills and confidence to tackle real-world business problems and present solutions to industry leaders.