The project focuses on transforming the learning experience in MGT 2255 by integrating real-world industry experiences into the curriculum. The project aims to stimulate student interest in operations management and supply chain by immersing them in real-world business environments. Through industry exposure and guest speaker sessions, the project equips students with practical skills and insights that prepare them for careers in operations management and supply chain. The project aligns closely with the Transformative Teaching and Learning Initiative's goals. It promotes active, experiential learning by integrating industry visits and guest speaker sessions, providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
The project activities included a company site visit, two guest speakers, revised assignments that required student reflection and integration of the experiential components, and enhanced course content about current issues and careers in supply chain management.
All 75 enrolled students participated in a site visit at Norfolk Southern Company corporate headquarters, three blocks south of Scheller College of Business. The visit included a tour of the railroad command center – inaccessible to typical visitors – as well as the opportunity to interact individually with human resources representatives. To complement the site visit, two guest speakers visited class and spoke about major issues in supply chain management and AI in operations management.
Students wrote reflective essays about each of these experiential components. In addition, students received a weekly “newsletter” with curated news about issues in operations management, such as sustainability in operations, automation/AI in supply chain, and highlights about major companies in the industry that are headquartered in Atlanta (e.g. The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Airlines, Chick-Fil-a).
Based on the student responses after guest speaker visits, it is clear that the project had a positive impact on their learning. They mentioned gaining valuable insights into topics like corporate social responsibility, AI's impact on businesses, career readiness, and supply chain industry. They also highlighted the educational and inspirational aspects of the guest speakers' presentations.
The survey results indicated that 86% of participants felt that the company visit was a valuable addition to the class and there was an 89% increase in students with "high" interest in working in Operations Management.
Overall, the project had a positive impact on student learning by bridging the gap between theory and practical application, enhancing their understanding of real-world business environments, and inspiring career readiness.
USG Teaching and Learning Conference, 2024
Transformative teaching and learning, to me, is a dynamic and enriching educational approach that goes beyond the traditional classroom boundaries. It's about fostering a profound and lasting impact on students, igniting their curiosity.